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Community Development Department

Contractor Licensing 2012 - Notice, Application, Affidavit

Business Start-Up Brochure

Final Comprehensive Plan (Adopted April 5, 2010)

Facade Improvement Program Guidelines - includes application

Historic Preservation Commission Design Guidelines

Rawleigh Redevelopment

Redevelopment Project Plan and Eligibility Report for the West Avenue
Redevelopment Project Area

Stephenson County Illinois Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
(November 10, 2008)

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NOTICE REGARDING TAX EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS AND BUILDING PERMITS

Effective May 16, 2011, work performed for tax supported or tax exempt organizations is no longer exempt from the payment of a permit fee under the Building Code.

Prior to May 16, 2011 work performed for any tax supported or tax exempt organization was exempt from the payment of a permit fee as required in the Building Code.

Posted by:
Shelly R. Griswold, Community Development Director

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Overview of Department Responsibilities

• Building Code Administration and Enforcement
• Planning and Zoning
• Nuisance Abatement and Animal Control
• Transportation Program Administration and Planning
• Neighborhood Redevelopment
• Health and Environment
  

WHEN DO WE NEED A BUILDING PERMIT? Effective May 16, 2011, no permit will be required for minor repairs or alterations which do not involve structural changes, installation of new units or connections and which do not exceed $1,500 in cost. Please note that this change does not apply to plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work, which still require permits for smaller jobs. Please follow this link to the Community Development forms on the website.

The Department of Administrative Hearings was created to adjudicate civil and ordinance violations cited by city inspectors and officers. The Hearings Administrator presides at hearings and determines if a code violation exists; hears testimony from inspectors, property owners and others; maintains records of hearings; and issues written findings and decisions. To contact the Hearing Administrator, please call (815) 599-5804 or email sgriswold@cityoffreeport.orgcityoffreeport.org.

In the Division of Planning and Zoning, we are responsible for administration and enforcement of the Zoning Code and representing the City at proceedings of the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals. For information on planning and zoning, please call (815) 235-8221 or email sgriswold@cityoffreeport.org.

We also administer development incentive programs, including the City Enterprise Zone and Tax Increment Financing Districts.

In the Division of Nuisance Abatement and Animal Control, it is our responsibility to administer and enforce the City’s weed and litter codes, nuisance abatement codes, and animal codes including responding to citizens inquiries and complaints.

Our Nuisance Inspector will determine compliance with ordinance standards for nuisance violations including tall weeds and grass, accumulation of garbage, littering, animal droppings, and adherence to property safety codes. To file a complaint, please call (815) 599-5807 or email kkrahmer@cityoffreeport.org.

Our Animal Control Officer duties include answering calls to pick up stray or biting animals, delivering such animals to the appropriate facility, and issuing violations according to city ordinances and state statutes. To notify the City about a stray or to file a complaint relating to animals, please call (815) 235-8210.

In the Division of Transportation Program Administration and Planning, we develop and implement the City’s transportation programs. This includes administering the City’s 5311 Public Transportation Grant program. For information on transportation administration, please call (815) 599-5810.

In the Division of Neighborhood Redevelopment, we develop and implement housing programs that encourage home ownership among low and moderate income groups; encourage the building of new housing for low and moderate income groups; encourage new housing for the handicapped and for senior citizens; encourage the rehabilitation of housing; encourage the formation of community-based organizations that will strengthen neighborhoods; monitor the safety and adequacy of housing through code enforcement; and encourage lending and public and private investment within local neighborhoods. For information on neighborhood development, please call (815) 235-8221 or email sgriswold@cityoffreeport.org.

We also administer programs concerning floodplain and floodway matters, including providing information and assistance to citizens about permit procedures and floodplain construction techniques; working with the Illinois Department of Natural Resource, Office of Water Resources, for all floodplain development projects; inspecting all development projects to ensure that they comply with the floodplain regulations; and cooperating with State and Federal floodplain management agencies. For information on floodplain management, please call (815) 235-8221 or email sgriswold@cityoffreeport.org.

In the Division of Health and Environment, we administer the City’s programs for the collection and transportation of solid waste, recyclable materials, and yard and landscape waste. In addition, we operate the City’s Municipal Landfill and Transfer Station.

It is our responsibility to implement and enforce any Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) or United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) statutes, rules or regulations, or procedures adopted by the City Council and the Mayor.

Quick Links

Freeport City Hall
524 W. Stephenson St.
Freeport, IL 61032
Phone: 815-235-8200 or 815-235-8203