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What is a NRI report?
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What’s the difference between a NRI report and a zoning letter?
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Why do I need a NRI report or letter?
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How long does it take for a zoning report to be completed by the SWCD?
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What do I need to provide to the SWCD to do a NRI report?
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How much does a report/letter cost?
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Who do I call if I have questions and where do I send requests for NRI reports/letters and payments?
Land Evaluation Site Assessment (LESA)
Natural Resource Information Reports and Zoning Letters
Zoning Application
What is a NRI report?
NRI is short for Natural Resource Information Report. The report is used to assess the natural resources on a parcel of land where there is a request for a zoning change, variance or special use permit. NRI reports examine the soil types on the parcel and their suitability for different uses and the productivity of the soil using the land evaluation score that is part of the county’s Land Evaluation Site Assessment (LESA) system. Other components of the report include wetlands, floodplains, cultural resources, watershed findings, geological information, biological resources and comments from SWCD staff. An SWCD staff person may visit the site to verify natural resource concerns. Upon completion, these reports are mailed to the zoning petitioner, the zoning department, and the township office. Any zoning requests on agricultural zoned land will have a full natural resource information report done. Vacant land will be reviewed by SWCD staff for a need to have an NRI report done. The Winnebago County Soil and Water Conservation District has final say on what type of report or letter will be done for a zoning request. back to top
What’s the difference between a NRI report and a zoning letter?
Zoning letters are done on parcels that are currently zoned anything besides agriculture (commercial, industrial, residential, etc.) where there is a request for a change in zoning, special use permit or variance. The type of letter will depend on the existing improvements, proposed improvements, current zoning and type of request. The Winnebago County Soil and Water Conservation District has final say on what type of report or letter will be done for a zoning request. back to top
Why do I need a NRI report or letter?
It’s the law. The Illinois General Assembly passed the Soil and Water Conservation District act in 1937 because they determined it was in the public’s best interest to conserve the soil, soil resources, water, water resources of the state. Part of that law is section 405/22.02A, which gives districts the authority to conduct natural resource information reports.
Section 405/22.02a states: 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 municipality’s or county’s zoning ordinance or who proposes to subdivide vacant or agricultural lands therein shall furnish a copy of such petition or proposal to the Soil and Water Conservation District. The Soil and Water Conservation District shall be given not more than 30 days from time of receipt of the petition or proposal to issue its written opinion concerning the petition proposal and submit the same to the appropriate county agency or municipality for further action. back to top
How long does it take for a zoning report to be completed by SWCD?
Natural resource information reports require up to 30 days from the time the SWCD office receives the report until 10 days prior to the scheduled hearing.
Zoning Letters are completed from one to three weeks prior to 10 days from the scheduled hearing. back to top
What do I need to provide to the SWCD to do a NRI Report?
The SWCD requires the following to complete a NRI report:
- fully completed application
- fee payment
- copy of zoning or land use petition
- plat of survey with legal description
- site plan or concept map
- location map (if information is not already provided)
Unpaid or incomplete applications will NOT be accepted and will only further delay the process. Our application is available on our website and may also provided by some zoning departments.
Please note that location of the project, PIN numbers, and project area must match the information provided to the zoning department. The zoning department will not accept our report unless the information matches. If conflicting information is given to our office and is not corrected prior to the completion of a report or letter, the SWCD reserves the right to charge addition fees to correct the information. back to top
How much does a report/letter cost?
As of July 2018, the SWCD updated the fee schedule. Please contact to SWCD office to confirm the correct fee for your application.
Zoning Letters:
- resource concern letter – $100
- no impact letter – $50
Natural Resource Information (NRI) Report:
- Ag Zoned Land – $ 400 (0-5 acre)
- $20/additional acre 5-100 acres
- $15/additional acre 100-200 acres
- $10/ additional acre >200 acres
- Vacant Land – $250 (0-5 acre)
- $10/additional acre over 5 acres
Any questions regarding fees should be directed to the Winnebago County SWCD office who will make the final determinations. No report will be done prior to receiving payment. Checks can be made out to WINNEBAGO COUNTY SWCD. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover can be accepted by going to Illinois Funds E-Pay. back to top
Who do I call if I have questions and where do I send requests for NRI reports/letters and payment?
Any question regarding NRI policies, whether you need a full report or letter, or the fees can be directed to the Winnebago County SWCD, phone number – (815) 965-2392, extension 3. Requests and payments for NRI reports/letters can be mailed or dropped off with the payment at the Winnebago County SWCD office located at 4833 Owen Center Road, Rockford, Illinois 61101. back to top
