From time to time, there may be instances where a person may have a question concerning a provision of this chapter or the application of a provision of this chapter. The Zoning Administrator may, at his/her discretion, choose to issue an oral or written interpretation. This division describes the procedures and requirements to issue a written interpretation.
Any person, including the Zoning Administrator, may submit a question for interpretation.
The Zoning Administrator shall be responsible for rendering a written interpretation.
The responsibility for interpretation shall not be construed as overriding the responsibilities specifically given to any commission, Village board, or official named in other parts of this chapter.
The general steps outlined below shall be used to render an interpretation.
A. 
Submittal of question. The individual requesting the interpretation shall submit the question in writing to the Zoning Administrator and the application fee as may be established by the Village Board.
B. 
Decision. The Zoning Administrator shall make a written decision within 30 business days of receiving the request.
C. 
Notification of decision. Within a reasonable time following completion of his or her interpretation, the Zoning Administrator shall mail a duplicate copy of the interpretation by regular mail to the individual requesting the interpretation and provide a copy of the same to the Planning Commission and those Village employees involved in the administration of this chapter, as appropriate.
D. 
Public record copy. A duplicate copy of the interpretation shall be retained as a public record.
In consultation with the Village Attorney, Village staff and others as appropriate, the Zoning Administrator shall evaluate the section of this chapter in question and those which are related, consider the overall intent of this chapter, consider the findings and purpose statements as appropriate, and consider other applicable interpretations that have previously been made and make a decision consistent with this division giving this chapter its most reasonable application. If the Zoning Administrator cannot make a reasonable interpretation, he or she shall make such a determination.
The Zoning Administrator or the Planning Commission may rescind or modify an interpretation if such interpretation is deemed to be incorrect in whole or in part.
An interpretation shall be in writing and contain the following:
A. 
The name of the person posing the question;
B. 
The section number of this chapter in question;
C. 
The question or alleged ambiguity;
D. 
The factors that were considered in making the interpretation;
E. 
The interpretation;
F. 
Other information the Zoning Administrator deems appropriate;
G. 
The signature of the Zoning Administrator; and
H. 
The date of the decision.
An interpretation once rendered shall have full effect as if set forth in this chapter. Where appropriate, interpretations should be addressed through the amendment process. If the Zoning Administrator determines that he or she is not able to make a reasonable interpretation, such decision shall not affect the validity of any section of this chapter.
The Zoning Administrator shall keep a written record of all interpretations in effect and make them available for public inspection.
An aggrieved person may, without time constraint, appeal an interpretation made pursuant to this division by filing an administrative appeal with the Zoning Board of Appeals as provided for in this article.