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HomeMy WebLinkAboutUnlawful Residential Uses Task Force Report Committee of the Whole Meeting June 25, 1997 Page 3 Councilman Gavin made a motion, seconded by Councilman Gilliam, to approve the request for temporary access to Randall Road and to direct staff to notify the Kane County Highway Department. Yeas : Councilmembers Gavin, Gilliam, McKevitt, Schock, Walters, Yearman and Mayor Kelly. Nays : None . Councilman Schock made a motion, seconded by Councilman Gilliam, to approve up to $26 , 000 to match funds raised through other sources for Phase II stabilization. Yeas : Councilmembers Gavin, Gilliam, McKevitt, Schock, Walters , Yearman and Mayor Kelly. Nays : None . Mayor Kelly recessed the meeting at 8 : 00 p.m. The meeting resumed at 9 : 12 p.m. Engineering Services Agreement for Public Works Facility Needs Assessment Councilman Schock made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Yearman, to approve the proposed agreement with Rust E & I in the not-to-exceed amount of $63, 485 for a needs assessment for Public Works facilities . Yeas : Councilmembers Gavin, Gilliam, McKevitt, Schock, Walters and Yearman. Nays : Mayor Kelly. meport on Unlawful Residential Uses . Councilman Gilliam reported on the task force ' s results regarding unlawful residential uses . Code Administration Director Pearson outlined the major points of the report prepared by the task force. Councilman Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Yearman, to accept the report of the Unlawful Residential Uses Task Force and refer it to the Planning Commission to make a recommendation to the City Council . Yeas : Councilmembers Gavin, Gilliam, McKevitt, Schock, Walters, Yearman and Mayor Kelly. Nays : None. Raymond Street On-street Parking Restrictions Councilman Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilman Schock, to make the experimental parking ban on Raymond Street between National Street and the Route 20 By-Pass permanent by passing an ordinance prohibiting parking as aforesaid. Yeas : Councilmembers Gavin, Gilliam, McKevitt, Schock, Walters , Yearman and Mayor Kelly. Nays : None. Proposed U.,;13- lawful Residential Uses Enforcement and Recognition Criteria 1 The proposed guidelines are designed to identify and address properties with residential dwelling 2 units exceeding the number allowed by the Zoning Ordinance. The proposed program provides: 3 1. Relaxed criteria for properties to obtain lawful nonconforming status, recognizing that 4 some unlawful uses are long-standing. The proposed criteria provides two tiers. One 5 level is for uses established prior to 1960 and a second level for uses created between 6 1960 and 1992. 7 2. Properties either established after 1992 (or unable to meet the relaxed proof standards) or 8 unable to provide adequate off-street parking will continue to be deemed unlawful. These 9 properties will come into compliance with the adopted Zoning Ordinance or secure 10 approval of their use through the variation process if that will provide the necessary relief. 11 3. Additional funding for the voluntary multi-family deconversion program is provided. 12 Reimbursement assistance is available for owners of lawful nonconforming uses who bring 13 their property's use back to as originally constructed. 14 15 Window of Opportunity 16 7 To be eligible for lawful nonconforming status using the special provisions here, uses must be 8 presented to the City before a six-month sunset provision expires. Properties must apply for 19 recognition within six months after the ordinance providing this expanded lawful status is formally 20 adopted by the City Council. Any properties found after that date will be required to 21 expeditiously meet the current zoning requirements without assistance or seek variation if 22 available. 23 24 What properties are eligible? 25 26 To be eligible for lawful nonconforming status, properties must demonstrate in which of two 27 timeframes(pre-1960 or 1961-1992)they were established. Once the year of conversion is 28 established, a requirement for providing adequate off-street parking may be included. 29 Zoning District 30 Properties being considered for this expanded lawful nonconforming status must be in a 31 residential zoning district. 32 Proving Year Use Established 33 Documentation is necessary to show when the use was established and to demonstrate the current 34 use has continued uninterrupted as demonstrated by multiple proofs described herein. 35 Eligible Proofs 36 Primary Government Records 37 1. Valid building permit or occupancy permit substantiating the lawful establishment of a 38 nonconforming use of land. rki9 2. The nonconforming use of land was documented before January 1, 1992 in the real 40 property tax assessment records maintained by either the Kane County Supervisor of 41 Assessments or the Cook County Assessor. Page 2 Proposed Expanded Residential Deconversion Program for Unlawful Uses June 18, 1997 DRAFT 42 3. Land Use Status report prepared by the City of Elgin. 43 44 Supplemental Proofs 45 1. City building permit referencing the use but not specifically creating the use(e.g. roof 46 permit). 47 2. The directory published by the Multiple Listing Service of Northern Illinois (MLS) 48 3. Either utility company records from any utility company servicing the nonconforming use 49 of land or existence of utilitiy meters serving separate units, not a meter for common areas 50 (the City will attempt to confirm with the utility that records are unavailable or are not 51 contradictory). 52 4. One or both of the two publications listing the names and addresses of persons residing 53 within the city, said publications being commonly referred to as the"Polk Directory" and 54 the Haynes Directory." 55 5. Verification from the 1959 Sanborn Fire Rating Map. 56 6. A city of Elgin 1939 Residential Survey Card. 57 7. A classified advertisement appearing in a regularly published newspaper. 58 8. Verification from land use survey maps completed by the City either in 1986 and 1972, 59 counting as one source. 0 9. Mortgage documents or qualified appraisal records from a financial institution coinciding 1 with the same mortgage or refinancing date. 62 10. Signed and dated Federal income tax records (schedule E). 63 64 Conversions Prior to 1960 65 Require either one primary government record or two supplemental proofs (do not require 66 meeting any parking requirement). 67 Conversions Between 1960 and 1992 68 It will be necessary to show the property was converted prior to January 1, 1992 (year of 69 Comprehensive Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, stepped up code enforcement) as 70 evidenced by any one primary government record or three supplemental proofs. 71 Parking 72 Conversions shown to be established between 1960 and 1992 must currently have or legally 73 create parking per standards set forth already in the Elgin Municipal Code adequate off-street 74 parking in order to be deemed lawful nonconforming. There must be at least 2 parking stalls per 75 unit if there is space to accommodate that number. In instances where the two stalls per unit 76 requirement cannot be met, because of physical constraints of the site, the owner must provide a 77 minimum of 1.5 stalls per unit in order to be eligible for lawful nonconforming status. 78 79 Effect of Criteria 80 81 Based upon available information, approximately 50%to 70% of the properties could meet the r"`2 relaxed requirements for establishing a nonconforming use and could, if applicable, provide the 03 required adequate off-street parking. Page 3 Proposed Expanded Residential Deconversion Program for Unlawful Uses June 18, 1997 DRAFT 84 For the properties still unlawful nonconforming, there are still two choices for property owners. 85 The properties can either come into conformance with the Zoning Ordinance(without financial 86 -assistance as they cannot meet the criteria) or apply for a variation if applicable. The variation 87 opportunity requires a demonstration at public hearing of unique circumstance and lack of 88 adverse impact on the surrounding neighborhood. 89 90 All properties achieving lawful nonconforming status will be required to meet all adopted city 91 codes including receipt of a residential rental license. Moreover, all units will be required to 92 meet applicable habitability requirements as well as meeting basic minimum maintenance 93 standards. 94 95 How to register for the program 96 97 Application for recognition must be made within six months of adoption of this program. The 98 application ensures that the properties will not be transferred to an unwary purchaser. 99 100 Assistance for property owners to convert 101 2 Properties meeting the criteria and achieving lawful nonconforming status would be eligible to register for the City's multi-family conversion grant administered by Neighborhood Housing 104 Services of Elgin. Assistance for eligible properties would be available for reimbursement of 105 conversion costs up to $12,000 per unit. 106 107 The timing of conversion within the four years of the program would be determined by 108 Neighborhood Housing Services working with property owners. The order of property 109 conversion would be determined based upon the benefit gained by conversion. Priority would be 110 given to properties failing to meet property maintenance requirements and otherwise troubled 111 properties. 112 113 Funding for program 114 115 The following are program funding possibilities above those levels established in the Five-Year 116 Financial Plan. The appropriation must be considered by the City Council: 117 118 1997 $350,000 119 1998 350,000 120 1999 275,000 121 2000 275-000 122 Total $1,250,000 23 4 Based upon the proposed funding of$12,000 maximum per unit, the funds available above could 125 assist with the conversion of a minimum 100 units. An additional amount for administration of Page 4 Proposed Expanded Residential Deconversion Program for Unlawful Uses June 18, 1997 DRAFT 126 the program must be added. 127 • 128 Existing Multi-Family Conversion Program 129 In the adopted Five-Year Financial Plan, the City has committed to assisting property owners 130 desiring to deconvert some of the more than 3,000 lawful nonconforming residential uses. 131 Funding for the existing program is as follows: 132 133 1997 $200,000 134 1998 350,000 135 1999 400,000 136 2000 400.000 137 Total $1,350,000 138 139 For lawful nonconforming properties, the existing program provides up to $12,000 in conversion 140 assistance. Thus, the funding above is sufficient for a minimum of 112 dwelling units. • "JUN-19-1997 11:07 FROM TO 9316790 P.002/002 ELGIN AREA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® `` p 1735 Grandstand Place Elgin,Illinois 60123 Telephone: 847/695-7607 REALTOR® FAX: 8471742-3222 June 19, 1997 City Council City of Fflgin 150 Dexter Court - Elgin, IL 60120 Dear Council Members: We would like to express our appreciation to the Elgin City Council for forming a task force to address the multi-family de-conversion issue. Our industry is concerned with protecting the private property rights of each individual in our community. We feel it was an important step to share our views with the various interest groups within the city. We are SUPPORTING the attached document as it has been thoroughly reviewed, revised and discussed at length by all parties, and it represents a r--compromise on this complex issue. Sincerely, (T3DAn U.- 117.-U 66,111ALl- Bonnie B. Hill Charlene Goldman Co-Chairman Co-Chairman Elgin Area Association of REALTORS* Elgin Area Association of REALTORS* Multi-family De-Conversion Task Force Multi-family De-Conversion Task Force Board of Directors Barbara Bronars, Chairman, Governmental Affairs Committee REALTOR"— is a registered mark which identifies a professional in real estate who subscribes to a strict Code of Ethics as a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Of REALTORS''' To: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS OF THE ITY OF ELGIN From: Edna Krueger and nick Swanson Date: June 19, 1997 *9\14421 'zC 1 As representatives of the Elgin Property Owners Association serving on the Deconversion Task Force, we are addressing some of our concerns pertaining to Proposed Unlawful Residential Uses and Recognition Criteria. 1. Proving Year Use Established (lines 32-34) Except where ownership has remained constant from the date of conversion, it would be virtually impossible to demonstrate that the current use has continued uninterrupted. 2. Conversions Between 1960 and 1992 Parking (lines it -71 ) While we will accept "2 parking stalls per unit if there is space to accommodate that number" it is only if a reasonable allowance is made to provide green space, no requirement for installation of catch basins or storm sewer drains, and that a flooding problem will not be created for adjacent property. Where the above requirement cannot be met, 1.5 spaces is totally unacceptable. At best, the existing parking should be grandfathered in and allowed. 3. Effect of Criteria (lines 90 and91 ) a modification to be added after "codes" in line 9] at the time of the deconversion. . . rft- 6-17-97 Dear Members of the City Council: The proposal before you today is unlike most proposals you consider. It is unusual because it is not the product of members of city staff but of a fractured task force of citizens who could not come to a consensus. With that very important thought in mind, we ask you to consider it only as a starting point for discussion not as a document anywhere near completion.The proposal on Unlawful Residential Uses before you today does not adequately address the problem of which properties should be made lawful because it ignores the basics of good zoning and has relaxed the standards of proof so much that it jeopardizes the integrity of our zoning law. While there is some good content as a result of many hours of discussion, there is one glaring omission to the criteria for a property to obtain lawful nonconforming status. The absence of any LOT SIZE requirements is unconscionable. Every zoning amendment of our city since 1928 has required a certain lot size per dwelling unit for residential uses. Lot size is the most basic component of zoning and should not be ignored. The importance of lot size was few, first recognized as a safety measure to prevent the spread of fire ` from one home to the next. The lot sizes in Elgin have consistently been raised by many city councils over the past 70 years and with each zoning law revision. Cities have come to realize that lot size affords needed recreational spaces and keeps neighbors on good terms with one another. In the most permissive residential use district of the current zoning law, the Multiple Family Residence District, properties are required to provide 5000 square feet of lot area per dwelling unit. The lot square footage in previous zoning laws centered around 3000 or 3300 square feet per dwelling unit. The task force spent a great amount of time discussing lot size requirements for properties that would be given lawful status or be "grandfathered". The approved minutes of October 3. , November 5, and both revisions of the Zoning Ordinance prepared by Corporate Counsel all make references to a minimum zoning lot area. There was no satisfactory resolution to what that lot size should be but several members of the task force favored 3300 Square feet per dwelling unit because of its long standing use in previous zoning law. The neighborhoods do not agree with this minimal standard but preferred that the lot. size at date of conversion be used. This standard is supported by the logic of imposing the law as it existed in the year of conversion in order to be fair and consistent with all of the lawfully established nonconforming uses. The only argument. against a minimum lot size stemmed from the assumption that parking requirements would automatically disqualify any lots which are small since the parking spaces must be provided in certain areas of the lot. This is a flawed assumption because there are no parking requirements before 1960 so 59 of the original 216 would have no "check" on their lot size. Parking requirements in the draft before you have also been watered down from the required two spaces per unit to one and one half if the lot size or configuration cannot meet the required two spaces. This parking "check" on the lot size is simply not valid. Even if one assumes it is valid the addition of a lot size requirement should have no effect, as all the smaller lots will already be eliminated. It is imperative that you take up the discussion of a lot size requirement. Lot size is the most obvious characteristic about a property. It would be difficult to believe that a property that did not meet the lot size requirement at the time of conversion would have ever been able to obtain the permit necessary to convert the property to multi-family use. The neighborhoods reason that some older properties may have misplaced or lost records which would substantiate their legal use but the neighborhoods do not believe that the city would have issued permits to properties with substandard lot sizes. Small lot size with an overly dense use merely add stress to already stressed neighborhoods. In January of 1996, the Planning Dept issued a report, Neighborhood Stress Factors Report" which stated that the number one and number two factors which have the rft. highest positive correlation with gang related criminal activity are severely overcrowded dwelling units and dwelling units which are conversions. We urge you to think about the relationship between density and criminal activity in our older neighborhoods. We ask you to look at the history of our increasing zoning lot size and make the determination that a lot size requirement is important. It should be the first criteria examined not the one ignored. In turning to other points of disagreement with the current proposal, We draw your attention to the number of proofs being required. The proofs which were accepted by the Dept. of Code Administration have been broadened in the hope that older properties may be able to more readily find proofs where some records may have been lost due to the passage of time or in the transfer of data to modern computer systems. It is important to note that 3000 other properties have met the level of FOUR proofs that were more narrow in scope than those being allowed here. The 3000 which have been declared lawful did not have the option of only meeting one primary proof. Therefore, the level of proof has been lowered substantially for this small minority of property owners.The neighborhoods cannot agree that the number of proofs should be lowered from four to two or three. Looking at the types of proofs being allowed, it is essential that Appik more than two or three of the supplemental proofs be required because none of them is without flaws. Having multiple proofs serves as a "check" on proofs which may be recorded in error, or obtained from a source which had no primary knowledge of the number of existing units, or forged. For example, verification from a land use survey map may be flawed because the maps were done by summer interns who never entered a property to verify the number of units. A classified advertisement could be forged by anyone with access to professional looking printing. The city directories could very well contain the names of two different families residing at the same address if they were in-laws or other relatives who live together, it does not necessarily follow that they lived in two separate dwelling units. The Multiple Listing Service and a classified advertisement of a house for sale could both come from the same source and not provide independent proof of existence. The number of proofs should be maintained at FOUR. It is reasonable as a check on less than perfect proofs and it is a fair standard that all other property owners were held to. Your decison on granting lawful use status will become part of our zoning law. One of the principles of good law making is that we expect it to be fair. It is fair not just to the property owner of a questionable multi-family building but to the neighbors who live near it and the property owners who have complied with the law under the same circumstances. An overwhelming majority of property owners have already met the standards of the law as it exists, is it necessary to sacrifice some of the integrity of our zoning law for a minority? Is it fair to allow lower standards to be used in some blocks but not others? We believe the best interests of the em". neighborhoods and other multi-family property owners is best served by preserving the integrity of the zoning law. We rely on you to preserve our zoning through fair implementation of the law. Sincerely, 414":- ld "eat J-ja'l ifer /an Duyn Miriam Scott N- ghbor ood Representaitve Neighborhood Representative Task Force on Unlawful Residential Uses cc: Erwin Jentsch Clay Pearson Robert Malm Roger Dahlstrom M . City of Elgin �4/0 Unlawful Residential Uses Task Force O.'ti3Minutes of Meeting ?Pr° ' ' �1� October 3, 1996 The October 3, 1996 meeting was called to order at 1 :50 p.m. Present: Bob Gilliam, Marie Yearman, Jennifer Van Duyn, Charlene Goldman, Betty Skyles, Miriam Scott, Edna Krueger, Dick Swanson, Stuart Wasilowski, Clay Pearson, Rick Kozal (for Ery Jentsch) Absent: Bonnie Hill Edna Krueger moved and Stuart Wasilowski seconded to approve minutes for the September 5, 1996 meeting. Discussion moved to the memorandum dated September 30, 1996 by Erwin Jentsch, Corporation Counsel, outlining the proposed text amendments to the zoning ordinance regarding nonconform- ing residential uses . Attorney Kozal reviewed major points of the proposed ordinance: *1 . The nonconforming residential use must have been established before January 1, 1992 ( lines 26-28 ) *2 . The tax assessor ' s records must reflect that the nonconforming use was established before 1992 (lines 29-31 ) . *3 . The minimum required zoning lot area provisions of the 1992 zoning ordinance are satisfied (lines 32-34) . *4 . The nonconforming use complies with the off-street parking provisions of the 1992 zoning ordinance ( lines 35-36 ) . *5 . The nonconforming use must be in compliance with all applicable property maintenance, building, fire, electrical, and heating codes, the historic preservation ordinance, and be licensed in accor- dance with the rental licensing ordinance ( lines 37-41 ) . If each of the five criteria is satisfied, the nonconforming residential use would be recognized as having lawful noncon- forming status . Properties unable to satisfy the criteria still have the option of filing a "traditional" appeal before the Zoning and Subdivision Hearing Board, and ultimately, the courts . Unlawful Residential Uses Minutes October 3, 1996 Page 2 Mr. Swanson raised the question of the proposed unified benchmark test - existence of tax assessor records prior to January 1, 1992, stating his concerns that many properties will not be able to satisfy this criteria. Mr. Wasilowski responded that he appreciates that the tax assessor records be used since these documents were refer- enced by the City Council in their discussion establishing the Task Force. Mrs . Krueger expressed concern that the parking standard being used will hold these properties to a higher standard than would otherwise be required for lawful nonconforming uses . Mr. Swanson said that the tax assessor records shouldn't be the sole proof. He said he guarantees that the tax assessor records are often wrong. Mr. Pearson suggested a compromise to the requirement that the tax assessor ' s records document the nonconforming use was established before 1992 . If a property owner could not produce tax assessor records documenting the establishment of the nonconforming use before 1992 , documentation from any of the following four sources would be acceptable: City Directories Utility Records Sanborn Maps 1939 Residential Survey Cards MLS Listing Classified Advertising City permit referencing the use Also accepted as a matter of law is a building permit creat- ing the use. There was some discussion about situations where more than one homestead exemption exists . Consensus was that nobody should be receiving this exemption that doesn 't deserve it. Item one of the memorandum was discussed (January 1, 1992 cut-off date) . Stuart said he could go with this as long as other criteria would be met. Miriam concurred. Discussion centered on closing of the window of opportunity. Everybody agreed that an aggressive publicity campaign be launched to inform people of the need to obtain lawful noncon- forming status for their properties (Spirit, newspaper dis- play advertising, back of water bills) . Mrs . Krueger commend- ed the City for informing landlords when tenants become Unlawful Residential Uses Minutes October 3, 1996 Page 3 delinquent on water bills . After close of the publicity campaign, a 60 day time period for seeking lawful nonconform- ing status was suggested. Item three ( lot area) was addressed. Ms . Scott said this item was extremely important. A compromise was suggested using the lot area requirements for applicable when any particular house was built. There was some agreement on this suggestion and it was agreed to discuss the matter further at the next meeting. Stuart asked that letters from SEEN, Parkwood, and GPA neigh- borhood groups be noted for the record. All the groups were opposed to and proposal that would allow unlawful conversions to continue without recognition of the factors being dis- cussed. Respectfully Submitted, C4c Clay J. Pearson, Secretary . �1 M - 1 City of Elgin Unlawful Residential Uses Task Force Minutes of Meeting September 5, 1996 The September 5, 1996 meeting was called to order at 1 : 30 p.m. Present: Bob Gilliam, Marie Yearman, Stuart Wasilowski, Jennifer VanDuyn, Edna Krueger, Dick Swanson, Bonnie Hill, Charlene Goldman, Clay Pearson, Ery Jentsch Absent: Betty Skyles, Miriam Scott The minutes of the August 1, 1996 meeting were read. Ms . Krueger moved, and Ms . Yearman seconded, to approve the minutes . The motion was approved. Ms . Yearman suggested that, after we have had two meetings, people should put on the table their ideas, then we could look for a compromise. Mrs . Goldman presented a statement from the Elgin Area Associ- ation of Realtors that outlined their position for discus- sion.- The proposal calls for allowing all verifiable conver- sions prior to 1992 to continue as lawful nonconforming uses . Questions were asked regarding specific actions by the City and staff that may have encouraged these conversions as the Realtors presented. The Realtor representatives responded that there are many stories of these types of instances in — the past. A discussion on the need to provide affordable housing en- sued. Mrs . VanDuyn cited the Far West Area Plan that said that actually the preponderance of affordable housing in Elgin could place the City at a competitive disadvantage. Mr. Swanson said things are in place (rental licensing, etc. ) to enforce standards . The move nationally is towards scat- tered-site housing. We should enhance what we already have. Extensive conversations took place on the pros and cons of the proposal put forward by the Realtors . Unlawful Residential Uses Minutes September 5, 1996 Page 2 Proposal : Everything Verifiable Before 1992 Stays Pros Cons *Legally defensible?? *Knowing conversions stay?? *More money for multi- *No public input on family conversion program specific properties *Must meet habitability *Most heavily impacted requirements (exiting, are older neighborhoods light, ventilation, and ceiling height) *Wouldn't force owners who *Would go on forever have a two-unit to sell *Provides a solid "line *Parking not addressed in the sand" (year) *If made lawful non- conforming, would require inspection and be brought - up to code The sticking points of the discussion were: *Most heavily impacted areolder neighborhoods *Year *Should people who converted knowing the use was illegal be allowed to keep the conversion? *Would go on forever *Availability of multi-family conversion *Parking not addressed A request was made of Mr. Jentsch for a legally defensible process and requirements . Mr. Jentsch will take the lead in developing a skeletal outline of a procedure. The next meeting will address the sticking points . The next meeting of the Task Force will be held at 1 : 30 p.m. on Thursday, October 3 , 1996 in the City Manager ' s Conference Room. A subsequent meeting will be held on Thursday, October 17, 1996 . Respectfull submitted, 7 ,=1_ Clay A . Pearson, Secretary N � City of Elgin Unlawful Residential Uses Task Force Minutes of Meeting August 1, 1996 The August 1, 1996 meeting was called to order at 1 : 30 p.m. Present: Bob Gilliam, Marie Yearman, Stuart Wasilowski, Miriam Scott, Jennifer VanDuyn, Edna Krueger, Dick Swanson, Bonnie Hill, Charlene Goldman, Clay Pearson Absent: Betty Skyles Mrs . Krueger approved, Mr. Swanson seconded to approve min- utes of July 18, 1996 . Motion approved. Mrs . VanDuyn noted that the 22 census areas show inner ring areas are the ones that have above average factors of neigh- borhood stress. A number of questions were posed regarding the Neighborhood Stress Factors Report. Concern was expressed regarding the public perception of these quantitative census values. It was said that this report is provided as background informa- eft tion. Mr. Swanson noted that there are a lot of factors that go into the report. Attention turned to the draft Policy Recommendation and report from the Unlawful Residential Uses Task Force, dated July 29, 1996 . Mrs . Hill was concerned with item three of the purpose sec- tion. Mrs . Goldman proposed edits to item three which were accepted by the Task Force. The background as edited was found to be acceptable. The next section was the Recommendation. Mr. Pearson went through the various draft types presented and the criteria presented. A great deal of discussion ensued about the factors, Mr. Swanson related that the owner-occupied properties should not be treated differently than those totally investment. The list of properties were discussed and concern from some that all the properties were truly unlawful. Ms . Scott asked why MFC applied to Type II and not Type III, Mr. Pearson responded that there was probably not a lot of reason to divide these similar types. Unlawful Residential Uses Minutes August 1, 1996 Page 2 Ms . Scott asked why MFC applied to Type II and not Type III, Mr. Pearson responded that there was probably not a lot of reason to divide these similar types . Application of the MFC to the unlawful uses was discussed with differing opinions . Potentially MFC should be based on need. Concern about timeframes was discussed (maximum five years) . Ms . Scott raised the issue of 37 properties that have been in areas zoned continuously single-family; she feels these properties should be priority to return single-family. Mrs . VanDuyn noted that several of the criteria used at the outset are not being considered anymore (parking, lot area) . Mrs . VanDuyn noted that several properties have township records matching City LUSR. Mr. Swanson said that taxes are not based on the number of units, but based on the improve- ments value. Mr. Wasilowski asked if various scenarios for the types should be developed. 81 times the City use matched the township use, according to Ms . Scott. The meeting adjourned at approximately 3 : 30 . The next meet- ing is scheduled for Thursday, August 29, 1996 at 1 : 30 p.m. in the City Manager ' s Conference Room. Respectfully Submitted, Clay . Pearson cl1/4), 4 rm. Unlawful Residential Uses Task Force City of Elgin Minutes of Meeting Thursday, July 21, 1996 Members Present: Bob Gilliam, Marie Yearman, Stuart Wasilowski, Miriam Scott, Betty Skyles, Jennifer VanDuyn, Edna Krueger, Dick Swanson, Bonnie Hill, Charlene Goldman, Clay Pearson By consensus, Bob Gilliam was appointed Chairman of the Task Force and Clay Pearson was appointed Secretary. All twelve members appointed were present. Introductions were made and the groups that each individual represents indicated. Attorney Jentsch outlined the City' s current ordinance fol- lows the pattern of most municipalities , locally and national- ly. Any property use has to be lawfully established (accord- ing to zoning) and has to be continuously used in order for the use to remain lawful when a change in law occurs . rft. Mr. Swanson asked how many more illegal uses there are. Mr. Pearson responded that after 18 months of implementing the rental licensing program and exhaustive comparison of avail- able records including water accounts and township assessor records, the inventory of rental units is believed to be sound. Mrs . Yearman asked questions about the permit issues, exteri- or rating, and township uses . Mrs . Krueger asked about 903 Bellevue, a rooming house that does not appear on the list. Mr. Wasilowski noted the enabling resolution for the Task Force directed that a general policy be developed and recom- mended for City Council consideration. Mr. Jentsch also reminded the group that a general ordinance is what must be developed and recommended to the City Council and that a case-by-case determination was not the purpose of the task force. Mr. Swanson explained that a number of the properties have been long-standing and some people bought the properties in good faith. He also recently called the Housing Authority Unlawful Residential Uses Task Force Thursday, July 21, 1996 Page 2 rik and found there are many people waiting for Section 8 hous- ing. He feels there is a shortage of affordable housing in Elgin. Mr. Pearson noted that the number of rental proper- ties in the city is relatively high and that the Section 8 shortfall may be more of an issue of involving more property owner in the program. Mrs . Yearman noted that the majority of properties have only one additional unit. Mrs . VanDuyn said every one of these properties is owned by an investor who took a risk. Mrs . Krueger asked if case law exists whereby owners could sue after the owner was required to convert . Mr. Jentsch answered that the City was immune from such actions . Mrs . VanDuyn asked if there was case law for a neighborhood suing a City to force enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Jentsch noted that the neighboring property owners could sue to enforce the Zoning Ordinance and if successful, the plaintiff could win including all attorney' s fees from viola- tors . e'' The number of police calls and housing court complaints on various properties were discussed. Mr. Gilliam asked if an outline could be developed by staff and presented at the next meeting as a way to start the discussion including: Continuity of ownership Meet parking requirements When converted If current owner converted illegally Location relative to the neighborhood stress factors If located in neighborhood with higher than average stress Density Exterior rating owner-occupied Ms . Skyles presented the perspective of people living next to converted properties, particularly problem properties . The research and legal work for property owners can also be burdensome. One idea is to let the properties sell one-time as is but no more after that . Mr. Wasilowski and Mr. Gilliam asked that the neighborhood low stress factors report be distributed. Unlawful Residential Uses Task Force Thursday, July 21, 1996 Page 3 Mr. Pearson was asked to take the lead in developing an outline report for the committee to work from at their next meeting. The next Task Force meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday August 1, 1996 in the City Manager' s Conference Room. Respectfully Submitted, Clay J. Pearson, Secretary r r ' - 7 • '4,-.. ,7.. :61 Memorandum fin, z, 9� ., g4'4 July 28, 1996 TO: Unlawful Residential Uses Task Force i FROM: Clay J. Pearson, Director, Code Administration 'i and Neighborhood Affairs 11 SUBJECT: Background material for second meeting Please find attached the background material requested at our initial meeting. We have prepared a draft policy recommenda- tion to be used as a basis for discussion. Also enclosed is a memorandum from Corporation Counsel Jentsch providing three court opinions relevant to our work. You should have received draft minutes from our first meet- ing. Please be reminded that the Task Force meets again Thursday, August 1 1996 at 1 : 30 p.m. in the City Manager' s Conference Room. If you are unable to attend please let me know. c : Richard B. Helwig, City Manager Loni Mecum, City Clerk A L July 29 , 1996 DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY POLICY RECOMMENDATION AND REPORT FROM THE UNLAWFUL RESIDENTIAL USES TASK FORCE PURPOSE: The purpose of this report and recommendation is to provide a means of relief in limited circumstances for property owners with residential uses not lawfully established in accordance with the zoning ordinance. The recommendation is forwarded to the Elgin City Council with the purpose of furthering three objectives : 1 . Improve the quality of life in Elgin' s • neighborhoods . Neighborhoods are enhanced with housing density appropriate to the intended use of residential properties and the design of the surrounding neighborhood. 2 . Protect the integrity of the Zoning Ordinance. Any solutions to long-standing unlawful residential uses cannot compromise the integrity of the adopted zoning ordinance in a court of law. An objective criteria for addressing unlawful residential uses will allow continued application of the zoning regulations throughout the city. 3 . Recognize the interests of property owners who may have purchased a property in good faith, believing that the property contained additional lawful dwelling units . Moreover, in decades past there was insufficient attention to the zoning requirements and legal use of properties on the part of real estate and legal professionals representing property owners ' interests and the City did not always perfectly enforce permit requirements . All parties are now coming together to resolve these issues for Elgin' s long-term benefit. Unlawful Residential Uses Task Force DRAFT Report * Page 2 BACKGROUND Zoning Law Zoning ordinances typically divide cities into geographic areas called zoning districts, with the zoning districts listing the permitted uses of both buildings and land located within those districts . When zoning ordinances are amended to create new zoning districts, or change the permitted or conditional uses in existing districts, the new or redefined zoning districts often encompass areas where the uses have been previously established. A use of a building or land that does not comply with present zoning provisions, but which was lawfully established prior to the enactment of the new zoning provision, is referred to as a preexisting or lawful nonconforming use (commonly referred to as being "grandfathered" ) . Lawful nonconforming uses are allowed to continue so long as the use is not expanded, destroyed or abandoned. By contrast, an unlawful nonconforming use was either not lawfully established before the zoning ordinance making it nonconforming took effect, or was established despite never being permitted under a zoning ordinance. A city can initiate legal action to compel the owner of an unlawful nonconforming use to bring the property into lawful conforming status no matter how long ago the unlawful use was established; failing to prosecute the property owner for the violation -- even if the unlawful nonconforming use existed for decades -- is not a valid defense. The property owner has the burden of proving the use was lawfully established in any proceeding in any court proceeding. However, the City of Elgin has assisted, and continues to assist, property owners with compiling information that will assist them in meeting their burden of proof . RECOMMENDATION Criteria to be Applied for Property Owner Options Recognizing that the properties identified as having unlawful units is a product created over 50 years, the Task Force members have attempted to address all three of the objectives summarized at the outset of this report. The aim is to once and for all provide a framework for providing fair resolution to the issues . Properties with unlawful residential uses have been divided into four types based upon factors affecting the neighborhood and factors affecting the property owner. Properties would have to meet all of the factors in order to be categorized in the type. Criteria range from Type I situations considered to have little negative neighborhood impact to Type IV properties not meeting the requirements for receiving any relief from the zoning ordinance. y Unlawful Residential Uses Task Force DRAFT Report * Page 3 The recommendation of the task force provides criteria direction as follows : # of Neg. Owner- unlaw. Ext. Year Neigh. Type occupied units ratingEst* Impact# Parking I Either 1 1 pre-1950 No II Yes 1 1-2 Any No III Either Any 1-2 Any No IV Either Any Any Any Any * = Any evidence allowed showing continuous use of the additional unlawful use will be allowed for consideration. # = Is the address located in one of the 22 neighborhood planning districts with above average concentrations of the neighborhood stress factors according to the City of Elgin Planning Department ' s analysis . (NOTE: The Law Department is researching methods to best assess the neighborhood impact when making these decisions, the criteria will need to rely upon factors relevant to housing conditions and zoning considerations ) Quantity of Properties in Each Type The number of properties in each category is estimated to be as follows (of properties provided in listing to Task Force dated July 11, 1996 ) : Type Quantity I 16 II 75 III 105 IV 12 Not enough information to categorize = 5 Relief/Enforcement Mechanisms for Each Type Relief/enforcement mechanisms are recommended as follows : Type I Confer Lawful Nonconforming Status . An ordinance amendment affording lawful nonconforming status should be developed for properties meeting the criteria in this type. The text amendment to the zoning ordinance would list the specific criteria required to be established before such a determination is made. The criteria include provisions showing the use was established during a national housing shortage, that the creation of the use was tacitly approved by the City, and that the use is not adversely affecting the neighborhood. A submittal to the Zoning and Subdivision Hearing Board ( ZSHB) would be required for this option, appeals of ZSHB could be heard by the Elgin City Council . p. Unlawful Residential Uses Task Force DRAFT Report * Page 4 Type II Confer a prosecution forbearance so long as the current property owner owns and occupies the property. The sole purpose of the prosecution forbearance hearing would be to determine whether there are factual circumstances surrounding the property' s unlawful nonconforming status to justify the City' s temporary forbearance in prosecuting the property owner for the violation. This hearing would not address the zoning officer' s determination that an unlawful nonconforming use is existing on the property; appeal process already exist for property owner' s challenging that determination. Rather, the purpose of the prosecution forbearance hearing would be to determine the extent of the property owner' s hardship and the unlawful nonconforming use' s impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Based upon the testimony and evidence elicited at the hearing, the ZSHB would then decide whether prosecution forbearance is justified. The decision of the ZSHB would be final . The ZSHB would be able to grant the time extension provided the owner demonstrates the necessity for a time extension based upon the criteria for these type of properties (owner- ship, length of time use established, etc. ) . Under this standard, the hardship imposed upon an innocent purchaser of an unlawful nonconforming residential use would be distin- guished from that of a property owner who knowingly added an unlawful . dwelling unit, or any other similarly self-imposed hardship. The property owner would also be required to demonstrate that the time extension would not be detrimental to the public welfare, be injurious or depreciate neighboring property, and that the time extension is not based merely on a desire to render a greater economic return from the property. The time extension would be limited to the current ownership of the property. The time extension would be required to be recorded as a covenant with the land. Under this proposal, the property would eventually revert to its lawful, conforming use because the unlawful dwelling units would eventually be eliminated. Properties in this category would be eligible for the volun- tary Multi-Family Conversion (MFC) program which reimburses property owners for the cost of conversion (removing kitchens, remodeling, removing extra plumbing and fixtures, extra parking, etc . ) . Based upon the success of the MFC program in attracting already existing lawful nonconforming properties to deconvert, additional funding for the MFC should be considered in the 1997 City of Elgin Budget in order to accommodate the additional eligible properties . Any property owner would be allowed to apply for relief with the Zoning and Subdivision Hearing Board. r Unlawful Residential Uses Task Force DRAFT Report * Page 5 Type III Confer a prosecution forbearance for a maximum of five years . Same as Type II properties but the benefit of having an owner-occupied property is not present. Therefore, the prosecution forbearance is for a limited amount of time. A greater hardship may be incurred by property owners living in one unit and renting out another as opposed to situations in which the entire property in used for purposes of investment. Type IV Enforce removal of the unlawful residential uses . Properties in this category do not have characteristics typically meet the ' innocent purchaser' test or the ' neutral neighborhood effect ' criteria. The City of Elgin should apply their resources strategically to make improvements in the neighborhoods . The first priority should be illegal units that do not meet code requirements for habitability and basic safety. Basement units not meeting exit requirements , ceiling heights, etc. , must be removed. While maintaining its pursuit of other neighborhood improvement priorities, the City should methodically begin discussions with property owners regarding the removal of unlawful units that are not brought forward for any of the relief mechanisms outlined above. Close the Window of Opportunity The process of licensing rental properties in the City of Elgin has been in effect since January 1, 1995 . Before rental licensing there was a rental registration program which has been used to identify unlawful nonconforming residential uses . Moreover, comparisons have been made with Elgin Township Assessor records in an attempt to further identify multi-unit properties and thus lawful nonconforming uses . The vast majority of properties have had rental licenses applications submitted and thus have undergone the process of a land use review. Any addresses still not identified have been out of compliance with licensing requirements while the vast majority of property owners have taken part in the licensing program. A deadline of of September 30, 1996 should be established for any property owners to apply for the City's relief mechanisms . Any unlawful residential uses appearing after that date should come into compliance with the zoning ordinance. Unlawful Residential Uses Task Force DRAFT Report * Page 6 Habitability The number of units allowed is independent of the habitability of those units according to the adopted property maintenance codes . All units must meet the minimum requirements for ceiling height, exiting, ventilation, etc . Respectfully submitted, Robert Gilliam Charlene Goldman Bonnie Hill Erwin W. Jentsch Edna Krueger Clay Pearson Miriam Scott Betty Skyles Dick Swanson Jennifer VanDuyn Stuart Wasilowski Marie Yearman July 19, 1996 MEMORANDUM TO: Members of Illegal Nonconforming Use Task Force FROM: Erwin W. Jentsch, Corporation Counsel SUBJECT: Illinois Law on Nonconforming Uses Attached for your information are copies of two opinions of the Illinois Appellate Court which are representative of Illinois case law on the subject of the law of nonconforming uses in Illinois . These cases illustrate some of the general rules which are applicable. If after you have had an opportunity to review these opinions you have any questions or wish to discuss either or both of them, please do not hesitate to call me. Also enclosed is a copy of the statute®which provides that effected neighboring property owners may file actions to enforce the zoning ordinance. nr Attachments ,,- ,�'s t,-:;tpvati• .o scr 7A •4G {,..Y tr.: . r ��:i1 'r S� - •kit t.4• - ,.. { I- `11« A .+ ..,.6.?c:-- i '.i;.•. ,�,_,F:�•. P.G,r 3 th -�.„ " yt• ��v -,I. 'i a .- . +;"�� t r A a s.t r - r y.., �•� . `Y may .+' ♦.- �,^P 4 . r+• .i sT,. =�- r,; � $. �+ ~�- E . :r!.: ,L 5• ri o 4"` l ,.5: ^,:� �y1'o � i,. ]L` y3, '}+�"$i'��:: 7- �: --•[h >'^� ...t � �-,,Z 4 y ♦ - r� .+i�^ 3: �i � y y�rx rN,., i a cF r.:t. z -i ; r-.''Galt -0 'h'. firms.. .'b A - '! -;t ..',,.. T s ,$ 7.,r. a-F', "K u ` } ..r 7 a'. ',.,� •,rt>�•��,,- t-t4�,-i:44s t, !;-:•: ted"'n i+ r'• -�z,{� ::.r- `z�s `>T,ftk ->r` ; .:7: _;„a.'r ;...-7.."- r wilt*.z-: -'' t : lt: 1-e, 5•Ilvi Lr % 4•e' ( - '�•F0.,:t-.Y :?..-4 7-s`-9,-7 •+r 3: rt t^xf „ ;. .gnat F ..,r'_ ..q k'Cv f l 4.5'14:,1�` i:;:::-.4:-;''-'.‘:....�• ,r rn . �ii � .G �.�i��",�!'�i +Kl to- q41 4y-.a- -.:•...--.';,-,1Pya h {M �, '� '< ♦" 7. ""~"'�4:iG '•h.Y; ,..:ti_.' :r. nw ...r : �.� rj� �.?t���..1•y.. �w ''`s.. �'sle...,.w -'s'Y c' r ". • c:-"j OT RVCK.roRD 7. JALLEyIQ.� I �`. :;y:Z..K." 1_`J ill.Ap0._d 73 officers in : .ernait., - _onstr_lction r� :;- .1. . ° CITY OF ROCKFORD, a .Municipal Corpo- _:ori of ,,..- o-- 'a:ne', ;orc',i' • , "A-�%`, c : sy,; ration, °Iaintiff-.�ppeilant, forming- _.se .e ar__.,_..t__ uDi;.' :on- t!r� Fs- g.; 'I C:nua::Cn �_ .a',v.... use ,..\: u z A: - _ Or 1 :: } adoption of ordinance. Carl T. SALLEE. and Virginia Sallee, Defendants-.appellees. Gen. No. 69-199. 3. Zoning l61 Ii! 'l: •t_ s Illegal :;nuance of perm:: by --t:-;- „� r Appell.lte I,oitrc of I::inois. °• istertai office: does , as general rifle, (�� e, 5�',:onli Dtst:•:ct. ;t estop T.,.un:cipaii: T fr.."r 'iy. n; 3n .;leT_fl- ; Sepc. 17. 1970. - ' ty n ot,.v ithstandin J -act _hat aaplivant may I( _ have expended money or incur-ed obiiga- cions in good faith a- _u5u0stantt'1 reit- -;. City sought injunction against detend- ance upon permit. �.� ,�K- ants' use of former church building as ware- ; `r-_ house and use of former parsonage as both home and business office. The Circuit 4. Estoppel ;�62(-I) t' Court, Winnebago County, ''William R. Mere nonaction a.. city is insufficient 1'e :ash, J., dented IRjunctior, and city ap- t0 invoke doctrine •ii equitable estoppel. S pealed. The _Appellate Cour:, Seice^field, J., :Held that where defendants had actual 5. Zoning ;x161 i;{ or constructive knowledge of residential zoning Classification of subject property- IA/here Ceten,cants had already OCCu- •S� pied and used church premises in manner before application was made and granted - - - for building permit CO construct loading proscribed by both count.: and city zoning a; dock and overhead garage dopy in COR- ordinances prior to g:-a- oI city permit to vection with use Of proper:,: as warehouse, remove. C:;uru Ste'p.', defendants could • and record was silent as to amount of e c- not logically contend that they relied on . - penditures made by defendants upon such cit,: per-ll: to :heir detriment :n their non- alleged reliance, defendants .were not en- conforming use of church zoned -t'sl- titled to rely dential as storage fac in connection with 3 upon issuance prior to annexa- defendants' floor tile installation business. tion of area by city, of county permit, as Si i constituting acquiescence in defendants' I nonconforming use of property on ground 6. Zoning x461 . i that defendants in good faith substantially Where record was devoid of any indica- .- 1 ndica- it changed their position by reason of permit's tion that city was made aware of defend- 'R issuance- ants' nonconforming use of church and t sanctioned such use when permit issued, Reversed and remanded .with directions. ' city's grant of permit to remove steeple on 4 church zoned .A-resident:al did not consti- I. Zoning —231 Cute city's acquiescence :n defendants' non- Power of county zone employee to conforming use of church as warehouse. J construe provisions of zoning ordina ce s •{ • subject to proviso that order of such y• Zoning - 461 is 1 ministerial officer is not in contravention ; Where defendants had actual or cot.- of ordinances existing at time of the structive knowledge of residential zoning i i• decision. classification of church property before `' Iapplication was made and granted for ii • . 2. Zoning X321 building permit to construct loading dock Lawful nonconforming use cannot be and overhead garage door in connection l predicated upon act of county's ministerial with use of church as warehouse, and rec- ;t i I. : ' i � i S T�+? n_;.,:.-,,.....: t . - ' t .- c •Tf+-�.}.. a.... _ . fir, _Iv,. ti - •-",, .-.^'\� :"r . . . .-. A.., , , r ^,�. ct. .y'' ' ....., s _ _ 486 Iii. 262 NORTH EASTERN REPORTER, 2d SERIES '• ord was silent as to amount of expenditures constructive knowledge of the existing zon- made by defendants upon such alleged re- ing classification prior to their purchase. liance, defendants were not entitled to rely . 1. upon issuance of county permit as constitut- Some ten days after purchasing the prop- ing acquiescence in defendants' noncon- erty, defendants applied for a county build- forming use on ground that defendants in ing permit to construct a loading dock and good faith substantially changed their posi- overhead garage door. Mr. Sallee told the • tion by reason of permit's issuance. employees of the County Building Depart- _1::. ment of his intended use of the church �. 8. Zoning Ca273 building as a warehouse in connection with ' Where defendants' business activity in his floortile installation business and his ' • . ''• former church and parsonage was not con- intended use of the parsonage as both a resi- . -'1 ' ducted solely within parsonage, in which de- ..,t"; fendants resided, or from an "accessory" roneously told by a county zoning employee ! building on same lot, business involved reg- that such use was permissible as long as ular outside employee, not a member of the the defendants did not sell any goods at re- 1• I family, articles offered for sale were not tail. A permit was granted to build an • . `! 18 inch platform and an access door at the �•-: , produced on premises, and it could not be said that use was such as would be cus- rear of the building. tomarily incidental to residential use of 1,: dwelling, defendants' use of church prem- In April of 1967, the property was annex- ' ' ises as storage facility for floor tile in- ed into the City of Rockford and placed in - • `i,a.` an A-Residential use district by City Ordi- 1.i; stallation business and use of parsonage . ` as both home and business office was not nonce. In March of 1968, the City issued ii • within "home-occupation" exemption per- a building permit to remove the church t' miffed in residential area. steeple. Also in March of 1968, the Sallees moved c i=.'i _____..._— their residence into the former parsonage. • ,l John W. Nielsen, City Atty., Rockford, On or about April 9th, 1968, the City Build- r Inspector, responding to a complaint, • for appellant. ing P g P i 7 I inspected the premises and informed the i `- Reno, Zahm, Folgate & Skolrood, Rock- defendants of a zoning violation involving ford, for appellees. the use of the church as a warehouse which i defendants were ordered to cease. • •*'. SEIDENFELD, Justice. r No evidence of the cost of the modifica • - The city sought an injunction against de- tions made to the premises was offered. fendants' use of a former church building The evidence of business activity on the as a warehouse, and against the use of ` premises included testimony by Mr. Sallee •- G the former parsonage as both a home and a , i that two customers per month came to his business office. This appeal is from the home to see samples and that such demon denial of the injunction. strations resulted in approximately ten per- The property was purchased by the de- cent of his gross business. There was fur- • .. ! fendants in 1966. The lot containing the ther evidence that two panel trucks were i church building was then zoned B-Residen- used in connection with the business, carry- • tial, the lot containing the residence was ing the legend "Ted Sallee's Floor Con- • then zoned A-Residential, both under the tractors". One truck remained on the ` county zoning ordinances. The church premises, the other was driven to the home 1 building was immediately used to store ma- of defendants' one full time employee each terials. The Sallees had either actual or night. , „, may ,.. a '` ♦-. -! ”•Lf .'3". -,:: "1. 1- M..- t ( h f Mi'th r.. - J� .. t Y.. f al ,$ „� ,,:, t'.< 4 .0 F ti y. ie-,..5;..f.-1- :,.,,v —a ,+f e y { r 4 µ? ♦1 / ' - -I r. �. .* .y ..,7._.Z,, J�i .F ,t _, .L';'......,!,-:'.;1^',:.. .;', w �. ';',...4.1.4%=:;!-;.:• -A•"r y::--77 ...c..,.. .�-, -fr::ttg.,,,T.-;,:::;' ,.. ;' i.-A7-1-- . r .r,. w....-t r + ♦ .t%. T r �..,•'- A ,351;a-rf s' J -4� y ,r 11. w 7 " it f' , O 4 ftJ ..�. •+w+ r4,V.:';''''':.:-4-';',:i"' J .J - -ej ..fes _.' - V --':, "' 7 " .� s� -?i -•, , •�• � ' rr �- zr tit T S te..'A.t• .:rL y i}%I C{r°.'•y. i -f.:-: Y y ,t_ . ,.1.N. �� y '.1i t X f,i.>f - ..r' ...: :r rr i +� •�i1 Wi r5ry t` ;. ', .:- .G, ..` . r't , »' x-t- _ r 2 rt i .'+. a ,., --f.?:h N 1i.-. 't?t. w G? zy. ,c--� j,`tr : ".{ f lr • ,� e Y , `":'-r ........:;,.5'..._-_=;;- I zf+r ,, .':' •.., .h. .. :Y✓l.. _ ?. ...•;��-? � �, ir. . -✓,.} `1.,�nx, >'• .*•-•,...•,---....-...,,,;,-;,•,,....t..”.,; .......,.:' ? ,. �),',; . i CITY OF ROCKFORD 7. S?.LL,EE Ill. 487 "' ' cite as_d^_N.E.2d:S5 ,.,s. :tic The decree contained findings 5y the continuation of a lawf_l use existing at the y; tai Court that defendants' a'e atiOn of the time Of the adoption :he ordinance. �. t former church ouilding was made in veli- Eggert v. Board of Appeals, 29 II1.2d 391, r.. ..-::::::::'..--',7;:-:;.•-••••••:-. .. ante upon the issuance of a County Build- 396, 19 N.E.2d 10-* 19o3) , Exchange ing Permit and Chat the defendants made Nat. Bank o: Chicago '.. . .!.age of Skokie, no misrepresentations to secure the permit. 36 Ill.Aop.2d =C3, 412, 229 N.E.2d 913 'r.;• j' The court further found that defendants (1967). See also - nno. 5 _A.L.R.2d 936,960, = conducted certain limited lousiness activity, 962; Count;- of Cook v. Triem Steel 3t such as record-keeping, telephone conversa- Processing, Inc., 19 I::.Apo.3d 1.26, 129, .`- tions and demonstrations of materials and 133 Ni.E.2d 272- (1933). _ color samples to an average of tsvo custom- ers per month resulting in approximately [3j Under the great •.'eight of author- ten pe-cent of defendants' gross business; i.v the illegal issuance of a permit by a that .^.o business signs were used; and that ministerial oi;icer does -or, as a general no retail or wholesale sales were made rule, estop a muriicioaiit;- from relyina- on from :he property. The court decreed that the illegality, notwithstanding the fact that the use of the premises did not constitute the applicant may have expended money a nuisance, that use of the residence con- or incurred ooligadons in good faith and in stituted a "home-occupation" exception un- substantial reliance upon :-e permit. Arno. der the :1-Residential zoning regulations or 1 A L.R?d 333, 331; _=1nno. 6 3.L.R.2d, the City of Rockford, tnat the use of the supra, at page 963. See 3ur-cn Co. v. City church: was lawfully non-conforming and of Chicago, 936 Ill. 333. 391, 86 N+.E. 93 that the city was equitably estoppe,; from (1908) ; 0I se y. City of Chicago, 133 III. interfering with the warehouse use. App. 213, 220 (1913) ; ;ohnson v. City of Chicago, 107 IlLAop.2d 132, 190, 246 V.E. The city urges that the basis for equitable 2d 113 (1969) ; Sinclair Refining Co. v. estoppel must be an act of the city and not Cit,; of Chicago, 246 ili._,pp 132, 161, 162 merely that of a ministerial employee; that (1927) - the use of a home by defendants does not _ come within the borne-occupation exemp- Defendants rely upon People ex rel. tion; and that there is no lawful non-con- American Nat. Bk. 3c Trust Co. of Chicago forming use under the facts of the case. v. Smith, 110 Ill.Apo.2d 331, 249 N.E.2d 232 (1969), and cases therein cited, in [1,2] It appears from the record that support of the argument that the city is ! the classification of Lot 16, under the Coun- equitably estopped to urge the invalidity of ty Zoning Ordinance, permitted the use of either the County building permit, or the the property for church purposes but ex- City's permit to raze the steeple issued cluded its use as a warehouse, and the trial subsequent to the annexation of the prop- i r - court so found.: A lawful non-conforming erty into the city. It is argued that equita- use cannot be predicated upon the act of ole estoppel involves a determination of the the County's ministerial officers in per- facts present in the particular case before e mitting the construction of a loading dock it. Thus defendants urge that the issuance and an overhead garage door in violation of of a permit, the giving of full information the zoning ordinance; rather, a non-con- to the County zoning employees, the modi- j forming use must be predicated upon the fications made to the building, the lapse of i I. Defendants have argued that the County rule is the subject to the proviso that i Zoning employee had the power to con- the order of the ministerial officer is not strue the provisions of the zoning onli- in contravention of ordinances existing at nance, relying on People ex rel. Inter- the time of the decision. i See the opin- chemical Corp. v. Chicago, 29 I11.2d 446, ion at page 148, 194 N.E_'d 199.) 194 Y.E.2d 199 (1963). However, this I s: s,. 488 Ill. 262 NORTH EASTERN REPORTER, 2d SERIES •,. more than two years between the acquisi- fendants had already occupied and used the ft i tion of the County zoning permit and the church premises in a manner proscribed by t; challenge by the city, and the evidence that both the county and city zoning ordinances the present use was not adverse to public prior to the grant of the city permit to re- .5 health, safety, morals and general welfare, move the steeple, it cannot logically be con- support the judgment below. The city tended that the defendants relied on the =a. also relies upon the opinion in Smith and city permit in their use of the church as a points out that there must be a showing of storage facility. - positive acts of municipal officials which • '`t induced action by the plaintiff in order to [6] We reject the contention that by its support the doctrine of equitable estoppel. grant of the steeple removal permit the While the court in Smith, at pages 366, city acquiesced in the defendants' use of 367, 249 N.E 2d 232, recognized that the the church as a warehouse. The record is !F doctrine of equitable estoppel may be in- devoid of any indication that the city was yoked where action has been induced by the thereby made aware of defendants' use of � ' conduct of municipal officials, and where, the church in a proscribed manner and sane- =f.!., tioned such use when the permit issued. - -:,ii:i in the absence of such relief, a municipality would be permitted to stultify itself by re- `j tracting what its agents had done, it also [7] The major thrust of defendants' -li . declared, that estoppel could not be based argument is that they were entitled to --':% : upon issuance of a permit through an ad- rely upon the issuance of the county permit Ti; ministrative mistake of a member of the because they in good faith substantially municipal staff involving no policy de- changed their position by reason of its is- • ;' j' cisions. suance. However, good faith reliance is • `'Li;` substantially diminished by their actual or . ', The trial court here found that it was in- constructive knowledge of the residential equitable to deny defendants' use of the classification of the pro erty before appli- premises in the manner shown because they cation was made for the permit. Further, . - • had substantially changed their position in the record is silent as to the amount of ex- good faith and with the apparent acqui- penditures made by defendants upon such - ..1 i escence of both the county and the city alleged reliance. ' ; officials over the period of time involved. We are of the opinion, however, that the [8] The use of Lot 18 was found by the I. court misconceives its authority to apply court below to be within the city zoning general principles of equity to the case. ordinance as a "home-occupation", an ex- -.../ ception permitted in a residential area. We .`1 t [4] The more precise and limited princi- are of the opinion that this was erroneous. pies of the doctrine of equitable estoppel ra- It is not argued that such use was non-con- "," they must be applied, and we find no acts of forming inasmuch as defendants did not ?., government authority in the record suf- begin to reside in the parsonage and use it .`•i` - I ficient to invoke the doctrine. Mere non- in connection with their business activities li _: . action by a city is insufficient to invoke until after the annexation by the city. estoppel. Gregory v. City of Wheaton, 23 The city ordinance provided an exception to ,- Ill.2d 402, 408, 178 N.E 2d 358 (1961). See the A-Residence district for "accessory i:• also Haba v. Cuff, 201 N.E.2d 343, 346, 347 uses incidental to the above uses, includ- (Ohio App.1963). ing private garages, home occupations, and signs advertising premises for sale or rent, , [5] Moreover, essential elements of the but not the conduct of any retail or whole- doctrine of equitable estoppel against the sale business or manufacture". A further city have not been proven. Because the de- provision of the zoning ordinance defined n r. y �-_.-..,,-.7.,,,,-;.•;$--.-- ._,z w` _ y r .r ;y'?" r ?�' r "" . _\_,- ✓ v ..:: `5 tr'1rPL �p. rf f� - d` 1.T - y Jul{ ..y ;y a _ •..�, s ;n x -,-t' - <.., ,.. _ s ,r. - . ^ +.l _ - -e. y r, > r - . y �. , +`r.a_ -:.r"` �, ":.K 47: -r.,u,F !',l s+Lxt7r -...'y„ :,.;. •.` " .. ..-s E.•'r >'.-.' Vis"; �'?:: •v.. j y ,. ,-..:.'•y G i-r ,I w'islta7 .+ �r,; y�_ .r�c:tea Ipr.1::. Y ,{�7 4 `:- 1 :.♦7a yx. t•. .I'• , is rt y S �_ ti>_,. : 't •CSP ,i ,tom 4 S �. >ux£.. pC�-si ,r Sr y-. '' r. ✓. r St+ ...y r- •'c. '.. .2 i [ e t:.J.: 3,/yrZ..:µ fl 'u Y s ? _"rti' `,-a`�.,y rd .a. ! r, .±r s%„4:i ..iA''✓ s., 1 - t'� •` - 'V:;;t x..�, --.... L i c: L"��J :t'K 1' s�b'►":�s�_,�.i...-,fh . ,;w°xr_..i?-_r. .. ari:. . -_..a. � _:::. _ - _•-r-�..: .. . � � : 1• i •� 1 ,i ADA`rIS 7. GRACE Ili- 4,39 x Cite as^_fin_N.E.2(1 16f) home occupation as an gainful occupation 1^_S El.3pp^d 69 i• ? - sem" or profession engaged in by an occupant of Luther B. ADA\1S and Lillie Adams, 1.....;-.....:-::::11--::::1-1',':--:::.....:•..:-::'..'... �fT ...- :-� a dwelling unit as a use •.vr;ch fs incidental Plaintiffs-Appellants, -_ to the use or the d.velling unit for resider- v tz. tial purposes". The Drdina-'Le further pro- vided that the occupation must be carried Blazier, and William Grace, De- on wholly within theg rincipal building or p a Pendants-Appellees. ' within a building accessory thereto and No. o9-94. i : r only by members of the family occupying the premises. It also provided that no arti- _.ppellate Court of Illinois. c'.e should be sold or offered for sale on Fifth District. the premises except such as is produced by At.e. -, IY') :1 -, the occupation on the premises. _A. further provision defined accessory buildings as buildings wnich must be on the same lot Action to enforce contract for sale of as the main building and the use of which property, in which defendants filed counter- is clearly incidental to use of a main build- claim that such contract be declared null and void. The Circuit Court, Gallatin ,. Ing. r. County, Don Foster, J., denied plair.tifis- Defendants' use and business activities counterdefendants' motion to vacate de- could not be said to be \vithin such excep- fault judgment and prior ruling sustaining tion. The business activity was not con- defendants-counterpia:-a:f;s' cross motion • • ducted solely within the residence or from to strike counterdefendants' motion to va- an accessory building on the same lot; the care. Plaintiffs-c ounZerdefenda-its appeal- business involved a regular outside em- ed. The Appellate Cour., George J. Moran, ployee, not a member of the family; the P. J., held that where courterplaintifis had articles offered for sale were not those not shown any hardship _:;at ,,vould jeooar- produced on the premises; and it could not dize their position if the,: ..were required to be said that the use was such as would be go to trial on merits, order would be re- customarily incidental to the residential use versed with instructions to set aside de- i of the dwelling. Village of Riverside v. fault judgment, though allegations of coun- Kuhne, 335 IlLApp. 347, 560-562, 82 N.E.2d terclaim and evidence created triable quer- 5C0 (1943) ; Nelson American Law of Zon- tion of fact, and though counterdefendants' ing, Section 10:02; City of Muskegon counsel, without valid excuse, and apparent- Heights v. Wilson, 363 Mich. 263, 109 N.W. ly without knowledge of counterdefendants, i 2d 768, 770--771 (1961) ; Maurer v. Snyder, failed to file answer to counterclaim and, ' 199 Md. 531, 37 A.2d 612, 613 (1952) ; Per- though receiving notice of motion for de- ron v. City of Concord, 102 N.H. 32, 130 fault judgment, did not appear. A.2d 403, 405, 406 (1959). . Reversed and remanded with direc- In our viewof the case, we do not reach tions. the issue which the plaintiff has raised on the pleadings. I. Appeal and Error 1176(I) • We reverse and remand with directions Where defendants-counterolaint;ifs had to grant the municipality's prayer for in- not shown any hardship that would jeop- junction. ardize their position if they were re- • quired to go to trial on merits, order de- Reversed and remanded with directions. • nying plaintiffs-counterdefendants' motion • to vacate default judgment and prior ruling DAVIS, P. J., and ABRAHAMSON, J., sustaining defendants-counterplaintiffs' concur. cross motion to strike counterdefendants' i 262 'I E.2d-31 tit • .fry>' 1 449 S , 409 N.E.2d 450 WELCH v. CITY OF EVANSTON 835 order Cite as,App.,42 111.Dec.835,409 N.E.24 450 s not Reese Hospital and Medical Center (1978), 87IlI.App.3d 1017 zel v 61 I11.App.3d 233, 18 Ill.Dec.404,377 N.E.2d 409 N.E.2d 450 - .E.2d 1040.) Although Supreme Court Rule Walter S. WELCH, as Trustee, Under 1966), 103(b) provides that an action may be dis- Trust Agreement dated June 28, 1974, missed as to an unserved defendant if the and Ross S. Welch, Plaintiffs-Appel- plaintiff fails to exercise reasonable dili- tants, e in- gence to obtain service (I11.Rev.Stat.1979, j fin,-`4. ch. 110A, par. 103(b)), such dismissals are V. i e ade within the sound discretion of the trial CITY OF EVANSTON, a Municipal Cor- ' court(Martin v. Lozada(1974),23 I1l.App.3d oration, Etc., Defendant-A tered, 8, 318 N.E.2d 334), and it is possible that p ppellee. i t any Atkinson could still be served with sum- which CITY OF EVANSTON, a Municipal mons and a judgment entered against him irties. Corporation, Plaintiff-Appellee, which could be the subject of an appeal. fault Such a result would conflict with the pur- v. . cause . pose of Rule 304(a), which is "to discourage J. Pte;SCHERMERHORN & COMPANY s and ` piecemeal appeals in the absence of just juris- (Agent), Ross S. Welch, Albert R. Welch reason, and to remove the uncertainty and Walter S. Welch, Defendants-Appel- Tin 30 which exists when a final judgment is en- !ants.!ants. nted tered on less than all matters in the contro- nt on versy." (Petersen Brothers Plastics, Inc. v. No. 79-1321. Ullo, 57 Ill.App.3d at 630, 15 Ill.Dec. at 74, order 373 N.E.2d 420; also see Blanchette v. Mar- Appellate Cot of Illinois, peala- tell (1977), 52 Il1.App.3d 1029, 10 Ill.Dec. First District, First Division. 03 Ill. 863, 368 N.E.2d 458.) In view thereof, we Aug. 25, 1980. 2r, be- believe that although Atkinson was not that served with summons when the default Rehearing Denied Sept. 22, 1980. ion to judgment was entered against the Metzlers, , ler his he was still a named defendant and a party Action was brought to obtain declara- be at- within the context of Rule 304(a) and, in tory judgment and injunctive relief against -others the absence of the finding "that there is no city to prevent it from eliminating base- ; \pp•3d just reason for delaying enforcement or ap- ment apartment in building owned by plain- peal," the trial court had jurisdiction to tiffs. City filed quasi-criminal complaint Tat the vacate the default judgment. against plaintiffs for elimination of the rhts of Thus, because the trial court having prop- apartment. After consolidation of the ac- though erly vacated the default judgment on the tions, the Circuit Court, Cook County, t with basis of section 50(5), we have no need to George J'. Schaller, J., entered judgment in I with consider the justification of vacatur under favor of city, and plaintiffs appealed. The t "par- plaintiff's alternative request for section 72 Appellate Court, First District,Goldberg, P. I etzlers relief. Further, since we have found that J., held that: (1) application for permit and e; and the trial court in fact had jurisdiction to the permit, which was issued pursuant to nt en- vacate the default judgment,and since such such application, prevented owner from tion of an order is not appealable, the instant ap- building more than a ten-unit apartment agree. peal will be dismissed. building; (2) plaintiffs had waived right to rice of Appeal dismissed. rely on admissions of city which had failed is no to make timely response to request for cer- 'endant LORENZ and MEJDA, JJ., concur. tain admissions including an admission that Ylichael it had not been customary to count and ask w a permit for a janitor's apartment; (3) find- \, par. 0 E KEY NUMBER SYSTEM 41 111. r ings contrary to contention that it was the custom not to count janitor's apartment in an application for a permit was not against I I 836 42 ILLINOIS DECISIONS 409 N.E.2d 451 manifest weight of the evidence; (4)even if failure to timely respond, introduced evi- such a custom had existed, such custom dence as to the custom and practice when would not have indicated that the eleventh the building was built and as to the exist- apartment was lawfully established so as to ence of the eleventh apartment when the be a permissible nonconforming use; (5)use building was erected. Supreme Court of eleventh apartment had been abandoned; Rules, Rules 216, 216(c), S.H 4. ch. 110A, t (6) fact that use of eleventh apartment had §§ 216, 216(c). been in existence for more than 52 years did not estop city from taking steps to elimi- 4. Zoning and Planning X645 nate the use; and (7) refusal to grant new In consolidated actions which involved ' Xtrial on basis of previous owner's and man- issue as to whether use of an eleventh aging agent's affidavits, which stated that apartment within a building was legal when they had never given up or abandoned built in 1925 under a permit for construc- claim that eleventh apartment was legal in tion of ten-unit apartment building, finding all respects and that apartment had been contrary to contention that there had been kept vacant for about three years after a custom of not counting a janitor's apart- ` agent wrote certain letter, was not abuse of ment in application for a permit was not 1: against manifest weight of the evidence. 1; discretion. Judgment affirmed. 5. Zoning and Planning X323 . Even if it had been the custom, when i 11-unit apartment building was built in r 1. Zoning and Planning X321 1925 undera permit for construction of a If a use is illegal at its inception, it ten-unit apartment building, that a janitor's Icannot be a "nonconforming use" so as to apartment was not to be counted in an ! be protected from elimination for violation application for a permit, such custom would L of present zoning ordinances. not have established that the eleventh See publication Words and Phrases apartment was "lawfully established" so as for i• defini ons.judicial constructions and to be a permissible nonconforming use, in ` light of fact that a custom could not be 2. Zoning and Planning X391 invoked to avoid a settled rule or law. Application, in which owner sought is- suance of permit to build ten-unit apart- 6. Customs and Usages X10 ment building and under which owner Custom cannot be invoked to avoid a agreed to "conform to and comply with the settled rule or to prevail against or over- conditions of the [permit] ' * '" and come a statute. to build"in strict accordance with accompa- 7. Zoning and Planning 4=337 nying description," and the permit, which • Use of an eleventh apartment within was issued pursuant to such application, building had been "abandoned" where, in prohibited building of 11-unit apartment direct response to denial of zoning varia- building. tion, owners voluntarily stopped renting 3. Zoning and Planning 4=2741 apartment for more than the 120-day period In consolidated actions which involved stipulated in ordinance as the maximum an issue as to whether use of eleventh time that the use could be discontinued apartment within building was legal when before conformity to the present use regu- established and in which city failed to make lations would become necessary. timely response to requests for certain ad- See publication Words and Phrases missions including an admission that it had for other judicial constructions and definitions. not been customary to count and ask a permit for a janitor's apartment, plaintiffs 8. Zoning and Planning X762 waived right to rely on city's admissions Fact that illegal use consisting of rent- where plaintiffs, who were aware of the al of an eleventh apartment within a build- 44.1 ' • 51 409 N.E.2d 452 WELCH v. CITY OF EVANSTON 837 Cite as,App.,42 IILDec.835,409 N.E.2d 450 t ,.i- ing had been in existence for almost 52 The apartment is located in a 3-story $ 1!{ en years did not estop city from taking steps to brick apartment building in Evanston. st- eliminate such use, absent any indication Plaintiffs acquired the building in 1974. 1 he that city's officials had taken any action The original owners of the property applied in which may have induced owners of building for a building permit on December 1, 1925 1 or any previous owner to maintain the elev- to construct a 3-story brick 10-apartment I enth apartment. building. The permit was issued December 2, 1925. 9. Zoning and Planning X721 At that time, the 1921 Evanston zoning ed In consolidated actions in which it was ordinance was in effect. This zoned the ,th determined that eleventh apartment within property for commercial use and permitted { en dwelling was not a legal nonconforming use up to 16-apartment units. In 1927, the 1C- because building permit was for only ten ordinance was amended to increase the lot ng apartments and there was an abandonment area requirement per apartment. Less f en of use of eleventh apartment, refusal toi, than 10-apartment units would have been • rt- grant new trial on basis of previous owner's permitted on the property. Under the lot and managing agent's affidavits stating present (1960) Evanston zoning ordinance, that theynevergave upor abandoned claim 'I' ce. the property is located in a ` B-2 Business G that eleventh apartment was legal in allDistrict" and only 3-apartment units could j j. . respects and that apartment was kept va- be built thereon. i•i :en cant for about three years after agent i inwrote letter indicating that apartment In April 1966, while the building was still a would be voluntarily vacated after denial of under prior ownership, tIn inspection by de- 'r s zoning variation was not abuse of discre- Pendant showed 11 apartments in the build an tion, in that affidavits added no new ele- ing including two in the basement. The •; i . _lid ment to facts brought out at trial. owner applied to the Zoning Board of Ap- Ith peals for a variance. The board recom- as mended the appeal be denied. Defendant's in Ross S. Welch, Chicago, for plaintiffs-ap- city council concurred in this decision. In a bepellants. letter to defendant, the then managing w agent for the building indicated one of the Jack M. Siegel, Corp. Counsel, City of basement apartments would be vacated on i_ Evanston, Chicago, for defendant-appellee. September 1. 1966, and would be kept va- I a cant "until we are able to trace the owner- or- GOLDBERG, Presiding Justice: ship back to such a time as is required to Walter S. Welch, as trustee under a trust justify this as an acceptable 11 apartment _ agreement dated June 28, 1974, and Ross S. building." lin Welch (plaintiffs) brought this action for Numerous inspections of the building in declaratory judgment and injunctive relief were made after the vacation of the 11th • •ia- against the City of Evanston (defendant) to apartment. As late as July 12, 1976 (after ng prevent defendant from eliminating a two- plaintiffs acquired the building) a certifi- iod room basement apartment in a building cate of inspection showed the building con- .im owned by plaintiffs. Defendant filed a tained 10 apartments and conformed to the led quasi-criminal complaint against plaintiffs requirements of the zoning ordinance. rut seeking elimination of the apartment. Commencing on October 1, 1976, the apart- These actions were consolidated by the cir- ment was leased to a tenant by plaintiffs. . cuit court. After a bench trial, the court Ross Welch, a qualified attorney, testified entered judgment in favor of defendant in that prior to acquiring the property he in- both actions, fined plaintiffs $10 and or- spected the building including the apart- : ' dered plaintiffs to terminate the use of the ment in controversy. The apartment was nt- apartment within 90 days. Plaintiffs ap- occupied by a tenant. Welch did not make Id- peal. a request to defendant to verify the zoning 838 42 ILLINOIS DECISIONS 409 N.E2d 453 409 status of the property nor did he inspect ed in buying an Evanston apartment build- apar any of defendant's records prior to purchas- ing could request defendant to inspect the and ing the property. Mr. Welch testified it building for compliance with the zoning and zoni - was not the custom for realty closing attor- building codes free of charge. Defendant no neys to apply to municipalities for certifi- had performed this service since 1971. ' pros cates of compliance before closing a pur- Ed Nehring, property inspector for de- fies i chase of an apartment building. Mr. Welch fendant, testified he had been employed in p also stated he had no knowledge of the this capacity for 15 years. In 1966 Nehring the application for a zoning variance made by inspected the building and the basement I for the previous owners in 1966. apartment. That apartment was occupied sho Jack Schermerhorn testified he was the by a Mrs. Hydrack. There were 11-apart- mit plaintiffs' managing agent of the apart- ment units in the building in 1966. After sue ment building since 1974. His management the action by the city council in 1966, the Ho company was also a defendant in the quasi- use of the 11th apartment was discontinued. cus criminal case. In his opinion the trim, On October 20 and 26, 1976, Nehring-rein- flooring, walls, door and window openings, spected the building and found the 11th fie • plumbing and lighting fixtures, wiring and apartment was,reoccupied and there were par appliances in the apartment in controversy new fixtures in it. 1 cor I. were installed at the time of the construc- Nehring stated he had known Carl Ber- qu tion of the building. Schermerhorn knew a quist. In 1966, Berquist lived at 920 Green- at plumber contractor named Carl Berquist wood Avenue and not at the apartment in rut I who had lived in the basement apartment question. Nehring had examine*the tele- 1 from 1925 until 1967. The apartment had phone book for 1965 and 1966 which showed th, been occupied continuously by a tenant Berquist lived at that address. Nehring sot since 1974. also examined the "Polk City Directory" me i 1 Schermerhorn stated that in 1925 "it was which lists the names of the occupants of i ru t the practice of the City of Evanston to have buildings in Evanston according to address. 1 Pe in a building permit one additional apart- He examined these directories for the years hi: 1. ment for the janitor in addition to the num- 1935, 1937, 1948 and 1963. In 1935, 10 1 ca ber of apartments listed." He had become family names were listed at the address of familiar with the practices of defendant by the building in question. In 1937, 11 family 1 a, looking at building permits, plans and lay- names were listed; in 1948, nine names; 1 ar outs of buildings built in 1925 or earlier. and in 1963, seven names. In addition, the Si On cross-examination, Schermerhorn testi- 1948 book showed Berquist lived at 920 to fled it was the practice to designate a jani- Greenwood. tor's apartment on the plan. Schermerhorn Nehring further testified that in 1925, it • further stated he had never examined de- was not the custom not to include the jani- fendant's records to determine the legal tor's apartment in the total number of status of the building in question. apartments when applying for a permit. Michael Garland, assistant director of the Based on his examination of many plans zI Department of Inspections and Permits for and permits the only exception would be if defendant, testified it was customary prac- the apartment were the only one in the tice in the 1920's not to list the janitor's basement and the janitor actually lived on apartment as a unit in the building permit the premises. Then the apartment would if it was the only unit in the basement not be included in the number of units • However, if there was one apartment estab- listed on the permit Also,in a small apart- ) lished in the basement by virtue of the ment building, such as the one in question, permit or plans of the building, there would it was not"uniformly accepted" to install a be no such practice as permitting a second janitor's apartment apartment in the basement for the janitor. Nehring corroborated Garland's testimo- Garland further testified a person interest- ny that defendant would inspect an existing t Al 453 409 N.E.2d 454 WELCH v. CITY OF EVANSTON 839 Cite as,App.,42 I11.Dec.833,409 N.E.2d 450 Id- apartment building at a purchaser's request Defendant did not make a timely re- :he and certify the building's compliance with sponse to the request. (See Ill.Rev.Stat. .nd zoning and building requirements. There is 1979, ch. 110A, par. 216(c).) The trial court int no requirement the prospective purchaser ruled numbers 1 and 2 above were admitted provide a survey before defendant so certi- facts and were also proved by the evidence. de- fies. The trial court also stated: in David Rasmussen, an appeals officer for "On 3, because of the failure to answer, ,ng the defendant, testified he had seen plans the Court started with the accepted fact .nt for buildings constructed in the 1920's that that it was not customary to count and ied showed a janitor's apartment but the per- ask a permit for the apartment to be .rt- mits for these same buildings did not count furnished to the building janitor. How- ter such apartments in the number of units. ever, you [plaintiffs] put a witness on the the However, he refused to state this was a stand, Mr. Jack Schermerhorn, whose tes- 1 , ed. customary practice. timony was to the contrary. His testimo • - ,in- Albert Welch, brother of plaintiffs, testi- ny was that the practice was to designate I , lth • fied he had called defendant's building de- the janitor's apartment on the plan. ere partment and requested a certificate of The,,refore, that admission has been made , compliance as to zoning and building re- negative by the testimony of your wit- ! er- quirements of a certain building. A person ness." j en- at the department told him he would need a The trial court found the 11th apartment in survey to get the certificate. was not a legal nonconforming use because • le- An evidence deposition was received by the building permit waifor only 10 apart- red the court. In the deposition, Folke Gustav- ments and there was an abandonment of i ing son testified he was 81 years old and had the use of the 11th apartment in 1966. • ry" moved into the basement apartment in Feb- of ruary or March 1927. A janitor named Both parties agree two basic questions in this appeal are: first, whether the use of ass. Peterson had lived in the apartment before the 11th apartment was legal when estab- ars him. The 1927 suburban phone book indi- p b 10 cates Folke Gustayson lived in the building. lished; and second, whether the use of this apartment was abandoned subsequent to its of Prior to trial, plaintiffs served on defend- establishment. For the sake of clarity, we lily ant a request for admission of facts pursu- will address the contentions of plaintiffs ies; ant to Supreme Court Rule 216. (I11.Rev. within the framework of these two basic the Stat.1979, ch. 110A, par. 216.) Among the � 920 issues. facts asked to be admitted were: , "1.—That the garden apartment unit : ,, it involved in the above cause was built in I. '' mi- 1925 at the time the building in which it [1] Plaintiffs do not attack the validity i of is located was built. of the zoning ordinances applicable here. 'i nit. "2—That the baseboard, electric fix- The 1960 Evanston zoning ordinance . ans tures, room trim, kitchen and bath defines a "nonconforming use" as "[a] law- -.2 if plumbing fixtures, medicine cabinet in fully established use of land, buildings, the bath in the instant apartment (except for structures or premises * * *." Thus, we . on replacements due to age) are the same must determine first whether the use of the .uld style and age as the other apartments in 11th apartment was "lawfully established." nits the building. If the use was illegal at its inception, it art- "3.—That at the time the building per- "cannot be a nonconforming use" (County ion, mit was taken out for the building in of Cook v. Triem Steel & Processing, Inc. .11 a which the instant apartment is located, it (1958), 19 Ill.App.2d 126, 129, 153 N.E.2d was not customary to count and ask a 277, leave to appeal denied, 15 Ill.2d 613: mo- permit for the apartment to be furnished see also City of Rockford v. Sallee (1970), ,ing to the building janitor." 129 I11.App.2d 75, 79, 262 N.E.2d 485), and , } . • i� 840 42 ILLINOIS DECISIONS 409 N.E.2d 455 409 N.E.2 cannot be protected from elimination for Plaintiffs contend that by defendant's in this re violation of present zoning ordinances. failure to timely answer the request for evidence. [2] The trial court found the 11th or admission of facts, defendant has admitted basement apartment was built in 1925, at "it was not customary to count and ask a [5,6] the time the building was erected. The permit for the apartment to be furnished to torn did uncontroverted deposition of Gustayson in- the building janitor." In this regard, plain- would be dicates he had lived in the basement apart- tiffs urge it was improper for the trial invokedten ment in 1927 and a janitor named Peterson court to reject this admission because ' lived there before him. The 1927 phone Schermerhorn's testimony did not contra- prevail a book shows Gustayson lived in the building. dict the admission. such an Defendant did not present convincing evi- binding.' dence to the contrary. Thus, we agree with [3] It is not necessary to pass upon the 331 N.E. the finding made by the careful trial judge. Propriety of the judge's comments in this We th• regard. We do not consider any of the apartme Since the apartment was established three requested admissions quoted above to and thu: when the building was erected in 1925, the have been admitted. Plaintiffs were aware 1921 zoning ordinance is determinative of their request for admission was not answer- whether 11-apartment units could have ed in a timely manner. Nevertheless, plain- [7] been built on the property. As stated tiffs introduced evidence not only as to the 11th ap: above, according to the 1921 ordinance, a maximum of 16 units would have been al- custom and practice in the 1920 s, but also tion, it lowed on this ro rtgiven its size. of the fact of the existence of the 11th whether P y' apartment when the building was erected. donmen However, this does not necessarily mean the use of the 11th apartment was "lawfully This conduct at trial waived plaintiffs' right was leg: to rely on defendant's admissions. 4 Pio- trial co + established." neer Trust and Savings Bank v. County of abandon The application for a building permit sub- Cook (1978), 71 IIl.2d 510, 518, 17 I11.Dec. mitted by the original owner was signed by 831, 377 N.E.2d 21. The i the builder and owner. The application vides (; provided: [4] As noted previously, the evidence "If a "The undersigned herewith applies for supported the conclusion the 11th apart- struc a permit to build a 3 Story, Brick 10 apt ment existed when the building was erect- 120 ' Bldg and hereby agrees upon issuance of ed. However, as for evidence of the custom any said permit to conform to and comply of not counting the janitor's apartment in struc • with the conditions of the same and the an application for a permit, at best we can tions ordinances of the City of Evanston,so far only say the evidence was conflicting. De- or st as they may apply to any work set forth fendant's witnesses indicated there was no It is in this application. such custom when there were two apart- buildir "Same to be located and built in strict ments in the basement or when the building the"11' accordance with accompanying descrip- was small. Even plaintiffs' own rebuttal also u tion, plans and specifications, which arewitness, David Rasmussen, refused to say vacant hereby submitted for your approval." this was a customary practice. "[F]or cus- stipul: I The language of this application is clear. tom or usage to be binding it must be time t I It binds the owner "to conform to and uniform, and so well established as to have confor comply with the conditions of the [permit] the force of law." (Solomon v. City of becarr ' ' ' " and to build "in strict accord- Evanston (1975), 29 Ill.App.3d 782, 791, 331 Hoy ance with accompanying description ' '." N.E.2d 380, 387.) The trial court found owner i A permit was issued pursuant to this appli- there was no such custom. We cannot dis- use of cation. In our opinion, the application for turb this finding unless it is against the ing ti building permit, and the permit issued sub- manifest weight of the evidence. (Pioneer roneo sequent thereto, legally prevented the own- Trust and Savings Bank, 71 I11.2d 510, 516— defen er from building an 11-unit apartment 17, 17 Ill.Dec. 831, 377 N.E.2d 21.) In our counc building. opinion, the finding of the able trial judge of th. L t ,.c am. - L - •" N, j i5 409 N.E.2d 456 , WELCH v. CITY OF EVANSTON $dl , ' - Cite as,App.,42❑I.Dec.335,409 N.E.2d 450 's in this respect is strongly supported by the abandonment or discontinuance of the use >r evidence. of the 11th apartment. We disagree. d [5,6] Furthermore, even if such a cus- As plaintiffs point out, it has been held 1 a o torn did then exist, plaintiffs' argument that "Mere cessation of use will not, per se, i 1- would be without merit "[for it has been result in a loss of the right to resume such t al consistently held that a custom can not be use" and "There still must be an intent by se invoked to avoid a settled rule or laor to the owner to abandon such nonconforming w.• - prevail against or overcome a statute and use ' " `." (McCoy v. City of Knoxville i such an alleged custom is therefore not (1963), 41 Ill.App 2d 378, 384, 190 N.E.2d t binding." Solomon, 29 III.App.3d 782, 791, 622, 625, leave to appeal denied, 27 I11.2d I' •e 331 N.E.2d 380, 388. 625, citing Brown v. Gerhardt (1955), 5 I11.2d 106, 125 N.E.2d 53 and People ex rel. �' is We therefore conclude the use of the 11th t Delgado v. Morris (1948), 334 Ill.App. 5o 7, .e ® apartment was not "lawfully established" d i`.' .o and thus could not be a nonconforming use. 79 N.E.2d 839.) In the instant case, the ,f .e evidence is manifest the owner intended to 't• II. abandon the use of the 11th apartment. In [7] Since it is our opinion the use of the the managing agent's letter to defendant, `: .e 11th apartment was illegal from its incep- quoted- above, the agent stated they were ;' ,o tion, it becomes unnecessary to examine voluntarily vacating the apartment. The E' h whether the use continued without aban- intent to abandon is clear. This is not a I. donment. However, even assuming the use case where a use was unintentionally 1t w7,71:47-al at its inception, we agree with the stopped, such as McCoy, which involved the )- trial court that this use was subsequently inability of the owner td'find a tenant for 11abandoned. his nonconforming use. (41 II1.App.2d 378, c• 388, 190 N.E.2d 622.) The abandonment • The 1960 Evanston zoning ordinance pro- here was in direct response to defendant's vides (Section XI, E2): ruling. If the owner felt the defendant's • e "If a nonconforming use of a building or ruling was erroneous, he could have defend- t- structure is discontinued for a period of ed his right to the use of the apartment in t- 120 days, it shall not be renewed; and the courts just as plaintiffs are doing in n any subsequent use of the building or these proceedings. Instead he chose to and 1• I structure shall conform to the use regula- did effectively abandon the use of the u ' tions of the district in which the buildingp N ; i n apartment. , • or structure is located." _ .o It is undisputed the previous owner of the HI. 1 i t- building vacated and stopped renting out [8] Plaintiffs raise other contentions in ti1 g the 11th apartment sometime in 1966. It is their briefs. However, our reasoning and 31 also undisputed this apartment remained decision that the 11th apartment was not a 5 j .y vacant for more than the 120-day period legal nonconforming use completely pre- y s- stipulated in the ordinance as the maximum eludes all but one of these contentions. lI J le time the use could be discontinued before PLaintiffs argue defendant should be es- .e conformity to the present use regulations topped from prosecuting this violation be- )f became necessary. cause defendant did not take steps to elimi- '1 However, plaintiffs contend the previous nate the illegal apartment until 1977 when downer had no intention of abandoning the it filed the quasi-criminal complaint herein; use of the 11th apartment and stopped rent- a gap of almost 52 years from the start of the illegal use. } ' to ing the apartment only because of the "er- o 'r roneous" denials of a zoning variation by Our supreme court has held that before ' — defendant's Board of Appeals and city the doctrine of equitable estoppel can be ir council. Plaintiffs thus argue the actions invoked against a city, there must be a _ ` :e of the previous owner did not constitute an showing of "some positive acts by the mu- i !1 42111.Dec.-19 j i • 1 0 842 , 42 ILLINOIS DECISIONS 409 N.E.2d 457 nicipal officers which may have induced the tion will not be disturbed absent a show- action of the adverse party. Mere non- ing of abuse." action is not enough." (Gregory v. City of In the instant case, the trial court was Wheaton (1961), 23 Il12d 402, 408, 178 well within sound discretion in denying the N.E.2d 358, 361; see also City of Rockford, motion. These affidavits add no new ele- 129 Ill.App.2d 75, 81, 262 N.E.2d 485.) In ment to the facts brought out at trial. the instant case, there is no showing of While the affiants may not have abandoned positive action by any of defendant's off i- the previous owner's claim the apartment cials which may have induced plaintiffs or was a nonconforming use, as shown above any previous owner to maintain the 11th affiants' predecessors did in fact abandon apartment. In fact, the decisions of de- the use of the apartment for three years. fendant's Board of Appeals and city council in 1966 denying a variance and the subse- For the reasons stated, the judgment of quent certificates of inspection which spe- the circuit court is affirmed. cifically state only 10-apartment units are Judgment affirmed. allowed with "one dwelling unit below the ' second floor" indicate defendant did not O'CONNOR and CAMPBELL, JJ., con- approve of an 11th apartment. Apparently, cur. defendant did not notice a violation until Nehring's inspections in October 1976. • Shortly thereafter, defendant filed the qua- o S dE...*_RSYSTEM si-criminal complaint. Thus, the doctrine of T i equitable estoppel is inapplicable here. ; 1 i IV. 87 I11.App.3d 1123 [9] Plaintiffs filed a motion for new tri- 409 N.E.2d 457 al with which they submitted affidavits of Alvano VALDIVIA, Plaintiff-Appellant, the previous owner and managing agent of v. the building. Ross Welch stated in his own affidavit he was unable to produce these The CHICAGO AND NORTH WESTERN 1 TRANSPORTATION COMPANY et al., witnesses at trial because one was seriously ill and the other could not be located. Defendants-Appellees. These affiants stated they never gave up or No. 79-2066. I abandoned the owner's claim that the 11th Appellate Court of Illinois, apartment was legal in all respects. The First District, First Division. affiants further stated the apartment was kept vacant for about three years after the Aug. 25, 1980. agent wrote the letter to defendant in 1966. The trial court denied the motion. Plain- Plaintiff who was injured in fall while tiffs contend this is newly discovered evi- sandblasting a railroad overpass structure dence concerning intent to abandon the filed multicount complaint against' numer- nonconforming use so that the trial court ous corporations including railroad compa- should have granted the motion for new ny. After plaintiff who was ordered to trial. appear for deposition on certain date failed i This court has held (McCullough v. to appear, the Circuit Court, Cook County, McTavish(1978),62 I1l.App.3d 1041, 1047,20 Paul F. Elward, P. J., dismissed complaint IIl.Dec. 57, 62, 379 N.E.2d 890, 895): with prejudice, denied motion to vacate or- "Granting or denying a motion for a der of dismissal, and plaintiff appealed. new trial on the basis of newly discovered The Appellate Court, O'Connor,J., held that evidence lies within the discretion of the under circumstances wherein because of trial court and its exercise of that discre- language barrier created by plaintiff's ina- f 0 gp I !, 267 MUNICIPALITIES 65 ILCS 5/11-13-15 public hearing—other than a public hearing provided for in "Administrative Review Law", as now or hereafter amend- Section 11-13-2—required to be held under this Division 13 ed.' , in connection with applications for any special use,variation, (D) The corporate authorities of the municipality may I amendment or other change or modification in any ordinance provide general or specific rules implementing but not incon- of the municipality adopted pursuant to this Division 13; and sistent with the provisions of this Section, including rules (ii) hear and decide appeals from and review any order, relative to the time and manner in which hearing officers are requirement, decision or determination made by an adminis- designated to conduct public hearings and rules governing trative official charged with the enforcement of any ordi- the manner in which such hearings are conducted and mat- nance adopted pursuant to this Division 13. ters heard therein passed upon and determined. (B) When a hearing officer is designated to conduct a (E) Hearing officers shall be appointed on the basis of public hearing in a matter otherwise required to be heard in training and experience which qualifies them to conduct accordance with this Division 13 by some commission or hearings, make recommendations or findings of fact and committee designated by the corporate authorities of the conclusions on the matters heard and otherwise exercise and municipality: (i) notice of such hearing shall be given in the perform the powers, duties and functions delegated in actor- . same time and manner as is provided by this Division 13 for dance with this Section. Hearing officers shall receive such. the giving of notice of hearing when any such matter is to be compensation as the corporate authorities of the municipality heard by some commission or committee designated by the shall provide, and any municipality may establish a schedule corporate authorities; (ii) the hearing officer shall exercise of fees to defray the costs of providing a hearing officer. and perform the same powers and duties as such commission (F) This Section is intended to furnish an alternative or • I or committee is required to exercise and perform when supplemental procedure which a municipality in its discretion conducting a public hearing in any such matter; and (iii) the may provide for hearing, determining, reviewing and decid- hearing officer shall render a written recommendation to the ing matters which arise under any ordinance adopted by the corporate authorities within such time and in such manner municipality pursuant to this Division 13, but nothing in this f and form as the corporate authorities shall require. Section shall"be deemed to limit or prevent the use of any (C) When a hearing officer is designated to conduct a existing procedure available to a municipality under this public hearing in a matter otherwise required to be heard in Division 1$for hearing,approving or denying applications for accordance with this Division 13 by the board of appeals, or a special use, variation, amendment or other change or when a hearing officer is designated to hear and decide modification of any such ordinance,or for hearing and decid- 1 E appeals from and review any order,requirement,decision or ing appeals from and reviewing any order, requirement, I determination made by an administrative official charged decision or determination made by an administrative official with the enforcement of any ordinance adopted pursuant to charged with the enforcement of any such ordinance. • this Division 13: (i) notice of hearing shall be given in the Laws 1961, p. 576, § 11-13-144 added by PA.84-960, § 1, same time and manner as is provided by this Division 13 for eff. Sept. 25, 1985. • the giving of notice of hearing when any such matter is to be Formerly Ill.Rev.Stat.1991, ch. 24, 911-13-14.1. •I de heard by the board of appeals; (ii) the hearing officer in 1735 ILCS 5/3-101 et seq. passing upon and determining any matter otherwise within . the jurisdiction of the board of appeals shall be governed by 5/11-13-15. Proceedings to prevent violation ! 'i all of the standards, rules and conditions imposed by this § 11-13-15. In case any building or structure, including ; f Division 13 to govern the board of appeals when it passes fixtures, is constructed,reconstructed,altered,repaired,con- ) ; upon and determines any such matter; and (iii) the hearing verted, or maintained,or any building or structure,including officer shall exercise and perform all of the powers and fixtures, or land, is used in violation of an ordinance or ;1 duties of the board of appeals in the same manner and to the ordinances adopted under Division 13, 31 or 31.1 of the } same effect as provided in this Division 13 with respect to the Illinois Municipal Code,'or of any ordinance or other regula- board of appeals, provided that: tion made under the authority conferred thereby,the proper 1. When the hearing officer is passing upon an applica- local authorities of the municipality, or any owner or tenant tion for variation or special use and the power to determine of real property, within 1200 feet in any direction of the ; and approve such variation or special use is reserved to the property on which the building or structure in question is corporate authorities,then upon report of the hearing officer located who shows that his property or person will be the corporate authorities may by ordinance without further substantially affected by the alleged violation, in addition to • public hearing adopt any proposed variation or special use or other remedies, may institute any appropriate action or may refer it back to the hearing officer for further consider- proceeding (1) to prevent the unlawful construction, recon- ation,and any proposed variation or special use which fails to struction, alteration,repair, conversion,maintenance, or use, receive the approval of the hearing officer shall not be passed (2) to prevent the occupancy of the building, structure, or • except by the favorable vote of S of all aldermen or trustees land, (3) to prevent any illegal act, conduct, business, or use • of the municipality; in or about the premises, or(4) to restrain,correct, or abate 2. When the hearing officer is passing upon an applica- the violation. When any such action is instituted by an • tion for variation or special use and the power to determine owner or tenant, notice of such action shall be served upon and approve such variation or special use is not reserved to the municipality at the time suit is begun,by serving a copy the corporate authorities, or when the hearing officer is of the complaint on the chief executive officer of the munici- hearing and deciding appeals from or reviewing any order, pality, no such action may be maintained until such notice requirement, decision or determination made by an adminis- has been given. trative official charged with the enforcement of any ordi- In any action or proceeding for a purpose mentioned in nance adopted pursuant to this Division 13, the determina- this section, the court with jurisdiction of such action or tion made by the hearing officer with respect to any such proceeding has the power and in its discretion may issue a matter shall constitute a final administrative decision which restraining order, or a preliminary injunction, as well as a is subject to judicial review pursuant to the provisions of the permanent injunction, upon such terms and under such con- e • 1 ; 4 ., 65 ILCS 5/11-13-15 MUNICIPALITIES 268 ditions as will do justice and enforce the purposes set forth Formerly Ill.Rev.Stat.1991, ch.24, 9 11-13-18. above. If an owner or tenant files suit hereunder and the court 5/11-13-19. Official zoning map—Publication finds that the defendant has engaged in any of the foregoing prohibited activities,then the court shall allow the plaintiff a § 11-13-19. Except as otherwise provided in this section, reasonable sum of money for the services of the plaintiff's the corporate authorities shall cause to be published no later attorney. This allowance shall be a part of the costs of the than March 31 of each year a map clearly showing the litigation assessed against the defendant, and may be recov- existing zoning uses, divisions, restrictions, regulations and ered as such. classifications of such municipality for the preceding calendar year. The first map published in 1960 shall reflect all zoning An owner or tenant need not prove any specific,special or unique damages to himself or his property or any adverse uses, divisions, restrictions, regulations and classifications in effect upon his property from the alleged violation in order to effect on and prior to December 31,1959. If in any calendar maintain a suit under the foregoing provisions. year after the first map is published there are no changes in Laws 1961, p. 576, § 11-13-15, eff. July 1, 1961. Amended zoning uses, divisions,restrictions, regulations and classifica- by PA.76-585, § 1,eff.July 31, 1969; P.A.80-419,§ 1, eff. tions in such municipality,no map shall be published for such Oct. 1, 1977. calendar year. Formerly Ill.Rev.Stat.1991, ch. 24, 9 11-13-15. The map published by the corporate authorities shall be 165 ILCS 5/11-13-1 et seq.,5/11-31-1 et seq.or 5/11-31.1-1 et seq. the official zoning map. The corporate authorities may establish a fee to be charged any.person desiring a copy..of 5/11-13-16. Existing zoning ordinances, such map. Such fee shall be paid to the appropriate zoning regulations, and acts thereunder officer and-Shall be applied to defray the cost of publication § 11-13-16. All zoning ordinances and regulations of the official map. adopted prior to January 1,1942,by any municipality pursu- Laws 1961, p. 576, § 11-13-19, eff. July 1, 1961. Amended ant to the provisions of"An Act to confer certain additional by Laws 1963, p. 3136, § 1, eff.Aug. 19, 1963. powers upon city councils in cities and presidents and boards y Formerl Ill.Rev.Stat.1991, ch.24, 911-13-19. of trustees in villages and incorporated towns concerning buildings and structures,the intensity of use of lot areas,the classification of trades, industries, buildings, and structures, 5/11-13-20. Hearings—Appearance and with respect to location and regulation, the creation of dis- presentati n of evidence by school tricts of different classes, the establishment of regulations district and restrictions applicable thereto, the establishment of boards of appeals and the review of the decisions of such § 11-13-20. In any hearing before a zoning commission, boards by the court", approved June 28, 1921, as amended, board of appeals, or commission or committee designated and all committees, commissions, boards, and officers desig- pursuant to Section 11-13-14, any school district within nated or appointed by any municipality pursuant to the which the property in issue, or any part thereof, is located provisions of that Act, or pursuant to the provisions of any shall have the right to appear and present evidence. ordinance or regulations adopted under that Act, shall be recognized, considered, and treated as having been properly Laws 1961,p.576, § 11-13-20,added by Laws 1963,p.v1`59, adopted, designated, established, or appointed under this § 1, eff. Aug. 5, 1963. Division 13. Formerly Ill.Rev.Stat.1991, ch. 24, 911-13-20. Laws 1961, p. 576, § 11-13-16, eff. July 1, 1961. Formerly Ill.Rev.Stat.1991, ch. 24, 911-13-16. DIVISION 14. SET-BACK LINES 5/11-13-17. Substandard structures—Eminent Section domain 5/11-14-1. Establishment. § 11-13-17. In addition to all rights and powers con- 5/11-14-2. Enforcing officers. ferred by this Division 13, the corporate authorities in each 5/11-14-3. Amendment of regulations. municipality may acquire by purchase, condemnation or oth- 5/11-14-4. Action to restrain violation. erwise any buildings or structures which do not conform to the standards fixed by the corporate authorities pursuant to 5/11-14-1. Establishment Section 11-13-1,and all land which is necessary or appropri- ate for the rehabilitation or redevelopment of any area § 11-14-1. In addition to existing powers and to the end blighted by substandard buildings or structures; may re that adequate light, pure air, or safety may be secured and move or demolish all substandard buildings and structures so that congestion of public streets may be lessened or avoided, acquired; may hold and use any remaining property for the corporate authorities in each municipality have power by public purposes; and may sell,lease or exchange such prop- ordinance to establish,regulate,and limit the building or set- erty as is not required for public purposes, subject to the back lines on or along any street, traffic way, drive, or provisions of the existing zoning ordinance. parkway or storm or floodwater runoff channel within the Laws 1961, p. 576, § 11-13-17, eff. July 1, 1961. municipality, as may be deemed best suited to carry out Formerly Ill.Rev.Stat.1991, ch. 24, 9 11-13-17. these purposes. The powers given by this Division 14 shall not be exercised so as to deprive the owner of any existing 5/11-13-18. Testimony at hearings property of its use or maintenance for the purpose to which § 11-13-18. All testimony by witnesses in any hearing it is then lawfully devoted. provided for in this Division 13 shall be given under oath. Laws 1961, p. 576, § 11-14-1, eff. July 1, 1961. Laws 1961, p. 576, § 11-13-18, eff. July 1, 1961. Formerly Ill.Rev.Stat.1991, ch. 24, 9 11-14-1. • El 14.jll �� _`-=� Memorandum o, July 11, 1996 TO: Illegal Nonconforming Residential Uses Task Force Members FROM: Erwin J. Jentsch, Corporation CounselC /? Clay J. Pearson, Director of Code Administration an Neighborhood Affairs SUBJECT: First Meeting Announcement The Task Force ' s first meeting is scheduled for next Thurs- day, July 18, at 1 : 30 p.m. in the City Manager ' s Conference Room. Please find attached additional information for your review: * Agenda for meeting. * Updated list of illegal residential uses . * Sections of adopted BOCA Property Maintenance Code pertaining to definition of a dwelling unit . * History of required off-street parking. * Letter from Elgin Township Assessor, dated July 2 , 1996, regarding township use records . * Letter from Elgin Township Assessor, dated June 21, 1996 regarding valuation of property in Elgin Town- ship. * Memorandum from City of Elgin Permit Control Offi- cer regarding electrical services/Commonwealth Edison. We look forward to working with you next week. CJP/sm c: Richard B . Helwig, City, }M nager Loni Mecum, City Clerk V Agenda Illegal Residential Uses Task Force Thursday, July 18 1 : 30 p.m. City Manager ' s Conference Room, 150 Dexter Court A. Roll Call B. Election of presiding members . C. Election of Secretary. D. Report on current status and types of illegal nonconform- ing uses . E . Description of current ordinance. F. Discussion of possible ordinance amendments . G. Next meeting date. H. Adjournment. CITY OF ELGIN--ILLEGAL UNITS REPORT ADDRESS Number Lawful Current Cony Lot Permit Ext Owner Cont Twp Yr Twp #Units #Units Year Area Issued Rat Occ? SF? Use Use Est'd ADAMS ST 312 4 5 1969 7,225 2 Y Y 2 1958 • ADDISON ST 441 4 5 1969 8,704 067 2 5 1972 ALGONA AVE 370 2 4 1946 8,504 1 4 1972 ANN ST 209 1 2 1976 2,310 1 Y 1 1958 ASHLAND AVE 515 1 _ 2 1981 7,975 041 2 Y 2 1967 AUGUSTA AVE 805 1 2 1948 8,712 1 Y Y 2 1979 AUGUSTA AVE 843 1 2 1941 8,712 B40 1 Y Y 1 1978 AUGUSTA ST 839 1 2 1971 8,712 2 Y Y 2 1978 BALL ST 330 1 2 1972 4,293 1 Y 2 1994 BALL ST 410 1 2 1937 6,468 1 1 1958 BARRETT ST 483 1 2 1988 4,400 1 Y 2 1967 BARTLETT PL 269 1 2 1989 2,669 E84 3 Y 2 1979 BENT ST 358 2 3 1982 6,800 E91 2 2 1990 BIRD ST 523 2 3 1976 8,160 2 Y 2 BLUFF CITY BLVD 664 1 3 _ 1995 7,410 B92 1 Y 1 1958 BODE RD 700 6 8 1988 19,951 E72 1 BOOTH CT 364/365 4 6 1979 22,609 051 3 2 BOWEN CT 420 1 2 1939 5,099 1 Y 1 BROOK ST 465 1 2 1954 8,712 B85 1 Y 2 1985 BROOK ST 500 2 3 1995 7,623 B68 2 3 1968 BROOK ST 628 2 3 1971 9,825 E40 2 Y 2 1972 BROOK ST 629 1 2 1993 10,890 E93 2 Y 1 1958 BROOK ST 712 1 2 1959 11,361 1 Y 2 1972 CENTER ST 1029/1031 2 3 1939 7,276 E82 2 Y 3 1972 CENTER ST 255 2 4 1991 2,904 2 Y 4 1958 CENTER ST 415 1 2 1986 8,712 1 2 1979 CHANNING STN 152 2 3 1992 8,026 060 1 Y 3 1972 CHANNING ST S 15/17 4 5 1993 7,200 E93 2 4 1978 CHANNING STS 222 1 2 1992 10,890 H92 1 Y 1 1958 CHAPEL STN 22 2 3 1981 8,580 B41 1 Y 2 1958 CHERRY ST 114 3 4 1989 8,712 E55 2 3 1972 CHERRY ST 210 2 3 1981 7,920 2 Y 2 1972 CHICAGO ST E 317 7 8 1983 4,356 E38 1 8 1972 CHICAGO ST E 327 1 2 1986 3,486 2 Y 2 1972 CHICAGO ST E 376 5 6 _ 1973 14,520 E44 2 5 1967 CHICAGO ST E 431 3 4 1978 6,600 E48 1 Y 3 1972 CHICAGO ST E 492 3 4 1983 8,831 3 3 1972 CHICAGO ST E 532 2 3 1977 5,876 2 2 1972 CHICAGO ST E 680 1 2 1986 15,307 2 2 1972 CHICAGO ST E 900 1 2 1981 58,625 E53 3 2 CHICAGO ST W 321/323 3 4 1986 7,128 E45 2 2 CLARK ST 512 1 2 1987 7,709 1 Y 2 1979 07/11/96 Page 1 CITY OF ELGIN--ILLEGAL UNITS REPORT ADDRESS Number Lawful Current Cony Lot Permit Ext Owner Cont Twp Yr Twp #Units #Units Year Area issued Rat Occ? SF? Use Use Est'd CLEVELAND AVE 456 1 2 1939 7,590 _ N Y 1 • COLLEGE ST 213 2 3 1992 3,317 2 Y 2 1972 COMMONWEALTH AVE S 168 1 2 1937 6,389 027 1 Y Y 2 1978 COOKANE AVE 862 _ 1 2 _ 1958 8,774 _ 2 Y 2 1979 COOPER AVE 610 1 2 1972 6,379 2 Y Y 2 1972 CRYSTAL AVE N 52 5 7 1945 8,712 E42 1 7 1972 CRYSTAL AVE N 361 1 2 1987 32,430 1 2 DANIELS AVE 21 2 3 1973 _ 2,880 E56 3 3 1978 DOUGLAS AVE 258 1 2 1989 12,072 1 Y 1 1958 DOUGLAS AVE 714 1 2 1991 7,161 1 Y Y 2 1993 DUBOIS AVE N 155 1 2 1984 3,859 E84 2 Y 2 1972 DUBOIS AVE N 156 1 2 1982 6,682 E85 1 Y Y 2 1980 DUNDEE AVE 304 2 3 1921 5,206 3 3 1967 DUNDEE AVE 320/322 2 4 2,248 2 2 1958 DUPAGE ST 315/317 5 6 1933 8,712 2 5 1958 DUPAGE ST 427 1 2 8,768 _ 1 2 1988 DUPAGE ST 433 4 5 1974 8,580 B39 2 4 1972 DWIGHT ST 307 2 3 _ 1939 5,447 2 Y 2 1972 DWIGHT ST 414 _ 1 2 1989 8,712 1 Y 1 1958 FRANKLIN ST 274 1 2 1970 3,564 2 Y 2 1979 FRANKLIN ST 438 2 4 1971 9,108 E47 1 2 1995 GENEVA STN 15/17 5 6 1966 5,412 E86 2 6 1958 GETZELMAN AVE 1274 8 9 1977 10,100 076 2 9 1969 GETZELMAN AVE 1350 8 9 1975 14,375 040 2 9 1978 GIFFORD PL 285 1 2 1988 3,267 E39 2 2 1972 GIFFORD STN 270 2 _ 4 1983 3,213 1 2 1972 GIFFORD STN 310 1 2 1974 8,184 2 Y 2 1972 GIFFORD STN 416 2 3 1962 5,576 2 2 1978 GOETHE ST 826 1 2 1986 16,112 1 Y 2 1992 GRISWOLD ST 375 1 2 1939 9,042 2 Y 2 1967 HARDING ST 165 1 2 1975 2,460 2 Y 2 1979 HENDEE ST 448/450 2 3 1968 7,535 2 4 1972 HENDEE ST 516 1 2 1950 7,975 2 Y 2 1967 HIGHLAND AVE W 501/503 1 4 1951 _ 11,407 1 4 1972 HIGHLAND AVE W 628 2 3 1984 19,434 1 Y 2 1994 HIGHLAND AVE W_ 717/719 105 106 1962 6,062 1 105 1958 HIGHLAND AVE W 788 _ 1 2 1959 7,669 3 Y 2 1991 HIGHLAND AVE W 1218 1 2 1979 6,996 059 1 Y Y 1 1958 HIGHLAND AVE W 1254 1 2 1960 6,996 3 Y Y 2 1967 HILL AVE 22/24 3 4 1984 9,108 B63 2 4 1967 HILL AVE 133 1 2 1993 9,108 2 Y 1 1958 HILL AVE 252 1 2 1990 7,623 1 Y 1 1992 07/11/96 Page 2 CITY OF ELGIN--ILLEGAL UNITS REPORT ADDRESS Number Lawful Current Cony Lot Permit Ext Owner Cont Twp Yr Twp #Units #Units Year Area Issued Rat Occ? SF? Use Use Est'd ILLINOIS AVE 319 2 3 1994 166,352 2 2 1972 . ILLINOIS AVE 333 2 3 1973 147,319 _ E56 2 2 1972 ILLINOIS AVE 801 1 3 1937 5,607 2 Y 3 1972 ILLINOIS AVE 925 1 2 1974 7,860 2 Y 2 1972 JACKSON STS 52 1 2 1969 4,356 2 Y 2 1958 JEFFERSON AVE 29 1 2 1971 2,880 2 2 1970 JEFFERSON AVE 365 2 3 1955 9,480 E55 1 3 1972 JEFFERSON AVE 371 1 2 1992 7,440 058 Y 1 JEFFERSON AVE 427 2 3 8,378 E85 3 2 1972 JEWETT ST 403 1 2 1959 4,676 1 Y 2 1972 KEEP AVE 657 1 2 1994 7,366 E94 1 Y 2 1972 KIMBALL ST 316 1 3 1968 9,587 1 Y 2 1979 LARKIN AVE 815 2 3 1983 6,125 2 Y 2 1972 LARKIN AVE 920 2 3 1986 5,676 E86 2 Y 3 1958 LARKIN AVE 1965 1 2 1991 15,591 2 1 1967 LEONARD ST 54 1 2 1986 3,206 2 2 1972 LIBERTY STN 120 1 2 1976 8,613 1 Y 1 1958 LIBERTY STS 55 2 3 1974 25,155 E48 1 Y 3 1972 LIBERTY STS 150 2 3 1929 5,544 2 2 1972 LIBERTY ST S 156 1 2 1992 3,696 3 2 1972 LIBERTY STS 384 1 2 1995 4,207 1 Y 1 1958 LIBERTY STS 472 1 2 1994 6,573 2 Y 2 1972 LIBERTY STS 511 1 2 1974 7,508 E74 2 Y 1 1958 LILAC LN 301/311 11 12 1990 33,888 B90 1(2) 11 LILAC LN 312 4 5 1978 10,125 068 1 5 1986 LILLIE ST 564 1 2 1973 6,600 1 Y 1 1958 LOCUST AVE 565 1 2 1993 3,598 1 1 1985 LOCUST ST 318 2 3 1941 6,305 2 _ Y 3 1992 LOCUST ST 466 1 2 1958 10,883 058 2 2 1972 LOGAN AVE 921 1 2 1917 9,064 2 Y 2 1978 LOVELL ST 259 1 2 1969 7,028 060 1 Y 1 1958 LUDEKA PL 110 1 2 1959 8,712 1 Y 2 1978 LYNCH ST 30 1 2 1987 5,808 059 2 Y 2 1978 MARGUERITE ST 309 1 2 1939 8,712 1 Y Y 2 1967 MAY ST 365 1 2 1988 8,507 E88 2 Y 1 1987 MCCLURE AVE 321 2 5 1974 9,912 E53 1 Y 5 1984 MCCLURE AVE 520 1 3 1939 8,712 2 Y 2 1972 MEYER ST 1621 6 8 1981 10,480 2 6 1969 MICHIGAN ST 256 2 5 1950 3,490 3 5 1972 MILL ST 603 2 3 1972 6,098 E72 1 Y 2 1972 MORGAN ST 276 1 2 1927 8,712 1 2 1972 MORGAN ST 425 1 2 1941 7,375 E65 2 Y Y 1 1958 07/11/96 Page 3 CITY OF ELGIN--ILLEGAL UNITS REPORT ADDRESS Number Lawful_ Current Cony _ Lot Permit Ext Owner Cont Twp Yr Twp #Units #Units Year Area Issued Rat Occ? SF? Use Use Est'd MORTON AVE 1155 1 2 1937 6,534 2 Y 2 1958 • MOSELEY ST 344 1 2 1940 _ 7,729 1 Y Y 2 1972 , MOSELEY ST 355 1 2 1965 8,093 1 Y Y 2 1972 MOSELEY ST 360 1 2 1967 7,260 1 Y 1 1958 MOSELEY ST 364 1 2 1941 _ 11,220 E87 2 Y Y 2 1967 MOUNTAIN ST 315 1 3 1928 _ 18,018 1 3 1958 NATIONAL ST 20 1 2 1977 5,448 E77 2 Y 2 1979 NATIONAL ST 262 0 _ 1 1961 10,755 2 1 NORTH ST 312 2 3 1995 _ 4,221 E85 2 _ 2 1967 NORTH ST 372 _ 2 3 1980 4,554 E88 3 3 1972 OAK ST 452/454 1 2 1928 8,874 1 _ Y 2 1967 OAK ST 831 1 2 1939 _ 5,410 1 _ Y Y 2 1979 ORCHARD ST 315 1 2 1943 10,890 1 Y Y 1 1958 PARK ST 384 2 3 1989 _ 8,045 E64 2 2 1958 PARK ST 398 1 2 1948 6,400 2 1 1958 PARK ST 482 3 4 1979 _ 11,180 E53 2 3 1972 PERCY ST 265 2 4 _ 1950 5,212 _ 2 4 1967 PERCY ST 306 4 5 1986 _ 6,048 1 5 1958 PLUM CT 392 1 2 1981 6,957 2 1 1958 _ PLUM ST 327 1 2 1993 _ 8,712 B93 2 Y 1 1987 PORTER STN 134 1 2 1939 _ 8,712 1 Y 2 1972 PORTER STS 29 2 3 1977 5,865 2 2 1972 1 PRAIRIE ST _ 427 1 2 1974 5,280 2 Y 2 1958 PRESTON AVE _ 857 1 3 1981 _ 4,072 _ 2 Y Y 1 1958 PRESTON AVE _ 1158 1 2 1925 8,290 2 Y 2 1972 PROSPECT BLVD 605 1 3 1979 8,185 2 Y 3 1972 RAYMOND ST 412 1 2 1974 6,775 2 1 1958 RAYMOND ST 682 1 2 1995 5,400 2 _ Y 2 1972 RAYMOND ST _ 703 2 3 1956 17,424 1 3 1972 RUGBY PL 24 4 5 1984 8,184 060 1 5 1972 RUSSELL ST _ 429 1 _ 2 1993 8,250 E93 2 Y 1 1958 RYERSON AVE _ 360 1 2 1992 4,620 058 1 Y 2 1972 RYERSON AVE _ 436 1 2 1983 7,920 1 2 1972 SHERMAN AVE 400 1 2 1923 4,640 2 , 2 1958 SHERMAN AVE _ 432 2 3 _ 1968 26,136 2 3 1972 SOUTH ST _ 304 5 6 _ 1971 3,300 E87 92 1 5 1958 SOUTH ST 311 3 4 _ 1973 5,591 E68 1 4 1972 SOUTH ST 429 1 _ 2 1959 17,915 1 Y 2 1958 SOUTH ST 444 4 5 1985 16,533 B85 1 4 1978 SOUTH ST 509 3 4 1974 8,712 E54 2 3 1972 SOUTH ST 656/658 3 4 1994_ 15,409 2 Y 3 1972 SOUTH ST 840 1 2 1969 11,682 _ 2 Y 2 1972 07/11/96 Page 4 CITY OF ELGIN--ILLEGAL UNITS REPORT ADDRESS Number Lawful Current Cony Lot Permit Ext Owner Cont Twp Yr Twp #Units #Units Year Area Issued Rat Occ? SF? Use Use Est'd SPRING STN 255 7 8 1988 10,890 2 9 1985 • SPRING STN 279 2 4 1943 4,356 B81 2 4 1972 SPRING STN 420 1 2 1986 7,848 1 Y 2 1967 SPRING STN 617 1 2 1986 8,712 E39 2 Y 1 1996 SPRING STN 625 1 2 1982 8,712 E82 1 Y 2 1972 STATE STS 370 1 2 1927 10,890 1 2 1958 STATE STS 576 2 5 1977 42,141 B77 1 2 1972 ST CHARLES ST 343 2 4 1968 12,282 2 2 1958 ST CHARLES ST 951 2 3 1951 9,850 049 1 Y 2 1993 ST CHARLES ST 989 1 2 1965 8,712 E56 2 1 ST CHARLES ST 1005 1 2 1929 2 2 1940 STELLA CT 540 1 2 1988 6,596 2 ' 1 1976 SURRY CT 52 5 6 1967 11,250 B66 1 5 1972 VANDALIA ST 317 1 2 _ 1937 8,712 B41 1 Y Y 2 1967 VANDALIA ST 325/327 1 2 1939 8,712 1 Y 2 1958 VERNON DR 2183 16 18 1981 10,787 B69 1 18 1969 VILLA ST 224/226 1 3 1976 5,940 E44 2 4 1972 VILLA ST 274 1 2 1993 8,168 B93 2 Y 2 1972 VILLA ST 278 2 3 1978 6,534 2 2 1972 VILLA ST 288 5 8 1969 8,316 P58 1 8 1972 VILLA ST 296 2 3 1973 5,268 1 2 1972 VILLA ST 420 1 2 1986 8,712 1 Y 2 1972 VILLA ST 535 2 3 1993 6,532 1 Y Comm VILLA ST 611 2 4 1991 12,000 1 Y 2 1958 VILLA ST 643 2 3 1989 4,973 E80 1 Y 4 1989 VILLA ST 708 2 3 1984 8,804 E46 1 2 1982 VILLA ST 719 1 2 1980 3,878 E87 1 1 1988 WALNUT AVE 424 3 4 1985 7,843 2 4 1958 WALNUT AVE 576 2 3 1977 7,759 E54 1 Y 3 1972 WALNUT AVE 615 2 3 1974 21,780 E31 65 2 Y 2 1979 WALNUT AVE 825 1 3 _ 1975 8,712 1 3 WASHBURN ST 117 2 3 1993 2,178 E82 1 2 1967 WASHBURN ST 455 1 2 1986 8,250 E86 1 Y 2 1967 WASHINGTON AVE 320 1 2 _ 1923 8,712 2 Y 2 1972 WASHINGTON AVE 426 _ 2 3 1974 12,342 2 2 1958 WATCH ST 270 1 2 1977 2,644 2 2 1972 WATRES PL 330 1 2 1985 5,000 1 Y 3 1990 WELLINGTON AVE 391 1 _ 2 1971 5,808 1 Y 1 1958 WELLINGTON AVE 502 1 2 1970 13,914 2 Y 2 1979 WELLINGTON AVE 523 2 3 1977 9,270 E77 1 2 1972 WELLINGTON AVE 600 1 2 1985 19,140 1 1 1958 WELLINGTON AVE 607 1 2 1921 4,307 3 Y 2 1972 07/11/96 Page 5 CITY OF ELGIN--ILLEGAL UNITS REPORT ADDRESS Number Lawful Current Cony Lot Permit Ext Owner Cont Twp Yr Twp #Units #Units Year Area issued Rat Occ? SF? Use Use Est'd WILCOX AVE 346 1 2 1991 8,712 1 Y 1 1958 • WILCOX AVE 403 1 2 1984 7,772 E84 1 Y Y 1 1958 WOODVIEW DR 11 0 1 1971 264,804 B68 1 _ WRIGHT AVE 610 2 3 1981 7,838 2 1 YARWOOD ST 366 1 2 1941 7,083 1 Y 2 1958 YARWOOD ST 370 1 2 1915 5912 E59 1 Y 2 ABANDONED DWELLINGS _ _ LAUREL ST 493 1 2 1958 5,412 E58 1 2 RAYMOND ST 354 1 3 1996 8,375 E28 1 2 1958 STATE STN 15 0 8 1994 1,320 079 1 VILLA ST 271 1 4 1990 14,005 E70 2 4 1958 BREAKDOWN OF 1= 102 DWELLINGS EXTERIOR RATINGS 2= 105 DWELLINGS 3= 13 DWELLINGS 4= 0 DWELLINGS 07/11/96 Page 6 LEGEND FOR ILLEGAL UNITS REPORT ADDRESS Street NUMBER Street Number LAWFUL# UNITS Number of lawful dwelling units recognized by the city CURRENT# UNITS Number of dwelling units currently on site CONV DATE Estimated date the illegal unit(s) was/were added LOT AREA Square footage of the lot PERMIT ISSUED Permits issued by the city which verifies the legal number of units, followed by year issued: O=Occupancy permit B=Building permit E=Electrical permit H=Heating permit P=Plumbing permit EXT RAT Rating of the exterior condition of the property by property maintenance staff: 1=No Violations 4=Major Violations OWNER OCC Owner occupied property: Y=Yes, N=No CONT SF Y=Property has been continuously zoned single family since 1928 TWP USE Number of units as assessed by the township tax assessor YR TWP USE EST'D Year the township tax assessor began assessing as stated in the TWP USE column 07/11/96 THE BOCA NATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE/1990 and enforcement of this code, or any duly authorize representative Condemn: To adjudge unfit for use or occupancy. Dwellings: (See Section PM-200 .5 ) Rooming house: A building arranged or used for lodging, with or without meals, for compensation and not occupied as a one-family dwelling or a two-family dwelling. Multiple family dwelling: A building containing more than two dwelling units and not classified as a one- or two-family dwelling. Rooming unit: Any room or group of rooms forming a single habitable unit used or intended to be used for sleeping and/or living, but not for cooking purposes . Dormitory: A space in a building where group sleeping accommodations are provided in one room, or in a series of closely associated rooms, for persons not members of the same family group. Hotel: Any building containing six or more guest rooms, intended or designed to be used, or which are used, rented or hired out to be occupied, or which are occupied for sleeping purposes by guests . �t One-family dwelling: A building containing one dwelling unit with not more that two lodgers or boarders . Two-family dwelling: A building containing two dwelling unit. with not more than two lodgers or boarders per family. c Dwelling unit: A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. Exterior property: The open space on the premises and on adjoining property under the control of owners or operators of such premises . Extermination: The control and elimination of insects, rats or other pests by eliminating their harborage places; by removing or making inaccessible materials that serve as their food; by poison spraying, fumigating, trapping or by any other approved pest elimination methods . -4 Family: An individual or married couple and the children thereof with not more than two (2) other persons related directly to the individual or married couple by blood or marriage; or a group of not more than three ( 3) unrelated persons, living together as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit. Garbage: The animal and vegetable waste resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking and consumption of food. 15 THE BOCA NATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE/1990 illr Habitable space: Space in a structure for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet compartments, closets, halls, storage or utility spaces, and similar areas are not considered habitable spaces . Infestation: The presence, within or contiguous to, a structure or premises of insects, rats, vermin or other pests . Let for occupancy or let: To permit possession or occupancy of a dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming unit, building or structure by a person who shall be legal owner or not be the legal owner of record thereof, pursuant to a written or unwritten lease, agreement or license, or pursuant to a recorded or unrecorded agreement of contract for the sale of land. Occupant: Any person living or sleeping in a building; or having possession of a space within a building. Openable area: That part of a window or door which is available for unobstructed ventilation and which opens directly to the outdoors. Operator: Any person who has charge, care or control of a structure or premises which is let or offered for occupancy. iOwner: Any person, agent, operator, firm, or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property; or recorded in the official records of the state, county or municipality as holding title to the property; or otherwise having control of the property, including the guardian of the estate of any such person, and the executor or administrator of the estate of such - person if ordered to take possession of real property by a court. Person: An individual, corporation, partnership or any other group acting as a unit. , Plumbing: The practice, materials, and fixtures used in the installation, maintenance, extension and alteration of all piping, fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances within the scope of the plumbing code listed in Appendix A. Plumbing fixture: A receptacle or device which is either permanently or temporarily connected to the water distribution system of the premises, and demands a supply of water therefrom; or discharges used water, liquid-borne waste materials, or sewage either directly or indirectly to the drainage system of the premises; or which requires both a water supply connection and a discharge to the drainage system of the premises . 16 TELEPHONE 847/931-6100 El6n FAX 847/931-5610 FOR HEARING IMPAIRED TDD 847/931-5616 CITY OF ELGIN 150 DEXTER COURT ELGIN, ILLINOIS 60120-5555 DEPARTMENT OF CODE ADMINISTRATION MEMORANDUM DATE: July 10, 1996 TO: Clay Pearson, Director FROM: Renee Hanlon, Zoning Offic SUBJECT: History of Required Off-Street Parking • The City of Elgin Zoning Ordinance did not include an off-street parking section until March 8, 1962 . The following requirements were added to the ordinance in 1962 : Required Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces : Use Spaces Required Single Family At least one ( 1) space; plus one ( 1) space per two (2 ) lodgers or roomers, but no more than four (4 ) spaces . Two Family At least one ( 1 ) space per dwelling unit, but no more than two ( 2 ) spaces per dwelling unit. Multiple Family At least one ( 1 ) space per dwelling unit. Rooming Houses At least two (2 ) spaces; plus one ( 1 )- space per three ( 3 ) roomers . The above requirements were in effect until July 23, 1984 . In 1984 the requirements were amended as follows : Use Spaces Required Single Family At least two (2 ) spaces; plus one ( 1) space for each two (2 ) lodgers or roomers . Two Family At least two ( 2 ) spaces per dwelling unit. Multiple Family At least two (2 ) spaces per dwelling unit, excluding efficiencies . Efficiency At least one and one-half ( 1 1/2 ) spaces per dwelling unit. (i) Prtnted on recycled paper Parking Requirements Page 2 • Rooming Houses At least two (2 ) spaces; plus one ( 1 ) space per two (2 ) roomers . The above regulations were in effect until August 2 , 1992 . In 1992 the ordinance was amended as follows : **No off-street parking is required of properties that fall within the "CC1" Center City zoning district. No off-street parking is required of properties that fall within the "CC2 " Center City zoning district and are located within 800 feet of a municipal parking facility. Use Spaces Required Dwelling One ( 1 ) space per 500 square feet of floor area with a minimum of two (2 ) spaces per dwelling unit, but need not exceed four (4 ) spaces per dwelling unit. Efficiency One and one-half ( 1 1/2 ) spaces per dwelling unit. Elderly Public Housing One ( 1) space per two (2 ) dwelling units . The above regulations remain in effect. cc: Roger Dahlstrom, Planning Director ,9:juinduia Gkemot 2400 Big Timber Road Building A, Suite 108 Telephone (847) 741-5110 Elgin, Illinois 60123 (847) 741-5111 EiY +�L July 2, 1996 Clay Pearson City of Elgin 150 Dexter Court Elgin, Illinois 60120 Dear Clay, Enclosed you will find the information that you requested. Our information, however, only goes back as far as 1958 when property record cards were first utilized in Elgin Township. Previous to that time, information was kept in ledgers which no longer exist. Therefore, while the new cards contained more detailed information available at that time, not all the information was transferred to the cards. If you have any further questions, please call me at (847)741-5110. Sincerely, j, )2 Shirley A. Miller X T,2,,✓nSki Ps Pico o4" IASL, Elgin Township Assessor a.t4 NSz ciP�"'`�L •c/feemZe . zIel'a/ioaa/ wdalioz CAemi iy L" ' i 711E go-tom/go GkeogoZ c'Sfiuley c/I eller 6, ci9. 6. 2400 Big Timber Road Building A, Suite 108 Telephone (847) 741-5110 Elgin, Illinois 60123 (847) 741-5111 ce June 21, 1996 Re: In reference to the valuation of property in Elgin Township. Dear Clay, Property in Elgin Township is assessed according to the following uses: single family, two apartment, multi-family. commercial, industrial, agricutural, and vacant. In addition to use, the square footage, ammenities, location, and condition all play a part in valuing a parcel of property. We also have to study the market sales to determine the current sale prices for similar properties of the same classification or use. According to the Illinois State Statutes, the assessor's office values property in correlation with the Market Value. Market value is determined in the market place by a transaction between a buyer and a seller who are both knowledgable and willing. I hope that this information will be helpful to you. Sincerely, 0-1A-lty moiA, Shirley A. Miller Elgin Township Assessor c f(dr.fet gaferziafioad (f/)oaaaoz f GtJieDxd7y Wccro TELEPHONE 847/931-6100 2:in FAX 847/931-5610 FOR HEARING IMPAIRED TDD 847/931-5616 CITY OF ELGIN 150 DEXTER COURT ELGIN, ILLINOIS 60120-5555 -1� JUNE 19 , 1996 MEMORANDUM TO: CLAY PEARSON, CODE ADMINISTRATION DIRECTOR FROM: JUDY PRIGGE, PERMIT CONTROL OFFICER RE : ELECTRICAL SERV.'CT:S/COMMONWEALTH EDISON From the time I started issuing building permits in Decem- ber 1968, the established policy was for the City electri- cal inspector to notify Commonwealth Edison when a new or upgraded electrical service was ready to be connected. If an electrical permit was to upgrade a service, or to add electric meters on residential property, the procedure was to check the zoning and permit records, and/or to do a land use review (checking Polk Directories and the Asses- sor ' s office) in order to determine that the use was law- ful . In many cases a "house" meter was added for common lighting or heating requirements . The same procedures are still followed. Although I am aware of a few instances where Commonwealth Edison did connect a service without City approval, this has been a very cooperative venture between the utility company and the City to assure that new services meet both the City' s and CE ' s requirements . (i) Printed on recycled paper Loh iM • F r2 n ��Y °` �� Memorandum 0 1 a July 5, 1996 TO: Bob Gilliam Marie Yearman Stuart Wasilowski Miriam Scott Betty Skyles Jennifer VanDuyn Edna Krueger Dick Swanson Bonnie Hill Charlene Goldman FROM: Ery Jentsch, Corporation Counsel Clay J. Pearson, Director of Code Administration and Neighborhood Affairs SUBJECT: Unlawful Nonconforming Residential Uses Task Force First of all, thanks to all of you for serving on the Task Force formed by the Elgin City Council on June 10, 1996 . A few summer vacations have helped preclude scheduling our first meeting. We have enclosed several items for your reference: * June 26, 1996 City Council Resolution forming Task Force on Unlawful Nonconforming Residential uses . * June 5, 1996 memorandum from Erwin W. Jentsch and Clay Pearson regarding Unlawful Nonconforming Resi- dential Uses . * Summary of Zoning Ordinance Districts and area requirements 1928 to 1977 . * June 19, 1996 memorandum from Stuart Wasilowski providing names and background on neighborhood representatives to the Task Force. * June 28, 1996 inventory of properties known to have illegal or unsubstantiated dwelling units . Unlawful Nonconforming Residential Uses Task Force Page -2- We are looking at the week of July 15 for bringing our Task Force together. Please let either of us know your preference for meeting times and dates . We have requested background information from both Common- wealth Edison and Elgin, Dundee, and Hanover Park Township Tax Assessors to obtain further relevant data for use in developing a recommendation to the City Concil . This informa- tion will be passed along as soon as it is received. Sincerely, Erw n W. Jentsch Clay Pearson, Director Co oration Counsel Dept. of Code Administration and Neighborhood Affairs CJP/sm c: Richard B. Helwig, City Manager r rr C' c5��-- Resolution No. 96-200 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AN UNLAWFUL NONCONFORMING RESIDENTIAL USES TASK FORCE WHEREAS, it is necessary and desirable to create an Unlawful Nonconforming Residential Uses Task Force to study and review unlawful nonconforming residential uses and to make recommendations concerning the regulation of such uses to the City Council . NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that there is hereby established an Unlawful Nonconforming Residential Uses Task Force which shall be comprised of twelve members, two councilmembers and two staff members shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council . Two realtors, two property owners/landlords and two representatives from Neighborhood Housing Services shall be appointed by said groups and two representatives from neighborhood groups as recommended by Neighborhood Housing Services shall be appointed. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Unlawful Nonconforming Residential Uses Task Force shall conduct such public hearings as it may determine are necessary and shall otherwise meet and confer. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Unlawful Nonconforming Residential Uses Task Force shall consider the number, kind, date and circumstances of establishment, effects on surrounding neighborhoods, and of unlawful nonconforming uses in the City of Elgin and shall make its recommendations for necessary and desirable ordinances and programs to the Mayor and City Council . BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following persons are hereby appointed as members on behalf of City of Elgin of the Unlawful Nonconforming Residential Uses Task Force: Robert Gilliam Erwin W. Jentsch Marie Yearman Clay Pearson BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Unlawful Nonconforming Residential Uses Task Force shall conduct its meetings in accordance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Kevin Kelly, Mayor Presented: June 26, 1996 Adopted: Vote: Yeas Nays Recorded: Attest: Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk 2\/1 ` June 5, 1996 MEMORANDUM . TO: Richard B. Helwig, City,Manager FROM: Erwin W. Jentsch, Corporation Counsel Clay J. Pearson, Director of Code Administration SUBJECT: Unlawful Nonconforming Residential Uses PURPOSE The purpose of this memorandum is to review the subject of unlawful nonconforming residential uses and options which may be considered to provide relief in certain instances . BACKGROUND Zoning Law Regarding Nonconforming Uses Zoning ordinances typically divide cities into geographic areas called zoning districts, with the zoning districts listing the permitted uses of both buildings and land located within those districts . When zoning ordinances are amended to create new zoning districts, or change the permitted or conditional uses in existing districts, the new or redefined zoning districts often encompass areas where the uses of buildings and land have been previously established. A use of, a building or land that does not comply with present zon- ing provisions, but which was lawfully established prior to the enactment of the new zoning provision is referred to as a preexisting or lawful nonconforming use (commonly re- ferred to as being "grandfathered" ) . Lawful nonconforming uses are allowed to continue so long as the use is not expand- ed, destroyed or abandoned. By contrast, an unlawful nonconforming use is a use that was not lawfully established at the time the zoning ordinance making it nonconforming took effect, or a use that was estab- lished under a zoning ordinance that did not permit the use within the district the property is located. A city can initiate legal action to compel the owner of an unlawful nonconforming use to bring the property into lawfully conform- ing status no matter how long ago the unlawful use was estab- lished; failing to prosecute the property owner for the viola- tion--even if the unlawful nonconforming use existed for dec- ades--is not a valid defense. The property owner has the bur- den of proving the use was lawfully established in any such proceeding. June 5, 1996 Page 3 fore a license is issued. Owners failing to deconvert their properties are referred to the corporation counsel for prose- cution in housing court or the filing of an injunctive law- suit. A number of affected property owners are asserting that the City is unfairly enforcing the zoning ordinance against them in some cases because the enforcement is taking place, in a few instances, decades after the violations came into existence. Some owners of unlawful nonconforming residential uses have made "backdoor" attempts to have their unlawful uses brought into conformity with the zoning ordinance. The affected own- ers submit applications to have their properties classified as Planned Developments (346 Wilcox Avenue is a case in point) . By definition, a Planned Development consists of a land area, generally the size of a subdivision plat, that is developed by a single entity for a number of dwelling units and any commercial and industrial uses . The plan for the Planned Development does not correspond to the regulations established for the zoning district in which the Planned Development is located, including lot size, type of dwelling or commercial or industrial use, density, lot coverage, or open space. Consequently, if a property owner's unlawful nonconforming four-family dwelling is designated as a Planned Development, that multiple-family dwelling is permitted to lawfully exist in an area zoned for single-family residential use. This defeats the intent of the zoning ordinance and of course is a misapplication of the Planned Development zoning technique. Options for Relief Should the City Council deem it necessary or desirable to provide some type of legal relief to owners of unlawful non- conforming uses, there are two methods that can be employed to provide that relief while maintaining the integrity of the zoning ordinance. Under the first method, a text amendment to the zoning ordinance would authorize the Zoning and Subdi- vision Hearing Board (ZSHB) to hear appeals from persons seeking time extensions for correcting or discontinuing an existing zoning violation; in other words, prosecution forbearance. The second method would also involve a text amendment providing the ZSHB with the authority to confer lawful nonconforming status to unlawful nonconforming uses lk established before 1950 . Prosecution Forbearance The sole purpose of the prosecution forbearance hearing would be to determine whether there are factual circumstances sur- rounding the property's unlawful nonconforming status to justify the City' s temporary forbearance in prosecuting the property owner for the violation. This hearing would not address the zoning officer' s determination that an unlawful June 5, 1996 Page 5 provisions requiring the property owner to show the use was established during a national housing shortage, that the creation of the use was tacitly approved by the City, and that the use is not adversely affecting the neighborhood. (Based upon the 3000 land use determinations performed by DCA, at least 35 properties would be eligible for this re- lief. Objectors ' Perspective Objectors to the proposed text amendment may assert the ap- proach represents a return to weak zoning ordinance enforce- ment. It also may be asserted that forbearance in prosecution only serves to delay the City's stated goal of reducing resi- dential density. However, if the ZSHB only grants exten- sions in those instances of extreme hardship, the time exten- sion provision will provide the City with a means of granting limited legal relief to property owners without violating the spirit of the zoning ordinance. Recording the limitation on the nonconforming uses duration will also protect future purchasers and transferees . ALTERNATIVES A text amendment authorizing use variances is an alternative method of providing relief to affected property owners . The criteria required to be established before obtaining a use variance would not differ from that needed to obtain a time extension. But unlike the time extension, once a use vari- ance is granted, the property becomes a lawful nonconform- ing use, permitting the additional dwelling units to remain so long as they are not abandoned or destroyed. Affected property owners will favor the adoption of a use variance provision because it is the sole method available for legalizing their unlawful nonconforming uses . But such a method poses a risk of seriously undermining the zoning ordi- nance. The purpose of any zoning ordinance is to provide for the eventual elimination of lawful nonconforming uses and the immediate elimination of unlawful nonconforming uses . A text amendment authorizing use variances will seriously detract from that goal. COMMUNITY GROUPS/INTERESTED PERSONS CONTACTED Text amendments to the zoning ordinance require a public hearing. FINANCIAL IMPACT A filing fee for submitting an application for a time exten- sion for eliminating an unlawful nonconforming residential use would be imposed. The fee would reflect the administra- May 20, 1996 • , • Code Administration Update . . - Elgin is clearly a community moving forward. We believe the community's continued success is linked to the vitality of our neighborhoods. One key aspect of neighborhood vitality is encouraging rehabilitation and improvement to the housing stock. This report provides an update on four issues associated with our neighborhood improvement efforts. CON..MUNTTY PARTNERS • For the last year it has been my pleasure to work with many individual citizens along with groups such as the Elgin Area Association of Realtors, Neighborhood Housing Services of EIgin, the Property Owners Association, the Chamber of Commerce, service clubs, and neighborhood associations. Our staff is dedicated to long-term relationships with these groups. This year Elgin became the first city in the country to have all of its property maintenance inspectors receive national certification from the building officials' association. BEYOND CASA LINDA■ The acquisition and demolition Iast year of the long-standing nuisance property known as Casa Linda shows the commitment to making Elgin a city of the future. Moving beyond that community accomplishment, we are also proud of many other achievements in the last year. For example, Neighborhood Housing Services is making great strides as they expand to a city-wide organization buying, rehabilitating, and reselling distressed properties. The City's residential rehabilitation rebate program continues to enjoy success and popularity (contact Bobby Richardson for more information, 931-5917). For the last year, our Department of Code Administration and Neighborhood Affairs has focused on the worst properties. We have focused on nuisance properties at the center of violence, dangerous code violations, and the properties falling into disrepair. The commitment is evidenced in the most recent (April 25, 1996) Problem Property Status Report attached for your reference. As another problem property abatement measure, we are beginning to issue repair or demolish orders for properties vacant or abandoned. Working with Assistant Corporation Counsel Rick Kozal, hired by the City last year to focus specifically on housing issues, the court allowed demolition of a long-vacant property after the owner failed to repair the building.--- LAND USE REVIEWS • One of the priorities the community has undertaken is a systematic licensing program for investment rental properties. In conjunction with the Rental Licensing program, we have undertaken an exhaustive process of reviewing land uses. There was a need to establish the legal use of properties in relation to the Zoning Ordinance. • How are land use determinations made? A process uniformly guides land use determinations. Land use reviews compare the current use of the property with the use allowed by the Zoning Ordinance. Relying upon City records, utility information, tax assessor records, and personal statements, a history of the land use can generally be reconstructed. The determination has one of three possible results. The property can be found to contain a lawful use, a lawful nonconforming use, or an illegal use. Definitions used in land use determinations may be helpful at this point. • A lawful use is one currently allowed by the current zoning classification. • The Zoning Ordinance has been modified several times as the city has grown and progressed. For instance, there are areas where it was once legal to convert a single-family residence into a multi-family property. Later zoning ordinances prohibited 51IA 0 P Eli i n ?on;a�,Ti`s is a4)4tet�inerw 1928 boo 1477 1928 ZONING ORDINANCE February 8, 1928 Zoning Districts Maximum Building Coverage Interior Lot Corner Lot "A" Residential (single family) 30% 40% "B" Residential (single family) 40% 50% (two+ family) 40% 50% "C" Residential (single family) 50% 60% (two+ family) 50% 60% "D" Commercial (single family) 75% 85% (two+ family 75% 85% "E" Commercial (single family) 75% 85% (two+ family 75% 85% "F" Commercial (single family) 85% 95% (two+ family 85% 95% "G" Industrial (single family) 75% 85% (two+ family 75% 85% "H" Industrial ( single family) 75% 85% (two+ family) 75% 85% 1950 ZONING ORDINANCE March 23, 1950 Zoning Districts Minimum Lot Area / Dwelling Unit "A" Single Family District (single family) 6 , 000 square feet "B" Two Family District ( single family) 6 , 000 square feet (two family) 3, 000 square feet "C" Apartment District ( single family) 6 ,000 square feet (two family) 3, 000 square feet (multiple family) 1,500 square feet "D" Commercial District ( single family) 6 ,000 square feet (two family) 3, 000 square feet (multiple family) 1, 500 square feet "E" Commercial District ( single family) 6 , 000 square feet (two family) 3 , 000 square feet (multiple family) 1, 500 square feet "F" Light Industrial District ( single family) 6 , 000 square feet (two family) 3 , 000 square feet (multiple family) 1, 500 square feet "G" Industrial District (single family) 6 , 000 square feet 1 MEMO. 02/ZOSTATUS/ZONING/MEMOS (two family) 3,000 square feet (multiple family) 1,500 square feet 1955 ZONING ORDINANCE Zoning Districts Minimum Lot Area / Dwelling Unit "A" Single Family District (single family) 6, 000 square feet "B" Two Family District ( single family) 6 , 000 square feet (two family) 3 ,000 square feet "C" Apartment District ( single family) 6, 000 square feet (two family) 3 ,000 square feet (multiple family) 1,500 square feet "DD" Limited Commercial District (single family) 6, 000 square feet (two family) 3, 000 square feet (multiple family) 1,500 square feet "D" Commercial District (single family) 6 , 000 square feet (two family) 3 , 000 square feet (multiple family) 1, 500 square feet "E" Commercial District (single family) 6 , 000 square feet (two family) 3 , 000 square feet (multiple family) 1 ,500 square feet "F" Light Industrial District ( single family) 6 , 000 square feet (two family) 3, 000 square feet (multiple family) 1,500 square feet "G" Industrial District ( single family) 6 , 000 square feet (two family) 3, 000 square feet (multiple family) 1,500 square feet • 2 MEMO. 02/ZOSTATUS/ZONING/MEMOS 1962 ZONING ORDINANCE March 9, 1962 Zoning Districts Minimum Lot Area / Dwelling Unit R-1 Single Family Residence District (single family) 8, 750 square feet R-2 Single Family Residence District (single family) 7,500 square feet R-3 Two Family Residence District ** (single family) 6 ,000 square feet (two family) 3 , 300 square feet R-4 General Residence District ** (single family) 6 ,000 square feet (two family) 3, 300 square feet (Multiple family) four bedroom 3 ,000 square feet three bedroom 2, 700 square feet two bedroom 2 ,400 square feet one bedroom 2 , 100 square feet efficiency 1, 800 square feet R-5 General Residence District ** (single family) 5, 000 square feet (two family) 3, 000 square feet (Multiple family) -- one bedroom plus 1, 800 square feet efficiency 900 square feet lodging room 600 square feet R-6 General Residence District ** ( single family) 5 ,000 square feet (two family) 3 ,000 square feet (multiple family) one bedroom plus 1, 800 square feet efficiency 900 square feet lodging room 600 square feet 4 stories & over 500 square feet B-1 Community Business District (any type of dwelling) one bedroom plus 1, 800 square feet efficiency 900 square feet lodging room 400 square feet B-2 Central Business District (any type of dwelling) 400 square feet B-3 Service Business District (any type of dwelling) one bedroom plus 1 ,800 square feet efficiency 900 square feet lodging room 400 square feet 3 MEMO . 02/ZOSTATUS/ZONING/MEMOS B-4 General Service District (any type of dwelling) one bedroom plus 1, 800 square feet efficiency 900 square feet lodging room 400 square feet M-1 Limited Manufacturing District (any type of dwelling) one bedroom plus 1,800 square feet efficiency 900 square feet lodging room 400 square feet M-2 General Manufacturing District (any type of dwelling) one bedroom plus 1, 800 square feet efficiency 900 square feet lodging room 400 square feet ** EZO-1962, 21-104 (F) . Control Over Use. No building or or premises shall hereafter be used or occupied, and no building or structure or part thereof shall be erected, raised, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, or altered except in conformity with the regulations herein specified, for the district in which it is located; except as follows : In residence districts a parcel of land which was a lot of record (developed or undeveloped) as of the effective date of the ordinance codified herein and for which a building permit could have been issued under the terms and conditions of Ordinance No. G-685 , known as the "Revised Zoning Ordinance of the City of Elgin, Illinois" , passed on March 15, 1950, even though not meeting the requirements of this title as to area and width, may be used for single family and two family dwellings in the R3, R4, R5, amnd R6 districts, and such residence property may be improved, altered and remodeled, provided that it meets all other regulations of the district in which it is located (namely 50 feet in average lot width and 6 ,000 square feet in lot area) . _J 4 MEMO. 02/ZOSTATUS/ZONING/MEMOS 1971 ZONING ORDINANCE April 14, 1971 Zoning Districts Minimum Lot Area / Dwelling Unit R-1 Single Family Residence District (single family) 20 , 000 square feet R-2 Single Family Residence District (single family) 7 , 500 square feet R-3 Two Family Residence District ** (single family) 6, 000 square feet (two family) 3 , 300 square feet R-4 General Residence District ** (single family) 6 , 000 square feet (two family) 3, 300 square feet (multiple family) one bedroom plus 2 ,400 square feet efficiency 1, 650 square feet R-5 General Residence District ** (single family) 5, 000 square feet (two family) 3 , 000 square feet (multiple family) one bedroom plus 1, 800 square feet efficiency 900 square feet lodging room 600 square feet R-6 General Residence District ** (single family) 5 , 000 square feet (two family) 3 , 000 square feet (multiple family) one bedroom plus 1, 800 square feet efficiency 900 square feet lodging room 600 square feet 4 stories & over 500 square feet Business Districts (no dwellings permitted) Manufacturing Districts (no dwellings permitted) ** EZO-1962 , 21-104 (F) . Control Over Use. No building or or premises shall hereafter be used or occupied, and no building or structure or part thereof shall be erected, raised, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, or altered except in conformity with the regulations herein specified, for the district in which it is located; except as follows : In residence districts a parcel of land which was a lot of record (developed or undeveloped) as of the effective date of the ordinance codified herein and for .✓ which a building permit could have been issued under 5 MEMO. 02/ZOSTATUS/ZONING/MEMOS the terms and conditions of Ordinance No. G-685, known as the "Revised Zoning Ordinance of the City of Elgin, Illinois, " passed on March 15, 1950, even though not meeting the requirements of this title as to area and width, may be used for single family and two family dwellings in the R3, R4 , R5, amnd R6 districts , and such residence property may be improved, altered and remodeled, provided that it meets all other regulations of the district in which it is located (namely 50 feet in average lot width and 6 , 000 square feet in lot area) . 1977 ZONING ORDINANCE 197' Zoning Districts Minimum Lot Area Dwelling Unit R-1 Single Family Residence District (single family) 20, 000 square fee. R-2 Single Family Residence District (single family) 7 ,500 square fee. R-3 Two Family Residence District * (single family) 6 , 000 square fee- (two family) 5, 000 square fee. R-4 General Residence District ** (single family) 6 , 000 square fee. (two family) 5, 000 square fee' (Multiple family) 3 ,000 square fee. Business Districts (no dwellings permitted) Manufacturing Districts (no dwellings permitted) * EZO-1977, 19 . 16 . 030 B. The foregoing minimum lot area per dwelling unit requirements shall not apply to those existing vacant lots of record within the corporate limits as of the date of the ordinance codified in this chapter. Such lots shall continue to be subject to the minimum lot area requirements contained in Ordinance No . G-967 passed March 9 , 1962, namely, three thousand three hundred ( 3 , 300) square feet of lot area per dwelling unit for two family dwellings . ** EZO-1977 19 . 06 . 050 Conformance with Use Provisions Required. No building or or premises shall hereafter be used or occupied, and no building or structure or part thereof shall be erected, raised, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, or altered except in 6 MEMO. 02/ZOSTATUS/ZONING/MEMOS • conformity with the regulations herein specified, for the district in which it is located; except as follows : In residence districts a parcel of land which was a lot of record (developed or undeveloped) as of the effective date of the ordinance codified herein and for which a building permit could have been issued under the terms and conditions of Ordinance No . G-685 , known as the "Revised Zoning Ordinance of the City of Elgin, Illinois, " passed on March 15, 1950, even though not meeting the requirements of this title as to area and width, may be used for single family and two family dwellings in the R3 , R4, R5, amnd R6 districts, and such residence property may be improved, altered and remodeled, provided that it meets all other regulations of the district in which it is located (namely 50 feet in average lot width and 6, 000 square feet in lot area) . ing Department, City of Elgin, JTD/jd, 09 . 07 . 94 7 02/ZOSTATUS/ZONING/MEMOS NHS Memorandum ,„„„„,;„,„„.,,;„,„„,„,„;„,„„„„,;„,„„„„„„„,;,,„„;,,;,,.;,.„,,,.„,„„,„„,,,,„,;,.„,;„„„„„„„„,„„„.:„„„„„„„,„„„„„„„„„„,„„„„„„„„,;„,;„„,„„;,;„„„„„„,::,,;„„„„„„„„,;„,„,„,,„..:,.„,,,;,.;.:„„„„,,„,::„„„.:,:,;,;„„,;„,;„„,;,;„„„„„,;„,,.„„;„„,;„„„„„„„„„,„„„„,„..„:,„„„„„„,::„.:„„„„„„,,.„„„,„„,„„„„„„„.;.,,,;,„„, TO: Clay Pearson FROM: Stuart Wasilowski DATE: June 19, 1996 RE: Task Force Appointments $'•ii:i:i;.:;:nv:iii:iiii:::iii':iiii::4:::iii:ii iiiii::isiiiiiiiiiiiiiii:..:::::::::::ix ::::::::::.v:::nv::v:•::•ry:i4'+J'�i:•i .........r...:.f .........................r............................................. :r:.%:�iiiiiiiii:•::4i:Cii}iiii:•:i::viti i:4:;ii}iiv:?i::i::i::{:;•iiiiiiiiii:-:4iii:•iiiiiiiii::�;:: ............... ....v..n..r.................................. ...............m:::::::::::::::f.-:.v::::::•::rr:::r:::.:•::::r::::v::::::::::::.::.v::r:u.:..:..:::.:.:....:::::r:::::::::::::::::.v::::.:. The following is a list of appointments for the Task Force: Stuart Wasilowski- NHS Representative Elgin resident 10 years Property owner Graduate Elgin Leadership Academy Participant Resident Leadership Conference- Elgin, IL Member of New Century Partnership Member of Planning and Development Commission Member of YMCA Board of Directors B.A. Sociology Masters Business Adminstration Betty Skyles-NHS Representative Elgin resident 10 years Property owner Graduate Elgin Leadership Academy Participant Resident Leadership Conference- Elgin, IL Rental Property Owner SOS Neighborhood Representative Jennifer Van Duyn- Neighborhood Representative Elgin resident 12 years Property owner Graduate Elgin Leadership Academy Participant Resident Leadership Conference - Elgin, IL Board member- Northeast Neighborhood Association Past Board member-Gifford Park Association Rental Property Owner B.S. Accounting Masters Business Adminstration Miriam Scott- Neighborhood Representative Elgin resident 28 years Property owner Graduate Elgin Leadership Academy Participant Resident Leadership Conference- Elgin, IL Neighborhood Watch Block Captain B.S. Mathematics, Minor Human Relations ADDRESS Number Lawful Current Cony Lot Permit Ext Owner Tw• #Units #Units Year Area Issued Rat Occ? ADAMS ST 312 4 5 1969 7,225 2 Y ADDISON ST 441 4 5 1969 8,704 067 2 ALGONA AVE 370 2 4 1946 8,504 1 ANN ST 209 1 2 1976 2,310 1 Y ASHLAND AVE 515 1 2 1981 7,975 041 2 Y AUGUSTA AVE 805 1 2 1948 8,712 Y AUGUSTA AVE 843 1 2 1941 8,712 840 1 ' Y AUGUSTA ST 839 1 2 1971 8,712 2 Y BALL ST 330 1 2 1972 4,293 1 Y BALL ST 410 1 2 1937 6,468 1 BARRETT ST 483 1 2 1988 4,400 Y BARTLETT PL 269 1 2 1989 2,669 E84 3 Y BENT ST 358 2 3 1982 6,800 E91 III BIRD ST 523 2 3 1976 8,160 BLUFF CITY BLVD 664 1 3 1995 7,410 692 BODE RD 700 6 8 1988 19,951 E72 BOOTH_ CT 364/365 4 6 1979 + 22,609 051 BOWEN CT 420 1 2 1939 5,099 Y 1 BROOK ST 465 1 2 1954 8,712 B85 Y 2 BROOK ST 500 2 3 1995 7,623 B68 3 BROOK ST 628 2 3 1971 9,825 E40 Y 2 BROOK ST 629 1 2 1993 10,890 E93 1 BROOK ST 712 1 2 1959 11,361 2 CENTER ST 1029/1031 2 3 1939 7,276 E82 - - -1 - - - CENTER ST 255 2 4 1991 2,904 CENTER ST 415 1 2 1986 8,712 CHANNING ST N 140 2 3 1992 6,476 093 0 ~ CHANNING ST N 152 2 3 1992 8,026 060 Y CHANNING STS 15/17 4 5 1993 7,200 E93 2 CHANNING ST S 222 1 2 1992 10,890 H92 1 Y CHAPEL ST N 22 2 3 1981 8,580 B41 1 CHERRY ST _ 114 3 4 -t - 8,712 E55 2 CHERRY ST 210 2 3 1981 7,920 CHICAGO ST E 317 7 8 1983 4,356 E38 1 CHICAGO ST E 327 1 2 _ 1986 3,486 2 - ---- --- - CHICAGO ST E 376 5 6 1973 14,520 E44 2 5 CHICAGO ST E 431 3 4 1978 6,600 E48 1 Y 3 ADDRESS Number Lawful Current Cony Lot Permit Ext Owner Twp #Units #Units Year Area Issued Rat Occ? Use CHICAGO ST E 492 3 4 1983 8,831 3 3 CHICAGO ST E 532 2 3 1977 5,876 2 2 CHICAGO ST E 680 1 2 1986 15,307 2 CHICAGO ST E 900 1 2 1981 58,625 E53 2 CHICAGO ST W 321/323 3 4 1986 7,128 E45 2 2 CHICAGO ST W 443 1 2 1915 9,931 Y 1 CLARK ST 512 1 2 1987 7,709 1 Y 2 COLLEGE - -_-ST 213 2 3 1992 3,317 2 Y 2 COMMONWEALTH AVE 168 1 2 1937 6,389 027 Y 2 COOKANE AVE 862 1 2 1958 8,774 Y 2 COOPER AVE 610 1 2 1972 6,379 Y 2 CRYSTAL AVE N 52 5 7 1945 8,712 E42 7 CRYSTAL AVE N 361 1 2 1987 32,430 2 DANIELS AVE 21 2 3 1973 2,880 E56 3 1 DOUGLAS AVE 258 1 2 1989 12,072 1 Y 1 DOUGLAS AVE 714 1 2 1991 7,161 1 Y 1 DUBOIS AVE N 155 1 2 1984 3,859 E84 2 _ DUBOIS AVE N 156 1 2 1982 6,682 E85 Y 2 DUNDEE AVE 304 2 3 1921 5,206 3 3 DUNDEE AVE 320/322 2 4 2,248 2 2 DUPAGE ST 315/317 5 6 1933 8,712 2 5 DUPAGE ST 427 1 2 8,768 1 2 DUPAGE ST 433 4 5 1974 8,580 B39 2 4 DWIGHT ST 307 2 3 1939 5,447 2 Y 2 DWIGHT ST 414 1 2 1989 8,712 1 Y 1 FRANKLIN ST 274 1 2 1970 3,564 Y 2 FRANKLIN ST 438 2 4 1971 9,108 E47 1 3 GENEVA STN 15/17 5 6 1966 5,412 E86 6 GENEVA ST S 73 1 4 4,356 E86 4 GETZELMAN AVE 1274 8 9 1977 10,100 076 9 GETZELMAN AVE 1350 8 9 1975 14,375 040 9 GIFFORD PL 285 1 2 1988 3,267 E39 2 2 GIFFORD QST N 270 2 4 1983 3,213 1 2 GIFFORD ST N 310 1 2 1974 8,184 2 Y 2 GIFFORD ST N 416 2 3 1962 5,576 2 2 GOETHE ST 826 1 2 1986 16,112 1 Y 2 GRISWOLD ST 375 1 2 1939 9,042 2 Y 2 ADDRESS Number Lawful Current Cony Lot Permit Ext Owner Twp #Units #Units Year Area Issued Rat Occ? Use HARDING ST 165 1 2 1975 2,460 2 Y 2 HENDEE ST 448/450 2 3 1968 7,535 2 4 HENDEE ST 516 1 2 1950 7,975 Y 2 HIGHLAND AVE W 1218 1 2 1979 6,996 059 1 Y 1 HIGHLAND AVE W 1254 1 2 1960 6,996 Y 2 HIGHLAND _ AVE W 628 2 3 1984 19,434 1 Y 3 HIGHLAND AVE W 717/719 105 106 1962 6,062 1 105 HIGHLAND SAVE W 501/503 1 4 1951 11,407 4 HIGHLAND AVE W 788 1 2 1959 7,669 Y 2 HIGHLAND AVE W 861/863 4 2 1927 18,153 E87 4 HILL AVE 133r--_1 2 1993 9,108 Y 1 HILL AVE 22/24 3 4 1984 9,108 B63 2 4 - - - - HILL AVE 252 1 2 1990 7,623 Y 1 ILLINOIS AVE 319 2 3 166,352 2 2 ILLINOIS AVE 333 2 3 1973 147,319 E56 2 2 ILLINOIS AVE 801 1 3 1937 5,607 Y 3 ILLINOIS AVE 925 1 2 7,860 2 Y 2 JACKSON ST S 52 1 2 4,356 Y 2 JEFFERSON AVE 29 1 2 1971 2,880 2 2 JEFFERSON AVE 365 2 3 1955 9,480 E55 3 JEFFERSON AVE 427 2 3 8,378 E85 2 JEFFERSON AVE 484 1 2 1940 11,931 Y 1 JEWETT ST 403 1 _ 2 1959 4,676 1 2 KEEP AVE 657 1 2 1994 7,366 E94 2 KIMBALL ST 316 1 3 1968 9,587 1 Y 2 LARKIN AVE 815 2 3 1983 6,125 2 2 LARKIN AVE 920 2 3 1986 5,676 E86 2 3 LARKIN AVE 1965 1 2 1991 15,591 1 LEONARD .ST 54 1 2 1986 3,206 2 2 LIBERTY ST N 120 1 2 1976 8,613 1 Y 1 LIBERTY ST S 150 2 3 1929 5,544 2 2 LIBERTY ST S 156 1t 2 1992 3,696 3 2 LIBERTY STS 384 1 2 _ 1995 4,207 Y 1 LIBERTY ST S 472 1 2 1994 6,573 Y 2 LIBERTY STS 511 1 2 1974 7,508 E74 2 Y 1 LIBERTY ST S 55 2 3 1974 25,155 E48 Y 3 LILAC LN 312 4 5 1978 10,125 068 5 ADDRESS Number Lawful Current Cony Lot Permit Ext Owner Twp #Units #Units Year Area Issued Rat Occ? Use LILAC LN 301/311 11 12 1990 33,888 B90 11 LILLIE ST 564 1 2 1973 6,600 1 Y 1 LOCUST AVE 565 1 2 1993 3,598 1 1 LOCUST ST 318 2 3 1941 6,305 2 Y 3 LOCUST ST 466 1 2 1958 10,883 058 2 2 LOGAN AVE 921 1 2 1917 9,064 1 LOVELL ST 259 1 2 1969 7,028 060 1 Y 1 LUDEKA PL 110 1 2 8,712 1 Y 1 LYNCH ST 30 1 2 1987 5,808 059 2 Y 1 MARGUERITE ST 309 1 2 1939 8,712 1 Y 2 MAY ST 365 1 2 1988 8,507 E88 Y 1 MCCLURE AVE 321 2 5 9,912 E53 1 Y 5 MCCLURE AVE 520 1 3 1939 8,712 Y 2 MEYER ST 1621 6 8 1981 10,480 6 MICHIGAN ST 256 2 5 1950 3,490 5 MILL ST 603 2 3 1972 6,098 E72 1 Y 2 MORGAN ST 276 1 2 1927 8,712 1 2 MORGAN ST 425 1 2 1941 7,375 E65 2 Y 1 MORTON AVE 1155 1 2 1937 6,534 2 MOSELEY _ ST 344 1 2 1940 7,729 Y 2 MOSELEY ST 355 1 2 1965 8,093 1 Y 2 MOSELEY ST 360 1 2 1967 7,260 1 1 MOSELEY ST 364 1 2 1941 11,220 E87 2 Y 2 MOUNTAIN ST 315 1 3 1928 18,018 7 NATIONAL ST 20 1 2 1977 5,448 E77 2 Y 2 NATIONAL ST 262 0 1 1961 10,755 1 NORTH ST 312 2 3 1995 4,221 E85 2 2 NORTH ST 372 2 3 1980 4,554 E88 3 3 NORTH ST 400 1 4 1995 6,267 H95 Y 1 OAK ST 452/454 1 2 1928 8,874 2 OAK ST 831 1 2 5,410 1 Y 2 ORCHARD ST 315 1 2 1943 10,890 1 Y 1 PARK ST 384 2 3 1989 8,045 E64 2 2 PARK ST 398 1 2 1948 6,400 2 PARK ST 482 3 4 1979 11,180 E53 2 3 PERCY ST 265 2 4 1950 5,212 _ 4 PERCY ST 306 4 5 1986 6,048 1 5 PLUM CT 392 1 2 1981 6,957 2 1 ADDRESS Number Lawful Current Cony Lot Permit Ext Owner Twp #Units #Units Year Area Issued Rat Occ? Use PLUM ST 327 1 2 1993 8,712 B93 2 Y 1 PORTER ST N 134 1 2 1939 8,712 1 Y 2 PORTER ST S 29 2 3 1977 5,865 2 2 PRAIRIE ST 427 1 2 1974 5,280 2 Y 2 PRESTON AVE 857 1 3 4,072 Y 1 PRESTON AVE 1158 1 2 1925 8,290 2 PROSPECT BLVD 605 1 3 1979 8,185 2 Y 3 RAYMOND ST 412 1 2 6,775 2 1 RAYMOND ST 505 1 2 1978 5,016 Y 2 RAYMOND ST 682 1 2 1995 5,400 Y 2 RAYMOND ST 703 2 3 _ 1956 17,424 1 3 RUGBY PL 24 4 5 1984 8,184 060 1 5 RUSSELL ST 429 1 2 1993 8,250 E93 Y 1 RYERSON AVE 360 1 2 1992 4,620 058 1 Y 2 RYERSON AVE 436 1 2 1983 7,920 1 2 SHERMAN AVE 400 1 2 1923 4,640 2 SHERMAN AVE 432 2 3 1968 26,136 2 3 SOUTH ST 304 5 6 1971 3,300 E87 92 1 5 SOUTH ST 311 3 4 1973 5,591 E68 1 4 SOUTH ST 429 1 2 1959 17,915 1 Y 2 SOUTH ST 444 4 5 1985 16,533 B85 1 4 SOUTH ST 509 3 4 1974 8,712 E54 2 3 SOUTH ST 656/658 3 4 1994 15,409 Y 3 SOUTH ST 840 1 2 1969 11,682 2 SPRING ST N 255 7 8 1988 10,890 2 9 SPRING ST N 279 2 4 1943 4,356 B81 2 4 SPRING STN 420 1 2 7,848 _ 1 Y 2 SPRING STN 617 1 2 1986 8,712 E39 2 Y 2 SPRING STN 625 1 2 1982 8,712 E82 1 Y 2 STATE STS _ 370 1 2 1927 10,890 1 2 STATE STS 576 2 5 1977 42,141 B77 2 ST CHARLES ST 1005 1 2 1929 2 ST CHARLES ST 326 1 2 1982 4,468 ST CHARLES ST 989 1 2 1965 8,712 E56 2 1 ADDRESS Number Lawful Current Cony Lot Permit Ext Owner Twp_ #Units #Units Year Area Issued Rat Occ? Use ST CHARLES ST 343 2 4 1968 12,282 2 2 ST CHARLES ST 426 1 2 1982 4,467 E82 2 1 ST CHARLES ST 951 2 3 1951 9,850 049 Y 2 STELLA CT 540 1 2 1988 6,596 2 1 SURRY CT 52 5 6 1967 11,250 B66 5 VANDALIA ST 317 1 2 1937 8,712 B41 1 Y 2 VANDALIA ST 325/327 1 2 1939 8,712 2 VERNON N DR _ 2183 16 18 10,787 B69 18 VILLA ST 224/226 1 3 1976 5,940 E44 4 VILLA ST 274 1 2 1993 8,168 B93 Y 2 VILLA ST 278 2 _ 3 1978 6,534 2 2 VILLA ST 288 5 8 1969 8,316 P58 1 8 VILLA ------ ------ ST --- 296 --- 2 3 5,268 1 2 VILLA ST 420 1 2 1986 8,712 Y 2 VILLA ST 535 2 3 6,532 1 Y VILLA ST 611 2 4 1991 12,000 1 Y 2 VILLA ST 643 2 3 1989 4,973 E80 1 Y 4 ----------------- - -- ---- ----- VILLA ST 708 2 3 1984 8,804 E46 1 4 VILLA ST 719 1 2 1980 3,878 E87 1 1 WALNUT _ AVE 424 3 4 1985 7,843 2 4 WALNUT AVE 576 2 3 1977 7,759 E54 Y 3 WALNUT AVE 615 2 3 1974 21,780 E31 65 2 Y 2 WALNUT AVE 825 1 3 8,712 1 3 WASHBURN ST 117 2 3 1993 _2,178 E82 1 2 WASHBURN ST 455 1 2 1986 8,250 E86 1 2 WASHINGTON AVE 320 1 2 1923 8,712 2 Y 2 WASHINGTON AVE 426 2 3 1974 12,342 2 , 2 WATCH ST 270 1 2 1977 2,644 2 2 WATRES PL 330 1 2 1985 5,000 1 Y 3 WELLINGTON AVE 391 1 2 1971 5,808 1 Y 1 WELLINGTON AVE 502 1 2 1970 13,914 2 Y 2 WELLINGTON AVE 523 2 3 1977 9,270 E77 1 2 WELLINGTON AVE 600 1 2 1985 19,140 1 1 WELLINGTON AVE 607 1 2 1921 4,307 3 Y 2 WELLINGTON AVE 675 1 3 1913 6,047 E87 2 WILCOX AVE 346 1 2 1991 8,712 1 1 ADDRESS Number Lawful Current Cony Lot Permit Ext Owner Twp #Units #Units Year Area Issued Rat Occ? Use WILCOX AVE 403 1 2 1984 7,772 E84 1 Y 1 WOODVIEW _ DR 11 0 1 1971 264,804 B68 WRIGHT AVE 610 2 3 1981 7,838 2 1 YARWOOD ST 366 1 2 1941 7,083 1 Y 2 YARWOOD ST 370 1 2 1915 — 5912 E59 Y 2 ABANDONED DWELLINGS DIVISION ST 573 1 2 1935 5,892 E92 Y 3 LAUREL ST 493 1 2 1958 5,412 E58 Y 2 RAYMOND ST 354 1 3 1996 8,375 E28 Y 2 RAYMOND ST 528 ---------- -- -- --- STATE ST N 15 0 8 1994 1,320 079 VILLA ST 271 1 4 1990 14,005 E70 4 . LEGEND FOR ILLEGAL UNITS REPORT ADDRESS Street NUMBER Street Number LAWFUL# UNITS Number of lawful dwelling units recognized by the city CURRENT # UNITS Number of dwelling units currently on site CONV DATE Estimated date the illegal unit(s)was/were added LOT AREA Square footage of the lot PERMIT ISSUED Permits issued by the city which verifies the legal number of units, followed by year issued: O=Occupancy permit B=Building permit E=Electrical permit H=Heating permit P=Plumbing permit EXT RAT Rating of the exterior condition of the property by property maintenance staff: 1=No Violations 4=Major Violations OWNER OCC Owner occupied property: Y=Yes, N=No 6/28/96