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

Swimming Pools, Spas, and Related Equipment

Any request to install a swimming pool or spa shall be subject to review and approval by the Site Plan Review Committee. The Site Plan Review Committee shall approve the installation of a swimming pool or spa if:

1. The swimming pool, spa or related pumping and filtering equipment will not be located between the principal building and a street;
2. The pumping or filtering equipment will not be located within 15 feet of a side lot line or rear lot line; however, on a lot that is less than 35 feet wide, such equipment may be installed at a point approximately equidistant from the side lot lines; and
3. The swimming pool or spa, and all related pumping and filtering equipment, will be located on the lot so as to create as little as possible visual impact and noise impact on adjacent properties; and
4. The swimming pool or spa, and all related equipment, will not cause water to drain onto adjacent properties; and
5. All lighting for the swimming pool or spa will be oriented away from or shielded from adjacent properties.

The Site Plan Review Committee may grant a variance from the requirements of this chapter only when the applicant has demonstrated that:

1. The particular physical conditions, shape, or surroundings of the property would impose upon the owner a practical difficulty or particular hardship, as opposed to a mere inconvenience, if the requirements of this Chapter were strictly enforced; and
2. The plight of the property owner was not created by the owner and is due to unique circumstances;
3. The difficulty or hardship is peculiar to the property in question and is not generally shared by other properties classified in the same zoning district and/or used for the same purposes; and
4. The difficulty or hardship resulting from the application of this Chapter would prevent the owner from making a reasonable use of the property; however, the fact the property could be utilized more profitably with the variation than without the variation shall not be considered as grounds for granting the variation; and
5. The proposed variation will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property or otherwise injure other property or its use, will not substantially increase the danger of fire or otherwise endanger the public health, safety and welfare, and will not substantially diminish or impair property values within the neighborhood; and
6. The variation, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood and will be consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies set forth in the Comprehensive Plan; and

Upon granting any such request, in whole or in part, the Site Plan Review Committee shall issue written notice of its decision by first class mail to the petitioners and to the owners of all properties which abut or are located directly across a street or alley from the subject property. Such persons shall have 15 days from the date of the notice within which to file an appeal from the Site Plan Review Committee's decision with the Zoning Board of Appeals which shall consider the appeal as set forth in Section 20-6.4.14.1 et seq. below.

Upon denial of any such request, in whole or in part, the applicant may, within 15 days from the date of the Site Plan Review Committee's decision, file an appeal with the Zoning Board of Appeals. Upon receipt of such an appeal, the Director of Community Development shall issue written notice of the decision and appeal by first class mail to the owners of all properties which abut or are located directly across a street or alley from the subject property.

The Zoning Board of Appeals shall consider the appeal at a regular or special meeting and, by resolution, shall reverse, affirm, or modify the contested action based on the standards set forth in Section 20-6.4.14(b). The decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be a final determination of the issues unless the petitioner or the owner of an abutting property appeals to the Board of Trustees within 30 days. If the request fails to receive the approval of the Zoning Board of Appeals, then the favorable vote of five members of the Board of Trustees shall be required to approve the request.