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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. Plan Commission Minutes 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. Plan Commission Minutes 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