Bikeway Implementation Plan
The overall objectives of the Bikeway Implementation Plan are to improve the bikeability of the community and to strengthen connections to the Fox River Trail system. The plan is also intended to: (1) Provide a comprehensive bicycle facilities plan that serves a variety of user types, ages and abilities, children and adults, recreational riders and commuters; (2) Build public consensus around the bikeway planning and facility implementation in Geneva by encouraging public participation in the planning process and plan implementation; and (3) Identify strategies and schedules for the design and construction of recommended bike route improvements.
Comprehensive Plan
The City of Geneva Comprehensive Plan establishes goals, objectives, and policies for the future of the community as well as long-range recommendations for land-use, transportation, and community facilities. The Comprehensive Plan is an important tool which sets the foundation for future decision making regarding land-use and development. Although the Comprehensive Plan contains detailed recommendations and policies for various improvements and actions, it is intended to be used as a policy guide and to be flexible and adaptive over time.
Design & Development Guidelines
The Design & Development Guidelines present basic principals for improving the overall appearance and character of the East State Street Corridor in the City of Geneva. The guidelines focus on promoting high quality improvements and developments that will complement the surrounding residential areas and enhance the overall character of the East State Street business district. The Design & Development guidelines establish principles and standards for improvement and development and include several photographs to illustrate the type, quality, and character of development that the City desires along the East State Street Corridor.
Design Guidelines for Historic Properties
The Design Guidelines for Historic Properties are the first illustrated guide on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation (SOI Standards) which were adopted by the City of Geneva in 1995 as the standards to be used by the Historic Preservation Committee when reviewing permit requests for exterior improvements to designated historic properties. The Design Guidelines for Historic Properties are intended to enhance, explain and illustrate the SOI Standards by focusing on Geneva’s own historic context and resources. The Guidelines reflect the Historic Preservation Commission’s philosophy that underlies all of its decisions: to encourage the preservation and careful treatment of the City’s historically significant resources, while recognizing the need for continual adaptation, maintenance, and improvement to these resources.
Historic Preservation Ordinance
The purpose of this Ordinance is to promote the educational, cultural, and economic welfare of the public of the City by preserving and protecting historic structures, sites, monuments, streets, and neighborhoods, which serve as visible reminders of the history and cultural heritage of the City. Furthermore, it is the purpose of this Ordinance to strengthen the economy of the City by stabilizing and improving property values in historic areas and to encourage new buildings and developments that will be harmonious with the existing historic buildings and neighborhoods. This purposed is fulfilled through the establishment of the Geneva Historic District, the Historic Preservation Committee (advisory), review procedures and review standards.
Historic Preservation Plan
The Historic Preservation Plan is the City’s first preservation plan and recommends goals and priorities for the City’s continuing preservation efforts. The Plan speaks about the value of historic preservation, documents past preservation efforts, identifies historic resources, establishes the legal basis for preservation, identifies issues and concerns, establishes goals and objectives, launches a five-year action plan, documents community input, and includes a brief history of Geneva.
Sign Regulations
The purpose of the City’s established Sign Regulations is to provide uniform and content neutral sign standards and regulations in an effort to ensure public safety and to promote a positive City image reflecting order, harmony and pride, and thereby strengthening the economic stability of Geneva’s business, cultural, historical, and residential areas. The Sign Regulations control the design, illumination, location, maintenance, and construction of all signs and sign structures while at the same time respecting the first amendment rights of all citizens, merchants, and property owners.
Subdivision Regulations
The purpose of the City’s Subdivision Regulations is to promote the realization of the official plan of the City by providing reasonable requirements that ensure a project is on a legally subdivided lot and has proper space for certain kinds of development and for required utility easements and roadways. The City’s Subdivision Regulations consider matters such as the shape of a site, lot and/or tract size, circulation, street layout, drainage and grading, utility extensions, water quality, tree preservation, and other environmental concerns such as floodplain areas. The regulations are intended to provide developers with a helpful guide which establishes standards of design for the subdivision and resubdivision of land within the corporate limits of the City or within 1 ½ miles thereof.
Zoning Ordinance
The purpose of the City of Geneva Zoning Ordinance is to protect and promote the public health, safety, morals, comfort, and general welfare. This purpose is fulfilled through the establishment of zoning districts, development regulations, development review procedures, and performance standards. Each of the City’s twenty-six (26) zoning districts establishes a specific list of allowable uses and a set of lot and area requirements. Some zoning districts also establish specific development standards designed to protect the purpose and intent of that district. From the location and size of sheds and fences on residential properties to detailed parking and landscaping requirements for commercial properties, the City’s Zoning Ordinance serves as a regulatory tool that promotes high quality development that is compatible with the character of other properties in the surrounding area.
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