Zoning Relief Process

Development that does not meet all zoning regulations must seek zoning relief from the Planning and Zoning Commission. The process takes approximately 90 days from the date the application is submitted, to final Village Board approval. A preliminary site plan should be submitted for staff's review before beginning the zoning relief process. The application, fees and all supporting documents are due a minimum of 30 days prior to the next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. The zoning relief process is generally as follows:

PRE-APPLICATION MEETING

Pre-application meeting with representatives from the Community Development Department, Public Works Department, and Fire Department, is an informal meeting to discuss the proposal, and any requirements to apply for the Planning and Zoning Commission.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The applicant shall prepare and submit to the Community Development Director all information required by the Village of Villa Park including, but not limited to, completed application(s), all materials identified in the checklist for Planning and Zoning Commission, a completed application data form, and all applicable fees.

MEETING DATES & APPLICATION DEADLINES

All materials shall be completed in full, and approved as to form by the Community Development Director six weeks in advance of the scheduled public hearing. The Planning and Zoning Commission meets regularly on the second Thursday evening each month at 7:30 p.m. in the board room, second floor of Village Hall, 20 South Ardmore Avenue. At the call of the Chairperson, and at such other times as such Commission, or the Corporate Authorities may determine, other meetings may be held.

PUBLIC NOTICE PROCEDURES

Between 15 to 30 days prior to the public hearing, notice is published in a local newspaper, and all adjacent property owners within 250 feet exclusive of right-of-way are mailed notice of the upcoming Public Hearing. In addition, petitioner must place the Notice of Public Hearing sign on the subject property. Failure to post the sign, or receive written notice, shall not invalidate or delay the holding of the public hearing.

PUBLIC HEARING PROCESS

A Public Hearing shall be convened on a date established by the published notice. You are required to attend this Public Hearing to present the evidence and testimony, and to answer any questions from the public and the commission. Applicants are encouraged to make extensive use of exhibits to illustrate their application. The order of business at any public hearing shall be as follows:

Please note that no further testimony on this matter can be considered after the close of the public hearing.

  • Presentation of Petitioner
  • Staff input
  • Public participation and questions
  • Questions from the Commission
  • Closing comments of Petitioner
  • Close public hearing
  • Discussion by Commission members
  • Motion

In cases where the Planning and Zoning Commission finds that the anticipated increased activity in the village due to the proposed development requires the provision of additional public service, facilities, or the like, the Planning and Zoning Commission may require a dedication or reservation of land, monetary payments, or the construction of improvements, as a legal condition of approval for subdivision or development. Such developer contributions shall not be required, unless the anticipated increased activity necessitating the contribution is specifically and uniquely attributable to activities of the developer which generates costs, which would otherwise be cast upon the public.

VILLAGE BOARD CONSIDERATION

The recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission, together with a transcript of the proceedings and other information gathered at the public hearing, shall be forwarded to the village board. You are required to attend this meeting of the village Board to answer any questions the board may have.

READINGS OF THE ORDINANCE

There is typically a first and second reading of the ordinance before the Village Board, which take place at separate meetings. If applicant submits a letter requesting that the first and final reading be combined, and the Community Development Director feels that it is appropriate, the first and final reading can be combined into one meeting.