Show All Answers

1. Can I run a business out of my house?

Pursuant to Section 155.305 of the Village Code, home-based businesses are permitted in the Village if they adhere to all of the following requirements:

- Is operated in its entirety within the residence and only by the person or persons maintaining a dwelling therein

- Does not have a separate entrance from outside the building

- Does not display or create outside the building any external evidence of the operation of a home occupation

- Does not utilize more than 20% of the gross floor area of the dwelling unit, not to exceed 300 square feet in area

- Does not have any employees or regular assistants in the dwelling unit

- Does not utilize mechanical or electrical equipment other than the type normally found in the single-dwelling unit

- Does not involve the sale of commodities upon the premises

2. How do I determine zoning on a property?

Pursuant to Section 155.2302 of the Village Code, the zoning category of a certain property can be located by using our zoning map.

3. How do I find out if my property is in a flood plain or flood zone?

Whether or not a certain property is located in a flood plain or flood zone can be determined by viewing our FEMA Flood Map and using the color-coded system (residences in red areas are in the new floodplain. Please drag the grey vertical bar to the left to view the new floodplain map). Alternatively, the current FEMA Flood Map can be viewed in person by visiting the Community Development Department at 4501 25th Avenue during normal business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please call Community Development at 847-671-8555 if you have any questions.

4. I received a letter about a public hearing at Village Hall. Why did I receive it?

The letter should clearly state when, where, and why there is a public hearing. In most cases, it is because a neighbor has requested the Village grant a variance, conditional use, property zone change, or other request from the Zoning or Building Code for their property. For any questions, please call Community Development at 847-671-8555.

5. How do I obtain a plat of survey of my property?

The Village does not survey private property or maintain plats of survey, but you can submit a Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA") Request to see if the Village possibly possesses a plat of survey for your property. 

There is a possibility that a plat of survey was given to you when you purchased your property, so you may want to check your own personal files. 

Even if you or the Village has a Plat of Survey for your property in its files it may not be a recent plat of survey and therefore it may not be acceptable to be submitted as part of a zoning application or building permit application.

If a recent plat of survey cannot be found, it may be necessary to call a state-licensed surveyor to undertake a new survey.

6. I wish to open a business. Do I need a business license?

If you are planning to buy or rent commercial property for your business and will operate your business in Schiller Park, it is required to obtain a business license. For more information, please visit our Business Licenses Page.

7. What is a Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan, also known as a Master Plan or a Comprehensive Development Plan, is the Village’s road map for the future. It is an official public document that provides a long-range guide for land use, transportation, public facilities, and natural resources. It serves as a guide and blueprint for elected and appointed Village officials by providing a framework that can be used to evaluate development proposals. The Comprehensive Plan allows residents and decision-makers to identify and respond to changing community needs and desires in a proactive rather than reactive fashion.

8. What is the Zoning, Planning, and Appeals (ZPA) Commission?

The Zoning, Planning, and Appeals (ZPA) Commission holds public hearings for Variances, Planned Unit Developments, Text Amendments, Subdivisions, Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, and other land use issues. The ZPA meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. on the 2nd floor of Village Hall at 9526 Irving Park Road. When considering a request, the ZPA considers its standards as outlined in the Village Code, the Comprehensive Plan, the petitioner’s proposal, public input, and then makes a recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

For more information about the Zoning Review Process, please visit our Zoning Review Page.

9. What land uses and types of buildings are allowed on a specific property?

The Village’s Code contains provisions which specify the acceptable uses that are permitted on one’s property. The range of uses and structures allowed differ based on the zoning type, e.g. commercial versus residential zones. For more information, please search for land use and zoning provisions under each zoning classification within the Village Code of Ordinances.