2017-08-16 - Planning and Zoning Commission - Minutes08/16/2017
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE
VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 50 RAUPP BOULEVARD,
BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:34 PM by Commissioner Eric Smith
Public Hearings/Items For Consideration
1. Proposed Link Crossing Subdivision (Request to Continue to October 4, 2017) (Trustee
Ottenheimer) (Staff Contact: Chris Stilling)
Moved by Com. Cesario, seconded by Com. Khan, to table the public hearing until the
October 4, 2017 Planning and Zoning Commission regular meeting to be held at 7:30 PM
in the Jeffrey S. Braiman Council Chambers.
RESULT: TABLED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Frank Cesario, Commissioner
SECONDER: Zill Khan, Commissioner
AYES: Smith, Moodhe, Cesario, Goldspiel, Khan, Au
ABSENT: Matthew Cohn, Scott Lesser, Mitchell Weinstein
Regular Meeting
Other Matters for Discussion
1. CMAP’s ON TO 2050 Comprehensive Regional Plan Discussion (Trustee Stein)
(Staff Contact: Chris Stilling)
Ms. Woods explained that Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is
the official regional planning organization for the northeastern Illinois counties of
Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will. Along with its partners,
the agency is currently developing a new comprehensive regional plan for the
Chicago metro area called ON TO 2050. An integral aspect of the plan is gaining
perspectives from stakeholders on how the region should look in 2015.
Consequently, CMAP is generating discussions regarding macro trends that will
shape the region’s future.
Jane Grover, CMAP was present. Ms. Grover provided a copy of the previous
GO TO 2040 plan to the Commissioners and provided a present ation. During the
presentation the Commissioners, staff and members of the audience were asked
several survey questions and the results were discussed.
2. Recreational Vehicle (RV) Parking in Residential Districts (Trustee Stein) (Staff
Contact: Chris Stilling)
Mr. Stilling advised that the Village’s Zoning Ordinance provides for regulations
associated with the parking and storage of RVs in residential zoning districts.
Recently, staff has received a few complaints from residents concerned that the
Village’s parking regulations for RVs are too permissive. The residents have
requested that the Village consider amending its Ordinance to provide for greater
restrictions to minimize the visual impact of RVs in a residential district. As a
result, staff is seeking the PZC’s input on possible future amendments to our
regulations.
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The Village’s Zoning Ordinance defines RVs as any vehicle or boat originally
designed or permanently converted and primarily used for living quarters,
recreation, or for human habitation and not used as a commercial vehicle to
include, but not limited to the following: boats and trailers; campers; travel
trailers; truck camper; and mobile home or van.
Section 17.36.030H.2 of the Zoning Ordinance regulates the storage and
placement of RVs in residential zoning districts. To summarize, the Village allows
for the year-round parking and storage of up to 2 RVs on a single-family lot. This
includes the ability to park an RV in the front driveway, side and/or rear yard. The
RV shall not exceed thirty-five feet (35’) in length, ten feet (10’) in height and
eight feet (8’) in width. The Ordinance also prohibits RVs to be used as sleeping
quarters.
From an enforcement perspective, staff has not had many issues with our
regulations. While staff is unaware of the total number of RVs stored in Buffalo
Grove, staff does have some concerns about developing more restrictive
regulations. Specifically, staff is concerned that stricter regulations could create a
financial impact on existing residents who have conformed to our current code.
Ch. Smith asked if staff knew how many RVs may be in the Village. Mr. Stilling
advised that they do not know and most issues are isolated with about three to
four inquiries a year.
Com. Moodhe asked if there has been a dramatic increase in complaints or did
staff just decide to address the issue. Mr. Stilling said staff decided to address
the issue. Com. Moodhe asked if staff was leaning more towards changing the
regulations for things like horse trailers or just campers. Mr. Stilling responded
that the regulations would be for both - trailers and large campers. Mr. Sheehen
added that staff gets calls on all sorts of vehicles, including snowmobiles with
trailers. Staff will have to look at all of them. Com. Moodhe asked ho w the height
is measured. Mr. Sheehan advised that these are measured from the ground up,
including any appurtenances that project up on the top. Mr. Stilling would like to
better define each type and create categories for them.
Com. Au asked about the current regulations.
Ben Ockrim, 811 Edgemere Road, is not against ownership of these types of
vehicles, but believes that they should not impede on the health and safety of the
residents. He has seen vehicles that are longer than 35 feet and higher than 10
feet that extend over the sidewalk when parked in a driveway. He would like to
see the aesthetics addressed as well. He does not understand how it's not okay
to have garbage cans in the front of your house, but it's okay to have a Mack
truck parked there. He is asking for reasonable statutes to be developed.
Com. Cesario believes it is important to not allow these types of vehicles to be
parked indefinitely and recommended parking no more than 10 days at a time
and no more than 30 days total a year. There are choices available to owners
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that would not make it unduly burdensome. Mr. Stilling responded that a
challenge is that there may be residents that have existing vehicles that are
within the current regulations. Staff will need to look to consider them as well and
that is why creating categories may be important. Com. Cesario is more
understanding about these types of vehicles that are not visible from the street.
Com. Au asked about who would police the regulations. Mr. Stilling believes it
could be handled by issuing permits.
Com. Moodhe agrees with Com. Cesario regarding placing time limits. He also
believes that staff needs to look at the overall sizes as well. He is concerned
about the number of residents that may ask for a variance if new regulations are
put into place.
Mr. Stilling asked Mr. Ockrim if the vehicle he is concerned with is parking in the
front yard. Mr. Ockrim stated that it was stored in the side yard but then moved to
the driveway. Mr. Stilling believes that it will be important to discuss categories
and was asked about allowing a "grandfather" clause. He responded there would
not be a "grandfather" clause.
Com. Moodhe asked if permits would be required. Mr. Stilling believes that
permits could be issued for storage of a vehicle.
Com. Goldspiel wants staff to consider the appearance of the vehicle.
Ch. Smith wants to move to more restrictive regulations. The horse trailer next to
him has used the RV law to get away with staying for too many years.
Com. Cesario stated that the point is to get the vehicle to move. Mr. Stilling
advised that any new regulations put into place would most likely allow a timeline
for compliance. He would like to re-address this issue in 30-45 days with a draft
Ordinance for consideration.
Approval of Minutes
1. Planning and Zoning Commission - Regular Meeting - Aug 2, 2017 7:30 PM
Moved by Com. Moodhe, seconded by Com. Cesario, to approve the minutes of
the August 2, 2017 Planning and Zoning Commission regular meeting.
Com. Goldspiel asked about the language on Page 20 of the packet, the
approval of the July 19, 2017 minutes. Mr. Stilling advised that the packets and
the minutes are both done in the same software and it is just a technical issue.
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RESULT: ACCEPTED [5 TO 0]
AYES: Smith, Moodhe, Cesario, Goldspiel, Khan
ABSTAIN: Amy Au
ABSENT: Matthew Cohn, Scott Lesser, Mitchell Weinstein
Chairman's Report
None.
Committee and Liaison Reports
None.
Staff Report/Future Agenda Schedule
Mr. Stilling advised that there are numerous PZC items scheduled for the August 21, 2017 Village
Board agenda.
Mr. Stilling reviewed the items for the upcoming September 6, 2017 PZC meeting and also
recommended, based upon the fact that the September 20, 2017 meeting is the start of Rosh
Hashanah, the meeting be canceled. The PZC concurred.
Public Comments and Questions
Com. Au asked if the Village monitors social media sites. Mr. Stilling responded that the Village
does.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:08 PM
Chris Stilling Director of Community Development
APPROVED BY ME THIS 16th DAY OF August , 2017