Zoning Applications

Special Uses

Table 8-1 of the Zoning Ordinance identifies what uses are allowed within each zoning district. There are certain uses which, because of their unique characteristics, cannot be properly classified without consideration of their impact of neighboring land and of the public need for a particular use at a particular locations - those uses require a Special Use Permit. Applicants seeking a Special Use Permit must file a Special Use application, linked below. Special Use applicants must present their case to the Planning and Zoning Board, which will in turn make a recommendation to the Village Board, which has final authority on Special Uses.

View Special Use Application Here

Variations

The purpose of a Variation is to provide an opportunity for relief from unforeseen applications of the zoning code that create particular hardships. Variations typically come in the form of a modification to a dimensional or quantitative requirement of the Zoning Ordinance. Property owners seeking zoning relief may file a Variation application, linked below. Applicants must present their case to the Planning and Zoning Board, which has final authority on Variations.

View Variation Application Here

Zoning Map Amendments

The Village of Niles is divided into a number of zoning districts that establish specific uses and development standards designed to protect the intent of that district. A Zoning Map Amendment may be requested to change the zoning of a property. Map Amendments are not intended to relieve particular hardships or confer special privileges upon any person or party, but rather to correct omissions and errors, or reflect changing conditions. Map Amendments may be initiated by the Village Board, The Planning and Zoning Board, or by property owners in the Village. To propose a Zoning Map Amendment please submit the application linked below. Applicants must present their case to the Planning and Zoning Board, which will in turn make a recommendation to the Village Board, which has final authority on Map Amendments.

View Map Amendment Application Here

Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments

The purpose of the Zoning Ordinance is to establish land use regulations to serve the Village of Niles. A Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance may be proposed to change the provisions of the ordinance. Text Amendments may be initiated by the Village Board, The Planning and Zoning Board, or by property owners in the Village. To propose a Text Amendment please submit the application linked below. Applicants must present their case to the Planning and Zoning Board, which will in turn make a recommendation to the Village Board, which has final authority on Text Amendments.

View Text Amendment Application Here

Temporary Use Permits

A temporary use permit allows for the short-term use and/or placement of structures on a lot. The temporary use permit regulates temporary uses that occur entirely on and within a lot. The Village regulates the following uses through temporary use permits: Farmers Markets, Real Estate Sales Offices, Temporary Contractors Office, Temporary Mobile Food Sales, Temporary Outdoor Entertainment, Outdoor Storage Containers, Drive-Through Covid Testing, and Temporary Outdoor Sales/Promotions.

View Temporary Use Application Here

Administrative Exceptions

Administrative Exceptions are a means to grant property owners zoning relief for minor zoning violations. The following items are eligible for an Administrative Exception:

A reduction in any required district lot width or lot area standard of no more than 10%.
A reduction in any required district dimensional standard of no more than 10%.
A reduction of required off-street parking spaces by no more than 10% of that required, or two spaces, whichever is greater.
A reduction in required bicycle parking of up to 25%.

All other requests for relief are Variations. The Community Development Director will render decisions on Administrative Exceptions. To apply for an Administrative Exception, please submit the application linked below.

View Administrative Exception Application Here