Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Development, Planning, & Zoning Committee met Nov. 25

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

Chair Deuter called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

2. Roll Call

Present: Deuter, Veremis, Park

Absent: None

Staff Present: Franz, Gal, Johnson (part), Kransberger

Elected Officials: None

3. Receipt of Written Communications

One item was received and posted to Board Docs.

4. Public Comments

John Belcher, JMB Architects, commented on the impact to the interior design of a home if window well encroachment in the side yard is limited.

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Development, Planning & Zoning Committee Meeting Minutes November 12, 2024

Alderman Park made a motion to approve the minutes of the DP&Z Committee on November 12, 2024.  Chair Deuter seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed.

B. Case 24 P 18 Sandburg Middle School Conditional Use Permit for Planned Unit Development – 345 E. St. Charles Road

ACP Gal summarized the request. David Evans was in attendance on behalf of District 205. The Committee discussed the proposed landscaping and Mr. Evans confirms that landscaping shall be installed along the north and west property lines.

Alderman Veremis made a motion to approve a report recommending approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a Preliminary and Final Planned Unit Development with one Site Development Allowance and with a condition that evergreen trees/arborvitae be installed to screen the proposed storage building form view of nearby residential properties. Alderman Park seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed.

C. Case ZBA 08 Thornton’s Pylon Sign Variation – 476 N. York

CP Franz summarized the request. The Committee discussed the limitations of having nonconforming signage.

Alderman Veremis made a motion to approve a report recommending approval of the variation request for the property commonly known as 476 N. York Street. Alderman Park seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed.

D. Referral: Food Trucks & Trailers

CP Franz reviewed the current zoning regulations as it relates to trailer storage on commercial property. It was noted that storage is only permitted in industrial districts. The Committee reviewed the referral and requested additional examples of other commercial businesses that might have storage in addition to restaurants; input from BDM Bereckis on how often this issue comes up and solutions; and information from neighboring communities.

E. Zoning Ordinance Update – Public Draft 2.0

The Committee continued to review the November 8th memo. The Committee discussed appropriate zoning districts for tattooing. It was noted that the C3 district is more auto oriented and C2 would accommodate smaller spaces.

Alderman Veremis asked whether tattooing can be limited by size or number of chairs. Alderman Veremis was concerned about the establishment of tattooing businesses near residential districts and the possible proliferation of tattoo businesses. 

Emily Quinn, owner of an existing permanent makeup business in town, provided context on reconstructive tattooing and her interest in offering this service at her existing location in the C2 District.

There was discussion on whether it was possible to limit the type of tattooing to reconstructive tattooing.

Alderman Park stated that tattooing has evolved and doesn’t agree with limiting the purposes of the tattooing whether it be for medical reasons or for artistic expression.

The Committee asked for information from comparable communities on where they permit tattoo businesses.

The Committee reviewed LaGrange’s PUD ordinance and application. It was noted that the PUD is an option, rather than a requirement, and that there is a benefit to the community in exchange for any relief requested as part of the PUD. Chair Deuter asked staff to consider incorporating compensating amenities into the PUD ordinance.

The Committee reviewed the Use Changes memo and provided comments.

F. Discussion: Window wells, excavation standards and access

City staff reviewed the PPT posted to Board docs. ACM Johnson provided scenarios of window wells installed in the side yard setback. It was noted that it is challenging to apply the same set of engineering standards to all properties because there are a lot of variations on how to handle drainage.

The Committee discussed the Adjacent Landowner Excavation Act and agreed to create a similar handout to Western Springs as a way to raise awareness and provide information. It was noted that the handout includes links to additional resources.

The Committee discussed Park Ridge’s window well requirements. Staff noted that Park Ridge’s last text amendment to window wells was intended to clean up the code and address issues created when existing homes wanted to renovate and are required by the Building Code to install an escape well.

City staff reviewed the amount of property damage complaints since 2021. It was noted that there are 1 to 2 excavation related issues per year.

Chair Deuter asked staff whether it’s feasible to consider increasing the R2 side yard setback to match R1 (10% of lot width for lots greater than 60 feet). Staff can investigate but noted that the 5-foot setback requirement has been in place for decades and that the 10% setback requirement was only established in 1992 when more residential zoning districts were added.

Chair Deuter asked staff to prepare an outline with preliminary ideas on how to regulate window wells based on the committee discussion.

6. Other Business

CP Franz stated that the next meeting will be on December 9th. The Committee will decide after the next meeting whether to meet on December 23rd or if an additional meeting will be added the week of the 16th in place of the 23rd.

7. Adjournment

Alderman Park made a motion to adjourn at 10:09 p.m. Alderman Veremis seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 10:09 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/coe/Board.nsf/Public