Frequently Asked Questions
The City of Aurora has specific rules for work that is done on buildings in our downtown. These rules are part of the Aurora Zoning Ordinance and are called the FoxWalk Overlay District Intent, Rules, and Regulations (IRR). We've tried to explain some of the basics below. Please call (630-844-3670) or email Karen Christensen if you have questions.
- I'm ready to work on my building. What's the first step?
- Before doing any work on your building, you must apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness (C.O.A.). You can get an application and guidelines from the Downtown Development Division at One South Braodway, downtown Aurora, Illinois.
- Where do the rules apply?
- The FoxWalk IRR applies in the area bounded by Spring and Spruce Streets to the north, Benton Street to the south, Lincoln Avenue to the east, and Lake Street to the west.
- What items do the rules include?
- The FoxWalk IRR cover:
- The use of your building
- Work done on the exterior of your building, including doors and windows
- Demolition of your building
- Additions to your building
- Signs or murals on the building, windows or doors
- Awnings or canopies
- Changes or repairs to the windows and doors
- Security bars, cages, shutters
- Kiosks
- Sandwich board signs
- Exterior lighting of buildings or signs
- Do I have to pay for a C.O.A.?
- There is no charge for the C.O.A.
- If I have a C.O.A., do I still need a building permit?
- A C.O.A. does not replace a building permit. Building permits are required for all additions, alteration, new construction, signs, and some repairs. For more information, call the Division of Building and Permits at 630-892-8088.
- What happens if I do work without getting a C.O.A. first?
- If you do work without a C.O.A., City of Aurora inspectors may issue a citation to you, since you are violating the Aurora Zoning Ordinance. Citations can result in fines and court appearances.
- How long will it take to get a C.O.A.?
- Simple C.O.A.s can sometimes be issued as soon as you file your completed application. More complicated C.O.A.s must go through the FoxWalk Overlay District Design Review Committee, a process that generally takes one month or less.
- What information will I need for my C.O.A. application?
- You will need a description of the work you plan to do, plus a scaled drawing of the proposed work.
- Can my C.O.A. application be turned down?
- Downtown Development Division staff will work with you while you prepare your application so that it is not likely to be turned down. However, the Design Review Committee or the City Council can deny a C.O.A. if they think your plan does not fit the FoxWalk District rules. They will suggest changes so you can revise your application.
- Why are there special rules for downtown properties?
- The FoxWalk District rules were set by the City Council with both a vision for the future and a desire to preserve the things that make downtown Aurora a distinctive place: historic architecture; the beautiful Fox River; varied retail shops; specialty restaurants; unique apartments; public gathering spaces like Millennium Plaza, Rotary Park, Tivoli Plaza, Sesquicentennial Park; and cultural gems such as the Paramount Arts Centre, SciTech, the Art and History Center, the G.A.R. Memorial, and the Aurora Regional Fire Museum.
- What help is available from the City of Aurora if I want to improve my downtown property or business?
- The City of Aurora offers a number of programs that can help finance improvements to the outside or inside of your property. Call the above listed number, or email Karen Christensen for information about grants, loans, and architectural guidance. We also can link you with resources to make your business more successful.