MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE
HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2004

Chairman Fullmer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Secretary Lube called the Roll; the following members were

PRESENT: Chairman Richard Fullmer, Jr., Secretary Robert Lube, Mr. Edward Ziemba, Ms. Tina Grotzke, Mr. Steven Jasinski

ABSENT: Mr. Daniel Moss, Ms. Cynthia Schulz

ALSO PRESENT: Mayor LeGant, City Attorney Erik Peck, CDO Muenzer, Ald. Conrad, Ald. Michalczyk, Ald. Krzeminski, Ald. Fajdich, Bldg. Comm. Krautstrunk

Chairman Fullmer announced that a PC/ZBA meeting is scheduled for June 15, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the Comprehensive City Master Plan.

CONTINUED HEARING TO REVIEW CURRENT RESIDENTIAL ZONING AND CREATE NEW RURAL RESIDENTIAL ZONING TO ACCOMMODATE RECENTLY ANNEXED RESIDENTIAL LOTS IN WARD TWO

Tonight is the continued meeting regarding R-7 Residential Zoning for the 5^th Avenue Cutoff area. Mr. Muenzer and Mr. Peck have revised the second draft. The entire draft was reviewed and discussed. Mr. Muenzer has researched the in-law accommodation question in the Burr Ridge, Hinsdale and LaGrange areas. In Burr Ridge they are allowed as a special use in R-1 zoning and must be on 5+ acres. They are not allowed in Hinsdale at all. LaGrange allows in-law accommodations in R-2 only. Regarding small cottages, Burr Ridge does allow them as a special use; they must be on 10+ acres. Hinsdale does not allow them. LaGrange does not allow them. Cook County allows accessory residential buildings only for individual employees and immediate family members but not as rental property. Chairman Fullmer thanked him for the research.

Roger Marikoff, 7424 Prescott Lane, stated that in-law accommodations should be separated from the cottage issues. Chairman Fullmer stated that when the present owners sell the property, it reverts back to single-family status. The cottage is no longer a permitted use and should not be rented. City Code follows the one home one lot rule. Mr. Krautstrunk stated that an accessory building could be a garage, shed, or stable. Residents would need a variance for an additional accessory building. Any keeping of livestock, etc., requires a special use variance depending on lot size and number of animals.

Regarding off-street parking, a semi-tractor cannot be parked on driveways; they must be sheltered and not visible from the neighbor’s yard. Lengthy discussion regarding an ongoing truck parking violation by a resident.

There is no minimum lot size; one acre equals 43,560 square feet. If subdivision is requested, the owner must come in for a variance. Chairman Fullmer read the draft regarding lot sizes with front and rear yard setback requirements. Floor area ratio shall not exceed .35. He also read Height Limitations, accessory buildings and driveways.

Steve Butkovich, 7305 Willow Springs Road has a two-flat zoned commercial on 1.2 acres; he asked what would happen to his property. Mr. Peck stated if his property is zoned R-7, whoever purchases it will have to come into compliance with the Code. The zoning does not transfer when he sells. The owner can seek a variance however.

Roger Marikoff stated that residents have signed a petition regarding commercial usage along Willow Springs Road; they have 47 signatures of immediately affected residents who are totally against any commercial usage in that area. He presented the petitions to the Chairman and to Muenzer. A lobbying effort by a non-resident property owner along Willow Springs Road gives the illusion that there is support for commercialization; that is untrue. This petition will be presented to the City Council tomorrow evening. Mr. Muenzer received 13-15 phone calls from residents who stated they were in favor of commercialization; this petition proves otherwise. Mr. Lube moved to accept the R-7 Rural Residential Zoning draft as presented and forward it to City Council, seconded by Mr. Ziemba, and carried unanimously by Roll Call vote – 5/0/2. This matter will come before the City Council at its regular meeting on May 26, 2004 at 7:30 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, Mr. Lube moved to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Grotzke and carried unanimously by voice vote. Chairman Fullmer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

RICHARD FULLMER, JR., CHAIRMAN