Services > Community Development

OverviewBuilding DivisionEngineering DivisionForms and PermitsPermit Info and Requirements
Planning and ZoningPolicies Processes and ProceduresPublic Health Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Public Hearing

What is a Public Hearing?

A public hearing is a meeting, the subject, date, time and location of which has been made known through publication and, when appropriate, the posting of a sign on the property which is the subject of the hearing.  A public hearing is conducted before the Plan Commission in a formal manner and according to Roberts Rules of Order.  The purpose of a public hearing is to provide a forum for the review and discussion of development and redevelopment requests, which allows for the input of the general public, as well as that of Village officials, staff, and the party making the request.

When is a Public Hearing Required?

The following is a list of development requests which require public hearings with the Plan Commission:

When and Where are Public Hearings Held?

The public hearings are scheduled before the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals as follows:

Plan Commission - 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursday of each month

All public hearings are held in the Board Room of the Administration Building, 2 Community Boulevard, Wheeling, Illinois.

(The Village of Wheeling does not provide services for a court reporter at the Plan Commission public hearings.  Any petitioner wishing to have a court reporter present may do so at his own expense.)

How is Public Notice Given?

Once a complete application for a public hearing item is on file with the Community Development Department, a Notice of Public Hearing is forwarded to the Wheeling Herald for publication.  This notice must be published at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the hearing date.  In cases involving a particular property, that site must be posted with a sign at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the public hearing date.  The sign is posted by Public Works personnel.

Affidavit of Compliance: Petitioner must provide written notice as required under Sections 19.13.050.  An Affidavit of Compliance certifying this requirement has been fulfilled must be in the docket file prior to the hearing.

How is a Plan Commission Public Hearing Conducted?

Once a public hearing docket has been opened by the Plan Commission, the hearing proceeds as follows:

1. The Community Development Department staff makes a brief presentation regarding the item under discussion.

2. The petitioner then makes a brief presentation regarding his/her request.

3. The floor is then opened for comments from the audience.

4. The petitioner is given the opportunity to rebut any objections to the request.

5. The public input portion of the hearing is then closed, and the Plan Commission enters into deliberation upon the request.

6. Once the Plan Commission arrives at a position, they forward their findings of fact and recommendation to the Village Board of Trustees for final action.

When Construction Starts:

After final approval by the Village Board of Trustees, construction permits must be obtained from the Department of Community Development prior to the start of any construction or installation activity.

For further information, contact the Community Development Department at (847) 459-2620.