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Wilmette Community Development Department

1200 Wilmette Avenue
847-251-2700

The Community Development Department is responsible for the functions relating to land use in the Village. If you plan to remodel your home or build an addition, install a fence, driveway or air conditioner, you or your contractor will submit plans which will be reviewed by the building inspectors. The inspectors will issue the building permit and perform the inspections as construction progresses. We also handle code enforcement matters such as fences in disrepair, inoperable vehicles or downspout violations.

The department staffs several Boards and Commissions. Each Board is comprised of local residents. The Zoning Board of Appeals hears requests for special uses or variations, such as an addition to a non-conforming house. The Plan Commission handles subdivision requests and alley vacations. They also review zoning map changes or zoning text changes for consistency with the 2000 Comprehensive plan. The Historic Preservation Commission annually recognizes residents for sensitive restorations or additions to their homes. They have published a booklet on Historic Preservation and have surveyed every home in the three sections of the Village where most of the homes were built prior to 1945.