The Department of Community Development's overall function is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Winnetka through its oversight of building construction, code enforcement, sanitation inspections, zoning administration, as well as short and long range planning.In order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Winnetka the Department of Community is responsible for a number of activities. The department is located on first floor of Village Hall. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. In terms of activity the majority of departmental function falls within one of two categories building and code enforcement or planning and zoning. Following is a description of what the departmental role is specific to each category.

Building and Code Enforcement
The Department processes and issues all building permits. This includes reviewing all building permit plans for compliance with all applicable building codes, issuing building permits, conducting inspections of construction work, coordinating building activities with other village department's and issuance of certificates of occupancy. Departmental staff is also responsible for a variety of other non-construction-related inspections, which fall under the category of code enforcement. The Department is also responsible for public health and sanitation inspections of all food service establishments.

Planning and Zoning
The Department is responsible for administering and implementing the village comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance. In this area, the department is responsible for assuring compliance of all construction and occupancy with the village's zoning regulations. It also processes all applications for demolitions, landmark preservation, commercial rehabilitation and zoning relief. Staff also provides support to a number of village boards and commissions.

Most activities related to building, land use, zoning and sanitation are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Community Development.