Preapplication consultation. It is recommended that, prior to the filing of an application for action under this chapter, the applicant should consult with the Village personnel in order to obtain their advice and assistance. This consultation is neither mandatory nor binding but is intended to inform the applicant of the purpose and objectives of these regulations and duly adopted implementation devices of the Village and to otherwise assist the applicant in planning his development. In so doing, both the applicant and staff may reach mutual conclusions regarding the general objectives of the proposed development. The staff may become familiar with possible effects of development on the neighborhood and community, and the applicant will gain a better understanding of the required procedures.

Application. The applicant shall obtain the appropriate forms from the Village Clerk and file the application and required information with the Village Clerk electronically or in person 45 days prior to the meeting in which it will be considered. All maps, drawings (except required scaled drawings) and applications shall be done in a manner which is clearly reproducible with a photocopier onto paper 8.5 by 11 inches or 11 by 17 inches. Copies of the required information may be requested for presentation to commission, committee, and board members.

Application review. The Village Clerk or designated Village official shall determine whether the application is complete and fulfills the requirements of this chapter and will determine what action the application requires and advise the applicant. If the Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator or designated person determines that the application is not complete or does not fulfill the requirements of this chapter, the Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator or designated person shall return the application to the applicant. The Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator or designated person will approve requests within his/her authority and forward applications needing further review to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Planning and Zoning Commission process. The Planning and Zoning Commission may recommend that the Village Board approve or deny these permits:

Planning and Zoning Commission actions. The Planning and Zoning Commission may take several actions:

Schedule meeting. If the application requires review and action by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator or designated person will send the application to the Clerk for distribution to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall schedule a reasonable time and place for a public meeting to consider the application within 45 days after the acceptance and determination of the complete application.

Presentation at Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. Applicants are encouraged to be present and explain their project at the meeting in which their application is scheduled for consideration. The applicant may appear in person or by agent. The applicant is encouraged to make a clear presentation and may use visual aids such as handouts, drawings, photos and/or videos.

Consideration. The Planning and Zoning Commission will consider the information that has been presented to determine if the project:

Additional project information. The Planning and Zoning Commission may request information about the project, such as existing and proposed uses and structures; neighboring uses; site plans; landscaping and architectural plans for proposed structures; circulation issues such as driveway locations, highway access and parking; and utility information such as drainage, sewerage, water system and site lighting. If the project involves access to a public right-of-way, consent of the agency responsible for the right-of-way is required. Consent of the agency responsible for the utility, such as sewer and water, is required if the project involves increased use of a public utility.

Additional impact information. The Planning and Zoning Commission may also request information about the impact of the project on the community, such as increased traffic on public streets, increased school capacity, soil limitations, sewage disposal, stormwater disposal, sediment control, fire protection requirements, architectural character, visual impact from public areas, and emission of: smoke, noise, dust, dirt, light, vibrations, and odorous or noxious gases.

Modifications or conditions. The Planning and Zoning Commission may suggest modifications or conditions that are necessary to fulfill the purpose and intent of this chapter. Modifications or conditions may include, but are not limited to, landscaping, stormwater management, architectural design, type of construction, construction commencement and completion dates, sureties, lighting, fencing, planting screens, operational control, hours of operation, improved traffic circulation, deed restrictions, highway access restrictions, increased yards, parking requirements, or emissions control.

Review and recommendations to Village Board. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall review and recommend to the Village Board for review and action all applications requiring Village Board action. These applications may include, but are not be limited to:

Public hearing. The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on all zoning changes and conditional use permits. The purpose of the public hearing is to get citizen comment on the application. The applicant will be expected to present his proposal, with the public having the opportunity to comment. The applicant may appear in person or by agent. Refer to Subsection G.

Village Board action. The Village Board shall review the application and public comment and approve, approve with conditions, or deny, in writing, the application within 30 days of first consideration of the action before the Village Board, unless the time is extended by written agreement with the applicant.

Effect of denial.

Final submittal. When an applicant receives conditional approval and needs to make changes to the application or plan as required by the Planning and Zoning Commission or Village Board, the applicant shall make such changes and submit plans to the Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator or designated person. The Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator or designated person shall review for compliance with required changes, modifications, conditions and issue a permit after determining that all the required conditions of this chapter are satisfied.

Protest. A protest against an amendment to this chapter or the Official Map or to the regulations of this chapter can be filed with the Village Clerk.