Zoning

The City of Mt. Vernon oversees zoning within the city limits and up to 1.5 miles outside the city. Zoning helps guide how land is used so the community grows in a safe, healthy, and well-planned way. It also helps ensure that public services such as streets, utilities, and emergency services can support development.

What is Zoning?

Zoning divides the city into different areas called zoning districts. Each district has rules that determine:

• What types of buildings are allowed
• How properties may be used
• Requirements such as setbacks, height, and lot size

Zoning helps protect residents and businesses by keeping land uses compatible.

For example:

• Residential neighborhoods are protected from incompatible industrial activity
• Commercial areas are designed to support businesses and customer access
• Environmentally sensitive areas can be protected from inappropriate development

Zoning Districts

The City of Mt. Vernon has 15 zoning districts, which include residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and special-purpose areas. Each zoning district has its own regulations.

Detailed requirements for each district can be found in the Schedule of District Regulations within the City’s zoning ordinances.

Types of Uses

Zoning regulations describe different types of uses allowed within each district:

Principal Uses
The primary use of a property that is permitted by right in a zoning district (for example, a single-family home in a residential district).

Accessory Uses
Secondary uses that are customarily associated with the principal use (for example, a home office within a residence).

Uses Requiring Review
Some uses may be allowed only after review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission to ensure they meet specific standards such as parking, traffic, or site design.

Zoning Map

The City’s official zoning map shows how properties are currently zoned throughout Mt. Vernon.

Zoning Map (PDF Download)

Changing the Zoning of a Property

If a property owner wishes to change the zoning classification of a property, a rezoning request is required. Rezoning is a legislative process and is reviewed carefully to ensure consistency with surrounding land uses and the City’s long-term plans.

How to Apply for a Zoning Change

To request a zoning change:

• Download the Zoning Application or obtain a copy from the City Engineer’s Office
• File the completed application with the City Clerk’s Office
• A $25 filing fee is required at the time of submission

Public Notice Requirements

Public notice must be completed before the Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing.

Notice must be provided no less than 15 days and no more than 30 days prior to the hearing date. The applicant is responsible for ensuring the following notices are given:

• Mail notice to the property owner, if the owner is not the applicant
• Publication of notice in a newspaper of general circulation
• Posting notice on the subject property using a City-provided sign

A $50 refundable deposit is required for the posting sign and will be returned once the sign is removed after City Council action.

Review and Approval Process

• After proper public notice, the Planning and Zoning Commission holds a public hearing
• The Commission meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1100 Main Street, Mt. Vernon
• The applicant must attend the hearing to present the request and answer questions
• If approved, the request is forwarded to the City Council for final consideration
• The applicant must attend both City Council readings before final action

Documents Required for the Public Hearing

Applicants must bring the following to the Planning and Zoning Commission hearing:

• Certification of publication from the newspaper
• Certificate of posting
• Certificate of mailing, when applicable
• Copies of zoning application forms filed with the City Clerk’s Office
• Plot plan of the area proposed for rezoning
• Proof of compliance with the Soil and Water Conservation District Act, when applicable

Important Things to Know

• Zoning changes apply to the property, not the owner
• Approval of a zoning change does not replace the need for building permits or other approvals
• The steps on this page are provided as general guidance
• The City assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in submitted materials
• Additional or amended filings may require an additional filing fee

Additional Assistance

Zoning information is available from the Building Inspection Department, Room 204, City Hall, Mt. Vernon, Illinois, by calling 618-242-6830, or by contacting the City Manager’s Office