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1. What is the zoning of my property?

Please view our Zoning page.

2. What are the building size restrictions 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 (R1, R2 and R3) 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 percent of the lot area. The F.A.R. is a ratio of the area of a building to the area 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, Zoning & Property Standards Division of the Community Development Department at 847/933-8223 before planning your project.

3. 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 90-120 days, depending on the number of cases awaiting a hearing.

4. Do I need a permit to install a fence on my property?

Yes. A fence permit is only required when a fence is installed or replaced. When applying for a fence permit the following items are needed:

• Length and height
• A recent Plat of Survey
• Two copies of the Site Plan showing the proposed fence location
• A signed copy of the Application for Accessory Structure Permit

It typically takes one to three working days to issue a fence permit once an application is received. The fence permit fee is $50 and covers the permit review and all inspections.

5. 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.

6. 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, Zoning & Property Standards Division counter.

7. Why are there so many property foreclosures and what is the Village’s response to them?

Please read more about Skokie's property foreclosures at our

Property Foreclosure page.

8. What is Section 8 housing and is it increasing in Skokie?

Learn more in about Skokie's Section 8 housing in our

Section 8 Housing page.

9. 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. For more information, visit our Graffiti Removal Program page.

10. 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 Boulevard is in "Zone A". Skokie is not mapped by FEMA and Skokie’s Community Identification Number is 171000.

11. How can I comment on a Zoning Board of Appeals or Plan Commission case?

All Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and Plan Commission cases are presented at public hearings. All citizens are welcome to attend these meetings. 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. Meeting dates and agendas can be found by accessing the Public Hearings page.

12. What are the rules for truck parking on Village Streets?

Learn more by reading the Parking Regulations (PDF)