The Planning Division

The Planning Division ensures that new development and redevelopment of existing facilities in Oak Park are in compliance with the City’s Master Plan and good planning principles. Assistance to businesses and residents is provided in understanding planning processes and Zoning Ordinance regulations. The Planning Division assists in achieving the development goals of the City in the following ways:

• Works with the Planning Commission to develop and review the Master Plan to confirm that the City’s development goals are current and accurately reflect the desired future direction of Oak Park.
• Assists the Planning Commission in the preparation of Zoning Ordinance regulations for review and recommendation to the City Council.
• Works with businesses to assist them through the process of Site Plan Review and develops reports for the Planning Commission regarding proposed developments.
• Aids residents and businesses that request variances from the regulations of the Zoning Ordinance that are presented to the Zoning Board of Appeals for determination.

Other Activities of the Planning Division include amendment to Zoning District classification (rezoning), business and day care license approval, U.S. Census monitoring and analysis, and general business assistance and development.

The Building/Code Division

The Building Division is responsible for reviewing construction drawings to ensure code compliance, issuing residential and commercial permits and performing related inspections. These are necessary steps designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of Oak Park residents and business owners. The division, which is comprised of several inspectors, performs a wide variety of inspections on a daily basis. These inspections include new business license inspections, rental housing inspections and for new construction, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and building inspections.

The Building Division also includes the Code/Assistance/Animal Control Division, which is responsible for enforcing city ordinances pertaining to animals, junk cars, grass and weeds, trash, property maintenance, blight and nuisances. For qualifying residents, the Minor Home Repair program is also administered by this division. This program is a $2000 grant which is used for interior and exterior home repairs. Information regarding other programs is available for repairs exceeding this amount. Overall, this Division is committed to maintaining a safe, clean, healthy and desirable neighborhood for our residents and businesses.

Many brochures are available on the web to assist you to comply with the city codes.

The Engineering Division

The Engineering Division is responsible for matters relating to the construction of all physical properties of the City’s infrastructure. This includes the planning, design, and construction management of the City’s streets, water mains, and sewers. The Division also oversees any construction in the right-of-way, along with major land improvements.

This division consists of the City Engineer, an Engineering Technician II, 2 Engineering Technicians, and a seasonal co-op student. The Division regularly designs, bids, and administers such projects as sidewalk replacement, water main replacement, sewer cleaning and televising, sewer replacement and repairs, concrete repairs from water main and sewer breaks, street maintenance such as joint and crack sealing, and street construction. Recently administered projects include the swimming pool reconstruction, Shepherd Park “Oceans of Fun” play structure construction and tennis court reconstruction, the Dewey Park basketball court reconstruction, and the water reservoir retaining wall construction behind the ice arena.

Since the passing of the road improvement bond issue in November 2002, the Engineering Division has been working to complete the scope of these projects while maintaining its normal duties.

Building Maintenance Division

The Building Maintenance Division assures that the interior and exterior appearance, condition, cleanliness, safety and comfort of all city facilities remains at the highest level. This is accomplished through continuing repair and maintenance programs by city personnel and outside contractors.

Typical activities of our in-house staff include preventive maintenance on heating and cooling equipment, minor electrical and plumbing repairs, delivery of supplies from central purchasing to individual facilities and departments, offering assistance to all departments with furniture and equipment moves or transfers, custodial services and interior painting. Major repairs and equipment replacement are accomplished with outside contractors.

• Nine Major Facilities
• 146,226 Sq. Ft. of office, shop and storage space
• 1700 work requests a year
• Internal staff of three