Annexation Petition
The process to annex property located outside the City limits begins with the submittal of an annexation petition. There are no fees associated with the annexation process. Some annexation requests require a pre-annexation agreement. If the parcel has registered voters (Electors) residing on the property, use the ELECTORS petition. If none of the individuals residing on the property are registered voters, use the NO ELECTORS petition. The application must be fully completed prior to submission. The City Council must approve an ordinance before the property can be legally annexed into the city limits. Reference the appropriate annexation application form for further information and to apply.
Land Subdivision
Before a piece of property can be divided into smaller parcels and sold, the property must be subdivided. A subdivision plat, meeting all required items in Chapter 152 of the Galesburg Code of Ordinances, must be prepared by an Illinois registered land surveyor. The plat, along with a Subdivision Plat application, must be submitted to the City of Galesburg for the Planning and Zoning Commission to review and for City Council to approve. The application must be completed in full. The appropriate filing fee, as listed on the application, must be paid at the time the application is submitted, and is non-refundable. The petitioner(s) or a representative must be present at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting during which the subdivision plat is reviewed. Further details are listed in the Subdivision Plat Application form.
Zoning
The City of Galesburg enforces a Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 152) within the City limits. The City also has zoning review authority of these areas outside the City limits within a 1 ½ mile distance from the City limits. The Zoning Ordinance controls the types of uses which can be located on properties. This is done by establishing different types of zoning districts and designating each property within the City as one of these zoning districts. Each zoning district has specific uses which are allowed without any further review (permissive uses) and uses allowed only after Board of Zoning Appeals review and approval (conditional uses). The Zoning Ordinance also establishes regulations regarding building setbacks, height restrictions, parking requirements, fencing restrictions, minimum lot areas, and widths and outdoor lighting requirements.
Before an individual begins planning the construction of a building on a piece of property, the Zoning Ordinance should be checked to assure the proposed use is allowed on the site. The design or layout of the building can be impacted by the various requirements in the Zoning Ordinance. It is recommended the Community Development Department be contacted to discuss the zoning regulations that would be applicable to the proposed project.
To Apply
Through the Planning and Zoning Portal applications for Zoning Amendments, Site Plans and Variances may be submitted.
For all other applications, please use the forms below, Once completed, the application may be submitted to the office of the Community Development Department on the second floor of City Hall or by mail to: The Community Development Department, P.O. Box 1387, Galesburg, IL 61402-1387.