Planning & Zoning

Paul R. Miller - Planning & Zoning Director
Administration Building
110 East Sycamore Street, Sycamore, IL 60178
Hours: 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
(815) 895-7188  FAX: (815) 895-1669
pmiller@dekalbcounty.org

The primary function of the Planning, Zoning and Building Department is to help direct and manage growth and land use changes in DeKalb County. The principal way in which the Department aids in such management is through the interpretation, application and enforcement of the County’s Unified Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, building codes, and Stormwater/Grading Regulations.

The Department provides staff support and offers advice and assistance to the County Board, Planning and Zoning Committee, Zoning Hearing Officers and other County departments, as well as to local communities and citizens. The Planning Director serves as the County Zoning Administrator, Plat Officer and Code Enforcement Officer, and is primarily responsible for interpretation and enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, Grading, Storm Water Detention and Site Development Permit Regulations, and Unified Comprehensive Plan.

The Planning Director also serves as the Director of the DeKalb County Regional Planning Commission, a cooperative organization consisting of representatives from 14 municipalities and the County that serves as a forum for communication and coordination on issues of regional importance.

The Department staff prepares and updates elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the County and helps coordinate planning activities for the various communities within the County, and reviews and issues all building permits for construction in unincorporated DeKalb County, and conducts inspections of construction. Authority for final interpretation and application of the Unified Comprehensive Plan rests solely with the DeKalb County Board.

Pursuant to Chapter 34, Illinois Revised Statutes, DeKalb County has a Zoning Hearing Officer to conduct public hearings to consider Zoning Map Amendments, Zoning Text Amendments, requests for Special Uses, Variations and Appeals of decisions from the Planning Director. The Hearing Officer has final administrative decision authority on bulk regulation Variations and Appeals, and makes findings and recommendations to the County Board on Amendments, Special Uses and Use Variances. Subdivision review and approval is the jurisdiction of the Planning and Zoning Committee and the County Board.

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