Function

The Village Zoning Board handles planning for the use of land in our village. This includes restrictions in different zoning areas, such as height of buildings, use of green space, density (number of structures in a certain area), use of lots and types of businesses, and the preservation of historical areas and buildings. But it is not only concerned with the division of the Village into districts and the regulation of the structural and architectural designs of buildings within each district. It also considers future growth and development, adequacy of drainage and storm sewers, public streets, pedestrian walkways, density of population, and many other factors. Levels or types of zoning include: open space, residential, retail, commercial, agricultural, and industrial.

The five-member Zoning Board of Appeals is appointed by the Mayor, subject to the approval of the Village Board of Trustees. Each member serves on the Board for five years. The Zoning Board of Appeals decides questions that arise from the application of the Village’s zoning laws, or requests for exemption from compliance with the Village’s zoning laws. Its duties include:

• Publishing notices of public hearings on variance requests.
• Resolving questions about the interpretation of zoning laws.
• Varying or adapting the application of zoning laws in certain cases.
• Issuing special use permits.