Yes. All rules and regulations that apply to nonconforming buildings will apply.

When we receive a development application, staff will review the materials to make sure the application submittal is complete and ready for formal review. If an application submittal is not complete, staff will notify the applicant and describe the parts that are not complete. 

A determination that an application is complete means the application is ready for formal review and does not suggest the applicant has provided sufficient information in all regards or preclude the reviewing authority from requesting additional information it deems appropriate.

Yes; appeals are made to the circuit court and generally must be filed with the court soon after the decision has been made.

No. The members on the Zoning Board of Appeals are similar in many respects to a judge. They hear and evaluate evidence in a public forum and render a decision within the context of local, state, and, in some cases, federal law. This is referred to as a "quasi-judicial" decision. It is not proper for anyone - the applicant, a proponent, or an opponent - to contact a board member regarding a potential or pending application. Because these private conversations, referred to as "ex parte communication" should not occur, all parties can be assured of an unbiased proceeding, even if they do not agree with the outcome.

Variances run with the land. This means that a variance will continue in effect as the property is transferred from one owner to the next. All terms and conditions of the variance remain unchanged.

Not necessarily. The Zoning Board of Appeals must apply a set of criteria based on the particular circumstances of the request. Because no two zoning cases are exactly the same, the outcomes may be quite different. 

For some types of development reviews, the Village charges the applicant for the time spent by the Village engineer, attorney, planner, or other professional in reviewing their application. In that way, City taxpayers aren't paying for the cost of development activities. Invoices are mailed to the applicant as the Village incurs such costs. Additional details are posted HERE.

A public hearing is intended to allow the petitioner the opportunity to describe their proposed project and interested parties the opportunity to share their concerns with the reviewing authority. While all public comments are welcome, speakers should focus on those elements of the project that are within the review authority's scope of authority. Consistent with established policies, public comments may be limited in duration to make sure everyone can be heard.

The Village cannot recommend any particular surveyor. We do however maintain a list consultants and offer it as a public service. Check it out HERE. You can browse the list or use the filter to find those providing the services you may need.

Application fees are not refundable. They are intended to cover the costs necessary to review the application.

By definition, a variance is a grant of relief issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals that allows a specific property to be developed in a way that does not conform to one or more development standards or other requirement of the Village's zoning code. The board must consider various criteria and determine that the variance application as submitted meets predefined factors. Details can be found in §510-161 of the zoning code. Application materials and other details are posted on the Procedures page (click here).