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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2015-11-17 PC minutes Plan Commission Minutes November 17, 2015 Chairman Sobkoviak called the Plan Commission meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and led the pledge to the flag. ROLL CALL Commissioners Paris, Seggebruch, Renzi, Kiefer, Heinen, and Chairman Sobkoviak were present Commissioner Green was absent. The Park, School, Fire, and Library Districts were absent. The Plan Commission minutes dated October 20, 2015 were accepted as presented. PUBLIC COMMENTS: There was no response. DEVELOPMENT REPORT Mr. Garrigan stated the Village Board did not support the request for a temporary use for a Precision Pipeline Yard at 127th Street and 248th Street. OLD BUSINESS: Case No. 1702-082515.TA Text Amendment – Special Uses This case is to be continued to December 1, 2015. Commissioner Kiefer made a motion to continue Case No. 1702-082515.TA to December 1, 2015. Seconded by Commissioner Renzi. Vote by roll call: Heinen, yes; Paris, yes; Seggebruch, yes; Renzi, yes; Kiefer, yes Sobkoviak, yes. Motion carried 6-0. NEW BUSINESS Case No. 1707-101615.TA Text Amendment – Corner fences Mr. Garrigan stated the Village Board requested Staff to look into the possibility of revising the corner side yard fence ordinance. Mr. Garrigan explained the current requirements; and presented three possible scenarios. The first would allow privacy fences up to the lot line. The second would limit a picket style fence height to 42 inches and 2-foot setback from the sidewalk. The third would require fences be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the property line and the corner side yard fence would be limited to 42 inches. Staff is looking for input on this matter. Commissioner Renzi asked about the separation of the boards of the picket fence. Mr. Garrigan suggested specific language for the spacing of the boards. Chairman Sobkoviak described the purpose of the ordinance as being: 1) to maintain sight lines 2) to avoid the aesthetic issue of having privacy fences at key corner intersections; and 3) allowing the corner side yard at the property line having a fence in the adjacent neighbors front yard. Plan Commission Minutes November 17, 2015 Page 2 of 3 Chairman Sobkoviak mentioned there may only be 2 fence variance requests in a given year and at least one is approved due to the circumstances. Chairman Sobkoviak was against changing the ordinance. Chairman Sobkoviak asked if there are any public comments. There was no response. Commissioner Kiefer asked if there was any discussion about limiting the setback from the starting point of the fence to the back of the yard. Mr. Garrigan said no, in the downtown picket fences are allowed in the front yard. Commissioner Kiefer liked the ability of looking at each case individually and did not feel there was a large number of fence variances coming through the process; felt that the 42 inch fence with the 2-foot setback from the sidewalk made sense if the ordinance were to be changed. Commissioner Seggebruch felt the third option with the fence 10 feet or 8 feet setback (whatever was agreed upon) and the lower height from the sidewalk was the better option if the ordinance were to be changed. Commissioner Seggebruch suggested 50% opacity in the picket fence. The Commissioners felt residents will ask for a variance no matter how the ordinance reads. Discussion was held regarding the placement of a natural landscape barrier. Mr. Garrigan this amendment does not address landscaping. Commissioner Heinen suggested fences at the corner sidewalks would restrict the visibility at the intersections; felt the case by case review was best. Commissioner Heinen favored the third option if the ordinance were to be amended. Commissioner Renzi questioned the 5 foot sidewalks. Mr. Garrigan stated the current standard sidewalk is now 5 foot wide while it used to be 4 foot wide. Commissioner Renzi felt there should be enough room for a lawn mower to go along the edge of the fence. Consensus of the Commissioners was the change to this ordinance was not needed. Commissioner Heinen made a motion to maintain the existing ordinance and continue to prohibit corner side yard fences on corner lots and the variance process continues to be available to the homeowners who provide a hardship. Commissioner Kiefer seconded the motion. Vote by roll call: Paris, yes; Seggebruch, yes; Renzi, yes; Kiefer, yes; Heinen, yes; Sobkoviak, yes. Motion carried 6-0 DISCUSSION Commissioner Kiefer wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Commission Renzi suggested that if no change is made to the ordinance; suggested if the Village Board does not want to change to the ordinance, the Board might give guidance to the Commission as to how they would like variances handled. Plan Commission Minutes November 17, 2015 Page 3 of 3 Mr. Garrigan indicated there would be another text amendment regarding accessory structures in the future. Meeting Adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Merrilee Trotz Merrilee Trotz Recording Secretary