In accordance with state law 1 , this title regulates lots, structures and uses in order to preserve, protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare and to implement the village comprehensive plan adopted in 2008, as amended 2 . More specifically, this title is intended to assist in achieving the following objectives: (Ord. 96-21, 9-10-1996; amd. Ord. 2008-37, 11-25-2008)

   A.   To encourage the development of buildings and uses on appropriate sites in order to maximize communitywide social and economic benefits while accommodating the particular needs of all residents, and to discourage development on inappropriate sites;

   B.   To protect and enhance the character and stability of sound existing residential, commercial, and industrial areas, and to gradually eliminate nonconforming uses and structures;

   C.   To conserve and increase the value of taxable property throughout the village;

   D.   To ensure the provision of adequate light, air, and privacy for the occupants of all buildings;

   E.   To protect the public from property damage caused by fire, flooding, poorly controlled stormwater runoff, mine subsidence and adverse soil and topographical conditions;

   F.   To provide adequate and well designed parking and loading space for all buildings and uses, and to reduce vehicular congestion on the public streets and highways;

   G.   To ensure the proper regulation of mobile home parks to protect the health and safety of residents;

   H.   To promote the use of signs which are safe, aesthetically pleasing, compatible with their surroundings and legible in the circumstances in which they are seen;

   I.   To authorize and regulate the design of planned developments; and

   J.   To provide for the efficient administration and fair enforcement of all the regulations in this title. (Ord. 96-21, 9-10-1996)

This title shall be applicable to all lands within the corporate limits of the village. Outside of the corporate limits, the unincorporated territory within one and one- half (11/2) miles of the village is subject to the Madison County zoning ordinance (enacted pursuant to Illinois statutes). Consequently, if proper application is made to Madison County for an interpretation of the director of community development or for a variance, special use permit, text amendment or rezoning, similar proceedings need not be initiated with the village. However, in such cases, the village is entitled to notice from Madison County. (Ord. 96-21, 9-10-1996; amd. 2001 Code; Ord. 2025-19, 5-27-2025)

In interpreting and applying the provisions of this title, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public safety, health, convenience, comfort, morals, prosperity and general welfare. It is not intended by this title to interfere with or abrogate or annul any ordinances, rules, regulations or permits previously adopted or issued, and not in conflict with any of the provisions of this title, or which shall be adopted or issued pursuant to law relating to the use of buildings or premises and likewise not in conflict with this title, nor is it intended by this title to interfere with or abrogate or annul any easements, covenants or other agreements between parties; except, that if this title imposes a greater restriction, this title shall control. (Ord. 96-21, 9-10-1996)

Except as may be provided otherwise by statute or ordinance, no official, board member, agent, or employee of the village shall render himself or herself personally liable for any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of his or her duties under this title. Any suit brought against any official, board member, agent or employee of the village, as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of his or her duties under this title, shall be defended by the village until the final determination of the legal proceedings. (Ord. 96-21, 9-10-1996)