Development Process - Community Review

Decisions regarding land use and development will dictate future concerns of the community such as population, revenues, service levels and quality of life issues. Because these decisions impact existing and future commercial and residential developments, the City believes it is important to encourage citizen input and participation at many different levels. Like other communities, Wood River has a Planning Commission (PC), Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), and City Council to review and decide on important development issues.

City Staff

The City Staff can provide assistance and information to applicants regarding the requirements and process for approval. Our primary responsibility is to provide technical and professional recommendations regarding all requests of development to the various public boards and City Council. The Staff reviews requests according to the standards set and adopted by the community and City Council. Staff is always available to meet or discuss the different community standards and processes.

Planning Commission (PC)

The Commission is a thirteen (13) member volunteer board appointed by the Mayor with consent of the City Council to a five (5) year term. Members will provide recommendations on all proposed subdivision developments, annexations, zoning changes and planned unit developments to the City Council. The Commission makes evaluations and recommendations based on information gathered through on-site reviews, plans, public hearings and local ordinances. This Commission is also charged with guiding future development through maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan. The Commission meets monthly on the third (3rd) Thursday at 7:30pm in Council Chambers at City Hall.

Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)

After reviewing recommendations, on-site reviews and information gathered from the public hearings, BZA decides on issues such as variances or special uses. In addition, this seven (7) member board of volunteer Wood River residents are responsible for interpreting any provision or term of the Zoning Ordinance and making any determination of the exact location of any district boundary if there is uncertainty. Members are appointed by the Mayor with consent of the Council to serve a five (5) year term. The monthly meeting is conducted on the first (1) Thursday at 7:30pm in Council Chambers at City Hall.

City Council

The City Council has five (5) officials serving four (4) year terms, who are elected through City-wide elections. After reviewing all staff and citizen board recommendations, the Council will make the final decision on issues such as annexations, subdivisions, planned unit developments and rezonings. The Council will also make decisions regarding any incentive packages offered for development. The Council has already made a commitment to growth and development by establishing two (2) TIF districts and assisting with the regional Enterprise Zone. The Council meets the first (1st ) and third (3rd) Monday of each month at 7:30pm in Council Chambers at City Hall.

The City of Wood River, Illinois
111 North Wood River Avenue
Wood River, Illinois 62095
(618) 251-3100

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