Mokena Prepares Community
Development Guide

For even experienced real estate developers, not to mention the average citizen, finding your way through municipal land use regulations can be a long, winding road.

Village officials in south suburban Mokena decided there must be a better way. Working with Camiros, Ltd., the village's planning consulting firm, Mokena now offers a "Guide to Community Development," a handbook for users of land, be they developers, sub-dividers, or simply a resident who wants to add a back porch.

The 16-page booklet is divided into chapters with user-friendly titles such as "People To Know In Mokena" and "Answers To Common Questions About Development." A glossary of planning and zoning terms further helps clarify the village's land use regulations.

Located along Int. Hwy. 80 in eastern Will County, Mokena is growing rapidly. The village has a current population of 10,058, up from 6,128 in 1990 and 4,598 in 1980.

"With more growth, we felt we needed a more structured system for development," said Village Administrator John Downs, who worked on the handbook along with Camiros and Alan Zordan, the village development director.

"The handbook takes a lot of the guesswork out of who does what and when," Downs added. "The village is committed to creating a positive environment for current and future residents, and this guidebook helps us meet that goal."

The development handbook also includes a sample concept plan, which shows prospective developers the level of detail expected in the review process.

Mokena has been using the development handbook, and response to date has been favorable from both the Village Board and developers, according to Downs. "It details specifically what developers need to do and how much it's going to cost them, which they appreciate," he said.

For more information about the development guide, contact the Village of Mokena at 708/479-3900.

Page 24 / Illinois Municipal Review / September 1995