Community Development
(847) 251-2700
comdev@wilmette.com

• Air Conditioning
• Appearance Review/Signs
• Applications/Forms
• Fences
• Permits Required
  • Building Permits For Your Protection
  • Fee Schedule
  • Requirements for Residential Building Permits
  • Construction Requirements
  • Site Maintenance Requirements
  • Teardowns and Structure Demolition
• Pools & Spas
• Historic Preservation
• Home Occupations
• Housing
  • Affordable Housing Plan
• Planning/Land Use
• Roofs, Driveways, Garages & Tents
• Satellite Dishes
• Zoning

Community Development

The Community Development Department is responsible for the functions relating to land use in the Village. If you plan to remodel your home or build an addition, install a fence, driveway or air conditioner, you or your contractor will submit plans which will be reviewed by the building inspectors. The inspectors will issue the building permit and perform the inspections as construction progresses. We also handle code enforcement matters such as fences in disrepair, inoperable vehicles or downspout violations.

The department staffs several Boards and Commissions. Each Board is comprised of local residents. The Zoning Board of Appeals hears requests for special uses or variations, such as an addition to a non-conforming house. The Plan Commission handles subdivision requests and alley vacations. They also review zoning map changes or zoning text changes for consistency with the 2000 Comprehensive plan. The Historic Preservation Commission annually recognizes residents for sensitive restorations or additions to their homes. They have published a booklet on Historic Preservation and have surveyed every home in the three sections of the Village where most of the homes were built prior to 1945.

Our Housing Commission administers three housing programs. The Community Development Block Grant program offers no-interest loans to correct code violations to moderate-income owner-occupants of single family homes, 2, 3 or 4 flats and townhomes. The Housing Assistance Program provides assistance with rent, mortgage payments or real estate taxes to low-income elderly or disabled residents. The Village Green Atrium is a privately-owned condominium association, in which units are kept moderately priced for seniors. The Village purchases every unit that becomes available and resells the unit to a person on the waiting list at a price set by a formula.

We staff the Appearance Review Commission, which has design review over commercial structures such as facades, signs and parking lots. Finally we also are involved with economic development, helping to attract and retain businesses which are compatible with the character of the community.

If you would like further information about any of the programs mentioned, please call the Community Development Department at (847)853-7550 or email to comdev@wilmette.com.