Village Seeks Standards for Industrial, Multi-Family Uses

By Bob Balgemann, REPORTER

 Officials are continuing to work at making the Village a more aesthetically pleasing place in which to live. So far the Planning and Zoning Commission, along with the Planning and Economic Development Committee, have recommended approval of the following:

1. A text amendment to the Zoning Code, adopting industrial design standards.

2. A text amendment to the Zoning Code for multi-family residential planned unit developments (PUD) of over eight units.

Both were scheduled to have final action at the Jan. 17 Village Board meeting.

A return trip for those proposals took place at the Planning Commission’s Nov. 28 meeting.

Planning and Zoning Coordinator Carrie Houston explained that changes were being made to the building materials standard, so that metal exteriors for industrial structures were not out-right prohibited. Corrugated metal is prohibited, but other metal applications may be allowed with staff approval, she said. The overall issue was discussed in October, with Commissioners asking staff to research metal exterior applications that could be acceptable, rather than prohibiting all of them. At that point the only aspects of industrial development regulated by the Village were setbacks, building height, parking and signage. The research was done by staff and some amendments were made. Design standards were drafted by staff “to ensure new industrial sites are attractive, and of high quality, to add lasting value to our industrial areas,” the Coordinator said. Commissioners said their concerns had been addressed, and that they were pleased with the proposed standards. What ensued was a 6-0 vote, with one Commissioner absent, to recommend approval.

Economic Development Coordinator James Richter II said the planned unit development regulations would apply to any multi-family development, zoned R-4, with nine or more units.

The PUD would go through the same process as a special use permit, he said, giving neighbors an opportunity to attend a public hearing for developments of that magnitude. Previously, Village ordinances did not provide for a public hearing and/or review of a proposed multi-family residential development that might impact nearby or surrounding neighborhoods, as well as public infrastructure, such as roads, intersections and utilities. Now, the Village will have the tools to objectively review large multi-family residential developments, he said. Commissioners hoped such regulations would not impede the development of condominiums and townhouses. But they did favor the additional oversights. The proposal also produced a 6-0 vote of approval, which was passed on to the Village Board for consideration.

This is another step in the area of design standards.

In June 2015, the Village Board adopted design standards for multi-family developments. And in July 2016, the Board adopted design standards for commercial developments.