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1. What is zoning?

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. The City of Geneva is divided into 26 zoning districts. Each zoning district 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.

2. What are Residential Areas 1 & 2? How are they different?

The City’s single-family residential properties are divided into two (2) areas, Residential Area 1 and Residential Area 2. Residential Area 1 consists of mature subdivisions that were recorded prior to January 1, 1989 and Residential Area 2 consists of newer subdivisions that were recorded after January 1, 1989. The City’s Zoning Ordinance imposes additional restrictions on new construction within Residential Area 1 to ensure that it is compatible with surrounding properties in terms of setbacks, lot coverage, height, floor area, and garage location. Properties located within Residential Area 2 are simply required to comply with the bulk regulations of the zoning district in which they are located.

3. How do I request a zoning verification letter?

A zoning verification letter may be obtained from the City Planner. Requests may be submitted by phone, fax, or email. All requests should specifically state the information that needs to be verified. Common inquires include, but are not limited to, the zoning of the property, the permitted uses for the zoning district, and the required setbacks for structures located on the property.

4. Can I subdivide my property?

The ability to subdivide a property depends on several factors. The lots created by the subdivision must comply with the minimum lot and area requirements for the district in which the property is located. If the proposed subdivision involves an existing structure that would remain after the division, the remaining structure must comply with the minimum lot and area requirements after the division and cannot create substandard conditions such as setbacks, lot coverage, and floor area ratio. All subdivisions must be able satisfy the requirements set forth in the City’s Subdivision Regulations including those established for sewage disposal, water supply, access, and traffic circulation.

5. Is my property conforming or nonconforming? What does this mean?

A conforming property complies with all of the regulations of the zoning district in which it is located. A nonconforming property does not comply with all of the regulations of the zoning district in which it is located.

A property may be nonconforming in regards to the use of the property, the size or location of buildings or structures on the property, or the size and configuration of the lot itself. Chapter 13 of the Zoning Ordinance establishes regulations for the treatment of buildings, structures, lots and land uses considered nonconforming and specifies circumstances and conditions under which nonconformities shall be repaired, enlarged, moved, restored or terminated.

6. Can I operate a business out of my home?

Home occupations are permitted uses in residential districts; however, these must be clearly incidental to the use of the dwelling unit for residential purposes. Home occupations in an accessory building require a special use permit. Home occupations must meet all of the following criteria:

Only members of the family occupying the premises shall engage in the home occupation.

No article shall be sold or offered for sale on the premises and no mechanical or electrical equipment shall be installed or maintained other than is customarily incidental to domestic use.

There shall be no exterior display, exterior sign, no exterior storage of materials, no other exterior indication of the home occupation or variation from the residential character of the principal building or any accessory building, and no offensive noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odors, heat or glare shall be produced, nor shall such home occupation create a parking or traffic problem.

No more than one vehicle associated with the home occupation shall be permitted on the premises.

7. How do I get a survey of my property?

If you do not have a plat of survey for your property you will need to contact a land surveyor to have one prepared. The City of Geneva does not provide surveys for private property.

8. How are setbacks measured?

Setbacks are measured from the property line. Setbacks are not measured from the edge of street pavement or the edge of easements on the property. The best way to determine the exact location of all of your property lines is to refer to a plat of survey or to have a land surveyor locate the actual property pins.

9. What are the allowed uses on my property?

Each zoning district establishes a specific list of allowable uses. Allowable uses are divided into two categories; either permitted or special uses. A use listed as “permitted” is considered to always be appropriate for the zoning district and does not require any special permission from the City Council. A use listed as “special” is considered to have characteristics that may create off-site negative impacts on allowable permitted uses within the zoning district and therefore requires a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission and ultimate approval by the City Council.

10. How do I find out the zoning for my property?

The City of Geneva Zoning Map is available for review on this website on the Maps page. It may also be viewed or purchased by visiting the Community Development Department at City Hall, 22 South First Street in Geneva, Illinois. You may also contact the City Planner at (630)-232-0814 to find out the zoning of your property. Please provide the property’s address or a detailed description of the property’s location.