FAQs
Committee meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.
City Hall
209 N. York St.
The Council meets in the Council chambers on the second floor and the committees meet in conference rooms located on the first and second floors.
Three hotels in the area include:
- Marriott Courtyard (630) 941-9444
- Marriott Town Place Suites (630) 932-4400
- Marriott Residence Inn (630) 629-7800
Go to the application & information packet section of the Planning & Zoning page. Each application includes a detailed description of the process for review of a variation (or conditional use, or rezoning, etc.).
There are several types of zoning actions in which an applicant can file an application. This could include a variation from setback requirements, a map amendment to change a zoning classification, a conditional use permit for drive-through, a text amendment to edit the Zoning Ordinance requirements, a plat of subdivision to divide or consolidate land, or a planned unit development (PUD) for a large project.
A conditional use permit is for a use that is permitted but must be reviewed further to determine if the use should have certain conditions associated with the approval. These conditions are based on standards of review, neighboring land use, safety, and the public need for that particular use in mind. A common example of a conditional use permit is a drive-thru. Conditional use permits do not change a property’s zoning district classification.
A variation is a relaxation of zoning requirements if such relaxation will not be contrary to the public interest and where a literal enforcement of the requirements would result in unnecessary and undue hardship. A variation does not change a property’s zoning district classification. A variation often involves relief from a numerical requirement like a setback.
A text amendment changes the specific requirements established in the Zoning Ordinance.
A plat of subdivision divides a parcel into 1 or more parcels. A plat of subdivision is also required when one or more parcels are combined into one lot.
A PUD is an alternate zoning procedure under which land can be developed or redeveloped with innovation, imagination, and creative architectural design when sufficiently justified under the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. The objective of the planned development is to encourage a higher level of design, amenity, and public benefit than is possible to achieve under otherwise applicable zoning regulations. The end result can be a product which fulfills the objectives of city plans, including, but not limited to, the Comprehensive Plan and all other relevant plans, and planning policies of the City while departing from the strict application of the use and bulk regulations as detailed in Zoning Ordinance.
The planned development is intended to permit and encourage flexibility. It is common for a PUD to include relief from multiple sections of the Zoning Ordinance.
Yes, posting of a sign is required for all cases where zoning action is requested for a particular property. A sign is not required when the text of the zoning ordinance is being proposed for a change or for a subdivision of less than 1 acre. Text amendments require publication in the newspaper.
It is recognized that strict enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance is not always feasible. The Ordinance has a process and procedure established for those circumstances.
No, any property owner may request relief from the Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the established requirements. The City must follow the established procedures and act on an application.
No, the City must follow the established procedures and prepare findings of fact that outline the reason for the decision.
A public hearing is required for all variations, map amendments, conditional use permits, and planned unit developments. A sign is posted on the property at least 15-days before such hearing, notice is published in a local newspaper and a mailing is sent out to all property owners within 500 feet of the subject property.
All public hearings are open to the public and allow for the opportunity to provide up to 5 minutes of verbal testimony. Written comments can be submitted as well.
Illinois State Statute authorize local governments to establish a zoning ordinance.
A zoning ordinance provides regulation that protect residents from other’s actions that may negatively impact their property.
The Zoning and Planning Commission is made up of 9 Elmhurst residents who are appointed by the Mayor to review all applications for text amendments, map amendments, conditional use permits, planned unit developments and variations and report findings and recommendations to the City Council.
Certain applications can be approved or denied by the Zoning and Planning Commission, depending on the nature of the request. However, the majority are forwarded to the Development, Planning and Zoning Committee (DPZ) of the City Council. The DPZ composes a separate recommendation to the City Council. The request will then go before the full City Council for consideration of the DPZ report and an ordinance to grant the request.
What tools do they use? The Zoning and Planning Commission holds the public hearing and creates the record for the case which includes responses to a set of review standards. They review the application materials, review public testimony and review the City plans to come to a recommendation.
The Development, Planning and Zoning Committee (DPZ) consists of three Aldermen and is responsible for all materials related to policy decisions concerning economic development, building, housing, planning and zoning.
The Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2009 and is a guide for physical development and redevelopment in the City of Elmhurst. Furthermore, the City of Elmhurst Zoning Ordinance requires that the Zoning and Planning Commission, and the City Council, address City Council goals, policies and guidelines, as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, in their consideration of zoning requests.
Though the Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2009, there have been several amendments since its adoption. The 2015 North York Corridor Plan, 2016 Downtown Plan, 2018 Subarea Plans and 2021 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan have been adopted as amendments to the 2009 Comprehensive Plan. These plans provide additional guidance for the specific areas in Elmhurst.
Each case is assigned a number that can be found on the sign, in the mailing or legal notice. All zoning case application materials are added to “Board Docs” on elmhurst.org.
The City of Elmhurst enacts ordinances to cover building codes, traffic regulations, and nuisance offenses. If a person is cited for an ordinance offense, they will not be sentenced to jail for the violation. Sentences are resolved with fines and it is not considered a criminal record.
Ruse burglars will often pose as solicitors or home repair workers, then distract or occupy the homeowners in another part of the house while others steal valuables. Residents are reminded that utility employees will wear uniforms, have identification cards and drive marked utility vehicles. Legitimate utility workers will call ahead to make an appointment should access to residential utility services be required. Professional home repair services, such as plumbers or electricians, will not come to your home to perform work without a prior appointment. Residents are asked to call 911 to have police respond if they are approached by a person claiming to be a city employee or utility worker who asks for surprise access to their home.
https://elmhurstpolicedepartment.org/divisions/administration/records.php
Residents are allowed to harbor or maintain no more than four dogs or four cats or any combination thereof upon any property within the City, provided that a litter may be kept for a period of time not exceeding four months from birth, and further provided that these provisions shall not apply to persons who are licensed to engage in the business of operating a kennel, pet shop, shelter, pound, animal hospital, carnival animal exhibit, circus, petting zoo, or animal ride.
Anyone who ingests contaminated water may become ill. Infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems are more at risk of illness.
Leaving water run to prevent pipes from freezing inside properties.
Broken pipes or outside leak sillcock, which may have frozen during winter.
Extra people living at residence, guests from out of town or family members moving in.
There is an added charge for excess use.
The Division is also responsible for receiving and treating Lake Michigan water from the DuPage Water Commission, then repumping that water to the Elmhurst water distribution system to satisfy the demands and maintain system pressures.
The Division is also responsible for the operation and maintenance of eight (8) stormwater pumping stations and five (5) retention reservoirs. This involves equipment and facilities capable of pumping in excess of 550 million gallons per day of stormwater either directly to Salt Creek or to various water retention reservoirs located throughout the City. The tasks of the division also include overseeing and design of the upgrades to the storm water pumping system as outlined by the goals set after the 1987 flooding.
The Division responsibilities continue with the operation and maintenance of the sanitary lift stations and Wastewater Treatment Plant. The City operates ten (10) sanitary lift stations to collect and convey wastewater from various areas within the City and transport it to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Plant itself has a capability of pumping 79 million gallons per day and is operated under a permit from the Illinois EPA. The permit places restrictions on the plant and requires a level of quality for the treated wastewater before it is discharged to Salt Creek.
The Wastewater Treatment Plant treats an average of 7.5 million gallons of wastewater per day. Historical high flows have been as high as 79 million gallons per day when the City experiences rain and snow runoff simultaneously.