FAQs

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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. 

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.

A green dot indicates the tree has been scheduled for a trim as a part of the City’s Sectional Tree Trimming Program.  It will be trimmed sometime between November and April.  Please note that the green dot may have been from a previous season’s trim cycle and may already have been trimmed.  The paint will wear off after a couple of seasons. 

Maintenance trimming addresses issues of: hazardous limb removal; removal of limbs that interfere with buildings and roofs, obstruct streets and sidewalks, conflict with street lights, traffic signals, overhead wires, and branches that obscure vision at intersections; removal of deadwood; removal of diseased or weak limbs that could pose a hazard in the future; selective removal of branches as needed to create a better structure that lessens wind and storm damage; repair storm damage; thinning or removal of unnecessary branches to better develop future tree form; and improving tree shape when necessary.    Trimming promotes: plant health, form, structure and appearance; protection of people and property; and offers the opportunity for inspection of trees to identify structural defects, diseases, and other problems that will require further assessment.

Please be aware that pruning may, at times, alter the appearance of the tree and it may be quite different than its pre-trimmed form, especially during the winter months when the absence of leaves creates a rather stark effect.  However, the crown of the tree will naturally fill in over time, and the end result will be a healthier and more structurally sound street tree. 

The City usually has 2 seasonal employees who water trees after planting in the Spring.  However, as there are usually over 500 trees planted, the time between waterings will be much longer than is optimal for tree health.  If possible, residents are encouraged to assist with watering trees in an effort to keep them alive and growing well.  Approximately 20 gallons applied one or twice a week (if no rain) is the recommended amount.  A hose laid at the base of the tree on a slow to moderate flow rate for about 20 minutes should get the necessary 20 gallons down into the root ball.  A single deep heavy watering once a week is much better than many shallow waterings.  Also, TOO MUCH water can be detrimental to the health of the tree.  Trees SHOULD NOT be watered every day. 

Green watering bags are not installed by the City, although some residents purchase them on their own.  The bag only contains enough water for a single watering, so a hose has to be brought out to the tree whether there is a bag or not.  There are also maintenance issues (and possible tree trunk damage) when the bags are left on the tree for extended periods of time (whether empty or full), or not removed over winter. 

A 2-to-4-inch layer of mulch should be applied in the shape of a ‘saucer’ around the base of the tree.  Little to no mulch should touch the base of the trunk of the tree, and the outer edge of the saucer should have a raised edge. 

TOO MUCH MULCH can be VERY harmful to the health of a tree.  Mulch mounds at the base of a tree (also know as ‘volcano mulching’) and raised stone planter beds filled with soil and mulch are extremely harmful.  Studies have shown that many trees are planted too deep, or are ‘fooled’ into thinking they are planted too deep because mulch is piled against the trunk of the tree.   While the correct amount of mulch at the base of the tree is very beneficial, too much can cause disease, rot, pest infestation, and winter freeze damage.  The trunks of trees were not designed to be buried in soil or mulch, or remain wet for extended periods of time.  These conditions are not natural to the tree and may negatively impact its health.  Residents are strongly encouraged to NOT pile mulch at the base of trees, or to have a discussion with their landscaper about not continually adding soil or mulch around the base of trees.

The City of Elmhurst does not chip or pick up down limbs or brush from private property trees or shrubs.  Private limbs should be cut up and bundled for brush pick up during the normal trash service, or a private company should be hired to chip larger brush.   The City will remove down limbs or brush that have fallen from City parkway street trees.