Table of Contents

1. What is a NRI Report ...?
2. Why do I need to do a NRI Report ... ?
3. How long does it take for a zoing report to be completed by SWCD ... ?
4. What do I need to provide the SWCD to do a NRI Report ... ?
5. How much does a report cost ... ?
6. Who do I call if I have questions and where do I send requests for NRI Report/Letters and payment ... ?

Zoning Application

Fee Schedule

Natural Resource Information Reports & Zoning Letters - FAQ's (powerpoint)

What is a NRI Report ... ?

NRI is short for Natural Resource Information Report.  They are 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.

Any zoning requests on agricultural zoned land or vacant land will have a full natural resource information report done.  This report will examine the soil types on the parcel and their suitability’s for different uses, the productivity of the soil (this is done with the Land Evaluation score approved by the county as part of LESA (Land Evaluation Site Assessment).  The report also includes wetlands, floodplains and geographic information on the parcel.  An SWCD staff person will also visit the site to look for additional natural resource information.  These reports are reviewed at the SWCD’s monthly board meeting where board opinions and concerns are added to the reports.  They are forwarded to the applicant and the zoning office.

Zoning letters are done on parcels where the land has already been developed and the resources are altered (i.e. special use permit for a business in an existing home) or when natural resources will not be affected by the request (i.e. variance to reduce road frontage) The Winnebago County Soil and Water Conservation District has final say on what type of report will be done for a zoning request.

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Why do I need to do a NRI Report ... ?

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 publics 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 it’s written opinion concerning the petition proposal and submit the same to the appropriate county agency or municipality for further action.

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How long does it take for a zoning report to be completed by SWCD ... ?

Thirty (30) days from the time the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) receives the request and payment.  SWCD staff needs approximately 1-2 weeks to complete a NRI report depending on the size of the parcel.  Once the reports are completed they will be reviewed at the next SWCD monthly board meeting where the directors will review the reports and give their opinions and concerns.  Completed full NRI reports are mailed to the respective zoning office, applicant and township official (owner/third parties, if requested.  Zoning letters are mailed out to the applicant and respective zoning office. 

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What do I need to provide the SWCD to do a NRI Report ... ?

The following information is required:  property location (full address), property code, acreage, owners/applicant's name and address, name and phone # of contact person, type of request.   If applying for a NRI report please provide what the proposed land use may involve (septics, small commercial building, basements, etc.). Maps should be included if applicable.  Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted and will only further delay the process.    Zoning Application

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How much does a report cost ... ?

Depends on the type of request.  If no on-site investigations are required (i.e. liquor permit, variance for fence height) a letter will be done.  The zoning letter will cost a fee of $75.  If a full report is required the fee is based in the size of the parcel.  The Winnebago County SWCD charges $400 for parcels 0-5 acres in size plus $20 per acre for every acre over (see fee schedule).  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 and MasterCard also accepted.  NRI Fee Schedule 

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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 Jessica Vandeboom - Resource Analyst or Dennis Anthony - Soil Scientist, at the Winnebago County SWCD, phone number – (815) 965-2392, extension 3.  Requests 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.

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