HomeMy Public PortalAbout02-07-23 Plan Commission Minutes
Plan Commission
Record of Minutes
Date: February 7, 2023 Location: Village Hall
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Kiefer called the Plan Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
Chairman Kiefer led the pledge to the flag.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Commissioners Minnis, Nicholson, Renzi, Seggebruch, Valerga, and Chairman
Kiefer.
ABSENT: Commissioners Goins, Heinen, and Womack
STAFF: Jake Melrose, Economic Development Director
Amanda Martinez, Associate Planner
Rachel Riemenschneider, Associate Planner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Minutes of Plan Commission held on January 7, 2023 were approved as amended.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No Public Comments.
DEVELOPMENT REPORT
Mr. Melrose provided an update on the following: Rot Farm; and Wild Horse Knoll.
OLD BUSINESS
No Old Business.
NEW BUSINESS
1986-112922.TA: TEXT AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING CODE
Commissioner Valerga made a motion to open the public hearing. Second by Commissioner Minnis.
The motion carried unanimously by voice vote:
Ayes: Minnis, Renzi, Seggebruch, Valerga, and Kiefer.
Nays: None
Mr. Melrose provided an introduction of the proposed text amendments.
Ms. Riemenschneider provided an overview of the proposed changed to Chicken Coops.
There was discussion on how the Village currently processes permits, registration of the chicken coops and
enforcement.
Commissioner Renzi suggested creating an annual registration fee and registration sticker to be attached to
the coop. Chairman Kiefer requested that the staff report include the current number of chicken coops.
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February 7, 2023
Page 2 of 3
Commissioner Minnis asked staff to add that the chicken coop permits will be tracked by the Building
Department through the permitting system.
Ms. Martinez provided an overview of the proposed changed to Permitted Obstructions.
There was discussion if mini libraries and pantries are considered donation boxes and allowed in Residential
districts. Commissioner Renzi suggested including language donation boxes for books and food that are
less than 10 square feet are excluded from these provisions.
Mr. Melrose and Ms. Martinez provided an overview of the proposed changes to Donation Boxes.
Commissioner Renzi suggested having exclusionary language for mini libraries and pantries.
Commissioner Renzi suggested all the donation boxes should have a registration sticker to help assist with
knowing if a donation box has been in place for more than six months, adding fines for warning letters, an
annual registration fees for donations boxes that are approved by Village Board, and discretion for grouping
boxes together.
There was discussion regarding who will be enforcing the code and who is notified when there is an issue.
Commissioner Renzi asked to add that property owner will be notified of any violations as well as the
applicant.
There were questions regarding the setback from the right-of-way.
Ms. Riemenschneider provided an overview of a new section for Short Term Rentals.
There was discussion if banning short-term rentals is legal, enforcement, annually licensing, and a current
lack of other accommodations for out-of-town travelers.
Commissioner Nicholson feels short term rentals should not be banned and suggested staff come up with
more detailed language to allow short term rentals.
Commissioner Renzi suggested a registration and fee for short term rentals.
Mr. Melrose provided an overview of the proposed changes to Content of Public Hearing Notices.
There was discussion on how someone could view the location map or obtain the legal description.
Commissioner Minnis suggested adding the link to the Development Map on our website in the legal notice.
Ms. Martinez provided an overview of the proposed changes to Commercial Truck Parking.
There was discussion regarding the definition of a truck and intent of the change. Commissioner Renzi
suggested adding the word “total” after “i. There shall be no more than one (1) total…” under (4)
Restrictions letter (d) and the type of trucks are not addressed. Mr. Melrose stated this change was promoted
by the Code Enforcement Department and he will find out what their intent was.
Ms. Riemenschneider provided an overview of the proposed changes to Fences.
There was discussion regarding if these changes will affect fence variances and administrative review.
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February 7, 2023
Page 3 of 3
Commissioner Seggebruch suggested there needs to illustrations for Downtown and another set for
Residential Districts. The Commission and Staff discussed what fence height is allowed in the different
zoning districts.
Mr. Melrose provided an overview of the proposed changes to Electronic Message Signs.
There was discussion regarding how NITS compare to foot candles.
Mr. Melrose and Ms. Martinez provided an overview of the proposed changes to Interstate 55 Corridor
Highway Signage.
There was discuss about what will be advertised on the sign and how what is being proposed compares to
other highway signs.
Commissioner Renzi suggested the grade of the road be taken into consideration for sign height.
Commissioner Minnis asked staff to ensure that the advertising allowed on the signs is onsite only.
Commissioner Valerga made a motion to close the public hearing. Second by Commissioner Seggebruch.
The motion carried unanimously by voice vote:
Ayes: Minnis, Renzi, Seggebruch, Valerga, and Kiefer.
Nays: None
Commissioner Minnis made a motion to approve of the proposed text amendments to the Village of
Plainfield Zoning Ordinance as outlined in the staff report.
Second by Commissioner Renzi. Vote by roll call: Minnis, yes; Renzi, yes; Seggebruch, yes; Valerga, yes;
and Kiefer, yes. Motion carried 5-0.
DISCUSSION
Commissioner Renzi voiced his concern about the lack of training and materials for the newer members of
the commission. Mr. Melrose stated staff have obtained training videos for the commission and will be
sharing it shortly with the commission. Chairman Kiefer asked for staff to follow up on if the Plan
Commission will be getting iPads as discussed when packets were switched to be all digital. Mr. Melrose
indicated he will continue to pursue ways to continue to provide training and will see what the status of the
iPads are.
Chairman Kiefer read the reminders.
ADJOURN
Plan Commission meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Tracey Erickson
Tracey Erickson, Recording Secretary