Elsah does not have a building code.  Certainly the best preservation is a well-built building.  It is the homeowner's responsibility to utilize professional assistance to monitor building projects.  The village Zoning Inspector can be helpful on a very limited scale to help homeowners determine what kind of professional help is advisable.

Use Zoning-Ordinance 181 as amended by Ordinance 229

This ordinance is like zoning in other communities.  The ordinance's purpose is the "Classifying, regulating and restricting the location of trades sand industries and the location of buildings designed for specific uses; to prohibit uses, buildings or structures incompatible with the character of the different districts;..."

Zoning at your address, _____ is R 1 with the permitted uses of single family dwellings, churches, public schools, public parks.  These activities are expected in this district.  A special use in this district is a home occupation.  Home occupations permits are considered and acted on by the Zoning Board after a public meeting.  A nonconforming use from 1987  may be continued, but may not be changed in nature without consideration and action by the Zoning Board.

NO PERMITS OR APPLICATIONS ARE NEEDED FOR PERMITTED USES.  APPLICATIONS FOR SPECIAL USES ARE CONSIDERED AND ACTED ON BY THE ZONING BOARD.

Historic Zoning Ordinance 190 as amended by 
Ordinance 229 and 242.

This Ordinance regulates the outside appearance of buildings.  All buildings in the historic district whether new or old must meet the requirements of this ordinance.  In the words of the Ordinance the purpose of this requirement is "to balance and improve the interests of residents, homeowners and businesses by assuring that alternations or any improvement is performed in a manner that is consistent with the Village's historic and architectural character...".

Flood Control Ordinance #249

The Village is required by federal law to conform with the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.  Most buildings in the valley must consider the impact of flood as indicated on the enclosed map.  The flood ordinance requires that the lowest floor and all electrical, heating, ventilating, plumbing and air conditioning equipment and utility meters be located one foot above the flood protection elevation listed on the map.  The provision regarding service location is very important even if your building is not located in the actual flood plain.  If flooding does occur, basements will be impacted by hydrostatic pressures.  Also, when installing a new private sewer system, the Jersey County Health Department assures the Village that the new system is waterproof and will not contaminate flood waters.

Flood development permits are required for any building or
structural activity below the flood protection elevation.  

Applications for flood development permit are considered
and acted on by the Zoning Board.