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PLANNING AND ZONING
Comprehensive Plan Update Nears Completion 
The primary means of managing growth in a community rests in the adoption of a Comprehensive Plan and zoning and subdivision regulations. The Comprehensive Plan identifies the City’s development policies, capacities, and trends, and it provides a basis for making decisions on current and future projects and initiatives. It identifies existing and future land use patterns as well as development goals, opportunities, and constraints. The Plan evaluates land use alternatives, makes recommendations concerning future land use patterns and establishes development guidelines. It is critical to keep these plans and laws current and effective.
As most residents of O’Fallon are aware, the City has experienced unprecedented growth over the last five years. With over 3,700 new residents, approximately 1,500 new homes, and over three square miles of annexed land, the City has literally outgrown its Comprehensive Plan which was adopted in November 2001. Rural areas to the north and west of the City have developed into subdivisions, the Green Mount Road Interstate 64 interchange is complete, IDOT’s Gateway Connector along Scott-Troy Road is planned and public, and the City’s Facility Planning Area expansion to the north is becoming a reality.
To help update this plan, the City of O’Fallon contracted with Woolpert, Inc. of Fairview Heights, IL to help prepare the Comprehensive Plan. From the time the process began in September 2005, the consultant and the City have met numerous times with several citizen and business groups, elected officials, and City staff to gain input on the vision for the City. Additionally, they have held two public open houses that have provided invaluable input from the community during the stages leading up to the public hearings of this plan. On February 28 and March 14, public hearings were held by the Planning Commission for input by the public to put the finishing touches on the plan. By mid-April, the O’Fallon City Council will be voting on a complete, updated plan that
will guide the City’s growth over the next five years. As we near the end of this process, we encourage your comments and your participation in the public hearings. A copy of the Draft Comprehensive Plan can be found on the City’s web site at www.ofallon.org. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ted Shekell, Planning Director, at tshekell@ofallon.org or at 624-4500 x 4.
New Commercial Construction
During 2005, the Planning and Zoning Department issued permits for a number of new commercial construction projects in O’Fallon ($ amounts rounded):
The Ginger Shop $ 206,294
Gateway Roofing 218,300
Williamsburg Center #9 900,000
Williamsburg Center #10 1,107,873
SCI Building 1,200,000
Sunrise Center II 1,249,676
Midwest Twisters 2,197,800
Central Christian Church 2,359,787
Kloss Broyhill Lane Furniture 2,427,200
Candlewood Suites - 79 room 3,500,000
Drury Hotel - 180 rooms 13,439,074
Planning and Zoning Implements New Computer Program
The Planning and Zoning Department, in order to better serve our residents and customers, has recently implemented a new computer software program called Govern. Along with this new program, we have also installed truck mounted laptops.
The new program has enabled our department to more efficiently perform building functions such as permit reviews, building permits, property maintenance, and code enforcement. It also provides us with up-to-date owner and parcel information and inspection schedules and allows us to post payments.
One of the benefits of Govern is that it has assisted our inspectors while in the field performing their inspections. They are now able to access Govern from their truck mounted laptops to obtain up-to-date information about the property they are inspecting. GIS maps, site information, permits and owner information are available through the Govern program. Inspectors are also able to enter the inspection results at the time of the inspection, which has reduced the amount of time they spend in the office performing administrative tasks.
The next phase of software implementation will include the addition of annexation data, zoning amendments, subdivision data and any other growth within the City. Govern will tie into other working programs within the City as well. If you should have any questions in regard to our new program, please feel free to contact our office at 624-4500 ext. 4.
Spring Projects
With Spring and warm weather just around the corner, the Building Department is preparing for a busy building season and the associated questions that many homeowners have. At this time of year we receive a large number of questions regarding pools, fences and decks. Handouts are available at City Hall or on our web site at www.ofallon.org. We encourage anyone having questions or concerns about these issues, or any other building related issues, to call our department at 624-4500, extension 4 for assistance. You may also reach us via our Builder E-Mail Answer Line at building@ofallon.org. There are many issues related to additions to your property that may include set back requirements, lot coverage, code requirements and inspections. Building permits are required on many projects to assure your construction is up to current codes and is performed in a sound and safe manner.
A building permit is required for swimming pools, both above ground and in-ground models. There are significant code issues that apply to all pools, particularly as they relate to life safety. Two of the most important areas are proper grounding and ground fault protection of electrical equipment and maintaining a 48” barrier for protection for small children. Due to the potential for drowning of small children the City of O’Fallon strictly enforces this code.
Fences do not require a building permit unless they are over six-foot high. It is highly recommended that you have your lot surveyed for proper property line identification. Placing fences in utility or drainage easements may cause a problem for you or your neighbors. We recommend reviewing subdivision drainage plans to ensure that placement of your fence does not obstruct a drainage way.
Decks, whether attached or detached, require a building permit. Decks are a wonderful addition to your property and will yield years of great service when constructed soundly and safely.
Our department welcomes your questions and will gladly offer advice on any building code or zoning related issue.
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