Permits
The City of Galva has published most of its business-related permit applications online. For more information regarding the permitting process, click on the title of the permit that you are interested in...
The City of Galva may require a bid bond before awarding certain contracts. If the Galva City Council deems a bond necessary, said bond shall have such sureties as may be required by the City Council.
Although most Sureties prefer to use their own form, the bond should be substantially in the form found in this section.
Other bond requirements include:
- Any person erecting and maintaining any sign, signboard, rigid canopy or fire escape over any street, alley, sidewalk or other public way must file with the City Clerk a bond or indemnifying policy conditioned to indemnify the City for any loss, damage or liability that may result from the construction or maintenance of same.
- Any applicant awarded a permit to construct or lay any pavement on any public street, sidewalk, alley or other public way or to repair the same shall file a bond, with surety to be approved by the City Council, conditioned to indemnify the City for any loss or damage resulting from the work undertaken or the manner of doing the work.
- Any applicant awarded a permit to move any building on, through or over any street, alley, sidewalk or other public place in the City shall submit a bond to the City Clerk with as least two (2) sureties to be approved by the City Clerk conditioned on compliance with the provisions of the Section 1 -5 -1 of the Gala City Code and agreeing to pay and holding the City harmless from any claim which may be made against it by reason of the occupation of any street, sidewalk, alley or other public place by the building or structure moved.
All permit applications can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. To receive an application by mail, contact the City Clerk's office during normal business hours at (309) 932 - 2555 for instructions. To pick up an application, visit City Hall during normal working hours.
building permit application
Galva has adopted the 2000 Edition of the International Building Code, published by the International Code Council. By Ordinance, no building or structure regulated by the adopted Code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, converted or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the City.
Generally speaking, all building and structural work performed in the City of Galva requires a permit. However, there are some exceptions:
- One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses provided the projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet (set-back requirements, however, still apply).
- Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet, 9 inches high.
- Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed tow to one.
Other exceptions include work generally, but not always, performed by the homeowner or business owner, such as:
- Painting (interior or exterior)
- Installing siding
- Installing windows and doors (including storm windows and storm doors) so long as no structural modifications are involved
- Finishing floors (including the laying of carpet)
- Repairing broken plumbing fixtures (e.g., leaking toilets, faucets, etc.) and having your plumbing traps cleaned out
- Repairing roofs, so long as no structural changes to the roof are required
- Fixing and maintaining furnaces
- Replacing electrical fixtures
- Installing, repairing and maintaining gutters and downspouts
- Repairing or maintaining decks and awnings
- Remodeling, so long as walls, electrical, HVAC and plumbing are not disturbed
All permit applications can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. To receive an application by mail, contact the City Clerk's office during normal business hours at (309) 932 - 2555 for instructions. To pick up an application, visit City Hall during normal working hours.
Online Version of Building Permit Application
change of zoning application
The City Council, the Plan Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, other governmental bodies and any private party may apply for an amendment to the text of the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map. Such applications are commonly referred to as "petitions." Any petition for an amendment by a private party must be accompanied by a filing fee, and because making a change to a zoning district is expensive, the fee charged is commensurate with the expense.
Changes to the Zoning Ordinance, and by extension the Zoning Map, requires a public hearing before the Plan Commission. Notice of the time and place of the hearing must occur at least 15 days, but no more than 30 days prior to the hearing. The Plan Commission will cause such notice by publicizing the hearing in the Galva News.
The notice, which must contain a brief statement describing the proposed amendment, may suffice for public notice; but the Plan Commission usually informs such property owners, groups or organizations it deems necessary to have knowledge of the hearing in a direct manner using the US Mail service, telephone calls or even personal visits.
After the Public Hearing has been held, the Plan Commission has 45 days in which to notify the City Council of its recommendation regarding the change(s) to the Zoning Ordinance.
The City Council, without further public hearing, may adopt or deny the report of the Plan Commission for a proposed amendment, or may refer the petition back to the Plan Commission for further consideration.
Any amendment which fails to receive the approval of a majority of the Plan Commission members cannot be passed by the City Council except with a favorable vote of three-fourths of all the elected members of the City Council.
In the event of a written protest against the proposed amendment, signed and acknowledged by the owners of 20% of the frontage proposed to be altered, or by the owners of 20% of the frontage immediately adjoining or across the alley or rear line therefrom, or by the owners of 20% of the frontage directly opposite the frontage proposed to be altered as to such regulations or zoning district, when filed with the City Clerk, such amendment cannot be passed even with the recommendation of the Plan Commission except by the favorable vote of three-fourths of all of the members of the City Council.
All permit applications can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. To receive an application by mail, contact the City Clerk's office during normal business hours at (309) 932 - 2555 for instructions. To pick up an application, visit City Hall during normal working hours.
Online Version of Change of Zoning Application
Before a structure is demolished within the corporate limits of the City of Galva, you must obtain a permit.
Authorization to proceed with a demolition must be obtained from the Superintendent of Streets.
Before authorization to proceed is given by the Superintendent of Streets, the demolition contractor must arrange for the following through the City Clerk's Office:
- Removal of any water meters
- Excavation of water service to the City's fitting at the main and turn off (under supervision of the Water Superintendent)
- Removal of "B" box and return of same to the City
- Excavation, capping and cementing of Sanitary Sewer Service, as required, under the supervision of the Water Superintendent
- Proper termination of all other utilities (septic and wells, gas, electric, cable, phone, etc.)
The Street Supervisor, in conjunction with the Chief of Police and/or other officials will determine when and whether or not streets, alleys or other rights-of-way must be blocked, sealed, detoured, flagged, etc. prior to giving his approval to proceed.
The Street Supervisor's approval to proceed will only be given by signature affixed to the permit application.
All permit applications can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. To receive an application by mail, contact the City Clerk's office during normal business hours at (309) 932 - 2555 for instructions. To pick up an application, visit City Hall during normal working hours.
electrical permit application
The City of Galva has adopted the 2002 Edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
All persons, firms, companies or corporations shall, before beginning any installation, alteration, or change of electrical, data, and alarm wiring/equipment in the City of Galva, obtain a permit for such work.
An amendment to the Ordinance adopting the NEC has been passed by the City Council. The amendment clarifies the adopting Ordinance and may be pertinent to any work that you are contemplating.
All permit applications can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. To receive an application by mail, contact the City Clerk's office during normal business hours at (309) 932 - 2555 for instructions. To pick up an application, visit City Hall during normal working hours.
View the Amendment to the Adopting Ordinance
Online Version of the Electrical Permit Application
No person shall erect or relocate a fence within the corporate limits of the City of Galva without first obtaining a fence permit.
No permit will be issued if the building inspector determines that the proposed fence does not meet the requirements of the City's fence ordinance.
A sketch or design of the proposed fence, including a description of materials to be used and specification of height shall be submitted for approval by the City of Galva.
All fences shall be built to conform with standards of normal fence construction and shall meet the proper criteria of construction for the type of fence being erected.
All permit applications can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. To receive an application by mail, contact the City Clerk's office during normal business hours at (309) 932 - 2555 for instructions. To pick up an application, visit City Hall during normal working hours.
No person shall sell at retail, or solicit or receive an order for, or keep or expose for sale, or keep with the intention of selling, any alcoholic liquor without first obtaining a license therefore.
Applications for a liquor license shall be made to the Liquor Commissioner of the City of Galva.
Applications for a liquor license must be made in writing on a form provided by the City of Galva.
In addition to the fee required for a liquor license, an applicant for a liquor license shall, at the time of application, execute and deliver a bond in the penal sum of $750.00 to the City as obligee, conditioned for the faithful performance of the City's Liquor Control Ordinance and the payment of all fines and penalties by reason of the violation of the Ordinance. Said bond must remain in full force and effect during the entire term of the license.
All classes of licenses issued pursuant to the City's Liquor Control Ordinance shall terminate on the last day of April next following the date of their issuance. Fees to be paid for such licenses shall be payable annually, in full and in advance, for the term on or before the first day of May of the City's fiscal year for which application is made.
No rebate or refund shall be given for any license issued after the commencement of the City's fiscal year.
A separate license is required for each location.
The Galva Liquor Commissioner may revoke any retail dealer's liquor license for any violation of the City's Liquor Control Ordinance, or for any violation of any law of the State of Illinois pertaining to the sale of alcoholic liquor.
The Mayor of the City of Galva, as local Liquor Control Commissioner, shall have the power to enter or to authorize any law enforcing officer or officers to enter at any time upon any premises licensed to sell alcoholic liquor by the City of Galva to determine whether any of the provisions of the City's Liquor Control Ordinance or any rules or regulations adopted by the City or by the State Commission have been or are being violated, and at such time examine the premises of any licensee in connection therewith.
All applicants and licensees should be aware that the all provisions of the Act known as the Illinois Liquor Control Act of 1934, and all amendments thereto have been made a part of the City's Liquor Control Ordinance.
Violations of the City's Liquor Control Ordinance may be punishable by fines or not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) and a separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day or on which a violation occurs or continues.
All license applications can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. To receive an application by mail, contact the City Clerk's office during normal business hours at (309) 932 - 2555 for instructions. To pick up an application, visit City Hall during normal working hours.
No person shall move any building on, through or over any street, alley, sidewalk or other public place in the Municipality without first having obtained a permit from the City Clerk.
If the building or structure that you are going to move lies outside the corporate limits of the City of Galva, a written, signed statement by a duly qualified building inspector or engineering firm indicating that the building or structure is in compliance with the City's building codes must be attached to your permit application. Any deficiencies noted by the inspector or engineer must be corrected prior to relocation or an irrevocable letter of credit in an amount approved by the City of Galva to cover the estimated cost off all necessary improvements must be delivered to the City Clerk before a permit will be issued.
No building shall be repaired, altered or moved within or into the municipality that has deteriorated or has been damaged by any cause fifty (50) percent or more of its equalized assessed value.
Base your plans on moving in a continuous manner.
The applicant is responsible for all damage to streets and highways.
The applicant is responsible for securing the donor and recipient sites.
The initial permit fee for moving a building or structure is $250.00 dollars, which must be paid at the time the permit application is submitted.
In addition to the permit fee, the applicant should be prepared to submit performance bonds and insurance certificates as outlined in the permit documentation.
All license applications can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. To receive an application by mail, contact the City Clerk's office during normal business hours at (309) 932 - 2555 for instructions. To pick up an application, visit City Hall during normal working hours.
Online Version of the Building or Structure Move Permit Application
The Zoning Board of Appeals may hear appeals from and review any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an agent or agency of the City charged with enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance.
Any person aggrieved by a ruling by any officer, department, board or bureau concerning the interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance may take an appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals by filing with the City Clerk and the Zoning Board of Appeals a notice of appeal.
A notice of appeal must specify the grounds of the appeal and include such plats and exhibits as are reasonably necessary to support the appeal.
An appeal will stay all proceedings and furtherance of the action appealed from unless or until the Board receives information certifying that a stay would cause imminent peril to life or property; in which case the proceedings will not be stayed unless a restraining order is granted by the Board or court of record on application.
The Zoning Board of Appeals will fix a reasonable time and place for the hearing of appeals and shall give notice thereof to the parties involved.
At the hearing(s), parties of interest may appear in person or agent or attorney.
The Zoning Board of Appeals may reverse or affirm, wholly or partly or may modify or amend the order, requirement, decision or determination appealed from to the extent and in the manner the Board may decide to be fitting and proper and to that end the Board shall have all the powers of the officer, agent or agency or bureau from whom the appeal is taken.
The concurring vote of four (4) members of the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be necessary to reverse any order, requirement, decision or determination, or to decide in favor of the applicant any matter upon which the Board is authorized to render decisions.
All license applications can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. To receive an application by mail, contact the City Clerk's office during normal business hours at (309) 932 - 2555 for instructions. To pick up an application, visit City Hall during normal working hours.
The City of Galva follows the Illinois Plumbing Code.
A permit for the drainage or plumbing of any building, public or private, or for the alteration in the existing system of drainage must be obtained from the City before commencing any plumbing work.
Inserting a junction in the main sewer or making a connection with the main sewer requires a permit.
No excavations shall be made for the purpose of making sewer connections without first obtaining a permit.
All permit applications can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. To receive an application by mail, contact the City Clerk's office during normal business hours at (309) 932 - 2555 for instructions. To pick up an application, visit City Hall during normal working hours.
Requirements for signs extending over any sidewalk, street, alley or other public way...
No person shall erect and maintain any sign over any street, alley, sidewalk or other public way in the City without obtaining a permit. Any person maintaining a sign over a public way will be required to file a bond or indemnifying policy with the City Clerk in such sum as established by the City conditioned to indemnify the Municipality for any loss or damage or liability that may result from the construction or maintenance of such sign.
All signs extending over a public way must be securely fastened and constructed so that there will be no danger of the same being dislodged by ordinary winds or falling from any other causes.
The lowest part of any sign or any support thereof, which extends over any public way, shall be at least eight (8) feet above the level of the walk or public way over which it extends. If a sign is to be maintained over a public way used by vehicles any part of the sign or its support must be fifteen (15) feet above grade.
The City may inspect at regular intervals every sign which extends over any sidewalk, street, alley or public way. If any such sign is found to be insecurely fastened, this fact will be reported to the owner of the sign or to the occupant of the premises on which it is fastened. If the sign is not made secure within ten (10) days after such notice, it may be torn down upon the order of the City Council.
Requirements for billboards...
The term "billboards" is defined to mean and shall be construed to mean any structure the sole or primary purpose of which is to be used for the display of advertisements or notices.
It is unlawful to construct a billboard within the Municipality without having first secured a permit, except that no permit is required for the construction of a billboard or signboard whose total display area does not exceed fifteen (15) square feet; and provided further, that no license issued shall be construed to authorize the construction or maintenance of a billboard which extends over or above any public way (see above).
Billboard permits must be accompanied by specifications showing the size, materials and manner of construction.
Every billboard must be firmly and solidly constructed so as to be able to bear a wind pressure of at least thirty (30) pounds per square foot of area; provided that billboards which are placed upon roofs must be so constructed as to be able to withstand a lateral wind pressure of forty (40) pounds per square foot of area.
Every billboard must be so constructed as to leave an open space of at least tow and one-half feet between the bottom of the display area of the billboard and the ground. This open area may be filled with lattice work or other ornamental design which does not close off more than two-thirds of any square foot of such open area.
Billboards which are constructed on property on which there is a properly established building line must be built entirely in back of the building line.
Billboards over fifteen (15) square feet must be constructed of noncombustible material.
Requirements for roof signs...
It shall be unlawful to construct any billboard on the roof of any building or structure of any but incombustible materials. All such roof signs or billboards must be so constructed that there is a three (3) foot space between the lowest part of the billboard and the roof of the building or structure, and so constructed that there is at least a four (4) foot space between the billboard or signboard and the edge of the roof at all sides and ends.
It shall be unlawful to construct any roof sign or billboard on the roof of any building which is unable to withstand the additional weight and wind pressure imposed by such construction.
Requirements for illuminated billboards...
The wiring of illuminated billboards and signboards requires an electrical permit.
Location restrictions and frontage consents...
It shall be unlawful to construct any billboard for which a permit for construction is required in any place where a majority of the property on both sides of the street of the block in which the billboard is located is used exclusively for residential purposes without first securing and filing with the City Clerk the written consent of the owners of a majority of all the property in the block; provided, that where a permit to construct a billboard on a corner lot is sought, frontage consents shall be required from the owners of a majority of the property in the block on all streets meeting at the intersection where a majority of all such property is used for residence purposes; and provided also, that where any block extends more than four hundred (400) feet from the location of the proposed billboard, the block shall be construed as terminating four hundred (400) feet from this location.
All permit applications can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. To receive an application by mail, contact the City Clerk's office during normal business hours at (309) 932 - 2555 for instructions. To pick up an application, visit City Hall during normal working hours.
Signs permitted in residential districts...
Nameplates and Identification Signs:
For one-family dwellings there shall be not more than one nameplate not exceeding one square foot in area for each dwelling unit indicating the name or address of the occupant or a permitted occupation.
No permit is required for nameplate and identification signs.
"For Sale" or "To Rent" Signs:
There shall be not more than one such sign per lot, except that on a corner lot two (2) signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted.
No such sign shall exceed eight (8) square feet in area nor be closer than eight (8) feet to any other zoning lot.
No such sign shall project beyond the property line into the public way.
No such sign shall project higher than seven (7) feet above curb level.
No permit is required for sale or rent signs.
Church bulletins permitted...
There shall not be more than one sign per lot, except that on a corner lot two (2) signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted.
No sign shall exceed eighteen (18) square feet in area nor be closer than eight (8) feet to any other zoning lot.
No sign shall project beyond the property line into the public way.
No sign shall project higher than seven (7) feet above the curb level.
No permit is required for church bulletins.
Signs permitted in business districts...
In the business district, business signs are permitted as are all signs and nameplates permitted in a residential district.
Area:
The gross area in square feet shall not exceed three (3) times the lineal feet of frontage, except that
The gross area of all flashing signs shall not exceed two (2) times the lineal frontage
Location:
The sign or signs shall front the principal street, a parking area or in the case of a corner building, on that portion of the side street wall within fifty (50) feet of the principal street.
Projection:
Signs suspended from any building shall not project more than thirty-six (36) inches beyond the building line and the bottom of such sign shall not be less than eight (8) feet above the finished grade of the sidewalk.
Any sign projecting or suspended from a building shall not exceed twelve (12) feet in height and its location and arrangement shall be subject to the approval of the building inspector.
No sign except those suspended from buildings shall be erected or placed between the street line and the building line.
All business signs, except for those signs in the business district that conform to signs and nameplates allowed in residential districts, require a permit.
Signs permitted in manufacturing districts...
In manufacturing districts, the regulations governing signs in the business district apply.
Billboards and poster panels having a sign area not exceeding two hundred seventy five (275) square feet shall be permitted, provided the locations of their sites and the limitations of the time of their use and all other terms and conditions thereof are first approved as provided in the Galva City Code.
All business signs, except for those signs in the business district that conform to signs and nameplates allowed in residential districts, require a permit.
All permit applications can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. To receive an application by mail, contact the City Clerk's office during normal business hours at (309) 932 - 2555 for instructions. To pick up an application, visit City Hall during normal working hours.
Signs on marquees and awnings...
Restrictions imposed on the projection of signs across property lines into the public way may be waived in business and manufacturing districts if those signs are located on marquees or canopies, provided that any signs located on a marquee or canopy shall be affixed flat to the surface and provided that no such sign shall extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of the marquee or canopy, except that individual, free-standing letters may project to a height not exceeding twenty-four (24) inches above the same.
The same holds for awnings, provided that any sign located on an awning shall be affixed flat to the surface thereof, shall be non illuminated and non flashing, and shall indicate only the name and address of the establishment on the premises. Keep in mind that no such sign may extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limit of the awning.
Signs on pylons and supports...
Signs, clocks or other advertising devices erected upon standards or separate supports shall be placed so as to be entirely within the property lines of the premises upon which they are located, and no part of any sign or standard shall have a total height greater than twenty (20) feet above the level of the street upon which the sign faces or above the adjoining ground level if such ground level is above the street level, nor shall the surface of such signs exceed an area of one hundred (100) square feet.
Signs may be placed on the face of a masonry pylon when the pylon is constructed as an integral part of the building and such pylon does not project above the roof line more than twelve (12) feet and the type, design and construction of the pylon complies with all building code requirements.
All business signs, except for those signs in the business district that conform to signs and nameplates allowed in residential districts, require a permit.
All permit applications can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. To receive an application by mail, contact the City Clerk's office during normal business hours at (309) 932 - 2555 for instructions. To pick up an application, visit City Hall during normal working hours.
The principle objective of the City's Zoning Title is to provide for an orderly arrangement of compatible buildings and land uses and for the proper location of all types of uses required for the social and economic welfare of the City.
To accomplish this objective, each type and kind of use is classified as permitted in one or more of the various districts established by the Zoning Ordinance.
However, in addition to those uses specifically classified and permitted in each district, there are certain additional uses which it may be necessary to allow because of their unusual characteristics or the service they provide the public.
These special uses require particular consideration as to their proper location in relation to adjacent established or intended uses or to the planned development of the community.
Should you require a special use permit, please allow time for the following procedure to unfold:
- Submit your application for review by the Plan Commission
- Be prepared to attend a Public Hearing should the Commission move your application forward
- After the Hearing, the Plan Commission will submit its recommendation to the City Council. This procedure may take up to thirty (30) days.
- Based on the recommendations of the Plan Commission and other other considerations, the City Council may authorize or deny a special use
See the Online Version of the Special Use Permit Application for further information
All permit applications can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. To receive an application by mail, contact the City Clerk's office during normal business hours at (309) 932 - 2555 for instructions. To pick up an application, visit City Hall during normal working hours.
The City of Galva retains the power to grant permits authorizing temporary special land uses (oftentimes commonly referred to as "Solicitor's Permits").
Temporary land use permits are required for the following activities:
- tent sales
- truck sales
- foreign vendor sales
- seasonal sales of produce
- seasonal sales of firewood
- seasonal sales of Christmas trees
The following definitions are provided to help you through the permitting process. For more information, read the Temporary Use Permits Ordinance.
- Tent Sale
- the sale of items from a temporary structure, such as a tent, for the purposes of general commerce whether retail or wholesale in nature
- Truck Sale
- the sale of items from a temporary structure, such as a tent, for the purposes of general commerce whether retail or wholesale in nature
- Foreign Vendor
- any person not residing within the corporate limits of the City of Galva for a period of ninety (90) continuous days prior to the issuance of a Temporary Use Permit who engages in selling, or offering for sale, food, beverages, merchandise or services from a stand or motor vehicle, or from his person, on the streets or sidewalks of the City, or from temporary or transient sales locations within the City, or while going from place-to-place within the City, and includes any person defined as a hawker, peddler, or itinerant vendor
All Temporary Special Use Permits carry time restrictions:
- tent and truck sale permits are issued for no more than five (5) days
- Christmas tree sales permits are issued for no more than sixty (60) days
- produce and firewood stand permits are issued for no more than three (3) months
Permit fees may be waived for legitimate non-profit organizations (contact the City Clerk's office if you are unsure about whether or not you qualify for an exemption).
In addition to a permit fee, some temporary use permits may require a deposit.
All permit applications can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. To receive an application by mail, contact the City Clerk's office during normal business hours at (309) 932 - 2555 for instructions. To pick up an application, visit City Hall during normal working hours.
An application for a variation may be made by a property owner or his agent to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Once a proper application and fee has been received, the Zoning Board of Appeals will fix a reasonable time and place for a public hearing on your application and will give notice of the hearing by publication in the Galva News.
Upon successful completion of the public hearing, the Board has thirty (30) days to report its findings to the City Council.
The City Council, without further public hearing, may adopt the proposed variation or may refer it back to the Board for further consideration.
Any proposed variation that fails to receive the approval of the Board of Appeals will not be passed except by a favorable vote of two-thirds of all members of the City Council.
The power and authority to alter or change the Zoning Ordinance or any use district is solely reserved to the City Council.
All permit applications can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. To receive an application by mail, contact the City Clerk's office during normal business hours at (309) 932 - 2555 for instructions. To pick up an application, visit City Hall during normal working hours.
