Community Development

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Community Development Department

The Community Development Department's mission is to enhance the character and diversity of Evanston's residential neighborhoods and commercial districts while promoting a healthy environment to make Evanston the most livable city in America.

The Community Development Department is responsible for the overall administration and execution of all building, inspection, planning and zoning activities. The department also manages affordable housing initiatives and other related programs funded with federal and local grants targeting lower and moderate-income residents.

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Building and Development Services Division

The Building and Development Services Division is comprised of three teams:

Permit Services
- Processes building permit applications.
- Reviews construction documents, including building plans, for code compliance.
- Issues Certificates of Occupancy
- Oversees the Elevator Inspection Program
Building Inspection
- Staffed by experts in structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical code interpretation.
- Inspects permitted construction projects for code compliance.
- Assists with administration of the Housing Rehab Loan Program.
Property Standards
- Educates and assists property owners with property maintenance code compliance.
- Responds to property maintenance complaints and enforces the City's adopted codes.
- Performs routine inspections of all dwelling units registered as rentals with the City.
- Administers the City's short-term rental licensing, shared housing licensing, rental registration, and vacant building registration programs.

Planning and Zoning Division

The Planning and Zoning Division plays a key role in shaping Evanston’s built environment, focused on supporting vibrant neighborhoods, expanding housing access, and preserving the city’s historic heritage.

The team administers the City’s Zoning Ordinance, reviews development proposals, and processes zoning relief requests, such as plan developments, variances, and special uses, to ensure compliance and promote thoughtful development. The division also oversees the City’s historic preservation efforts through the implementation of Evanston’s Preservation Ordinance. This work celebrates the legacies of the past, including buildings, artifacts, customs, and traditions, helping maintain the architectural and cultural vitality of the community.

Committed to excellent customer service, the division works closely with residents, businesses, and developers to foster a built environment that honors Evanston’s past while supporting a dynamic and welcoming future.

Housing and Grants Division

The Housing and Grants Division engages in a number of strategies to maintain and enhance a wide range of housing choices for both renters and buyers. A number of programs are designed to promote housing that is affordable for low and moderate-income households. Using federal and local funds, the City has provided financing for acquisition, new construction and rehabilitation of rental and owner-occupied housing. The Division administers $2M in annual federal entitlement grant funding and ensures compliance with federal regulations and requirements.