News: Ungaretti & Harris Land Use & Zoning Department Chair Authors 2008 Zoning Handbook

Chicago, September 4, 2008 – The 2008 edition of the Zoning Handbook for Municipal Officials, authored by Ungaretti & Harris Land Use & Zoning Department Chair Ronald S. Cope, has just been published by the Illinois Municipal League (IML).

Last published and authored by Mr. Cope in 2005, the Handbook provides answers to some of the zoning questions most frequently asked by public officials throughout the state. The 2008 edition also addresses new developments in zoning law, including:

• Rules and procedures for conducting a zoning hearing under Klaeren;
• Differences between variations and special uses;
• Standards for determining the validity of a zoning classification;
• The effect of the Civil Rights Act on zoning;
• What is a “taking” under the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions;
• The new rules regulating so-called “adult” uses; and
• New sections on home occupations, cellular towers and procedures to be followed on a zoning hearing, affordable housing, and basic annexation and financing issues.

The IML is the largest organization representing municipalities in Illinois. Mr. Cope will be one of the featured speakers at the IML’s 95th Annual Conference, held September 25-28 at the Hilton Chicago Hotel.

Mr. Cope has extensive experience in local government, land use, and financing issues. He has been involved in the creation of TIF Districts, the establishment of special assessments, special service areas, the creation of business districts, redevelopment areas and condemnation of land for public use. A graduate of both the College and Law School of the University of Chicago, Mr. Cope taught for 18 years at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.