McHenry Times

City of Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission met Oct. 21.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

The meeting was called to order by Chair Greenman at 7:00 p.m.

Mr. Greenman called the meeting to order. On roll call, members Esposito, Gronow, Jouron, McGinnis, Skluzacek, Repholz and Greenman were present.

Elizabeth Maxwell, City Planner, and Katie Cowlin, Assistant City Planner were present from Staff.

Mr. Greenman said this meeting is being recorded for broadcast and future playback on the City’s cable channel.

APPROVE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 7, 2020 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING

Mr. Jouron moved to approve the minutes from the September 16, 2020 regular Planning and Zoning Commission meeting as presented. Mr. Gronow seconded the motion. On roll call, members Esposito, Greenman, Jouron, Skluzacek, Repholz, Gronow and McGinnis vote aye. Motion passed.

2020-154 1410 GARDINA VISTA – VARIATION FENCE – PUBLIC HEARING 

A variation from Articles 3-200 and 4-700 to allow a 5-foot yard abutting a street setback, a variation of 16 feet for a six-foot fence.

Mr. James Luzzi, petitioner was present to represent his request. Ms. Sara Carparelli, 205 S. Heather Drive, neighbor was present.

Ms. Cowlin gave an overview of the request and stated that the petitioner has revised his request to allow the fence to have approximately an eight-foot setback instead of the five-foot setback. Staff has recommended that if the variation be approved, the fence have an open style that would at least 50% open to help with visibility.

Mr. Luzzi stated he agreed with the recommended conditions and that the variation was being requested because his dog can jump the existing three foot-fence. The fence fell down and he would like to replace it with a six-foot fence. The proposed setback would be around eight feet from the property line. The proposed eight-foot setback was agreed upon by the neighbor.

Ms. Carparelli stated she wants to be a good neighbor and would be okay with the eight-foot setback if she can see when backing the car out of the driveway.

The Chairman opened the public hearing and there was no one in the public wishing to speak on the agenda item. The public hearing was closed.

Mr. Gronow asked if the fence would line up with the front of the house. Mr. Luzzi stated it would be located a few feet in front of the house. Mr. Gronow felt the fence should be aligned with the front of the house.

Mr. Jouron stated the lot is small and a corner lot.

Mr. McGinnis stated he appreciated the open communication between the petitioner and the neighbor and asked if there is a location that would be mutually agreeable. Mr. Luzzi thought the eight-foot setback was that point. Ms. Carparelli was uncertain if the setback was far enough for her to see when backing up the car.

Ms. Repholz stated it could be hard to see even with an open style fence.

Mr. Skluzacek stated that a five-foot fence may be okay, but not a six-foot fence.

Mr. Esposito stated the UDO protects sight lines and limits the tunnel effect by requiring three or four foot fences along the street. A dog is not a hardship, he too lives on a corner lot and had to have the fence align with the house. The other two fences along Heather were constructed before the current ordinance and wouldn’t be allowed today. At this time, Mr. Esposito stated he cannot support the request and does not feel the request meets the Finding of Facts.

Mr. Greenman stated the hardship could be the narrowness of the lot, but the request does not comply with Letter D of the Findings of Fact, it could impact public safety. The UDO requirement that a four-foot fence can be located at a five-foot setback makes sense for this area.

Mr. Esposito made a motion to deny the variation request to allow a six-foot fence with a five-foot setback at 1410 Gardina Vista. Mr. Jouron seconded the motion. Mr. Greenman reminded the Commission that a motion to deny will force a supermajority vote at the City Council. Mr. Jouron withdrew his second. Mr. Esposito withdrew his motion.

Mr. McGinnis made a motion to approve the variation request to allow a six-foot fence with a five-foot setback at 1410 Gardina Vista with the following recommended conditions:

1. Approved plans, reflecting staff and advisory board recommendations, as approved by the City Council:

A. Application (Luzzi, received 08/27/2020)

B. Plan (Luzzi, received 0/27/2020)

2. The six-foot fence must be a style that is at least 50% open, in order to limit the impact on the neighborhood.

3. The petitioner shall address all of the review comments and requirements of the Community Development Department.

Ms. Repholz seconded the motion. On roll call, members Esposito, Skluzacek, Gronow, Jouron, Repholz and Greenman voted nay. Mr. McGinnis voted aye. Motion failed 1-6.

TRAINING FOR THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Training session led by Katie Cowlin, Assistant City Planner on Section 4-900 Commercial Design Standards.

Ms. Cowlin reviewed the ten design standards for commercial redevelopment and new development. Examples of each criterion were shown and reviewed.

The Commission discussed reasoning behind the design criteria. The design criteria give Crystal Lake a unified look and encourages high quality designs.

REPORT FROM PLANNING

Ms. Cowlin reviewed the items that were on the previous City Council meeting agenda and the items that are scheduled for a special meeting on November 12, 2020 PZC meeting.

COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION

None.

Mr. Jouron moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Gronow seconded the motion.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 p.m.

https://ecode360.com/documents/CR2206/public/574826463.pdf