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Community Development
(847) 251-2700
comdev@wilmette.com
Community
Development
Zoning
Code
Enforcement |
Lot Coverage & Floor Area | Setbacks
Zoning Ordinance | Variations
and Special Uses
Purpose:
Zoning is an instrument utilized by the Village to control the use and development of land in such a way as to promote the community welfare and to protect the health and safety of our residents. The Zoning Ordinance limits use and density to insure compatibility with existing development. It is one of the tools used to implement the Comprehensive Plan, which is the long range plan for the Village. The Zoning Ordinance is drafted in accordance with State law governing land use.
What it is:
To accomplish the above mentioned goals, the Zoning Ordinance divides the Village into various zoning districts which permit and prohibit specific uses. Each zoning district contains standards for development such as use, setbacks, building heights, lot coverage, minimum lot size, permitted encroachments, and floor area ratios. These requirements protect open space and insure that development is orderly and consistent with surrounding uses and structures. In addition, the Zoning Ordinance defines the administrative procedures and duties of staff and Boards and Commissions needed to implement the Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance also prescribes penalties for violation of the Ordinance.
What it isn't:
Zoning does not regulate materials or manner of construction of a building. These issues are regulated by the Building Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code and Fire Prevention Code. Zoning does not regulate the design of streets, the installation of public utilities and related matters. These items are regulated by the Village's Subdivision Ordinance. While matters of esthetics are not regulated by the Zoning Ordinance, design review is within the jurisdiction of the Appearance Review Commission, not the Zoning Board of Appeals.