Title/Name/Summary
Land Development Code - Substantive Amendment: Change Public Hearing Notice Mailing Requirements
History
AMENDMENT SUMMARY
SECTION 5-101.G.2.b
Amend the language to eliminate the certified mail mandate for public hearing notifications and replace it with the use of first-class mail.
AMENDMENT EXPLANATION
The goal of this amendment is to change the notification requirements for public hearings to better inform property owners within 300’ of a development change. The objective of changing this requirement is to reduce the time and cost burden on applicants who are sending out public hearing notices. Our current process is to have applicants send out certified mail to all property owners within 300’ of a proposed development change and sign an affidavit prior to the public hearing for the case.
Due to the rising costs associated with certified mail, priced at $8.10 per envelope, and that certified mail cards often go unsigned at the post office, we are proposing to change the process to require first class mail to be sent in place of certified mail. First class mail costs $0.66 per envelope and does not require a signature from each property owner, meaning that less mail will end up unsigned at the post office and more neighbors will be notified of the proposed request.
In addition to sending out first class mail, the applicant will be required to obtain a certificate of mailing receipt from the post office. The certificate of mailing receipt proves that the notification letters were sent out in a timely manner in accordance with the Illinois State Statute for public hearing notices. The affidavit for the public hearing notice must still be signed and notarized prior to the Plan Commission meeting.
Finally, the applicant must provide a list of addresses located within the 300’ notification radius. This step identifies the property owners obligated to receive a notification letter.
This amendment seeks to change public hearing notifications...
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