Rawleigh Redevelopment

Welcome to the City of Freeport Community Development Department. Our department has responsibilities in several areas, including:

• Building Code Administration and Enforcement
• Planning and Zoning
• Transportation Program Administration and Planning, and
• Health and Environment
• Neighborhood Redevelopment
  

In the Division of Building Code Administration and Enforcement, we administer all matters relating to building and housing administration and to the enforcement of building standards, including building inspections, permit administration, and other related matters. To contact the building inspector, please call (815) 599-5804 or email sthayer@cityoffreeport.org

The Department of Administrative Hearings was created to adjudicate civil and ordinance violations cited by city inspectors and officers. The Hearings Administrator presides at hearings and determines if a code violation exists; hears testimony from inspectors, property owners and others; maintains records of hearings; and issues written findings and decisions. To contact the Hearing Administrator, please call (815) 599-5804 or email sthayer@cityoffreeport.org.

In the Division of Neighborhood Redevelopment, we develop and implement housing programs that encourage home ownership among low and moderate income groups; encourage the building of new housing for low and moderate income groups; encourage new housing for the handicapped and for senior citizens; encourage the rehabilitation of housing; encourage the formation of community-based organizations that will strengthen neighborhoods; monitor the safety and adequacy of housing through code enforcement; and encourage lending and public and private investment within local neighborhoods.

We also administer development incentive programs, including the City Enterprise Zone and Tax Increment Financing Districts.

For information on neighborhood development, please call (815) 235-8221 or email sgriswold@cityoffreeport.org.

In the Division of Planning and Zoning, we are responsible for administration and enforcement of the Zoning Code and representing the City at proceedings of the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals.

For information on planning and zoning, please call (815) 235-8221 or email sgriswold@cityoffreeport.org.

In the Division of Transportation Program Administration and Planning, we develop and implement the City’s transportation programs. This includes administering the City’s 5311 Public Transportation Grant program.

For information on transportation administration, please call (815) 235-8221 or email sgriswold@cityoffreeport.org.

In the Division of Health and Environment, we administer the City’s programs for the collection and transportation of solid waste, recyclable materials, and yard and landscape waste. In addition, we operate the City’s Municipal Landfill and Transfer Station.

It is our responsibility to implement and enforce any Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) or United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) statutes, rules or regulations, or procedures adopted by the City Council and the Mayor.

The Community Development Department also administers and enforces the City’s weed and litter codes and nuisance abatement codes. Our Nuisance Inspector responds to inquiries and complaints and determines compliance with ordinance standards for nuisance violations including tall weeds, accumulation of garbage, littering, animal droppings, and adherence to property safety codes. To file a complaint, please call (815) 599-5807 or email kkrahmer@cityoffreeport.org.

We also administer programs concerning floodplain and floodway matters, including providing information and assistance to citizens about permit procedures and floodplain construction techniques; working with the Illinois Department of Natural Resource, Office of Water Resources, for all floodplain development projects; inspecting all development projects to ensure that they comply with the floodplain regulations; and cooperating with State and Federal floodplain management agencies.

For information on floodplain management, please call (815) 235-8221 or email sgriswold@cityoffreeport.org.