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1. What is the Zoning of my property?

To look up your property’s zoning, use the My Place tool.  Be sure to spell out each word of the address (i.e. 1 South Broadway).

2. What are the Permitted Uses on my property?

To look up permitted uses, see Table 1: Use Categories in the city’s Zoning Ordinance.  

Note: To determine the permitted uses on a property, you first need to know what it is zoned.  To look up a property’s zoning, use the Property Zoning Search tool. 

3. What are the Setback Requirements for my property?

Setback requirements vary depending on the property’s zoning.  Please refer to the Zoning Ordinance, Section 5.8 Setbacks and/or the Plan Description of the Planned Development District (PDD) the property falls under. If you are unsure of whether your property is located in a PDD, please contact the Planning and Zoning Division at 630-256-3080.

4. How can I get a Zoning Verification Letter for my property?

The Planning & Zoning division can provide a Zoning Verification Letter upon request.

Fee schedule:

• Certificate Letter of Zoning Verification $3
• Certificate Letter of Zoning Compliance $20
• Certificate Letter of Non-Conforming Use $30

5. Where can I find the Plat of Survey for my property?

A Plat of Survey should be provided to the home owner at the time of purchase of the property.  The City of Aurora does not keep records of Plats of Survey. A professional Land Surveyor must be hired.

6. Can I connect my property to the City Water?

If your property is within the city limits and is already annexed, then connecting to city water can be done through a Building Permit.  Please contact the Building & Permits department. 

If your property is within the city limits but not yet annexed, or if your property is outside the city limits, a connection to city water is at the discretion of the Planning & Zoning Division.  In this case, a Development Services Team (DST) Meeting is recommended.  You may request a DST Meeting using our online form. 

7. Is my property located in a Historic District?

To verify whether your property is located in a Historic District you may use the My Place tool.  Search your property’s address and then use the information provided at the bottom of the screen.  Scroll to the right to find the Historic District box.  

For additional information regarding Historic Districts see the Historic District FAQ section, or visit the Historic Preservation page on our website.

8. What are the requirements for a home occupation?

One outside employee (a person who does not reside at the home) is permitted to be employed in a permitted home occupation. No retail sales, use of a detached building such as a garage or shed or business signs may be displayed. Only normal residential traffic is allowed. See Section 7.3-2 of the Aurora Zoning Ordinance for the complete Home Occupation Regulations.

9. Would a daycare business be permitted in a private home?

A day care facility in residential zoning requires a Special Use Permit.  This is a nine step review and approval process.  A DST Meeting may be scheduled to answer further questions, however the City does not typically support a day care services in private homes.

10. What do I need to do if I want to have a garage sale?

No permit is required. Garage sales/yard sales may be conducted no more than 2 times per year.

• Each garage sale may last no longer than 3 consecutive days
• No signs nor merchandise may be displayed on public property between sidewalk and curb.
• Pennants, banners, balloons or similar attention-getting devices are not allowed.

11. How can I get my Home Owner’s Association information?

The City of Aurora does not maintain or keep on file Homeowners Association documents. The Official Documents should be on file at your County Recorder's Office.  The current officers of the Association should be on file with the Illinois Secretary of State's Office, you will need to know the legal name of the Association from the documents you can get from the County Recorder's Office.

12. Can I park a commercial vehicle or RV on my property?

No commercial vehicles above a “B” plate classification nor equipment are permitted to be parked/stored in a residential area. This will also include any tow trucks, panel trucks, dump trucks and all commercial equipment. Only one (1) commercial vehicle with a “B” plate classification is allowed per residence.

Parking of one (1) recreational vehicle for each zoning lot may take place in interior side or rear yards provided that the vehicle is set back six (6) feet from all adjoining residential structures. Recreational vehicles include trailers, boats and pop up-campers. These types of vehicles must be located in a proper setback area.

13. Can I park my trailer on this empty lot?

Trailer homes are not permitted to be parked on any vacant residential lots, only within the trailer parks in Aurora. Parking of any kind of trailer, trucks, other vehicles, etc. is not permitted on residential properties.  Commercial zoned lots may have exceptions.  Residential properties will not be rezoned as commercial for the primary use of parking.

14. Can I park a portable pod on my driveway? What are the restrictions on size and time?

Yes, portable pods are allowed on driveways.  A permit is not required. The Aurora Zoning Ordinance limits parking of these types of objects to 48 hours.