How Can Zoning Affect an Illinois Renovation or Redevelopment?

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Commercial Real Estate

In the business of commercial real estate, it can often be beneficial to purchase a property that has already been developed, rather than starting a new development project from scratch. Perhaps a developed property is located in the perfect place for your purposes, and you may even find that you can adapt existing structures to your needs. However, chances are that you will need to make some changes, either through a renovation or a complete redevelopment, and if so, you should be aware of zoning regulations that may impact your project.

Zoning Regulations in an Illinois Commercial Real Estate Renovation

You may find that you can adapt a new property to meet your needs by renovating structures that have already been built. A renovation may help you save time that you would need to spend on demolition, construction, and rezoning, but in most cases, you will still need to pay attention to zoning regulations in the local municipality that affect the development. For example, you may need to ensure that your renovation complies with local health, safety, and energy efficiency standards. You will also likely need to ensure that the property is authorized for use as the kind of business that will be operated there.

Planning for Zoning Regulations in Your Redevelopment

Unlike a renovation, a redevelopment often requires you to demolish existing structures and initiate a new construction project. Because you are planning to implement more drastic changes, you may be more likely to encounter zoning challenges. You will need to look into the zoning regulations at the time the property was originally developed, as well as any changes in the subsequent years.

If the property is legally nonconforming, meaning that it complied with zoning regulations when developed but does not comply with current regulations, it may be difficult to obtain approval for changes. The same may be true if the property has since been designated a historic site.

Even when there are relatively few obstacles to redevelopment, you still may need to ensure that your construction complies with regulations related to building height, parking, distance from roads, and more. If you feel that zoning regulations affecting your property are outdated, overly restrictive, or do not reflect current land use in the community, it may be necessary to put forth a request for rezoning.

Contact a DuPage County Commercial Real Estate Lawyer

At Lindell & Tessitore, P.C., our attorneys have experience assisting clients with a wide range of commercial real estate renovation and redevelopment projects, as well as a thorough understanding of local zoning ordinances and regulations. We can provide legal guidance and representation from before you purchase a property all the way through the completion of your development and beyond. Contact a Naperville real estate attorney today at 630-778-3818.

Sources:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=006500050HArt%2E+11+Div%2E+13&ActID=802&ChapterID=14&SeqStart=150200000&SeqEnd=153200000

https://www.dupageco.org/building/