DeKalb County Adjusts Zoning to Help Tornado Victims Rebuild

FAIRDALE, Ill. (AP) — Local officials say they are helping tornado victims rebuild in the small Illinois community of Fairdale — even if it means being more flexible on zoning restrictions.

DeKalb County Board member Kevin Bunge tells a Chicago radio station that the people who lost homes in a tornado last month are getting help.

The county is changing zoning to allow homes to be rebuilt, even if the structures violate setback rules for how close they can be to the street. Original homes were built before the zoning restrictions.

Other damaged properties may have septic systems that aren't up to code. Bunge says the county is trying to find options for those homeowners.

He says donations and volunteers have helped people who were uninsured or who didn't have adequate insurance.