Dupage Policy Journal

City of Warrenville Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals met Oct. 9

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

A. CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Cosgrove called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

B. ROLL CALL

PC Present: Tim Cosgrove, Jim Martina, Mark Taylor, Rachael Fawell Chris Wilson, Tom Smillie, Katy Ebbesen

PC Excused: Natalie Clemens, Jessica Tullier

ZBA Present: Tim Cosgrove, Jim Martina, Mark Taylor, Chris Wilson Tom Smillie, Katy Ebbesen

ZBA Excused: Natalie Clemens, Jessica Tullier

Also Present: Community & Economic Development Director Amy Emery

C. NEW BUSINESS

1. City of Warrenville/ Zoning Text Amendments / Day Care Center, Adult (Public Hearing)

Review and discussion of Zoning Ordinance text amendments to permit “Day care centers, adult” as a permitted use in the O-1 Limited Office, B-2 Community Retail, and B-4 Motorist Service zoning districts and to establish minimum parking regulations for adult day care centers.

CHAIRMAN COSGROVE MADE A MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR. CHAIRMAN COSGROVE ASKED FOR A VOICE VOTE. MOTION PASSED. MOTION CARRIED.

Petitioner Presentation:

Community Planner Maszka explained the amendment arose from an applicant seeking to locate an adult day care facility in an O-1 district. Current zoning only defines 'Day Care Center, Child,' preventing staff from interpreting adult day care as a permitted use. The proposal adds 'Day Care Center, Adult' as a by-right use in O-1, B-2, and B-4 districts with parking ratios consistent with child day cares. Adult day care facilities typically operate fully indoors without outdoor recreation components.

Public Testimony:

None.

PC/ZBA Questions and Comments:

- Chairman Cosgrove recommended changing the term “students” to “attendees” to reflect the clientele of adult day care facilities.

- Planner Maszka agreed, noting ‘attendees’ was appropriate and inclusive.

- Director Emery advised against adding a separate definition for the proposed “day care center, adult” use, explaining that the State of Illinois already regulates and licenses these facilities with clear definitions, avoiding local code conflicts.

- Chairman Cosgrove questioned how the City treats church-based day care or preschool operations such as Agape at Community Baptist Church. Planner Maszka clarified that church-provided programs are accessory to the main religious use and not considered standalone day care centers.

- Commissioner Smillie questioned the appropriateness of allowing adult day care in B-4 districts, citing potential adjacency to liquor stores or auto-oriented uses. Planner Maszka explained Warrenville’s cumulative zoning approach permits B-2 uses in B-4 districts and noted staff could research spacing restrictions used by other municipalities.

- Commissioner Fawell asked how the City ensures facilities are properly licensed. Director Emery stated that nearly all operators must obtain state licenses and staff verify compliance during business registration or occupancy review.

- Commissioner Martina asked if adult day care facilities might include clinical services. Director Emery responded that any such medical component would fall under state regulatory oversight.

- After discussion, the Commission agreed the amendment appropriately aligns with comparable uses and safeguards.

CHAIRMAN COSGROVE MADE A MOTION THAT THE PLAN COMMISSION RECOMMEND CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF ADULT DAY CARE CENTER ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS AS OUTLINED IN THE OCTOBER 9, 2025, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT.

D. OTHER BUSINESS

1. Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment Discussion / Accessory Building Amendments

Request for direction from the Plan Commission / Zoning Board of Appeals on accessory building related text amendments.

Petitioner Presentation:

Planner Maszka summarized that staff reviewed earlier amendments allowing larger accessory buildings for properties exceeding 40,000 sq. ft. and now seeks guidance for smaller lots. Proposed increases include allowing up to 800 sq. ft. on lots under 18,000 sq. ft. and 1,000 sq. ft. on lots between 18,000–40,000 sq. ft. Examples were presented showing effects on typical lots and remaining lot coverage.

Public Testimony:

None.

PC/ZBA Questions and Comments:

- Chairman Cosgrove questioned the 20-foot setback for accessory buildings over 1,000 sq. ft., suggesting it may have been intended for barns rather than garages. Planner Maszka agreed and said staff could explore revising the setback based on use rather than size.

- Planner Maszka confirmed that Table 10A already distinguish between structures such as barns and chicken coops.

- Commissioner Wilson observed that since the proposal caps buildings at 1,000 sq. ft., the 20-foot setback would not apply unless a variance were requested.

- Commissioner Fawell supported the proposal, citing trends of larger vehicles and the need for reasonable storage, provided overall lot coverage remains balanced.

- Chairman Cosgrove asked staff to research historical changes in accessory structure regulations for context.

- Commissioner Smillie asked whether larger garages could be converted into dwellings or rentals. Planner Maszka clarified that occupancy is prohibited in accessory buildings under existing code.

- Director Emery added that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) will be addressed separately as part of a future housing strategy.

- Consensus supported continued refinement and future public hearing.

2. Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment Discussion / Short-Term Rentals

Introductory discussion about short-term rental units. Staff will provide general background information about short-term rentals, regulatory approaches by Comparable Communities, priorities established by City Council, and the recommended process for considering amendments.

Petitioner Presentation:

Director Emery explained the topic originated after City Council requested staff prepare regulations following Airbnb’s outreach to local officials. The intent is to create a registration and inspection framework ensuring fairness with hotels, safety compliance, and collection of hotel-motel tax revenue. Warrenville currently has a small number of short-term rentals with no reported complaints.

Public Testimony:

None.

PC/ZBA Questions and Comments:

- Chairman Cosgrove asked how taxation would occur. Director Emery explained operators would self-report stays similar to hotel taxes.

- Commissioner Smillie asked whether HOAs could prohibit rentals. Director Emery confirmed HOAs may adopt stricter covenants than the City.

- Commissioner Taylor referenced past complaints in the Cantera area. Planner Maszka confirmed staff investigated and found no major violations.

- Commissioner Fawell asked about owner-occupied versus full-house rentals, citing recent litigation in New Orleans. Planner Maszka explained the proposed ordinance applies only to whole-house rentals consistent with zoning; ADUs are not currently permitted.

- Commissioner Wilson asked about occupancy limits to prevent parties. Planner Maszka explained minimum-night stay rules and existing nuisance codes would address such issues.

- Director Emery emphasized Warrenville has no current issues and that registration and licensing will provide oversight if future concerns arise.

3. 2026 Meeting Calendar

Review of the 2026 Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals meeting calendar.

E. PUBLIC COMMENTS

None.

F. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Regular Meeting Minutes of August 21, 2025

CHAIRMAN COSGROVE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS AMENDED. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FAWELL. CHAIRMAN COSGROVE ASKED FOR A VOICE VOTE. MOTION PASSED. MOTION CARRIED. NOTE: TAYLOR ABSTAINED

2. Regular Meeting Minutes of September 4, 2025

COMMISSIONER TAYLOR MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MARTINA. CHAIRMAN COSGROVE ASKED FOR A VOICE VOTE. MOTION PASSED. MOTION CARRIED.

NOTE: FAWELL AND COSGROVE ABSTAINED

G. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Chairman Cosgrove highlighted the Historical Society’s Cemetery Walk on October 19 and commented on the City Council’s approval of the Cantera Point development following robust public debate.

H. COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR’S REPORT

- Gas Station Lawsuit – The court dismissed the complaint as unfounded; refiling remains possible within several weeks.

- APA Conference – Staff attended sessions on economic development and public engagement.

- Pop-Up Market – Two sheds to arrive next week with soft launches on October 25 (1–4 p.m.) and November 1 (9 a.m.–1 p.m.).

- Project Updates – Cantera Point advancing to ordinance drafting; Riverview West (55+) approved on consent agenda.

I. PLANNER’S REPORT

Planner Maszka previewed three upcoming public hearings: short-term rental text amendment, mural permitting standards, and codification of legacy PUD tables. He also noted implementation of AI-based transcription tools to improve minute preparation efficiency.

J. MAYOR’S REPORT

None.

K. ADJOURN

CHAIRMAN COSGROVE MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SMILLIE TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:10 P.M. CHAIRMAN COSGROVE ASKED FOR A VOICE VOTE. MOTION PASSED. MOTION CARRIED.

https://www.warrenville.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10092025-1547