Sept. 28 City E-News: Ward Map Updates, Same Day Building Permits and Community Events

City of Des Plaines sent this bulletin at 09/28/2022 01:05 PM CDT

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Message from Mayor Andrew Goczkowski

You’ve probably heard me say that Des Plaines is growing. We have our largest population yet—over 60,000 people! In order to meet U.S. constitutional and state regulations, the City of Des Plaines was required to adjust our ward boundaries earlier this year. Watch this video to learn more about why we have to adjust our ward boundaries and learn about some of the key changes.

As we get ready for our local elections next Spring, we wanted to share where you can find resources for your ward. The most current ward maps are posted on our website. Are you unsure if your ward boundary changed? Use the City’s online tool, Community Portal, to get the most current details about your property. From local representatives to trash pickup days, Community Portal has information about your property at your fingertips.

Speaking of elections, don’t forget that the general election is just around the corner on November 8, 2022. Make sure you are registered to vote, get information about candidates, and find your polling place by visiting the Cook County Clerk’s website.

As always, feel free to contact me directly at agoczkowski@desplaines.org or 847-391-5301. Please share this E-News with your family, friends and neighbors and encourage them to subscribe.

Email Mayor Goczkowski

City Council Preview

Council will meet on Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. Here are some noteworthy items on the agenda:

A proclamation recognizing National Diversity Week.
At the Sept.19, 2022, City Council meeting, the Council deferred consideration of Ordinance M-28-22, which consisted of amendments to the Subdivision Regulations (Title 13 of City Code) in two respects: (i) clarifications regarding the Plat of Subdivision application, submittal, and approval process; and (ii) changes to the performance security reduction process for required public improvements. At the Council’s direction, these topics have been split into two ordinances, and will be discussed.
The Des Plaines Park District is requesting a Map Amendment to rezone Arndt Park property on White St. from R-1 Single Family Residential District to I-1 Institutional District. Their intent is to bring the zoning in line with the district typical for parks of more than two acres (I-1) and also to capitalize on the I-1 allowance for more than one principal building per zoning lot. The associated variations will facilitate revitalization of the park to include new facilities.

Read the agenda here for more details. And, watch the livestream here.

2023 Budget Meetings

The City Council will host several special meetings in October to review the proposed 2023 budget. For more information about the budget and meetings, visit desplaines.org.

Same Day Building Permits

Did you know that many home improvement projects in the City of Des Plaines require a permit before you can begin your construction? In an effort to make the building permit process a little easier, the City of Des Plaines has seven permits that are available over the counter.

These permits include: roof, windows and doors, replacement siding, prefabricated sheds, sewer, water heater replacement, furnace/air conditioner removals and replacements.

As long as you have the proper paperwork and plans, our permit team can get you out the door and your project underway in the same day! We’ve created a video series explaining what documents you need for each of these permits types. Check out the videos here: desplaines.org/permits. Still have questions? Call 847-391-5380.

We're Savvy!

The City of Des Plaines was honored with two prestigious national awards recognizing excellence in communications by the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA).

Des Plaines’ winning entries included a promotional video and a public service announcement.

The City of Des Plaines brought home Savvy Awards for:

Video - Public Service Announcement (You are not alone. Prevent Suicide)
Promotional Video (The Story of the Historic Des Plaines Theatre)

Congrats to all of the winners, but especially to the Media Services team for their work on these videos! For the list of all award winners, visit 3cma.org.

Des Plaines Fire Department Open House

Visit Station 63 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on October 1 for safety demonstrations, meet the firefighters and family fun.

Community Trash Clean Up

Join us for a Community Trash Clean Up facilitated by Clean Up Give Back on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Axehead Lake (S River Rd., south of W Touhy Ave, Cook County, IL 60018). Registration is encouraged at cleanupgiveback.org, however, walk-ups are more than welcome. All are invited to spend some time outside while making our world a cleaner, more beautiful place.