Frequently Asked Questions
If I’m interested in either doing an addition or tearing down my residence and want to find out what I can I do with my property, who do I contact?
Contact the Development Department at (847) 904-4320 and ask to speak with a Plan Examiner in the Inspectional Services Division about a teardown/addition. Plan Review office hours are as follows: Monday through Friday from 11am-1 pm and 2 pm-4pm. During these times, someone from the Plan Review staff will be available to answer questions. If you would like to meet with someone outside of these hours, please contact Carla Sepe, Administrative Coordinator at (847) 904-4301 to schedule an appointment.
What is a Development Meeting?
A development meeting is an informal first step of the planning process that is required when a development or improvement of property in the Village of Glenview is proposed. The persons involved will meet with Planning, Inspectional Services and Engineering staff, to gain an insight of the sequencing of all required approvals and to answer any questions that could help determine the feasibility of your proposal. Village staff does not make recommendations to the Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, or Appearance Commission regarding approval or denial of your proposal, but acts as a source of information and guidance through the process. A development meeting can be scheduled by contacting Carla Sepe, Administrative Coordinator at (847) 904-4301.
When should a Development Meeting be scheduled?
This should occur prior to the filing of any development application that involves annexation, rezoning, site plan review, 3 or more lot subdivision, planned development approvals, commercial variations, conditional uses or appearance reviews.
Can my property be subdivided?
Contact the Development Department at (847) 904-4320. Ask to speak with a Plan Examiner in Inspectional Services if a two-lot subdivision or less is proposed. If a subdivision involves more than two lots, contact Carla Sepe, Administrative Coordinator at (847) 904-4301 to schedule a development meeting.
When do I need a single-lot subdivision and why?
As set forth in Chapter 18, Section 18-141(d) of the Village Municipal Code, “before any permit is issued granting authority to any person to perform any work, excluding work performed solely on the interior of a building, in connection with the construction, erection, enlargement, remodeling, altering, repairing (except normal repairs), raising, lowering or underpinning of any building or structure, or portion thereof, or any other work for which a fee is prescribed in this article, the owner or developer shall file with the building and zoning director a survey of the property or other evidence indicating that the property is a "lot". The Single-Lot Subdivision process brings substandard parcels up to current standards as identified in the Village’s Subdivision Code. Subdivision approval involves review by staff, review and recommendation by the Glenview Plan Commission and final decision for approval or denial by the Village Board of Trustees. Following the approval process, the original Mylar plat of subdivision must then be submitted. A building permit will not be issued until a fully correct Mylar subdivision plat displaying all required executed signatures has been submitted to staff.
What is the process for annexation into the Village?
In accordance with state law, the Village of Glenview may annex contiguous parcels of land within unincorporated Cook County into the municipality. If a single-lot is proposed to be annexed and no changes to the residence are proposed the process is fairly simple. All other annexation proposals should contact the Development Department at (847) 904-4330 to schedule a Development Meeting.
What do I need to apply for a sign permit?
The Appearance Commission reviews most new signs in the Village and is charged with the responsibility of reviewing, analyzing and approving all aesthetics of a development or property improvement, which specifically includes all types of signs. A sign’s aesthetic issues will be considered by the Apppearance Commission for appropriateness of scale and proportionality and require a permit before any installation.
To file a sign permit, you must submit the Appearance Commission application with the associated required documents (detailed in the application materials). Once you have made a complete submittal to the Planning Division, your request will be placed on the next available Appearance Commission agenda. You or a representative will be required to attend the meeting. A Certificate of Appropriateness is granted by the Appearance Commission. Once you have received your Certificate of Appropriateness, you will be able to pick up your permit, as long as all of your contractors licenses are updated with the Village of Glenview.
If you are located at The Glen Town Center, please contact the Property Manager to receive a copy of The Glen Town Center Design Guidelines. Also, fill out the application and staff will perform an administrative review after the Property Manager signs off their approval.
When are School and Park fees required for new residential units?
The fees are only associated with the construction of a new residence that adds a unit to the total unit count of the Village. For instance, if you have a large lot with an existing residence that can be subdivided into 2 lots according to the zoning district, only the new residential unit would be required to pay school and park fees at the time of the building permit process. The existing residence would not have to pay the fees, even if the residence was torn down and rebuilt. Visit the Permits & Fees section of the Inspectional Services Division website or contact the Development Department at (847) 904-4330 for a copy of the fee chart which is based upon the number of bedrooms in the housing unit and varies based upon the product type (single-family vs. multi-family).
Does the Village allow special event banners or temporary banners?
Yes, but only for special events limited to fourteen days and no more than one time per quarter. For more information and to receive a copy of the application contact the Planning Division at (847) 904-4301 or visit http://www.glenview.il.us/departments/development/planning/reports/temporary_banner_application.pdf . These requests are separate from typical Appearance Commission requests and are handled administratively through the Village Planner. A completed application should be submitted to the Village no more than 10 days before the event. A dimensioned banner rendering must be submitted with your request. Pricing information is not allowed.
Does the Village allow balloons or searchlights in conjunction with special events?
No. Searchlights, animated signs, inflatable objects, balloons, and streamers are not allowed in the Village.
How do I find a property’s zoning information?
Zoning information for all properties located in the Village can be found by visting http://www.glenview.il.us/departments/development/ . Located under “Other Information” is the “Find-N-Go Property Look-Up” search tool. You will be directed into MapOffice, which is part of the Village’s GIS (geographic information system) system. Enter the property information and click “Go”.
After using this resource, if you still have additional questions, please contact the Development Department at (847) 904-4340.
Is Outdoor Dining allowed in the Village?
Yes, Outdoor Dining is allowed in Village Business Districts but must be approved by the Development Department. An Outdoor Dining application must be filled out and submitted to the Planning Division with an annual license fee of $50.00. Additional information that may be required includes a site layout, Certificate of Insurance, and furniture details. Glenview’s Outdoor Dining season begins on April 1 and ends on December 1. Permissible hours of operation are 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and 7:00 AM – Midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
I need a Variation for my property, what is the process?
A Zoning Variation Application must be filled out and submitted to the Village along with the required additional documents. Once a complete application has been filed with the Village, you will be placed on the next available Zoning Board of Appeals agenda. You are required to attend the meeting. Questions can be answered by Jeff Rogers, Senior Planner, at (847) 904-4308.
How do I access the Village’s Municipal Code?
The Village of Glenview’s Municipal Code can be accessed by visiting http://www.glenview.il.us/municipal_code.shtml .
What should I do if I have drainage issues at my property?
We recommend you consult with a private engineer who can design a plan to protect your property. The plan could involve installation of catch basins or yard drains, construction of swales to convey water, re-grading around the foundation, installation of a rain garden, or other improvements. All of these solutions would require a permit from the Village of Glenview. Proposed rain gardens with a drainage benefit and a strong native planting plan may be eligible for a Village Grant of 50% of the project costs up to $1,000. More information regarding the rain garden program can be found at: http://www.glenview.il.us/departments/development/inspectional_services/rain_garden.shtml
Who do I call if I have questions about the flood plain?
If you believe your property may be located in a floodplain, you can visit the following link to view flood maps for your area: http://msc.fema.gov/
For questions regarding proposed changes to a property within the floodplain, please contact the Development Department at (847) 904-4340 and ask for a civil engineer.
Why did the floodplain boundaries change?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency periodically updates Flood Insurance Rate Maps based on updated topographic data, map amendments, and water studies.
Where can I get an elevation certificate?
Visit the following link for more information: http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/elvinst.shtm
Does the Village still have the prescription and sharp drop-off program and if so, when does it occur?
Yes, the Village is still offering this program. We accept syringes and prescriptions On the first Friday of the month unless it falls on a Holiday in which case it will be the second Friday of the month. We always advise individuals to call (847) 904-4320 before dropping off to confirm date and time.
Drop off is between 9am-12noon. All names should be taken off or blackened out on the prescription label.