Long Grove Plan Commission

May 16, 2006 Meeting Minutes

                                                                                                                            

 

Chairman Present:  Fred Phillips 

 

Commissioners Present:  Eduardo L. Acuna, Charles Cohn, Joseph Di Iorio, Michael A. Dvorak, Tobin Fraley, Robert Jenkins, and Shelly Rubin

 

Commissioners Absent:  Nicholas Fasano

 

Also Present:  Village Planner James Hogue, Plan Commission Secretary Wendy Parr, and Village Attorney Julie Tappendorf

 

 

1.    Call to Order: Chairman Phillips called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.m.

 

 

2.    PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP SESSION; Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (Chapters 9, 10, 11 & 12) Discussion by full PCZBA

 

Village Attorney Tappendorf explained the overall intent of the Chapter 9 – District Regulations of General Applicability.

 

Commissioner Acuna asked about section D2 – Guesthouses; if the 850 ft2 came from the old code and if the size was reasonable.  Village Attorney Tappendorf stated that 850 ft2 is from the old code and it is typical.  Commissioner Acuna also asked about wording in section D3 concerning the material specification for fencing around tennis courts in particular.  The attorney stated that she will ask Bob Block why there is a material specified for tennis courts.

 

Commissioner Acuna asked to define section D4 – Outdoor Storage.  Village Attorney Tappendorf explained that outdoor storage refers to unenclosed storage, outside.  Commissioner Jenkins expressed a concern about restrictions for outdoor storage of agricultural equipment, typical for many traditional Long Grove residents. There was a general discussion about the interpretation and application of the proposed wording of section D4 which seems to allow the Village to prosecute those storing junk in their yard.  Village Attorney Tappendorf will look into the definition.

 

Regarding D5, Village Attorney Tappendorf added the horse and pony clause, and cross-reference.  She also noted in section D6-f, Parking Vehicle for Sale Prohibited was added because the Village Superintendent indicated that non-owners are attempting to sell vehicles on Village lots.  Village Attorney Tappendorf stressed that section D7 refers to antennas, other than ground; not a significant change from the old code.

 

Commissioner Rubin wanted to review the definitions of home occupations in section 5-9-2.  The commissioners asked the Attorney to modify the wording in section C3-d - “not more than one commercial vehicle ...” 

 

Commissioner Fraley voiced a concern about artists working out of their home and having people coming to their home to purchase artwork. There was a general discussion concluding that enforcement must be reasonable.  There was a consensus that section 5-9-2, c8-g – Noxious Matter, can be removed; it is not necessary.

 

Village Attorney Tappendorf explained that temporary use and signage, section 5-9-3, was

a big problem for the board.  This was a change whereby the staff approves temporary signage without the Village Board approval for each one.

 

Commissioner Fraley, referencing section D3-a, questioned why people can not sit outside earlier than 8:00 AM at say for example, a coffee shop.  Chairman Phillips explained that this regulation was specifically for those restaurants in close proximity to homes that might be disturbed by the noise.  Village Attorney Tappendorf suggested that she add a procedure for the board to reconsider a process to expand outdoor dining hours.

 

In reference to section F6 – Temporary Use Sign Limitations, Commissioner Acuna asked if approval is necessary for a birthday sign in the yard.  Commissioner Dvorak questioned garage sale signs currently being placed at entrances to subdivisions.  Village Attorney Tappendorf stated that signs of this type are not in compliance with the rules.  There was a general discussion about the rule and Village Attorney Tappendorf noted that the Village cannot remove signs from private property; even if they violate the code because of the trespass issues.  The owners can, however, be ticketed for the illegal signs.

 

There was a general discussion about section 5-9-4, Parking.  The commissioners asked that “paved” be removed from section C2-d – Maintenance.

 

There was a general discussion about the required number of spaces.  It was noted that all B1 businesses must comply with the parking space requirements.  Village Attorney Tappendorf stated that there are many options for providing parking relief:  variations with hardship, variations with conditions, schedules / training.  There was additional discussion about parking.

 

At the next workshop session, the group will continue Chapter 9 at section 5-9-5 – Signs. 

 

 

3.    Approval of minutes; 3/21/06, 4/4/06.

 

Commissioner Acuna moved to postpone approval of the minutes until the next meeting.  Commissioner Rubin seconded the motion.  All ayes. No nayes.  The motion carried.

 

 

4.    Adjournment; 

          

Commissioner Acuna moved to adjourn the meeting.  Commissioner Fraley seconded the motion.  All ayes. No nays.  The motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 pm.

 

 

5.    Next Regular Meeting – June 6, 2006 at 8:00 pm.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Wendy Parr

Plan Commission Secretary