Home/Building Improvements

Development Process

All development in Moline requires review and approval by the appropriate City staff. Prior to construction, a property owner or contractor must first apply for a building permit and submit a site plan for review. The Land Development Division will review the site plan to ensure that new structures and development comply with adopted land use codes and policies. Proposals will be reviewed, at minimum, to verify that construction will meet applicable setbacks, height, and size (bulk) standards. For larger projects other than single or two-family residential construction, additional site plans for landscaping and lighting may also be required.

Site plans may be reviewed and approved administratively unless an applicant seeks a variance or special approval. There is no fee for administrative site plan review. Cursory reviews are also available upon request.

For information and examples on preparing a site plan, and a drawing template sheet, view the handout Preparing and Submitting a Site Plan.

Code Resources

• Zoning Code. Accept the disclaimer and click on Chapter 35. Includes land use, subdivision, bulk, telecommunications, natural resource protection, parking, landscaping, illumination, and building design standards.
• Advertising and Sign Code. Accept the disclaimer and click on Chapter 3.
• Flood Protection Code. Accept the disclaimer and click on Chapter 13.

Accessory structures are detached, subordinate structures located on the same lot as a principal structure (such as a home or commercial business), where the use is incidental and accessory to that of the principal structure.

 Small Sheds and other Minor Accessory Structures (120 Sq. Ft. or less)

• May be placed in rear and side yards up to the property line and near buildings or structures.
• May not be placed in the front setback.

Garages, Sheds, Carports, and other Major Accessory Structures (greater than 120 Sq. Ft.)

• Front setback: 25 feet
• Side street front setback, corner lot: 25 feet (exception for small lots prior to 1991: 10 feet)
• Side yard setback (if located behind rear building line of the principal structure): 3 feet
• Side yard setback (if not behind rear building line of principal structure): 5 feet
• Sum side yards: 25% lot width
• Rear setback: 5 feet
• Maximum height: 15 feet to coping (flat roof), deck line (mansard roof), or average height (midpoint) of highest gable
• Maximum lot coverage: Coverage of principal structure or 30% of rear yard setback, whichever is less.
• Minimum building separation: 6 feet

Decks and Elevated Patios (uncovered)

• Allowed in side & rear yard setbacks
• Setback: 3 feet from any property line

Patios (not more than 1 foot above grade)

• Allowed in all yard setbacks
• Minimum 50% front landscape surface ratio

Swimming Pools & Recreation Courts

• Allowed in side and rear setbacks.
• Minimum 3 feet from all property lines
• Pool fence enclosure required by building code (for regulations,contact Building Division, 309.524.2370)

Additional Info

• A setback is the narrowest distance permitted from a property line to a structure, measured to the exterior building wall or nearest structural member.
• Permit not required for small sheds and most structures less than 120 Sq. Ft.
• Garages, carports, and additions attached to homes and other principal structures have greater setbacks. Contact the Land Development Division for more information.
• This is a partial list only; other limitations exist.
• Printable accessory structure handout (PDF)
• Site plan and development review information