Community Development Department - FAQs
What is the zoning of my property?
Building and Zoning staff can be contacted for clarification or specific zoning questions at 847/933-8223. Zoning Maps can be purchased from the Planning Division for $12. The Zoning Chapter, of the Skokie Village Code, described regulations for the entire Village and for each specific zoning district. These regulations include, but are not limited to, permitted land usage, building density, building height, parking regulations, and landscaping requirements.
What should I do if I notice graffiti on my property or elsewhere in the Village?
Contact the Police Department at 847/982-5900. A police report will be filed and forwarded to the Property Standards Division for follow-up. The Graffiti Ordinance requires removal by the property owner within ten days.
What building size restrictions exist for my property?
The size of the building or addition depends on the zoning district in which it is located. Each zoning district restricts the size of a building by establishing separate setbacks and lot coverage (footprint of building and accessory structures) requirements. In single-family and two-family residential districts (R-1, R-2, & R-3) buildings must also comply with impermeable surface and Floor Area Ratio (F.A.R.) requirements. In residential districts only a limited amount of the lot may be covered with materials that do not allow water to be absorbed by the ground (buildings, patios, sidewalks, etc.). The impermeable surface requirement varies by zoning district. The F.A.R. requirement states that the maximum floor area of an existing or proposed building cannot exceed 60% of the lot area. The F.A.R. is a ratio of the area of a building to the are of a lot. As the regulations effecting building size very by zoning district and some restrictions such as impermeable surface and F.A.R. require extensive calculations it is best to contact Building and Zoning Division of the Community Development Department at 847/933-8223 before planning your project.
Does the Village issue licenses for home occupations?
The Village does not issue licenses for businesses operated from one's home, although we do regulate the type of business that can be operated from a home. If your bank insists on a license prior to establishing an account, a letter from the Village License Officer stating that the Village of Skokie does not issue business licenses for home occupations is available at the Building and Zoning Division counter.
Do I need a permit to install a new roof on my home?
A replacement roof does not require a permit. This rule applies to "tear-offs" as well as installing new roofing material. Permits are required if the size or structure of the roof is altered. Always verify that the State of Illinois has licensed your roofing contractor.
How long does it take to get a Zoning Variance or Special Use Permit?
Generally Zoning Variances take about 35 - 40 days and Special Use Permits take about 90 days, depending on the number of cases awaiting a hearing.
What parts of Skokie are in a flood plain?
All of Skokie is designated as "No Special Flood Hazard Area - All "Zone X " (NSFHA) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (the channel section located along McCormick Blvd. is in "Zone A"). Skokie is not mapped by FEMA. Our Community Identification Number is 171000.
How can I comment on a Zoning Board of Appeals or Plan Commission case?
All ZBA and Plan Commission cases are presented at public hearings. All citizens are welcome to attend these meetings. Meeting dates and agendas can be found by accessing the Public Hearings web page. If you cannot attend, signed and dated letters addressed to the Commission Chairperson are accepted at the Planning Division offices in Village Hall and may be read into the record at the public hearing.
What are the rules for truck parking on Village Streets?
For truck parking regulations, click here.