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Special Use Permit

A SPECIAL USE is, as the name suggests, a use of property, which is not specifically permitted within the Zoning District in which the property is located. Subject to certain considerations prescribed in the city's Zoning Code, a permit authorizing the SPECIAL USE of property may be granted by the City Council.

Special Use Required

A SPECIAL USE permit is required whenever the intended use of a building, structure, or zoning lot does not conform with the use(s) specified within the Zoning District in which the building or lot is located. Please note that a SPECIAL USE permit may be granted only to the property owner and the permit is non-transferable.

Application & Application Deposit

Individuals seeking to use property in a manner not in conformity with Zoning District provisions must submit a ZONING APPEAL PETITION to the city. The application must be accompanied by the application deposit and the names and addresses of property owners whose property is contained in that block and the properties across the street from that block.

An application deposit of $175.00 is assessed all applicants. From this deposit a filing fee of $25.00 and any costs incurred by the city for required publication and mailing related to the processing of the depositor's application shall be retained. Any remaining amount will be refunded to the applicant or the applicant will be billed for any charges exceeding the deposit amount.

Approval Request

SPECIAL USE permits may be approved only by action of the City Council following a review of the case by the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Zoning Board's decision to recommend or deny approval is based on certain conditions prescribed in Section 8.3.3 of the Zoning Code. Among the conditions outlined are: the proposed use is necessary or desirable to provide a service which is in the interest of public convenience; the proposed use will contribute to the general welfare of the community; and that the proposal will not be detrimental to the health and safety of persons residing in the neighborhood.

Public Hearing/Public Notice

Illinois law requires a Public Hearing be convened on all zoning cases and that public notice of the hearing be published in a local newspaper no more than 30 days or less than 15 days in advance of the hearing date. Normally the Zoning Board of Appeals convenes on the last Wednesday monthly to hear zoning cases.