What is planning?
Why do we plan?
What is the difference between land use and zoning?
Where can I find information on available locations for my business?
What should a business owner do before signing a lease or purchasing property?
How do I find out whether my business is a permitted use?
How do I find out the zoning of my property?
Where can I find information on expanding my business?
If I want to make changes to the interior of the building, what do I do?
If I want to make changes to the site, what do I do?
How long does the development review process take?
Where can I find economic and demographic data?
What is Planning?
Planning is the process that considers the physical, social and economic aspects of the community and examines the connections between them. Planning is how we make decisions about the future of our city. The goal of planning is to further the welfare of our community by creating convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, economically viable and attractive places for current and future generations. Back to top
Why do we plan?
It is the responsibility of local government to shape and guide growth in order to promote economic development of the community and retain quality of life. Effective planning ensures that future development will occur where, when, and how the community wants. Back to top
What is the difference between land use and zoning?
The Land Use Plan reflects the land use that the community desires to see in a specific area of the City in the future. Zoning establishes the actual land uses and densities, and must be in place prior to development. The Local Government Code requires that zone changes be in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. Back to top
Where can I find information on available locations for my business?
The Planning & Development Department keeps an inventory of available space and property for sale or lease within the Village and can help you find an appropriate location. The Department also publishes the Retail Opportunities Directory and Available Business Land Development Sites Map. Back to top
What should a business owner do before signing a lease or purchasing property?
Prior to signing a lease or purchasing property, you should contact the Planning & Development Department to confirm that your business use is permitted at that location and to discuss any site limitations. If you are leasing or purchasing an existing space or building, you should also contact the Building & Zoning Department to schedule a pre-inspection of the property to determine whether improvements are necessary or possible to bring the building into compliance with the Village Code. Finally, you will need to obtain a business license from the Village Clerk. Back to top
How do I find out whether my business is a permitted use?
The easiest way to determine whether your business is a permitted use at a particular location is to contact the Planning & Development Department. Staff will assist you in making this determination and, if necessary, can direct you to other locations in the Village where your business may be permitted. Back to top
How do I find out the zoning of my property?
Contact the Planning and Development Department and provide staff with either an address or a parcel identification number (PIN). Staff can then provide a proper zoning classification for the property. You can also view the Zoning Map to determine the zoning classification of the property. Back to top
Where can I find information on expanding my business?
If you are interested in expanding your current business facility or operations, you should contact the Planning & Development Department to discuss options for on-site expansion or relocation to a larger facility. Back to top
If I want to make changes to the interior of the building, what do I do?
To construct most interior improvements, you will need to obtain a building permit from the Building & Zoning Department. Prior to beginning any construction or renovation work, contact the Building & Zoning Department to determine whether a building permit is required. Back to top
If I want to make changes to the site, what do I do?
Many exterior improvements also require development review and approval. Prior to beginning any exterior construction work, you should contact the Planning & Development Department to determine whether development review is required. Back to top
How long does the development review process take?
The length of the development review process depends on what approvals are required for your project. Some approvals may be granted at the staff level, while others require consideration by the Plan Commission and approval by the Village Board. Additionally, other factors such as consultant response time to staff review comments, or required approval from outside agencies, may increase development review time. On average, the development review process takes four to eight months. During your preliminary meeting with the Planning & Development Department, staff will provide you with an estimate of the process length based on your project specifications.
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Where can I find economic and demographic data?
The Planning & Development Department has a variety of economic and demographic data available, including demographic information for the Village of Woodridge, DuPage County and the State of Illinois. The United States Bureau of the Census (www.census.gov) provides extensive data collections at no charge to the public. Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) (www.esri.com) also provides various demographic and market reports at minimal cost. Back to top
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