Zoning Review

The goals of planning are accomplished through zoning, which is a legal tool consisting of rules that are adopted by the Village Code of Ordinance and designed to control the physical character of buildings and land use in Schiller Park. Zoning divides the Village into districts or zones and designates particular uses for each area such as residential, commercial, and industrial. Zoning also regulates building height, bulk, setbacks, open space, and other development standards. Zoning requirements may vary from district to district.

About the Zoning Review Process


The Zoning, Planning, and Appeals Commission review process involves a three-phase procedure:
  1. Staff review of the application and related materials.
  2. Review and recommendation by the Village’s Zoning, Planning, and Appeals Commission.
  3. Review and approval by the Village’s Board of Trustees. (Note that there are certain requests that do not require action by the Board of Trustees.)
All required materials must be submitted a minimum of 45 days before the scheduled hearing date. To view the Village Calendar where you can see the Zoning, Planning, and Appeals Commission hearing dates, visit our Calendar Page.

To begin the zoning review application process, please follow the steps below.

Step 1: Preliminary Plan Review Application


Although this first step is optional, it is highly recommended that the applicant fill out a Preliminary Plan Review Application (PDF) and submit detailed drawings and explanations of the project to the Planning Division staff. With this information, Planning Division staff will contact the applicant and discuss the feasibility of the proposal. Additionally, the applicant will receive helpful feedback and obtain a level of familiarity with the Village’s requirements and procedures.

Step 2: Submittal of Petition


Applicants are required to submit the application and related documents, including, but not limited to the following:
  • A completed Zoning, Planning, and Appeals Commission Petition Application Packet (PDF).
  • A list of all owners of property abutting and adjacent to the subject property (see Exhibit B in the Zoning, Planning, and Appeals Commission Petition application packet), except in an appeal and/or subdivision approval.
  • A plot of survey that shows present location of all existing structures, driveways, sidewalks, and easements on the real estate.
  • A site plan must have accurate dimensions and display the proposed use of the real estate.
  • Filing fee of $300.
  • If you property is held in trust, corporation, or partnership, applicant must submit the appropriate ownership exhibit.
  • Proof of current ownership including an affidavit of title accompanied by a deed/title insurance policy.
  • Site and building plans, if any, which must be schematic and include elevations and floor plans for any proposed construction.
All required materials must be submitted a minimum of 45 days before the scheduled hearing date. View the Village Calendar for Zoning, Planning, and Appeals Commission hearing dates.

Step 3: Staff Review


Upon receipt of the application, the proposal will be reviewed by the Planning Division staff of the Community Development Department and transmitted to other Village Departments for approval. Upon completion of review, staff will submit comments to the applicant. Upon receipt of the comment, the applicant shall make the necessary changes or revisions, and/or submit any additional materials requested. When all required plans and other documentation have been submitted and found acceptable, a Zoning, Planning, and Appeals Commission hearing date will be assigned.

Neighbor notifications must be sent 15 to 30 days before the scheduled hearing date. All letters must be sent via registered mail. Applicants are required to submit the return receipt requests to the Planning Division staff for proof of compliance. For more information, see Exhibit C in the Zoning, Planning, and Appeals Commission Petition Application Packet (PDF).

Step 4: Zoning, Planning, and Appeals Commission


At a regularly scheduled meeting that is held the first Wednesday of every month, the Zoning, Planning, and Appeals Commission will conduct a public hearing to review the proposal. All persons that wish to express an opinion regarding the petition will be given an opportunity to be heard at the meeting. After concluding its review, the Commission will approve or deny the request. For more information about the Commission, visit the Zoning, Planning, and Appeals Commission Page.

Step 5: Village Board of Trustees Action


Upon receipt of the Zoning, Planning, and Appeals Commission recommendation, the Village Board may grant, deny, or modify the petition as it deems appropriate (by majority vote). To learn more about Board, visit the Village Board of Trustees Page.