Getting the right zoning certificate can feel like a challenge. You want to make sure your application stands out and gets approved without delays. A strong request letter plays a key role in this process.
With the right approach and wording, you can boost your chances of success and speed up the entire process. Read on to see how you can craft the perfect request letter for your zoning certificate needs.
Sample Letters of Request for Zoning Certificate
These letters will help you create your own perfect request for a zoning certificate.
1. Basic Residential Property Zoning Certificate Request
May 15, 2025
John Smith
123 Oak Street
Anytown, CA 90210
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: johnsmith@email.com
Zoning Department
Anytown City Hall
456 Main Street
Anytown, CA 90210
Subject: Request for Zoning Certificate for Residential Property at 123 Oak Street
Dear Zoning Administrator,
This letter serves as my formal request for a zoning certificate for my residential property located at 123 Oak Street, Anytown, CA 90210 (Lot 45, Block 12, Anytown Subdivision).
The property is currently used as a single-family home, and I need this certificate to verify the current zoning classification as part of a refinancing application with First National Bank. Please include details about allowed uses and any special conditions that apply to this property.
I have attached the following items to this request:
- Copy of the property deed
- Recent property survey
- $50 application fee check (#3456)
- Completed Form Z-100 (Zoning Certificate Application)
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please contact me at (555) 123-4567 or johnsmith@email.com if you need any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
John Smith
Property Owner
2. Commercial Property Zoning Verification Request
April 7, 2025
Sarah Johnson
Director of Operations
Johnson Retail Group
789 Business Parkway
Commerce City, TX 75001
Phone: (555) 987-6543
Email: sjohnson@jrgroup.com
Planning and Zoning Department
Commerce City Government Center
100 Civic Plaza
Commerce City, TX 75001
Subject: Request for Zoning Certificate for Commercial Property at 2200 Market Street
Dear Planning and Zoning Department,
Johnson Retail Group requests a zoning certificate for our commercial property located at 2200 Market Street, Commerce City, TX 75001 (Parcel ID: 45-678-90).
We plan to open a new retail store at this location and need official confirmation of the property’s zoning status. Our business will sell clothing and accessories, with projected operating hours of 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
Please include the following information in the certificate:
- Current zoning classification
- Permitted commercial uses
- Parking requirements
- Signage restrictions
- Any overlay districts that affect the property
Attached you will find:
- Property survey
- Site plan
- Business license application
- Check for $75.00 for processing fees
We hope to begin renovations next month and would appreciate your prompt attention to this request. Should you have any questions or need additional details, please contact me directly at (555) 987-6543.
Thank you for your assistance.
Respectfully,
[Signature]
Sarah Johnson
Director of Operations
Johnson Retail Group
3. Mixed-Use Development Zoning Certificate Request
June 3, 2025
Robert Chen
Development Manager
Urban Vision Properties
1500 Developer Plaza, Suite 300
Metropolis, IL 60001
Phone: (555) 234-5678
Email: rchen@urbanvision.com
Metropolis Department of Planning
Zoning Division
200 City Hall Square
Metropolis, IL 60001
Subject: Request for Zoning Certificate for Mixed-Use Development at 350-400 River Street
Dear Zoning Administrator,
Urban Vision Properties asks for a comprehensive zoning certificate for our planned mixed-use development located at 350-400 River Street, Metropolis, IL 60001 (Parcels 2345-01, 2345-02, and 2345-03).
Our project will transform the former industrial site into a vibrant mixed-use development with:
- 120 residential apartments (mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units)
- 25,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space
- 15,000 square feet of office space
- Underground parking garage with 200 spaces
- Public plaza and green space (5,000 square feet)
We need a detailed zoning certificate that confirms:
- The current zoning designation (we believe it is C-MX-3 Mixed-Use)
- Allowed density and height restrictions
- Setback requirements
- Parking minimums
- Open space requirements
- Any special provisions for waterfront development
Enclosed with this request, please find:
- Conceptual site plan
- Property survey
- Title documents
- Environmental assessment summary
- Application fee of $150
We look forward to working with your department on this project that will add housing and jobs to the downtown area. Please reach out if you need any clarification or additional documents.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Signature]
Robert Chen
Development Manager
Urban Vision Properties
4. Home-Based Business Zoning Certificate Request
March 12, 2025
Patricia Garcia
567 Maple Avenue
Pleasantville, NY 10570
Phone: (555) 765-4321
Email: patricia@garciadecorating.com
Pleasantville Zoning Board
Town Hall, Room 204
25 Main Street
Pleasantville, NY 10570
Subject: Request for Home Occupation Zoning Certificate at 567 Maple Avenue
Dear Zoning Board Members,
This letter requests a home occupation zoning certificate for my interior decorating business that I plan to operate from my residence at 567 Maple Avenue, Pleasantville, NY 10570 (Tax Map Parcel #23-456-789).
My business, Garcia Interior Decorating, will provide design consultation services. The business activities will include:
- Meeting with clients (by appointment only, maximum 2 clients per day)
- Computer work and phone calls
- Sample storage (fabric swatches, paint chips, and small material samples)
- No signage visible from the street
- No employees beyond myself
- No retail sales from the premises
This business will occupy approximately 200 square feet of my 2,000-square-foot home (10% of the total area). No structural changes will be made to accommodate the business. Client parking will be limited to my existing driveway, which can accommodate two vehicles.
Attached to this request are:
- Floor plan showing the home office area
- Completed Home Occupation Permit Application
- $40 application fee
- Copy of my business license
Thank you for considering my request. Please let me know if you need any additional information to process this application.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
Patricia Garcia
Owner, Garcia Interior Decorating
5. Agricultural Property Zoning Certificate Request
July 8, 2025
Michael Williams
Rural Route 4, Box 57
Farmville, IA 52142
Phone: (555) 432-1098
Email: mwilliams@heartlandfarms.com
Farmville County Zoning Department
County Administration Building
300 Government Center Road
Farmville, IA 52140
Subject: Request for Agricultural Zoning Certificate for Property at Rural Route 4
Dear County Zoning Administrator,
Please accept this letter as my formal request for a zoning certificate for my agricultural property located at Rural Route 4, Box 57, Farmville, IA 52142 (County Parcel #A-234-567-890).
My family has owned and operated this 120-acre farm for three generations, primarily growing corn and soybeans with a small dairy operation. I need this zoning certificate as part of my application for an agricultural loan through the Farm Credit Services to purchase additional equipment.
Specifically, I need verification of:
- The agricultural zoning status of the property
- Any restrictions or special conditions that apply to farm operations
- Confirmation that my current and planned uses comply with county zoning ordinances
The property contains:
- 100 acres of cropland
- 10 acres of pasture
- 5-acre farmstead with residence and agricultural buildings
- 5 acres of woodlot/conservation area
I have included:
- Recent aerial photograph of the property
- Property tax statement showing agricultural classification
- Application fee of $25 (Check #12345)
- Completed Form AG-ZC-1
Thank you for your assistance with this matter. My bank needs this documentation by August 1, so your prompt attention would be greatly appreciated.
Respectfully yours,
[Signature]
Michael Williams
Owner, Heartland Farms
6. Vacant Land Zoning Certificate Request
February 20, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor
Taylor Investment Properties
8901 Financial Avenue, Suite 500
Riverdale, AZ 85302
Phone: (555) 876-5432
Email: etaylor@tipaz.com
City of Riverdale
Planning and Zoning Department
500 Municipal Way
Riverdale, AZ 85301
Subject: Request for Zoning Certificate for Vacant Land at Desert View Road
Dear Planning and Zoning Officials,
Taylor Investment Properties requests a zoning certificate for a vacant parcel located at the northeast corner of Desert View Road and Mountain Pass Boulevard, Riverdale, AZ 85305 (Assessor’s Parcel Number 123-45-678).
We recently acquired this 3.5-acre parcel and are exploring development options. Before proceeding with any plans, we need official documentation of the current zoning classification and development parameters.
Please provide information regarding:
- Current zoning designation
- Permitted uses (residential, commercial, mixed-use)
- Maximum building height
- Lot coverage limitations
- Setback requirements
- Any special planning area designations that affect this property
- Known easements or restrictions
Enclosed with this request are:
- Assessor’s parcel map
- Property deed
- $60 processing fee
- Completed zoning certificate application form
Thank you for your assistance with this request. We look forward to working with your department as we develop plans for this property that align with the city’s vision and zoning requirements.
Very truly yours,
[Signature]
Elizabeth Taylor
President
Taylor Investment Properties
7. Historic District Property Zoning Certificate Request
September 5, 2025
David and Maria Thompson
742 Heritage Lane
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (555) 234-5678
Email: thompsonsfamily@email.com
Historic Charleston Preservation Office
Board of Architectural Review
75 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Subject: Request for Zoning Certificate for Historic District Property at 742 Heritage Lane
Dear Historic Preservation Officer,
We are writing to request a zoning certificate for our property located at 742 Heritage Lane, Charleston, SC 29401 (TMS #123-45-67-890), which is situated within the Old and Historic District.
We purchased this 1850s Charleston single house six months ago and need official documentation of its zoning status and applicable historic preservation requirements for our records and insurance purposes. We also plan to apply for historic preservation tax credits for restoration work.
Please include in the certificate:
- Current zoning designation
- Historic district classification
- Contributing or non-contributing status
- Permitted and conditional uses
- Exterior modification restrictions
- Requirements for Board of Architectural Review approval
We have attached:
- Recent property photographs (all elevations)
- Property deed
- Property survey dated August 2024
- Previous Certificate of Appropriateness (if available in your records)
- $55 application fee (Check #7890)
We deeply value the historic character of our home and neighborhood and wish to ensure all future maintenance and restoration work complies with applicable regulations. Your assistance in providing this documentation is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Signature]
David and Maria Thompson
Homeowners
8. Church Property Zoning Certificate Request
October 10, 2025
Reverend James Wilson
Chairman, Building Committee
Grace Community Church
1500 Faith Avenue
Springdale, OH 45246
Phone: (555) 123-7890
Email: jwilson@gracecommunity.org
Springdale Department of Planning and Zoning
Municipal Building
11700 Springfield Pike
Springdale, OH 45246
Subject: Request for Zoning Certificate for Church Property Expansion at 1500 Faith Avenue
Dear Zoning Administrator,
On behalf of Grace Community Church, this letter serves as our formal request for a zoning certificate for our property located at 1500 Faith Avenue, Springdale, OH 45246 (Parcel ID: 599-0123-0456).
Our congregation plans to expand our current facilities to better serve our growing membership and community outreach programs. Before proceeding with architectural plans, we need verification of zoning compliance and applicable requirements.
Our current property consists of:
- Main sanctuary building (15,000 square feet)
- Education wing (10,000 square feet)
- Fellowship hall (5,000 square feet)
- Parking lot (150 spaces)
The proposed expansion would add:
- Youth center (8,000 square feet)
- Additional parking (75 spaces)
- Playground and outdoor gathering area
Please provide a zoning certificate that addresses:
- Current zoning classification and permitted institutional uses
- Setback requirements from residential areas
- Height restrictions
- Parking requirements
- Landscaping and buffering requirements
- Signage regulations
- Any conditional use permit requirements
We have enclosed:
- Current site plan
- Conceptual drawings of proposed expansion
- Property deed
- Application fee of $75
Thank you for your assistance with this important project for our church family. We look forward to working with your department to ensure our expansion plans meet all zoning requirements.
With appreciation,
[Signature]
Reverend James Wilson
Chairman, Building Committee
Grace Community Church
9. Daycare Center Zoning Certificate Request
January 15, 2025
Sophia Rodriguez
Tiny Tots Learning Center, LLC
4567 Sunshine Boulevard
Lakeside, FL 33701
Phone: (555) 789-0123
Email: sophia@tinytots.edu
Lakeside Community Development Department
Zoning Division
250 City Hall Drive
Lakeside, FL 33701
Subject: Request for Zoning Certificate for Childcare Facility at 4567 Sunshine Boulevard
Dear Zoning Division Manager,
I am writing to request a zoning certificate for the property located at 4567 Sunshine Boulevard, Lakeside, FL 33701 (Parcel ID: 78-901-2345), where I plan to open a childcare facility called Tiny Tots Learning Center.
The property was previously used as a small office building and is approximately 3,200 square feet on a 0.5-acre lot. Our childcare center will serve children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with a maximum capacity of 60 children. Operating hours will be Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
For this zoning certificate, please confirm:
- That a childcare facility is a permitted use in this zone
- Any specific requirements for childcare facilities in this zone
- Parking requirements (we plan to have 15 spaces)
- Playground space requirements
- Drop-off/pick-up area requirements
- Fencing and security requirements
- Any additional permits needed from the city
Attached to this request are:
- Property survey
- Floor plan showing classroom layouts and playground area
- Parking lot design
- State childcare license application (in process)
- $85 city review fee (Check #5678)
I look forward to working with your department to ensure our childcare center meets all zoning requirements. Please contact me if you need any additional information to process this request.
Thank you for your assistance.
Warm regards,
[Signature]
Sophia Rodriguez
Owner/Director
Tiny Tots Learning Center, LLC
10. Conditional Use Zoning Certificate Request
November 8, 2025
Thomas Anderson
Anderson Brewing Company
789 Industrial Way
Mountain View, CO 80301
Phone: (555) 456-7890
Email: tanderson@andersonbrewing.com
Mountain View Planning Commission
Zoning Board of Appeals
1777 Broadway
Mountain View, CO 80301
Subject: Request for Conditional Use Zoning Certificate for Microbrewery at 789 Industrial Way
Dear Planning Commission Members,
Anderson Brewing Company requests a conditional use zoning certificate for the property located at 789 Industrial Way, Mountain View, CO 80301 (Lot 12, Block 3, Mountain View Business Park, Parcel #56-789-01).
We intend to establish a microbrewery with a tasting room in this light industrial zone. The property is currently zoned I-1 (Light Industrial), and we understand that food and beverage production is permitted, but on-site consumption requires a conditional use permit.
Our planned operation includes:
- 5,000 square feet of production space
- 1,500 square feet of tasting room (maximum occupancy of 75 persons)
- 30 parking spaces
- Hours of operation: Production 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily; Tasting Room 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM Thursday-Sunday
- No live music or outdoor seating initially
- Food limited to small plates/snacks (no full kitchen)
Please provide a zoning certificate that addresses:
- Confirmation that a microbrewery is allowed under conditional use in this zone
- Specific conditions that would apply to our operation
- Parking requirements
- Loading zone requirements
- Wastewater discharge regulations
- Noise restrictions
- Any time limitations on the conditional use
I have enclosed:
- Detailed business plan
- Site plan and floor layout
- Parking plan
- Waste management plan
- Traffic impact statement
- $125 conditional use application fee
- Signatures from neighboring business owners supporting our application
We believe our microbrewery will be a positive addition to the business park and local community. Thank you for considering our request.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
Thomas Anderson
Founder & CEO
Anderson Brewing Company
11. Zoning Certificate Request for Property Sale
August 21, 2025
Karen Matthews
9876 Sunset Drive
Pinehurst, NC 28374
Phone: (555) 987-6543
Email: kmatthews@email.com
Village of Pinehurst
Planning and Zoning Department
395 Magnolia Road
Pinehurst, NC 28374
Subject: Request for Zoning Certificate for Property Sale at 9876 Sunset Drive
Dear Zoning Administrator,
This letter serves as my formal request for a zoning certificate for my property at 9876 Sunset Drive, Pinehurst, NC 28374 (PIN: 857463-92-1057).
I am in the process of selling my home and the buyer’s attorney has requested a zoning certificate as part of their due diligence process. The closing is scheduled for September 30, 2025, so I would appreciate receiving this document by September 15 if possible.
The property is a single-family residence on a 0.75-acre lot in what I believe is zoned as R-10 (Residential). The home was built in 1995 and has not had any structural additions since construction.
Please include the following information in the certificate:
- Current zoning designation
- Confirmation that single-family residential use is permitted
- Any setback requirements or other dimensional standards
- Verification that the property complies with current zoning requirements
- Any zoning violations or outstanding issues, if any exist
- Any overlay districts that affect the property
I have attached:
- Copy of the property deed
- Recent property survey
- $45 processing fee
- Completed zoning certificate request form
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Please contact me directly if you need any additional information.
Best regards,
[Signature]
Karen Matthews
Property Owner
12. Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning Certificate Request
May 30, 2025
Richard and Susan Lee
123 Orchard Lane
Portland, OR 97205
Phone: (555) 345-6789
Email: leeresidence@email.com
Portland Bureau of Development Services
Planning and Zoning Division
1900 SW 4th Avenue
Portland, OR 97201
Subject: Request for Zoning Certificate for Accessory Dwelling Unit at 123 Orchard Lane
Dear Development Services Staff,
We are writing to request a zoning certificate for our property at 123 Orchard Lane, Portland, OR 97205 (Tax Lot R12345) regarding the addition of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
We plan to convert our detached garage into a 650-square-foot ADU to provide housing for an aging parent. Before proceeding with architectural plans and permit applications, we need verification that our property’s zoning allows for this type of accessory structure and confirmation of the specific requirements we must meet.
Our property details:
- Single-family home on a 7,500-square-foot lot
- Current zoning: R5 (Single-Dwelling Residential)
- Existing house: 2,200 square feet
- Existing detached garage: 800 square feet (to be converted)
- Adequate off-street parking for both units
Please provide a zoning certificate that addresses:
- Confirmation that an ADU is permitted on our property
- Maximum allowed size for the ADU
- Height restrictions
- Setback requirements
- Design standards that must be followed
- Parking requirements
- Any owner-occupancy requirements
We have enclosed:
- Property survey
- Site plan showing the location of the proposed ADU
- Preliminary floor plan for the ADU
- $70 application fee
- Completed ADU pre-screening form
Thank you for your assistance with our project. We look forward to creating a comfortable living space for our family member while complying with all city requirements.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Signature]
Richard and Susan Lee
Homeowners
13. Short-Term Rental Zoning Certificate Request
April 3, 2025
Jennifer Wilson
456 Beach View Terrace
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Phone: (555) 234-5678
Email: jwilson@coastproperties.com
City of Santa Monica
Planning and Community Development Department
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Subject: Request for Short-Term Rental Zoning Certificate for 456 Beach View Terrace
Dear Planning Department Staff,
I am writing to request a zoning certificate confirming that my property at 456 Beach View Terrace, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (APN: 4289-012-034) may be used as a short-term rental under the city’s home-sharing ordinance.
This property is my primary residence, and I plan to rent out the guest bedroom for periods of less than 30 days while I continue to occupy the main portion of the home. I understand that Santa Monica regulations permit this type of home-sharing arrangement subject to certain conditions and registration requirements.
For this zoning certificate, please confirm:
- That short-term rentals are permitted at this address under the home-sharing ordinance
- Any occupancy limitations that would apply
- Parking requirements
- Business license requirements
- Transient occupancy tax collection obligations
- Any notification requirements for neighbors
- Any time limitations or renewal requirements for this use
I have included the following documentation:
- Proof of primary residence (utility bills, driver’s license)
- Property deed
- Floor plan identifying the areas to be used for short-term rental
- HOA approval letter (my HOA permits short-term rentals)
- $95 application fee
- Completed home-sharing registration form
Thank you for your assistance with this request. I am committed to operating my short-term rental in full compliance with all city regulations and being a responsible member of the community.
Best regards,
[Signature]
Jennifer Wilson
Property Owner
14. Variance Request Zoning Certificate
July 15, 2025
Marcus Johnson
Johnson Custom Homes
789 Builder Boulevard, Suite 400
Lakewood, NJ 08701
Phone: (555) 789-0123
Email: marcus@johnsoncustomhomes.com
Lakewood Township Planning Board
Zoning Board of Adjustment
231 Third Street
Lakewood, NJ 08701
Subject: Request for Zoning Certificate with Variance Information for 55 Shoreline Drive
Dear Zoning Board of Adjustment,
Johnson Custom Homes requests a zoning certificate for the property located at 55 Shoreline Drive, Lakewood, NJ 08701 (Block 45, Lot 67), with specific information regarding the potential for variances.
We have a client interested in purchasing this waterfront lot and building a custom home. However, due to the irregular shape of the lot and environmental constraints, we anticipate needing certain variances from standard zoning requirements.
The property is currently vacant and zoned R-40 (Residential). Please provide a comprehensive zoning certificate that includes:
- Current zoning designation and permitted uses
- Standard setback requirements (front, rear, side)
- Height restrictions
- Lot coverage limitations
- Impervious surface limitations
- Waterfront/riparian buffer requirements
- Information on the variance application process
- Typical timelines for variance hearings
- Success rates for similar variance requests in the area
We are specifically interested in potential variances for:
- Reduced side yard setback (from 15 feet to 10 feet on the north side)
- Increased lot coverage (from 25% to 30%)
- Deck encroachment into the waterfront setback
I have attached:
- Property survey showing the irregular lot shape
- Environmental constraints map
- Conceptual site plan
- $110 application fee
- Completed zoning certificate request form
Thank you for your attention to this request. The information will help us determine the feasibility of our client’s custom home project before proceeding with land acquisition and design.
Respectfully submitted,
[Signature]
Marcus Johnson
President
Johnson Custom Homes
15. Zoning Certificate Request for Business License
December 5, 2025
Amanda Chen
Chen Accounting Services
5678 Professional Parkway, Suite 210
Westfield, IN 46074
Phone: (555) 567-8901
Email: amanda@chenaccounting.com
City of Westfield
Planning and Zoning Department
2000 East 151st Street
Westfield, IN 46074
Subject: Request for Zoning Certificate for Business License Application at 5678 Professional Parkway
Dear Zoning Administrator,
Chen Accounting Services requests a zoning certificate for our office located at 5678 Professional Parkway, Suite 210, Westfield, IN 46074 (Parcel ID: 08-09-10-00-00-012.345).
We have leased this office space to provide accounting and tax preparation services to individuals and small businesses. The City Clerk’s office requires a zoning certificate confirming that our business type is permitted at this location before they will issue our business license.
Our business details:
- Professional accounting services
- 1,200 square feet of office space in an existing office building
- 3 employees initially, with potential growth to 5
- Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, with extended hours during tax season
- Client visits by appointment only (average 5-8 clients per day)
- No retail sales component
- No signage changes to the existing building directory
Please provide a zoning certificate that confirms:
- The current zoning of the property (we believe it is PB – Professional Business)
- That accounting services are a permitted use in this zone
- Any specific conditions that apply to professional service businesses
- Parking requirements and confirmation that the existing shared parking is sufficient
- Any other zoning regulations relevant to our business operations
I have enclosed:
- Copy of our signed lease agreement
- Floor plan of our office space
- Business license application (pending zoning approval)
- Certificate of Occupancy for the building
- $40 zoning verification fee
Thank you for your prompt attention to this request. We hope to open our business by January 1, 2026, and this certificate is a crucial step in our licensing process.
Yours truly,
[Signature]
Amanda Chen
Owner
Chen Accounting Services
Wrapping Up
These 15 sample letters provide templates that can be customized for your specific zoning certificate needs. Each situation will have unique requirements, but the basic structure remains consistent: clearly state what you need, provide all relevant property details, and include any supporting documentation.
A well-written request letter demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail—qualities that zoning officials appreciate. Taking time to craft a complete and accurate letter can help speed up the approval process and avoid unnecessary delays.
Before sending your request, double-check that you have included all required attachments and fees. Follow up with the zoning department if you have not received a response within the expected timeframe. With the right approach, securing your zoning certificate can be a smooth part of your property development or business launch process.