Certificate of Exemption
Purpose of the Certificate of Exemption
The Certificate of Exemption is used when small parcels of land are being conveyed between adjacent landowners. This is an administrative procedure; it does not require review by the Plan Commission or City Council. The Certificate of Exemption is a transfer of property through deeds. The proposed exemption is sent for outside agency review and then it can be administratively approved.
Quick Links
- Certificate of Exemption Application
- Certificate of Exemption Worksheet
- Certificate of Exemption Utility Letter Example
- Declaration of Ownership
- Disclosure Affidavit
Contents of the Certificate of Exemption Application
The Planning and Development Department has an application form which must be completed and is included in the application package. It is often helpful to meet with City staff prior to the submission of the application or to schedule an appointment to review the application when it is formally submitted. Staff cannot supply legal advice, nor is it required, but applicants are welcome to bring an attorney, architect, builder, or anyone else they believe will be helpful to any meeting. Please contact the Planning and Development Department at 217-403-8800 to schedule a meeting with a member of the Current Planning staff.
The application asks for a variety of information including name and address of the landowners; existing zoning classification; current and proposed land use; current and future legal descriptions of the two properties; a sketch of the proposed conveyance; and other relevant characteristics about the subject properties. The application also requires the applicant to fill out the Certificate itself, along with verifications and affidavits that allow the transference of property.
The sketch should include the length of all boundary lines of all adjacent streets, blocks, lots, public grounds, easements, rights-of-way, and information sufficient to derive the length of these lines. This document should show a visual representation of the proposed conveyance, however, this document does not need to be created by a licensed Professional Engineer; it can be created by a Land Surveyor. A metes and bounds written description of the conveyance is necessary in order for the legal transaction to take place. In addition, the width of all rights-of-way and easements adjacent to, impacting, or serving the tract should be shown, as well as any floodplain information in accordance with Chapter 9 of the Municipal Code.
Four printed copies of the sketch should be submitted to the Planning and Development Department for review. Sketches can mailed or delivered in person to the Planning and Development Department, Champaign City Building, 102 N. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820.