MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

FOR THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, IL

HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2010

Chairman Fullmer called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Secretary Lube called the Roll of Members physically present:

PRESENT: Chairman Richard Fullmer, Jr., Secretary Robert Lube, Mr. Jim Jasinski, Mr. Charles Stoub, Mr. Daniel Moss, Mr. Richard Toth, Mr. Crecencio Gonzalez IV, Mr. Mark Benson, Ms. Tina Grotzke

ALSO PRESENT: Atty. Erik Peck, CDP Swanson,

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The first order of business was approval of the minutes of the October 5, 2010 meeting. Mr. Toth moved to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Mr. Jasinski and carried unanimously.

Chairman Fullmer stated the Rules of Proceeding for the hearing before the Plan Commission – Zoning Board of Appeals will follow a strict order of presentation. A sign-in sheet for interested persons is located at the podium. This hearing is being recorded. Please silence all cell phones and pagers.

Chairman Fullmer read Notice of Public Hearing for the proposed text amendment publishes on October 14, 2010 in The Doings Newspaper.

Consideration of text amendments to portions of the City of Countryside, IL Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance) as follows:

To Consider a revision to Section 10-2-4-5: Permitted construction in required Yards; to consider adding window wells, concrete stoops and sidewalks as Permitted obstructions in required yards.

City Planner Bryan Swanson presented the proposed text amendments to Section 10-2-4-5 – Permitted Obstructions in Required Yards – to consider adding window wells, concrete stoops and sidewalks as permitted obstructions in required yard setbacks. He stated that awnings or canopies may project not more than three feet into a required yard or court. The City Code has no language regarding window wells, stoops and sidewalks.

The proposed new construction, a single family home on a 10,000 s.f. lot at 730 Barton Drive is zoned R-3. The side yard requirements are ten feet on the west side and five feet on the east side. According to the plans, the owners have utilized every square foot of available space for the home. The west side of the building has a sidewalk and a concrete stoop, permitting access into and out of the garage. The main entrance to the building is in the front yard.

Mr. Swanson seeks direction from the Board regarding the very large window wells. After discussion it was agreed to allow window wells in general but limit their size. Board members agreed to not push the Code limits. Attorney Peck stated that the City Code is pretty straightforward; if something is not permitted then it is prohibited. If the Code makes no provision for window wells, then they are prohibited. Board agreed that the Code should remain as it is. New construction should be reduced in size to allow for an obstruction to not fall into the side yard setback.

Gerald Bezak, 10565 – 74^th St. stated that all the issues he was going to address have been brought up by Board members. He agreed that the Code should remain as is. Board members agreed to leave it alone.

OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Swanson stated that the Shell Station on LaGrange Road and Joliet Road is coming in for two variances for electronic signage in an existing non-conforming sign. The other item is Pepe’s Plat of Consolidation and possible rezoning to B-2 for NAPA Auto Parts (in the former Aldi’s space). The car wash on LaGrange has been sold to a party who was unaware of the special use required for the business. This is a prime example of why the Zoning Overlay is needed; in the future car washes may be totally prohibited in the commercial corridor. Mr. Moss was provided with a brief update regarding the Arce application for Tavern on LaGrange.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Stoub moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Benson and carried by unanimous voice vote.

Chairman Fullmer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

RICHARD FULLMER, JR., CHAIRMAN