Chester planning director proposes zoning change to limit tradesperson ‘headquarters’ in mixed‑use districts

Paul Fritz, the City of Chester planning and zoning director, told the City of Chester Housing and Community Development Committee that he will pursue a zoning amendment to define “construction‑related businesses” or “tradesperson headquarters” and remove that use from mixed‑use districts such as C1R, C2R, the central business district and the waterfront.

Fritz said the change aims to stop “pole barn” style buildings and outdoor storage — commonly tied to landscaping and similar trades — from locating in areas intended for street‑level commercial activity and housing. “What this specific zoning amendment addresses is a term in the zoning ordinance that relates to construction and trades person headquarters, which is a little bit vague,” Fritz said. He added that the proposed definition would allow offices, storage of tools and parking for company vehicles but would “not include large scale manufacturing or retail sales to the public.”

The proposal would limit tradesperson or…