Natural Resources

Natural Resources Inventory Report

The purpose and intent of the Natural Resource Information Report is to furnish natural resource information to officials of the local governing body and other decision makers.  Decisions concerning variations, amendments, or relief of local zoning ordinances may reference this report. Also decisions concerning the future of a proposed subdivision of vacant or agricultural lands and the development of these lands because of these decisions may reference this report.  This report is required under 94 Act Ill Complied Statues, Chapter 70 Paragraph 405/1 Et Seq. and Ill Revised Statues, Chapter 5 Paragraph 106 Et Seq.

The Natural Resource Information Report seeks to present the most current natural resource information available to decision makers in an understandable format.  It contains a description of the present conditions, resources available and their potential impact on each other. The report is generated by the review of standardized data, on-site investigations, and information furnished by the petitioner.

Through the use of the NRI valuable natural resource information is made available to the people making land use decisions in our District. The NRI can assure that land developers take into full consideration the limitations of the land they wish to develop—including the limitations of its soil for septic system, for foundations, for roads, and for other uses; also that such limitations as flooding hazard, land slope, and shallow water table be carefully considered and dealt with.  Other characteristics such as existing ecological value (i.e. wetlands) should also be considered before development plans are drawn up.  The NRI also provides this information to the governmental units that will be called upon to approve or disapprove development plans.  Although the conclusions of the Natural Resource Information Report in no way indicate the impossibility of a certain land use they should alert the reader to  potential issues arising from ignorance of land capabilities.

It is necessary to read the entire report to coordinate and inter-relate all natural resource factors considered. The report, when used properly, will provide the basis for good land use change decisions and proper development while protecting the natural resource base of the county.

For the convenience of those who must comply with the Soil and Water Conservation District’s Law, Section 22.02a enacted December 3, 1971, and effective July 1, 1972, we quote the amendment:

“Sec. 22.02a - The Soil and Water Conservation District shall make all natural resource information available to the appropriate county agency or municipality in the promulgation of zoning ordinances or variances.  Any person who petitions any municipality or county agency in the district for variation, amendment, or other relief from that municipality’s or county’s zoning ordinances or who proposes to subdivide vacant or agricultural lands there in shall furnish a copy of such petition or proposal to the Soil and Water Conservation District.  The Soil and Water Conservation District shall not be given more than 30 days from the time of receipt of the petition or proposal to issue its written opinion concerning the petition or proposal and submit the same to the appropriate county agency or municipality for further action.”

An Natural Resources Inventory Report Application Form and Guidelines can be found on our  SERVICES ORDER FORMS PAGE

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