Grundy Reporter

Village of Coal City Planning and Zoning Board met Sept. 3.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

On Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at 7 p.m., chairman Georgette Vota called to order the regular session of the Coal City Planning and Zoning Board in the boardroom of the Village Hall. Members in attendance were Maria Lewis, Jill Breneman, John Hawkinson and Amanda Burns. Absent were members Richard Crotteau and Irving DeWald. Also in attendance were Matt Fritz, village administrator and Trustee Dave Togliatti.

The minutes of the August 19, 2019 meeting were presented. A correction was noted. Burns moved to approve the minutes with the correction, second by Lewis. Roll call-Ayes; Lewis, Breneman, Vota, Hawkinson and Burns. Nays; none. Absent; Crotteau and DeWald. Motion carried.

There was no Public Comment at this meeting.

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS: PUBLIC HEARING

Variance Request 38 W. Division Street Nick Bulanda

Those wishing to speak at the public hearing were sworn in by Clerk Noffsinger. Mr. Fritz stated that the petitioner is interested in constructing a storage shed and a 7 ft. privacy/security fence. Noted issues and discussion included:

• Shed/storage building is 12' x 12'

• The zoning on the property is C-5

• Utilizing an existing cement pad

• Drainage on the NE corner

• 2-8 foot fence sections off alley for privacy

7 foot high fence instead of the accepted 6 foot-east side of building

• Firewall on the east side next to the adjoining garage/shed

Lewis moved to approve the variance at 38 W. Division Street for a ten foot east side yard variance, one foot fence height variance and the installation of a firewall on the east side of the building per building code, second by Hawkinson. Roll call-Ayes; Lewis, Breneman Vota, Hawkinson and Burns. Nays; none. Absent; Crotteau and DeWald. Motion carried. The issue will be presented to the Village Board at their September 11th meeting.

Final Plat Approval 

Meadow Estates Phase 5 

Mark Scaggs, Developer

Those wishing to speak at the public hearing were sworn in by Clerk Noffsinger, Mr. Fritz explained that Phase 5 consists of 14 lots, on Joseph Court, à cul-de-sac, and Short Drive. The lot numbers are 14-19 and 31-38. The developer said Short Drive will be black topped up to Lot 19 and the storm drainage will be tied-in. Hawkinson moved to approve the final plat for the Revised Meadow Estates Phase 5, second by Burns. Roll call-Ayes; Lewis, Breneman, Vota, Hawkinson and Burns. Nays; none. Absent; Crotteau and DeWald. Motion carried. The developer was advised to attend the September 11th Village Board meeting for the final approval.

Zoning Code Amendment

A. Parking of Trailers and RV's in Residential Areas 

B. Maximum Square Footage for Accessory Structures 

C. Tattoo Shops Conditional Use

The proposed ordinance was reviewed by the Board. Mr. Fritz pointed out that the section regarding tattoo shops had been altered wherein tattoo shops would be classified and specifically listed under the Adult Use zoning class. The other two amendments stand as discussed at the previous meetings. Lewis moved to approve the zoning code text amendments, second by Breneman. Roll call-Ayes; Lewis, Breneman, Vota, Hawkinson and Burns. Nays; none. Absent; Crotteau and DeWald. Motion carried and the ordinance will be presented to the Village Board for approval.

Lewis initiated discussion regarding Home Owners Associations (HOA) and their restrictions. Discussion included:

• Abide by the more restrictive code-Village or HOA

• Approvals of HOA's-recorded covenants

• Functioning HOA'S

• Enforcement of Covenants

Hawkinson presented various issues:

• Code enforcement-area being the principal structure & garage behind

• Casper's office on N. Broadway

• LED Lights-signs; enforcement of restrictions.. 

• Bright lights in windows of Village businesses

Taxing of legal cannabis 

Mr. Fritz reported that the Public Health & Safety Committee had met to discuss allowing the dispensing of cannabis. Dispensing could be controlled through restrictive zoning. A joint session with the Public Health & Safety Committee and the Planning and Zoning Board may be considered.

Trustee Togliatti brought up the subject presented at the last Planning and Zoning Board by resident John Halliday requesting to build a garage. Discussion of the issue included:

• Dividing his property to allow the sale of the primary residence and the construction of a garage on the remaining property for his own private use and the usage of the alley for entrance

• Water & sewer right-of-way; hook-ups

• Making all alleys one-way streets

• Hardship

Trustee Togliatti also commented that limiting the dispensing of cannabis was similar to "Prohibition."

Burns moved to adjourn the meeting, second by Lewis. All signified by saying aye. No one opposed. Motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

https://coalcity-il.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/P-Z-minutes-09-03-19.pdf