This Code shall be known as and cited as the “Zoning Code of the Village of Hecker, Illinois”.

   In accordance with State law, this Code regulates lots, structures, and uses in order to preserve, protect, and promote the public health, safety, and welfare. More specifically, this Code is intended to assist in achieving the following objectives:

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

   (B)   To assist in implementing the Village Community Plan;

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

   (D)   To conserve and increase the value of taxable property throughout the Village;

   (E)   To ensure the provision of adequate light, air, and privacy to the occupants of all buildings;

   (F)   To protect persons and property from damage caused by fire, flooding, and improper sewage disposal;

   (G)   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;

   (H)   To ensure the proper design and improvement of manufactured home parks;

   (I)   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; and

   (J)   To provide for the efficient administration and fair enforcement of all the substantive regulations in this Code. (See 65 ILCS 5/11-13-1)

   This Code shall be applicable only within the corporate limits of the Village.

   Every provision of this Code shall be construed liberally in favor of the Village and every requirement imposed herein shall be deemed minimal. Whenever the requirements of this Code differ from the requirements of any other lawfully adopted and effective ordinance, regulation, deed restriction, or covenant, the more stringent requirement shall prevail.

   (A)   Except as may be provided otherwise by statute or ordinance, no official, board member, agent or employee of the Village shall render himself 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 duties under this Code. (See “Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act”, 745 ILCS 10/1-101)

   (B)   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 duties under this Code, shall be defended by the Village Attorney until the final determination of the legal proceedings.

   If any provision of this Code is declared unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, that decision shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Code.

   This Code shall be reviewed every five (5) years after its effective date by the Plan Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. After the review, they shall file their reports and recommendations with the Mayor and the Village Board.