Zoning & Land Use
...Variances & Conditional Use Permits
Land Use Policies
How communities use land within their boundaries is referred to as land use policy. Land use policy establishes the basic type and intensity of uses permitted by the General Plan. Zoning is more detailed, refers to the assignment of land, by a municipality (typically a city or a county), for a particular use. STEVEN IVY P.C. handles even the most complex land use and zoning issues. The firm represents individuals, companies and municipalities.
Non-Conforming Use Issues
A non-conforming use is one that is located in a zoning district that no longer allows that use. Frequently, the term “non-conforming use” is used to refer to a land use, a structure, or a lot. When people talk about something that is “grandfathered” they are usually talking about a non-conforming use. Situations that violated City Code when they were established cannot be “grandfathered”, but legal pre-existing conditions may be. STEVEN IVY P.C. represents commercial real estate owners, developers and individual property owners dealing with disputes involving non-conforming use. If your property is considered non-conforming, and you're facing legal problems, don't hesitate to contact our law firm, we might have a solution that protects your property.
Personal Service
The hallmark of our practice is personal service. We work closely with our clients to ensure that their interests are properly protected. STEVEN IVY P.C. is servicing clients in several Illinois counties, including: Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, Kane County, DeKalb County, Will County, McHenry County and Kendall County. Our clients can meet with us in eight Illinois locations, including: Chicago, Lisle, Northbrook, Oak Brook, Rosemont, Saint Charles, Schaumburg, and Warrenville.
Variances and Conditional Use Permits
STEVEN IVY P.C. handles variances and conditional use permit issues. A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is typically acquired from the planning division of a city. The CUP may authorize development of a property not routinely allowed on a particular site. As the name implies, such permission is subject to the fulfillment of various conditions by the developer. Consequently, if allowed, the developer can get a one-time permission to develop a specific property, but no changes of zoning takes place. As a result, CUPs are frequently used by hotels, hospitals and schools to position their property in a more advantageous locations. Variance, on the other hand, is a process used to grant relief from strict requirements of the zoning code, and is granted only is special circumstances. The process of obtaining a variance or conditional use permit can be complicated and intimidating. In addition to the applications that must be filed, you may have to appear before zoning or planning commissions.
Amendments & Rezoning
If the variance or conditional use permit could not have been obtained, other options may be available. An alternative form of relief available to a property owner is to request the local legislative body to amend the zoning ordinance to rezone the parcel in question. However, this form of relief is only granted in the most unique situations, where the change in the zoning creates a very beneficial impact on the entire community. For more information on how an amendment or rezoning can be obtained for your property contact our office at 630-549-6646.
Real Estate
Comprehensive Zoning Practice
STEVEN IVY P.C. provides a comprehensive legal counsel, designed to address various zoning and land use issues. We represent our clients at public hearings and negotiate with local and state officials. We help our clients secure various land use regulatory approvals, including variances, conditional use permits and zoning applications. The firm negotiates land divisions for planned communities and various public improvements required by municipalities. We understand the importance of effective communication, and strive to provide timely and efficient legal counsel.