Welcome to the City of Metropolis!

The City of Metropolis is developing a long-term plan to reduce sewer overflows to the Ohio River, as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Combined sewer overflows are a century-old problem in more than 700 U.S. communities, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest. Illinois has more than 100 communities with combined sewers, which combine sewage and stormwater into the same pipe.

During dry weather, sewage flows safely through the City’s sewers to the Metropolis sewer treatment plant (STP). However, about 50 times a year melting snow or rainwater can overwhelm the sewers, causing untreated sewage to overflow into the Ohio River.

Metropolis must examine its sewer overflows and prepare a long-term control plan that meets Clean Water Act requirements and protects the Ohio River. This City is working with Illinois EPA to develop the plan.
The City of Metropolis has installed signage at the CSO outfall location. The signs are weatherproof, and will identify the outfall number along with contact information and phone number.

If you would like to be notified via email whenever an overflow warning is in effect, Contact Us.

Food Vendor License

The City of Metropolis currently permits food vendors to operate on private property in accordance with Ordinance 2012-12. Vendors offering to sell to the public, un-sealed, prepared foods that may be consumed either on or off the vendor’s premises first shall apply for a Local Food Vendors license. Applications should be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office.

City of Metropolis Zoning Code & Zoning Map

In accordance with Illinois State Statute (65 ILCS 5/11-13-1 et seq.), the Metropolis Zoning Code regulates structures and land uses in order to preserve, protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare through implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The Code is applicable to land situated within the corporate limits of the City and contiguous territory not more than 1 ½ miles beyond the corporate limits and not included in any municipality.

The Zoning Code specifies the areas in which residential, industrial, recreational or commercial activities may take place and restricts the uses that can be made of land and buildings.  Zoning also regulates the dimensional requirements for lots and for buildings on property located within the City of Metropolis, and the density of development. Please be aware that a building permit or demolition permit may be required before any work can begin.