FAQs • Rock Island, IL • CivicEngage

Can I operate a business out of my home?: Yes, with some qualifications as identified in the zoning ordinance. Some home businesses are allowed without a rezoning or other type of zoning action. These are minor businesses that no one comes to the property (other than the residents of the home), do not have any signs and also do not operate the business out of more than one room of the home or in a garage. Section 8.13B of the zoning ordinance identifies all the regulations for minor home occupations. Contact zoning officials about regulations for major home occupations.
Code of Ordinances

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Zoning & Land Use

1. I want to put up a fence at my home. What are the City regulations?: Fences in residential zoning districts are allowed to be located up to the property line, except in the case of a corner lot of a street to a street, or a street to an alley. Fences in a front yard are only allowed to be 3 ½ feet in total height, while fences in a side or rear yard can be six feet in height. Smooth side of a fence must face towards your neighbor. For most cases a building permit is not required.
Code of Ordinances

2. I want to build a garage at my home. What are the City regulations?: There are different regulations for a detached garage compared to a garage attached to your residence. Basically, detached garages can be located in a side or rear yard. There are building setback, maximum height and building separation requirements identified in the ordinance. Attached garages have larger building setback requirements that vary depending on the zoning district you residence is located in. Check with zoning officials to learn what zoning district you are located in and what the building setbacks are.
Code of Ordinances

3. Can I operate a business out of my home?: Yes, with some qualifications as identified in the zoning ordinance. Some home businesses are allowed without a rezoning or other type of zoning action. These are minor businesses that no one comes to the property (other than the residents of the home), do not have any signs and also do not operate the business out of more than one room of the home or in a garage. Section 8.13B of the zoning ordinance identifies all the regulations for minor home occupations. Contact zoning officials about regulations for major home occupations.
Code of Ordinances

4. Can I park a boat, trailer or motor home at my home for an extended period of time?: Section 8.14H of the zoning ordinance identifies all the regulations for these type of vehicles and trailers. Typically they can be parked on an improved driveway in a side or rear yard for an extended period of time if the setback and separation requirements in the ordinance are met. Front yard parking is limited to an improved driveway and only for 24 hours twice in any consecutive seven day time period for loading and unloading only (these times must also be separated by at least a 30 hour time period).
Code of Ordinances