City of Elmhurst Development, Planning, & Zoning Committee met Aug. 14.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
Chair Deuter called the meeting to order at 7:00.
2. Roll Call
Present: Deuter, Park, Veremis
Absent: None
Staff Present: Brumm, Franz, Kopp, Kransberger
Elected Officials: Brennan (part), Irby (part)
3. Receipt of Written Communications
None
4. Public Comments
Procedural: A. Public Comment
None
5. Business Before the Committee
Minutes: A. Development, Planning & Zoning Committee Meeting Minutes July 24, 2023
Alderman Park moved to approve the minutes of the DP&Z Committee on July 24, 2023. Alderman Veremis seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed.
B. License Agreement with Phase 3 Brewing - Spring Road Garbage Enclosure
ACM Kopp provided an overview of the agenda item. Evan Morris and James Rogers from Phase 3 were present and participated in the discussion. The City Attorney recommended a license agreement to allow the dumpster enclosure in the event the City needs to revoke the agreement. Alderman Deuter asked if the dumpster would be shared. It was noted that they will have separate dumpsters initially, but may combine with Docs in the future, if Docs chooses to participate. They intend to use deck type fencing with galvanized steel for the enclosure. Relocating the dumpster will increase outdoor seating by approximately 8 tables. Odor and noise elimination were also noted as being a benefit to the relocation. Alderman Park asked about recycling. They plan to utilize compostable materials for take-out and intend to work out a plan for recycling after they open. Alderman Veremis asked about renewal. ACM Kopp explained it is 1 year rolling renewal with expiration after 5 years. The Committee agreed that 5 years is reasonable to start and that if there are not any issues, perhaps in 5 years a limit can be removed. The Committee agreed to suspend the rules to approve the report and ordinance at the next City Council meeting.
Alderman Veremis recommended approval of the request including suspending the rules to vote on the report and ordinance the same evening. Alderman Park seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed.
C. Code Enforcement Practices Update
Lead Code Enforcement Officer Brumm presented a PowerPoint on Code Enforcement practices. The Committee asked for clarification on proactive enforcement and situations where a homeowner may not be able to afford to make the improvements. The Committee expressed appreciation on progress and response time.
D. Referral: Review Elmhurst building Code to Support Residential L2 Charging & Solar Panel Installation
BC Kransberger went over the staff memo on Board Docs. Regarding EV charging, it was noted that single family residences are currently required to have conduit run for EV, and that in 2024 panel capacity for single-family homes will need to be increased to accommodate EV and EV for multi-family will be required. Alderman Brennan asked about amp requirements in relation to an electric panel. The Committee agreed that the existing and future State requirement will likely be sufficient.
Regarding solar infrastructure BC Kransberger spoke about potential condensation due to conduit placement and that placing the infrastructure in the attic may inhibit future placement. It was also noted that a builder may not be an expert in solar installation. As of the meeting, BC Kransberger has been unable to locate a local municipality that requires solar infrastructure to be installed at time of new construction. Alderman Brennan and Chair Deuter discussed that the spirit of the referral is to make future installation easier later.
Resident Alex Schwartz spoke on economies of scale. Installer qualifications were discussed. Alderman Irby stated that the infrastructure he installs is in the house, but 90-95% of solar installations are external and a cheaper installation. Alderman Irby discussed load side vs a line side installation. Chair Deuter asked Alderman Irby about condensation, and he stated that there is minimal condensation when in the attic. Alderman Irby explained that he installs with a micro inverter and that he anticipates this type of installation to increase. Chair Deuter commented that if the industry is changing it might make sense to wait a little longer before making changes. Alderman Irby spoke about Sol Smart and solar ready homes. He confirmed that a hole in the roof is required for the inverter.
Alex Schwartz stated that Hanover Park does not have requirements for solar. Edith Makra is the contact at MMC. Alderman Park recommended looking at Boulder Colorado.
Staff will gather additional information for the next meeting.
E. Referral: Residential Builder Sidewalk Construction Code
Chair Deuter provided a recap of the previous meeting on the potential for a sidewalk fund and associated fees. ACM Kopp went over the memo on Board Docs and costs of recent sidewalks. The Committee agreed to recommend a sidewalk fund that is a payment in lieu of sidewalk installation. The Committee agreed that it should only apply to new construction in areas without a sidewalk.
The Committee discussed the possibility of someone paying into the fund and still not having a sidewalk installed and that based on the amount being collected, it may be a long time before there is enough in the fund to construct a sidewalk. It was noted that sidewalk installation contributions could also come from grants and other funding sources but that up to $50,000 could be generated annually from the fund. This would be sufficient to cover the cost of one block annually.
The Committee agreed to recommend a $5500 contribution for all new homes. If a builder chooses to install a sidewalk, engineering must be done for the 2 homes on either side and a contribution to the sidewalk fund will still be required. ACM Kopp will verify that the City can still require contribution if a sidewalk is installed. Collection would be part of the building permit process.
A draft report will be presented at the next meeting.
F. Zoning Ordinance Update
Chair Deuter explained that the process for going through the ordinance will be similar to the manner that the City budget is reviewed. Staff and the Committee will go through page by page and circle back to items that need further discussion.
Review will begin at the next meeting.
6. Other Business
None
7. Adjournment
Alderman Veremis made a motion to adjourn at 9:59 pm. Alderman Park seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed.
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/coe/Board.nsf/Public
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