Village Clerk's Office
Public Records & Village Administration
Everything to do with requesting official records, following the Village Board's work, and keeping up with local ordinances and legal notices.
Village Clerk
FOIA Requests
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives every resident the legal right to request and inspect public records held by the Village — meeting materials, ordinances, correspondence, financial records, and more.
Response required within 5 business days (up to 21 for commercial-purpose requests)
Village Clerk: patm@villageofgardner.org
Village Board
Meeting Agendas
A meeting agenda is the published list of topics, reports, and votes the Village Board plans to address at an upcoming meeting.
Board meets the 2nd & 4th Monday of most months
Posted at Village Hall ahead of each meeting; may take a bit longer to appear online
Village Board
Meeting Minutes
Meeting minutes are the official written record of what was discussed and decided at a Village Board meeting. They're posted online only after the Board approves them at the following meeting.
Open to any resident to review at any time
Older minutes not yet posted online can be requested directly through the Village Clerk
Municipal Code
Village Code
The Gardner Municipal Code is the complete, official compilation of local ordinances — covering zoning, building, business licensing, animal control, nuisance rules, and more. A printed copy is also available to review in person at Village Hall.
The Code was last fully codified in 2010; ordinances passed or amended since then are available by request at Village Hall
Village Board
Public Comment at Board Meetings
A standing opportunity for residents to address the Village Board directly during a scheduled meeting. There are two ways to take part — sign up ahead of time to be added to the printed agenda, or simply sign up in person for public comment at the start of the meeting.
To be added to the agenda: contact the Village Clerk by the Friday before the meeting
No advance notice needed: sign up for public comment in person at the start of the meeting
Village Hall · Building & Zoning
Permits, Licensing & Zoning
Approvals and applications for construction, land use, business operation, and specialty vehicles within Village limits.
Building & Zoning
Building Permits & Inspections
Official Village approval required before starting construction, additions, accessory structures, fences, or in-ground pools. Permits ensure work meets safety and zoning code, and inspections confirm it was done correctly.
Contact Village Hall before starting any project to confirm whether a permit is required
Electrical work must comply with the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70); plumbing work must comply with the Illinois Plumbing Code (77 Ill. Admin. Code 890)
Building & Zoning
Backyard Pool Permits
A pool permit is Village approval required before installing an above-ground or in-ground pool that holds more than 24 inches of water.
Call JULIE (811) before digging; pool must sit 5 ft off the property line/easement and 20 ft from structures
Electrical work must follow the NEC; a final inspection is required before use
Building & Zoning
Zoning & Land Use
Zoning regulations govern how property may be used within the Village — residential, commercial, or agricultural — including setbacks, lot coverage, and where structures may be placed.
The zoning ordinance is maintained as a separate document and isn't available online yet — contact Village Hall for a copy
Not sure how your property is zoned? Village Hall can look up the classification for you
Planning & Zoning Board
Zoning Board of Appeals — Apply or Request a Variance
The Planning & Zoning Board of Appeals reviews zoning requests, variances, and land-use matters, meeting monthly. Residents can apply to serve as a board member or bring a zoning matter before the board.
The board is currently recruiting members; compensated per meeting attended
Building & Zoning
Golf Cart & Alternative Transportation Permits
A permit required to legally operate a golf cart or other alternative transportation vehicle on Village streets.
$25/year, runs June 1 – May 31; requires annual inspection & proof of insurance
Drivers must be 18+ with a valid license; permit displayed front & rear
Building & Zoning
Business Licenses
Businesses operating within Village limits are generally required to obtain a business license and comply with applicable provisions of the Village Code. Applications are available at Village Hall.
Village Hall
Payments & Fees
Ways to pay permit fees, license fees, and other charges at Village Hall. For utility billing and account details, see the Utilities page.
Online Payments
Pay Online
Pay Village bills and fees securely online, 24/7, through the Collector Solutions portal.
Accepts major credit/debit cards and e-check; a small card-processing fee applies at checkout
In Person & By Mail
Pay by Mail or In Person
Payments may also be made by check or money order by mail, or in person at Village Hall during business hours. A drop box outside Village Hall accepts after-hours payments 24 hours a day.
302 N. Center St., Gardner, IL 60424 · Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM
In Person
Printing & Copies
Village Hall offers walk-in printing and photocopying services to residents during business hours.
Copies: $0.25 per page
Can't find the service you're looking for?
Village Hall staff are happy to point you in the right direction.