Zoning

Zoning letters are sent to adjacent property owners of properties that have applied for Zoning Map Amendments, Zoning Variances, & Special Use Permits. Your letter should identify the property in question and the issue at hand. Feel free to attend the noted Zoning Board of Appeals meeting to speak for or against the issue, or submit a letter to the Zoning Officer regarding the issue.

Zoning Variances are approved ordinances that allow a specific property to follow modified rules regarding a specific zoning issue. Common Variances include fence height, building setback lines, and building size. Special Use Permits are approved ordinances that allow a specific property a use that is generally not allowed in that location. Common Special Uses include gas stations, drive-thru windows, and accessory residence within a business lot. Zoning Variances and Special Use Permits are handled by the Zoning Officer and Zoning Board of Appeals.  The City Council makes the ultimate determination whether or not to approve these issues. If a Zoning Variance or Special Use Permit is applied for adjacent to your home, you will receive notification in the mail and the property in question will have a posted sign. You are welcome to attend the Zoning Board of Appeals to speak for or against any Zoning Variance or Special Use Permit under consideration.

Zoning determines what a piece of property may be used for and what regulations must be followed. Commercial zoning includes CO, CR, CN, & CG. Industrial zoning includes IL, IG, & IH. Residential zoning includes R1, R2, R3, R3A, & R4. Please call the Zoning Officer at (815) 654-5033 for an explanation of these zoning districts.