HomeMy WebLinkAboutG18-05 (2)Irr .
Ordinance No. G18-05
AN ORDINANCE
ADOPTING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DESIGN GUIDELINES
WHEREAS, the City of Elgin has heretofore adopted a comprehensive plan for the City of
Elgin; and
WHEREAS, a Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines has been proposed as an
amendment to the comprehensive plan of 1983; and
WHEREAS,on November 15, 2004 and December 6,2004 the Planning and Development
Commission of the City of Elgin conducted public hearings on the proposed Comprehensive Plan
and Design Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, all persons appearing and desiring to be heard concerning said proposed
Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines were heard at said public hearings; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Development Commission has heretofore submitted its
findings and recommendation for the proposed Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines; and
WHEREAS,the corporate authorities of the City of Elgin find and determine that it is in the
best interest of the City of Elgin to adopt the proposed Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ELGIN, ILLINOIS:
Section 1. That it hereby approves and adopts the Comprehensive Plan and Design
Guidelines of 2005 recommended by the Planning and Development Commission of the City of
Elgin, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference,including therein the
land use plan map.
Section 2. That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this
ordinance be and are hereby repealed.
Section 3. That this ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage in
the manner provided by law.
s/Ed Schock
Ed Schock, Mayor
Irr .
Presented: February 9, 2005
Passed: February 9, 2005
Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 6 Nays: 0
Recorded: February 10, 2005
Published:
Attest:
s/Dolonna Mecum
Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk
`0 OF f�C
G City of E l g i n Agenda Item No. C
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January 21, 2005 1111! {
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TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council FINANCIALLY STABLE CI TY ciOVERN MENT
EFFICIENT SERVICES,
AND OUA UT Y INFRASTRUCTURE
FROM: Olufemi Folarin, Acting City Manager
Thomas J. Armstrong, Principal Planner
SUBJECT: Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines (Petition 86-04)
PURPOSE
Thepurpose of this memorandum is toprovide the Mayor and members of the CityCouncil with
Y
information to consider Petition 86-04 requesting an amendment to the Official Comprehensive
Plan of 1983, by the City of Elgin.
RECOMMENDATION
City staff recommends approval of Petition 86-04.
The Planning and Development Commission concurred with staff and recommended the
approval of Petition 86-04. On a motion to recommend approval, subject to the following
revisions,the vote was five (5)yes and zero (0)no:
1. Replace the "Light Industrial, Warehouse/Distribution, Office" and "General Industrial"
land use designations on Figure 3.4 Land Use Plan with one "Office, Research,
Industrial" land use designation and revise the text definitions in Section 3 Community
Form, accordingly.
2. Revise Figure 3.4 Land Use Plan to identify locations for"mixed-use centers", and revise
the text descriptions of mixed-use centers and transportation corridors to emphasize
within those designated areas, the connection between higher residential densities and
mixed-use patterns of development with transportation alternatives and economic
opportunity.
3. Revise Figure 3.4 Land Use Plan to include all existing county subdivisions in Hanover
Township in the"Estate Residential" land use designation.
4. Update Figure 3.4 Full Build-out Analysis to reflect the full build-out of the land use
designations portrayed on Figure 3.4 Land Use Plan, as revised.
111
Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines
January 21, 2005
Page 2
5. Revise Figure 10.1 Natural Areas, Open Space and Greenways and Figure 10.2
Watersheds, Wetlands and Floodplains, and create an additional woodland cover exhibit,
to create a more comprehensive inventory of the natural resource features found in the
planning area.
6. Revise the Design Guidelines to include the "price points", "80/20 single family to
townhouse ratio", and"minimum floor area standards" for areas designated"low density"
in the Far West portion(west of Randall Road)of the planning area.
Therefore, the motion to recommend approval was adopted (reference the attached Findings of
Fact, dated January 3, 2005; and Transcripts,dated November 15, 2004 and December 6, 2004).
BACKGROUND
An application has been filed by the City of Elgin requesting an amendment to the Official
Comprehensive Plan of 1983. In 2000, the Elgin City Council directed staff to begin
consideration of an amendment to the Official Comprehensive Plan of 1983. The City Council
appointed a Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee and hired a consulting team to lead this
effort. After four years of effort, including numerous community input meetings, research of
existing conditions and trends, consideration of interim reports, and work at crafting the
document, the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee and staff presented the public review
draft of the Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines to the Planning and Development
Commission.
The Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines offers an ambitious and optimistic vision for
Elgin's continuing growth and development as a "strong regional city" within the greater
Chicago metropolitan area. Elgin's history, location, community infrastructure planning, and
growth opportunity help to bring this vision into focus.
The organizing system of"centers", "corridors", and "green infrastructure" forms a framework
within which the community will take advantage of revitalization and expansion opportunities.
This framework is evident on Figure 3.4 Land Use Plan. The influence of the centers, corridors,
and green infra,•tr icture framework is evident throughout the various sections of the plan dealing
with community form,housing,transportation,parks and open space, and natural resources.
The Design Guidelines element of the Plan promotes higher standards for urban design
throughout the existing and future community. Good urban design is essential if the community
is going to produce attractive, high-quality, sustainable places in which people will want to live,
work and play.
Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines
January 21, 2005
Page 3
COMMUNITY GROUPS/INTERESTED PERSONS CONTACTED
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Printing costs are estimated to be $40,000. There are sufficient funds budgeted and available in
the Riverboat Fund, account number 275-0000-791.30-99, project number 151201,
Comprehensive Plan Printing (Budget = $40,000; Available = $39,720) and account number
275-0000-791.30-99, project number 507301, Comprehensive Plan, (Budget = $274,815
Available = $110,040 ) to pay for the document printing.
LEGAL IMPACT
Illinois 65 ILCS 5/11-12-5 enables municipalities to prepare and adopt comprehensive plans "for
the present and future development or redevelopment of the municipality." Comprehensive
plans are advisory - they do not regulate the use of private property except as implemented by
ordinances. Comprehensive plans provide a municipality with extra-territorial jurisdiction over
properties located not more than one and one-half miles beyond the corporate limits and not
included in any other municipality.
ALTERNATIVES
Other than an approval, a denial, or an approval with some combination of conditions, there are
no substantive alternatives.
Respectfully submitted for Council consideration.
TJA
Attachments
. J
s
January 3, 2005
FINDINGS OF FACT
Planning and Development Commission City of Elgin, Illinois
SUBJECT
Consideration of Petition 86-04 Requesting an Amendment to the Official Comprehensive Plan of
1983, as Amended, by the City of Elgin.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Requested Action: Amendment to Official Comprehensive Plan of 1983
Applicant: City of Elgin
Staff Coordinator: Tom Armstrong, Principal Planner
LIST OF EXHIBITS
A. Public Review Draft of Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines (see attached)
B. Related Correspondence and Transcripts (see attached)
BACKGROUND
An application has been filed by the City of Elgin requesting an amendment to the Official
Comprehensive Plan of 1983. In 2000,the Elgin City Council directed staff to begin consideration
of an amendment to the Official Comprehensive Plan of 1983. The City Council appointed a
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee and hired a consulting team to lead this effort. After four
ye : J Ui t, including nuIneI,, +:7 community input ril iliij i,5�;.icarcll of;,:iistiilg Louditioiis and
trends,consideration of interim reports,and work at crafting the document,the Comprehensive Plan
Advisory Committee and staff presented the public review draft of the Comprehensive Plan and
Design Guidelines to the Planning and Development Commission. The public review draft of the
Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines and all related correspondence are referenced and
attached to these findings and recommendation of the Planning and Development Commission.
FINDINGS
After due notice, as required by law, the Planning and Development Commission held a public
hearing in consideration of Petition 86-04 on two advertised dates,opening on November 15,2004
I , �
Findings of Fact Planning and Development Commission
Petition 86-04 January 3, 2005
and closing on December 6,2004. City staff provided an overview of the draft Comprehensive Plan
and Design Guidelines at the November 15`h meeting. Following two interim open house/public
forums,interested persons provided verbal and written testimony at the December 6th meeting. To
facilitate formulating a recommendation, City staff has provided the members of the Planning and
Development Commission with all written testimony submitted for the record and a complete
transcript of the public hearing.
The Planning and Development Commission has made the following findings and recommendation
concerning the draft Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines:
A. Summary of Findings. •
The Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines offers an ambitious and optimistic vision
for Elgin's continuing growth and development as a"strong regional city"within the greater
Chicago metropolitan area. Elgin's history,location,community infrastructure planning,and
growth opportunity help to bring this vision into focus.
The organizing system of "centers", "corridors", and "green infrastructure" forms a
framework within which the community will take advantage of revitalization and expansion
opportunities. This framework is evident on Figure 3.4 Land Use Plan, as revised. The
influence of the centers,corridors,and green infrastructure framework is evident throughout
the various sections of the plan dealing with community form,housing,transportation,parks
and open space, and natural resources.
The Design Guidelines element of the Plan promotes higher standards for urban design
throughout the existing and future community. Good urban design is essential if the
community is going to produce attractive,high-quality, sustainable places in which people
will want to live,work and play.
The Planning and Development Commission's findings are subject to a number of revisions
to the draft Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines. The Commission's
recommendation for approval of the Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines and the
recommended revisions are outlined below.
B. Summary of Unresolved Issues.
There are no unresolved issues.
C. Summary of Alternatives.
Other than an approval,a denial,or an approval with some combination of conditions,there
are no substantive alternatives.
2
Findings of Fact Planning and Development Commission
Petition 86-04 January 3, 2005
RECOMMENDATION
The Planning and Development Commission hereby recommends the approval of Petition 86-04.
On a motion to recommend approval,subject to the following revisions,the vote was five(5)yes and
zero (0)no:
1. Replace the"Light Industrial,Warehouse/Distribution,Office"and"General Industrial"land
use designations on Figure 3.4 Land Use Plan with one"Office,Research, Industrial"land
use designation and revise the text definitions in Section 3 Community Form, accordingly.
2. Revise Figure 3.4 Land Use Plan to identify locations for"mixed-use centers",and revise the
text descriptions of mixed-use centers and transportation corridors to emphasize within those
designated areas,the connection between higher residential densities and mixed-use patterns
of development with transportation alternatives and economic opportunity.
3. Revise Figure 3.4 Land Use Plan to include all existing county subdivisions in Hanover
Township in the "Estate Residential" land use designation.
4. Update Figure 3.4 Full Build-out Analysis to reflect the full build-out of the land use
designations portrayed on Figure 3.4 Land Use Plan, as revised.
5. Revise Figure 10.1 Natural Areas,Open Space and Greenways and Figure 10.2 Watersheds,
Wetlands and Floodplains,and create an additional woodland cover exhibit,to create a more
comprehensive inventory of the natural resource features found in the planning area.
6. Revise the Design Guidelines to include the "price points", "80/20 single family to
townhouse ratio",and"minimum floor area standards"for areas designated"low density"in
the Far West portion(west of Randall Road) of the planning area.
Therefore,the motion to recommend approval was adopted.
Respectfully submitted:
serd Hurlbut, Chairman
Planning and Development Commission
Todd Wyatt, Secr ary
Planning and Development Commission
3
F
. OF Et
N,'ti Memorandum
y 4 § City of Elgin
'i;ED\\\'_
January 21, 2005
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Thomas J. Armstrong, Principal Planner
SUBJECT: Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines (Petition 86-04)
Attached is an Executive Summary of the Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines, including
the revised Land Use Plan Map. The Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines has been
revised to incorporate the recommendations of the Planning and Development Commission
(reference Findings of Fact, dated January 3, 2005).
The full text and exhibits of the revised Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines, and all
related correspondence will be hand delivered to you on Friday. I apologize for this delay.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at 847-931-5909, should you have any questions or
comments.
TJA/ta
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z / 1', Public Review Draft
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no ► `,Jo Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines
,oA° reD Fti°'�". City of Elgin, Illinois
Executive Summary January, 2005
Prepared by:
Community Development Group
City of Elgin
150 Dexter Court
Elgin, IL 60120
P) 847-931-5910
www.cityofelgin.org
Executive Summary
The public review draft of the City of Elgin
Comprehensive Plan and Design
Guidelines reflects this vision of a strong
"regional city," and the community
aspirations of Elgin's citizenry, property
owners, and appointed and elected
officials. The Plan is intended to be a
mechanism from which decisions can be
made that will shape the growth and
development of the City of Elgin within the
limits of the defined planning area.
INTRODUCTION THE CHALLENGE
The population in the Chicago
The City of Elgin has historically existed metropolitan area grew by only 14 percent
as a regional satellite city in the greater between 1960 and 1990, while the
Chicago metropolitan region. It has urbanized area grew by 66 percent. The
benefited from a long history of planning economic and social costs of this pattern
and civic leadership. And it continues to of decentralization — "suburban sprawl" —
be a great place in which to live and do are well documented. This business as
business. usual suburban pattern of development
results in traffic congestion, social and
There are challenges to be addressed and economic segregation, loss of community
problems to be resolved. Elgin and the connections, and harm to natural
surrounding area will experience resources.
significant growth over the next few
decades and beyond. We expect that Kane County is forecasted to grow from a
Elgin's growth will be a source of strength, population of 404,119 in 2000 to a
diversity, opportunity and economic vitality population of 682,211 by the year 2030.
for the community and the region. During this same period, the City of Elgin
is projected to grow to a population of
Our vision for the future is to grow approximately 162,500. Some of the
sensibly and improve the quality of life in growth and development required to
Elgin and the region by integrating open house the expanding Kane County and
space with development, protecting Elgin populations will occur on infill and
natural resources, making full use of redevelopment sites within the existing
existing investments in infrastructure, and Fox Valley communities. Most of it will
improving transportation, economic and take place on the expanding outward
housing options. The City of Elgin is edges of these communities and in the
poised with the tools and the resources outlying villages.
necessary to grow sensibly with a
balanced pattern of development. It is Will growth continue in a pattern of low
positioned to maintain its place and density residential development and
improve its stature as a "regional city" segregated land uses, or can we direct
within the greater Chicago metropolitan growth in a more sensible manner?
area. Elgin's future can be brighter and Continuing with low density, suburban and
the region stronger if our vision is shared rural lifestyle development patterns will
by partners at local, county, state and result in more traffic gridlock, increased
federal levels of governance, and by the infrastructure costs, pollution, limited
private sector. housing options, and disinvestment in
older, socially and economically diverse
communities like Elgin. These "business-
Public Review Draft
Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines
City of Elgin, Illinois
R
Executive Summary 1
as-usual" patterns of growth and and to retain and attract employers;
development will place strains on sewer and
and water infrastructure, and on schools
and recreation facilities, leading to • Where county, state and federal
increased taxes as new facilities are agencies support Elgin in its efforts to
added. gain new prominence as a "regional
THE OPPORTUNITY city" for the benefit of its citizens and
businesses, and the region as a
Elgin is strategically located and has the whole.
capacity to accommodate much of the
growth and development forecasted for THE COMMUNITY VISION
Kane County within a more sensible urban
development pattern. Our historic Our vision for the future of Elgin is
community can gain new prominence as a tempered by its history. Elgin is
"regional city" where motorists spend less characterized by its natural scenic beauty,
time in traffic; residents live near jobs, extensive history, diverse architecture and
schools, recreation and shopping; neighborhoods, cultural diversity, and
neighborhoods are pedestrian, bicycle and vibrant business climate. However, our
transit friendly; open space and greatest asset is our people. All of these
environmental areas are protected and attributes contribute to the accelerating
integrated into the fabric of the growth and development of our
community; and economic opportunities community. It is essential that we
abound. embrace a true vision for Elgin which
respects the natural environment and
Imagine a growing community: traditional lifestyles, allows for responsible
growth and quality development with an
■ Where protected open space is emphasis on regional cooperation. While
integrated with urban development to striving to maintain our quality of life, a
improve the quality of life by providing balance must be maintained between
wildlife habitat, preserving scenic fostering growth and development and
beauty, offering outdoor recreation preserving our natural and cultural
1 opportunities, increasing property resources always respecting the rights of
values and tourism revenue, and the individual, including private property
conserving or re-establishing the rights.
area's natural heritage;
Today many of our recreation activities,
■ Where transportation investments are quality of life, and tourist attractions are
linked to mixed use development derived from our parks system, the Fox
strategies to create more viable River, cultural resources, historic
transportation options, leading to preservation, and natural resources.
reduced traffic, improved air quality These community assets should be
and shorter commutes; preserved, protected and expanded for
future generations.
■ Where the Fox River, its tributary
streams and wetland areas are Elgin enjoys a diverse economic base.
protected to reduce flood damages, We are home to many employers and a
enhance water quality and talented workforce. Yet, the community is
biodiversity, and provide valued challenged to expand its retail base. As
recreation opportunities; we support economic activity and quality
growth, cooperation and coordination
• Where housing opportunities are among varies government entities must
placed near employment centers to occur resulting in improved service
improve the quality of life for workers, delivery and high quality development.
2 Public Review Draft
Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines
City of Elgin, Illinois
J
t
Executive Summary
This historic, vibrant community must COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
continue to look to the past, consider the
present, and plan for the future in order to COMMUNITY FORM
remain a superior place to live, work and
play. Change is occurring rapidly in the City of
Elgin. The economy is strong and we are
PLAN ORGANIZATION experiencing unprecedented economic
growth with new employment, downtown
The City of Elgin Comprehensive Plan and redevelopment, and new housing
Design Guidelines is a guide for decision- construction. Employment, population
making the will affect the quality of life of and housing projections indicate that
the community. The Illinois Local growth will continue for many years to
Planning Technical Assistance Act set the come.
guidelines for composition of the plan. The "vision" for Elgin expresses a clear
The Act calls for nine elements with each desire on the part of the community to
element addressing existing conditions, continue to grow and to diversify its
future needs, goal and policy statements, economy. At the same time, the nature of
and implementation strategies. change brought on by growth threatens
The Comprehensive Plan and Design the traditional character of the community
Guidelines sets forth goals, objectives, that citizens have stated is central to their
policies and guidelines to realize the vision of the future. There is a very strong
community vision. The following sections desire in Elgin to preserve community
of the Plan are summarized in the character, protect and preserve historic
Executive Summary: and cultural heritage, protect the natural
environment and scenic beauty, and to
Comprehensive Plan foster quality growth into the future.
■ Community Form Smart Growth. The Community Form
• Historic Preservation section addresses how we can use "Smart
• Transportation Plan Growth" principles to make planning
• Housing decisions that will allow Elgin to realize its
■ Economic and Business Development vision to maintain and improve its stature
• Community Facilities and Services as a strong regional city. Smart Growth is
• Parks, Open Space and Natural a term that describes the efforts of
Resources communities to manage and direct growth
• Community Resource Conservation in a way that minimizes damage to the
• Fiscal Impact of Development environment, reduces "sprawl", and builds
livable towns and cities with regard for
Goals and Objectives present and future generations.
• Master List of Goals and Objectives
Design Guidelines Livability suggests, among other things,
that the quality of our built environment
• Urban Design in the planning system: and how well we preserve the natural
towards better practice environment directly affects our quality of
life. Smart Growth calls for the investment
Next Steps of time, attention, and resources in our
center city and in our existing
• Plan Implementation neighborhoods to maintain and enhance
the sense of community and vitality in
those areas. In newly developing areas,
Smart Growth advocates patterns of
development that include a balanced mix
of land uses, and a transportation system
3 Public Review Draft
Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines
City of Elgin, Illinois
Executive Summary
that accommodates pedestrians, Land Use. The Land Use element is
bicyclists, transit, and automobiles. based on an organizing framework of
"centers, corridors and green
Growth Management. The Growth infrastructure." The centers, corridors and
Management element identifies areas green infrastructure form the framework
where the City will strategically invest upon which the community will undertake
public resources to foster enhanced and revitalization and expansion, based on the
viable community development. The principles of Smart Growth. The elements
community's view of the future is two-fold. of the framework are described as follows:
First, the community recognizes the
importance of maintaining and improving • "Centers" are the hubs of
the existing, built environment. Secondly, commercial, institutional and/or
the community understands that outward transportation activity and can vary in
expansion must be fiscally responsible size from small neighborhood centers
and controlled. to large mixed-use developments.
Elgin's growth management strategy • "Corridors" are the primary
focuses on the following: transportation arteries, including major
streets, regional highways, and rail
• Identification of a growth limit, lines. Land use along the corridors is
implemented through the joint more intense, mixed-use in character,
adoption of jurisdictional boundary and supportive of transit.
agreements with neighboring
communities, and with planning for • "Green Infrastructure" is the
support facilities and services. interconnected network of waterways,
• Revitalization of downtown and the wetlands, woodlands, wildlife habitats,
riverfront to serve as a catalyst that and other natural areas; greenways,
brings new investment, residents, parks and other conservation lands;
businesses, and visitors to the center working farms; open spaces that
city and its adjoining neighborhoods. support native species, maintain
• Protection and enhancement of Elgin's ecological processes, sustain air and
existing neighborhoods and historic water resources, and contribute to the
resources to promote community health and quality of life for our
identity and pride by implementing community and the surrounding area.
preservation, infill development and
select redevelopment activities. Within this framework of centers, corridors
• Targeted development of "Immediate" and green infrastructure in the existing
and "Pressured" growth areas on the community are neighborhoods whose
periphery of the corporate limits, as character and value need to be protected,
well as, to surrounded unincorporated enhanced and/or restored. Within this
areas and large undeveloped tracts framework in the future growth areas, new
within the corporate limits, where neighborhoods will be connected and
municipal services and facilities can integrated with the mixed-use centers and
be made readilyavailable. corridors, and with the green
• Protection of working fames from infrastructure. Residential land use will
premature development in portions of intensify when in proximity to the centers
Elgin's westerly growth area and corridors, and will respect the natural
("Agricultural Reserve Area"). functions of open space (reference
• Preservation and management of land attached Figure 3.4 Land Use Plan).
that protects water and habitat, and
creates recreation opportunities to The influence of the centers, corridors and
improve the quality of life and the green infrastructure framework re-appears
economic health of the community. in several other sections of the
4 Public Review Draft
Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines
City of Elgin, Illinois
•
Executive Summar
y
Comprehensive Plan and Design • Identify infill development and
Guidelines. It provides a framework for redevelopment opportunities, and
organizing the transportation system and develop strategies to improve the
for relating land use to transportation. It livability and economic vitality for
provides a geographic focus for economic areas with vacant and/or underutilized
development and housing strategies. And parcels.
it integrates the green infrastructure with
development so that parks and open HISTORIC PRESERVATION
space become part of the daily
experience, enhancing the quality of life A considerable portion of Elgin's building
for all residents. stock was constructed prior to 1950. Many
of these structures exhibit significant
Revitalization and Redevelopment. The architectural and historic character.
Revitalization and Redevelopment However, an increasing number of these
element focuses on the community's older structures are experiencing degrees
commitment to protecting, enhancing of deterioration generating a need for their
and/or restoring the character and value of rehabilitation while preserving their overall
its existing neighborhoods, commercial architectural character. Using historic
centers, and historic resources. This preservation as an effective economic
community focus is implemented through development tool, the community's older
the administration of a variety of economic established neighborhoods can be
development and incentive programs revitalized through the effective regulation
which promote neighborhood and of exterior alteration, construction or
commercial area reinvestment, historic demolition activities; and by encouraging
preservation, and neighborhood planning. the rehabilitation of structures through
increased education and awareness,
Priority actions to manage growth and financial incentives, technical assistance,
development; to realize a land use system or possibly alternate means of historic
organized around a framework of centers, resource management such as
corridors and green infrastructure; and to conservation areas, easements and
support the revitalization and covenants.
redevelopment of Elgin's existing
neighborhoods and commercial areas While there is a strong preservation
include: community active in Elgin and in Kane
County, at this time, a coordinated
• Monitor the fiscal health of the preservation effort is absent. In response
community and the project-level fiscal to broad threats to historic resources
impact of new development to posed by development, as well as the
measure the impacts of growth. preservation needs of particular areas and
structures, the Comprehensive Plan and
• Prepare revisions to the Zoning Design Guidelines includes a number of
Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance and preservation actions.
other development codes, and to the
Official Zoning Map to ensure Priority actions in support of historic
conformity with the Comprehensive preservation in Elgin and the larger
Plan and Design Guidelines. planning area include:
• Work with community stakeholders to • Support completion of surveys of the
prepare sub-area plans for historic and architectural resources
neighborhoods corridors and other found within the Elgin planning area.
specified sub-areas of the City.
5 Public Review Draft
Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines
City of Elgin, Illinois
•
Executive Summary
• Consider drafting and implementing also designed and implemented in the
an Elgin planning area-wide context of their settings.
preservation plan.
The street classifications include:
• Continue to administer the • Local Streets: trail, alley, lane, and
preservation ordinance and neighborhood street.
preservation programs. • Transitional Streets: collector street
and main street.
TRANSPORTATION • Regional (Arterial) Streets: arterial
street, boulevard, and parkway.
An efficient and effective transportation
system is a fundamental need of the City Over the past thirty to forty years, the
and its residents, businesses and visitors. dominant pattern of suburban and ex-
Elgin's transportation infrastructure affects urban cul-de-sac subdivisions and
the City's quality of life in a variety of segregated land uses has funneled traffic
ways. out onto an arterial street system that
needed to be big enough to handle peak
The Transportation section describes a loads of traffic. This type of thoroughfare
multi-modal system of movement for system and the suburban and ex-urban
people, goods and services that is based patterns of development are
on the development of the planning area fundamentally flawed, and are major
in a more compact urban form. reasons for the traffic congestion we
experience today.
Thoroughfare System Plan. The
Thoroughfare System Plan accomplishes The Thoroughfare System Plan calls for
five central purposes: an inter-connected network of streets
organized around the land use framework
• Right-of-way is preserved to of centers, corridors and green
accommodate existing and future infrastructure. Developing a thoroughfare
transportation needs. system linked with an interconnected
• Continuity is provided in the functional, network of local streets will distribute
physical and aesthetic character of traffic in many directions and provide
various classifications of streets. many travel options. This type of street
• The street system is interconnected to system, combined with a more traditional
link neighborhoods — old and new — to form and mix of urban land uses, will
create a connected community. reduce vehicle miles traveled and improve
• The capacity of major streets is the overall quality of life within the Elgin
preserved. planning area and beyond.
• The character of neighborhoods and
neighborhood streets is preserved and Transit System Plan. Transit service to
enhanced. Elgin and the surrounding area is provided
by PACE, the suburban bus division of the
The street classifications described are Regional Transportation Authority (RTA),
context-sensitive to their settings. As one and by METRA, the commuter rail division
travels from the edge of the city, through of the RTA. As is the case with the
neighborhoods, along higher order streets Thoroughfare System Plan, the Transit
with greater land use intensity, and then System Plan is also organized around the
into mixed-use retail centers, sidewalks land use framework of centers, corridors
become wider, on-street parking is more and green infrastructure.
important, and intersections are spaced
closer. All streets are designed to serve Existing and proposed METRA commuter
pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit as well stops are all identified as destinations
as drivers. Traffic calming measures are around which transit-oriented
6 Public Review Draft
Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines
City of Elgin, Illinois
• Executive Summary
development (TOD) is desired. This Context sensitive solutions offers an
includes stops along the METRA interdisciplinary approach that seeks
Milwaukee West Line and along the effective, multimodal transportation
proposed Outer-Circumferential/STAR solutions by working with stakeholders to
Line. develop, build and maintain cost-effective
transportation facilities which fit into and
The PACE commuter bus system is reflect the project's surroundings — its
proposed to be re-designed from the "context". Through early, frequent and
present "pulse system", where all buses in meaningful communication with
the system arrive at and leave from a stakeholders, and a flexible and creative
central downtown stop, to a "circulator approach to design, the resulting projects
system", where buses cross paths at should improve safety and mobility for the
various stops distributed throughout the traveling public, while seeking to preserve
planning area allowing patrons to transfer and enhance the scenic, economic,
from bus-to-bus to move about the neighborhood, historic, and natural
community. These commuter bus stops qualities of the settings through which they
and circular routes can be organized pass.
around the centers and corridors identified
on the land use plan. Each of the centers The plan calls for the creation of a
should be designed with TOD principles in Transportation Advisory Committee to
mind. facilitate open dialogue and context
sensitive solutions to enhance the
Bicycle and Pedestrian System Plan. transportation system serving Elgin and
The Bicycle and Pedestrian System Plan the planning area.
provides a framework and guidance for
the development of facilities and Priority actions to achieve a balanced
accommodations to enhance safe transportation system that meets the
bicycling and pedestrian movement needs of Elgin residents, businesses and
throughout the planning area. The plan visitors include:
builds on existing regional trails and is
coordinated with the recently approved • Develop an Elgin planning area-wide
Kane County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. transportation plan that reserves land
Planning principles provide guidance to for future corridors, prioritizes projects
direct the location and design of both and funding, functions with the land
bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Design use plan, and capitalizes on the
standards for the various street existing road network. Emphasis
classifications described in the should be on connectivity, flexibility
Thoroughfare System Plan make (choices of transportation modes —
accommodation for bicyclists and pedestrian, bicycle, transit and motor
pedestrians. vehicle), and aesthetic and
environmental impacts.
Context Sensitive Solutions. Issues
such as traffic congestion, traffic impact • Establish a Transportation Advisory
on neighborhoods, and the ability to use Committee to develop context
our transportation system to walk, bike, sensitive solutions to transportation
and access transit are higher priorities in projects, and to assure stakeholder
terms of what people expect from the input in developing a transportation
transportation system. "Context sensitive system that meets the needs of all
solutions" aims at addressing these residents, businesses and visitors.
concerns, and making sure that
transportation projects are designed to • Establish corridor specific plans and
improve quality of life for all who use the develop strong public/private
system. partnerships to better integrate land
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City of Elgin, Illinois
i
Executive Summary
use, economic development, and Priority actions to address and meet the
transportation strategies. housing needs in Elgin include:
■ Promote transit-oriented development
at commuter stations, in mixed-use • Maintain and enhance the existing
centers and along transit corridors to housing stock and neighborhoods by
support the METRO commuter rail continuing to administer and expand
system and the PACE bus system. programs promoting home ownership,
and by addressing property
HOUSING maintenance and overcrowding
conditions, housing rehabilitation and
Elgin's residential neighborhoods are a restoration, historic preservation, park
major source of community pride and are and recreation needs, and
defined by the quality of their homes, the neighborhood capital improvement
diversity of their residents, the beauty of needs.
their streetscapes, and the availability of
and access to open space, parks, schools, • Monitor the balance of housing with
shopping and employment. As Elgin respect to jobs, socio-economic
grows, the City will be challenged assure characteristics and trends of Elgin's
a safe, enjoyable and affordable housing population, and special needs
stock for its new residents. It will be populations.
equally important to maintain and improve
the existing housing stock and • Identify opportunities to provide higher
neighborhoods. density housing in support of retail-
oriented mixed-use centers and along
The Housing section of the plan focuses transit corridors.
on a number of issues and opportunities,
including: • Coordinate with Kane County to
develop and implement the Five-Year
• Achieve a proper balance of housing Consolidated Plan and Annual Action
(affordability and type) for all socio- Plan.
economic classes.
• Address the maintenance and ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
improvement needs of the existing
housing stock and neighborhoods, The Elgin economy is more than just the
and removing overcrowding sum of its businesses. Economic health is
conditions. affected by the quality of our natural
• Provide workforce housing environment, our local culture, the safety
opportunities in proximity to places of and security of our neighborhoods, the
employment. quality of our schools and other public
• Meet the transitional and supportive services, the quality and efficiency of our
housing needs of special needs built environment, and our sense of place.
populations. One of the main reasons to do
• Increase the relative wealth and social comprehensive planning is to ensure that
diversity of the core neighborhoods of none of these aspects is neglected and
the City to make those areas more that no one aspect flourishes at the
vital, and to address challenges facing expense of others. Elgin must maintain all
the schools serving those areas. of them if it and its economy are to be
• Develop or redevelop neighborhood healthy. In turn, Elgin should expect its
areas with complementary uses, and economy to support the investments
where appropriate using the principles necessary to maintain community health.
of traditional neighborhood design
(TND) and transit-oriented The Economic and Business Services
development(TOD). section of the Comprehensive Plan and
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City of Elgin, Illinois
Executive Summary
Design Guidelines calls for the City to economic development strategy for
coordinate with its partner organizations to Elgin.
develop a coordinated economic
development strategy. As has been • Create, adopt and implement plans
suggested above, a coordinated economic and development strategies for the
development strategy should consider all improvement of targeted mixed-use
aspects of a community which contribute centers and transportation corridors
to a healthy economy. addressing both their function and
aesthetics.
Elgin's location in the dynamic Chicago
metropolitan region, its community COMMUNITY FACILITIES
infrastructure and growth opportunities, its
diverse economic base, and its available The City of Elgin and other providers offer
workforce all combine to present a bright a variety of community facilities and
economic future. To capitalize on these services to residents, businesses and
economic development advantages, the visitors. Such services include fire and
City and its partner organizations should police protection, emergency services,
continue to focus efforts on 1) business sanitary waste collection, water supply,
retention, growth and attraction, 2) waste management, street maintenance
redevelopment and revitalization of and snow plowing, schools, colleges and
targeted areas, 3) workforce development libraries. Municipal buildings, community
and recruitment, 4) maintaining adequate and cultural facilities, schools and other
public facilities and services, 5) providing public buildings in which these services
workforce housing to meet the needs of are carried out offer opportunities for
the employment base and employers, and community collaboration, design,
6) targeting areas for economic maintenance and administration, whether
development. or not the City has direct management
responsibility for the service.
The land use framework of "centers,
corridors and green infrastructure" can be Often, as with public schools and the
used to target and direct economic public library, a different unit of
development efforts to specific geographic government — in these cases, the school
areas. The "centers" are hubs of activity district and library district — is responsible
that can range in size from smaller for making key decisions. Even so, it is
neighborhood centers to large retail- important that the community take the
oriented mixed-use centers. The initiative to bring people together to serve
"corridors" are the primary transportation the best overall long-term objectives.
arteries that connect the centers, and that.
connect Elgin to the larger metropolitan The effectiveness of these community
region. Both the centers and corridors facilities and services is the result of
should be capable of supporting careful planning, thoughtful decisions, and
concentrated development, including the provision of adequate funding. As
commercial, institutional, transit-related Elgin continues to grow and mature, the
uses, and housing. public facilities and services necessary to
support new development or
Priority actions to address and meet redevelopment will need to be provided
Elgin's economic development needs and the existing facilities and services will
include: require maintenance, rehabilitation and
replacement.
• Organize all economic development Priority actions to meet the community
efforts into a well-coordinated facility and service needs of Elgin
organizational structure, and develop residents, businesses and visitors include:
a comprehensive and visionary
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City of Elgin, Illinois
Executive Summary
• Monitor the impacts and manage the framework of centers, corridors and green
pace of growth and development to infrastructure.
maintain and provide adequate
community facilities and services to Priority actions to maintain and build a
meet the needs of existing and future park and open space system that meets
residents, businesses and visitors. the active and passive recreation needs of
the community include:
• Coordinate the planning efforts of the
library districts and school districts • Update the Elgin Parks and
with community planning efforts and Recreation Master Plan (2000) to
development review. cover the Elgin planning area, and
implement the plan in cooperation with
• Continue to assess fees to cover a fair developers, parks districts and forest
share of the costs of public facilities preserve districts, and private
and services necessitated by landowners.
development.
• Require developers to provide 100
• Establish an Energy Task Force percent neighborhood and community
charged with the assignment to park service area coverage in all new
develop an Energy Plan for the City. developments.
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE COMMUNITY RESOURCES
The Parks, Open Space and Natural Residents living in Elgin and its planning
Resources section of the Comprehensive area appreciate and enjoy living amidst
Plan and Design Guidelines promotes the the quality natural resource areas found in
development of both an active and a the Fox River valley. Whether it be a
passive use parks and open space system natural area, park or a walking trail,
for Elgin residents and visitors to enjoy. residents appreciate places to relax, play
Parks and open space provide a wide or just enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
range of benefits that contribute to a This makes planning to conserve natural
healthy community. resource areas as important as planning
for roads and utilities.
This section of the plan builds on the
analysis and future vision of the parks and Elgin, like all growing communities, faces
open space system that is described in the challenge of protecting, preserving
the Elgin Parks and Recreation Master and enhancing the quality of the
Plan (2000). The plan calls for 100 environment and natural resource areas.
percent neighborhood and community The Community Resource Conservation
park service area coverage for Elgin section provides guidance to meet this
residents, based on National Recreation challenge. One way is to identify, restore,
and Park Association standards. These connect and manage the planning area-
are the active elements of the parks and wide network of regionally and locally
open space system. significant natural areas and open spaces.
This process is sometimes referred to as
This section also identifies a number of "greenprinting".
natural resource areas (Fox River, stream
corridors, wetlands and woodlands) that A second way to meet this challenge is to
are to be protected and integrated into the protect the water resources in the
parks and open space system. These planning area through the development,
natural areas, combined with parks, are adoption and implementation of
the "green" component of the land use "watershed protection plans". The Fox
River, stream corridors, floodplains,
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Executive Summary
wetlands and riparian zones are among environmental impacts, traffic, and
the most important natural resources infrastructure impacts are also important.
within the Elgin planning area. The plan Community priorities, identified through a
calls for the development of watershed visioning process informed by fiscal
protection plans for each of the major sub- impact and other analyses, help direct
watersheds in the Elgin planning area. development policy.
Another resource, Elgin's "urban forest", Priority actions to monitor the fiscal
encompasses all of the trees and related impact of development on municipal and
woody vegetation in the community. The other public services, and to sustain the
benefits trees provide to the community fiscal health of the community include:
far outweigh the costs of protecting
existing trees and planting new trees. • Analyze the fiscal impact of all new
Accordingly, Elgin must recognize and development on the community.
manage its urban forest is a part of the
community infrastructure. • Continue to ensure that new
development pays its "fair share" of
Priority actions to protect, conserve and the additional costs of extending or
manage our community resources include: improving public facilities and
systems.
• Develop, adopt and implement a
"greenprinf' plan to protect and • Annually report to the community
integrate our community's natural information concerning the cost of
resource areas with development. providing public services, available
funding mechanisms, and the City's
• Develop, adopt and implement fiscal health.
watershed protection plans for each of
the major sub-watersheds in the Elgin ❖ GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
planning area.
Growth Management (GM)
• Establish a Citizens Environmental
Commission assure community input Goal GM-1 Create a sustainable urban
in the development of environmental environment in the City's growth areas
policy and regulation, and to provide in a manner compatible with the
educational outreach involving such
remainder of the planning area.
matters. Objective GM-1.1 To strategically
FISCAL IMPACT OF GROWTH guide new growth and development to
create a compatible, well-functioning
community.
Elgin must manage its growth and
development in a fiscally responsible Objective GM-1.2 To maximize public
manner. One tool used determine the investment in both residential and
costs and benefits of development is the employment uses that will directly and
fiscal impact analysis. Fiscal impact indirectly generate revenue in growth
analyses are used to examine the costs areas.
and benefits of various land uses, for
prioritizing projects and infrastructure Objective GM - 1.3 To provide an
investment, and for assessing efficient, multi-modal transportation
development alternatives. However, fiscal system to serve growth areas.
impacts are only one of several important
factors for determining appropriate land Objective GM - 1.4 To enhance the
use: community vision, needs, public environmental quality within the growth
assets, market and economic realities, areas.
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Executive Summary
Land Use (LU) space that provides increasing levels
of annual sales taxes to the City.
Goal LU-1 Develop a land use pattern
throughout the city that creates orderly Objective LU-3.1 To encourage the
municipal growth, achieves development of commercial uses that
compatibility with surrounding support a fiscally sound community.
communities, and is consistent with
other plans and programs of the City. Objective LU-3.2 To encourage the
design of integrated residential,
Objective LU-1.1 To create the most commercial, and office uses.
advantageous economic and
environmental balance of build-out land Goal LU-4 Provide for an adequate
uses based on community and regional long-term supply of business
characteristics and influences. park/industrial land that continues to
enhance the City and regional
Objective LU-1.2 To encourage employment base.
urban growth in a planned, orderly manner
with high quality development and design, Objective LU-4.1 Provide a wide
and innovative and sustainable urban land range of office/business park/industrial
use patterns. uses that are optimally located in relation
to there purpose, environmental
Objective LU-1.3 To ensure that the considerations, and transportation needs.
land use pattern throughout the
community is compatible with the Goal LU-5 Provide for a diverse and
provisions of all elements of the dynamic Center City that exhibits
Comprehensive Plan and Design Elgin's historic character, supports
Guidelines and other plans adopted by the civic and cultural activities, and offers
City. opportunities for reinvesting in
neighborhoods and business
Objective LU-1.4 To determine the properties that offer a unique history
direct and indirect utility, land use, school, and character.
and fiscal implications of annexation and
development of unincorporated areas. Objective LU -5.1 To provide a wide
range of uses that support the character of
Goal LU-2 Provide for high quality, the Center City in accordance with the
balanced, and diverse housing for Riverfront/Center City Master Plan
existing and future Elgin residents. adopted by the City of Elgin.
Objective LU-2.1 To promote a Objective LU -5.2 To maximize the
balanced stock of single family and regional economic, historic, and cultural
multiple family residence types and styles benefits of the Center City Mixed Use
in appropriate locations. area.
Objective LU -2.2 To determine the Revitalization and Redevelopment(RR)
appropriate locations for multiple family
residential projects. Goal RR-1 Maintain an orderly,
compatible, and aesthetic land use
Objective LU -2.3 To strive to pattern in mature areas of the City.
establish compatibility among residential,
employment, and public facility uses. Objective RR-1.1 To promote a
concentrated, cohesive relationship
Goal LU-3 Provide for an adequate among compatible land uses.
supply of commercial acreage and
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Executive Summary
Objective RR-1.2 To increase Objective RR -5.1 To ensure that,
functional and visual consistency by where appropriate, redevelopment
coordinating existing uses and different projects or revitalization areas contain
architectural styles. parks and recreation facilities, connections
to open space, and other supportive uses.
Objective RR-1.3 To develop and
maintain amenities that reflect the Goal RR — 6 Continue to develop and
character of the community's heritage. maintain excellent arts and cultural
facilities and opportunities for the
Goal RR-2 Attract development to appreciation of the arts by citizens of
vacant areas within mature all ages in the Center City.
neighborhoods through the use of infill
incentives and innovative design. Objective RR -6.1 To continue to
promote the Center City as a location for
Objective RR-2.1 To encourage public art, entertainment, and cultural
private and public investment and uses.
development on vacant lands in the
mature neighborhoods of the City. Goal RR-7 Encourage a cost effective
mix of land uses through public and
Goal RR-3 Promote the active private investment that maximizes
participation of citizens and local revenue generation.
business leaders in addressing the
needs of their neighborhoods. Objective RR 7.1 To stabilize land
values and provide attractive investment
Objective RR -3 To promote and opportunities.
facilitate the creation of neighborhood
plans that reflect the interests of the Objective RR -7.2 To encourage
residents and business leaders in the private investment and development
City's neighborhoods. within established and mature
neighborhoods of the City.
Goal RR-4 Create a safe, efficient
transportation system and parking Historic Preservation (HP)
facilities in redevelopment and
revitalization areas that conform to the
Transportation Plan. Goal HP-1 Encourage the continued
protection and enhancement of
Objective RR-4.1 To provide architectural, cultural, and historic
adequate parking to meet the demands of resources that are important to the
existing and future development. heritage of Elgin.
Objective RR-4.2 To provide Objective HP-1.1 To identify, preserve
features for pedestrians, bicyclists, and and enhance the historic resources of the
transit users that are consistent with the Elgin area.
goals, objectives, and policies of the
Transportation Plan. Objective HP-1.2 To encourage the use
of financial incentives for the preservation
Goal RR-5 Create a system of of historic resources of the Elgin area.
recreational, open space, and public
facilities in redevelopment and Objective HP-1.3 To educate local
revitalization areas that is consistent government agencies, property owners
with the Parks and Recreation Master and the public at large on the need and
means of preserving and promoting
Plan. Elgin's heritage.
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Executive Summary
Objective HP-1.4 To continue toprovide Objective T-2.2 To maintain and
1
technical assistance on building issues enhance neighborhood integrity and
related to historic properties. identity when planning, designing, and
constructing transportation improvements.
Transportation Plan (T) Objective T-2.3 To develop
Goal T-1 Provide a balanced, multi- transportation facilities that are compatible
with the surrounding neighborhoods, the
modal transportation system for the
City of Elgin that supports the safe and natural landscape and open space.
efficient movement of people and Goal T-3 Provide an open, objective,
goods. and credible process for planning and
Objective T-1.1 To provide viable developing a transportation system
that complies with federal, state and
options for the movement of people and
goods. county regulations and is responsive
to the community.
Objective T-1.2 To design and Objective T-3.1 To involve citizens
build a thoroughfare system that learns in the planning of the transportation
from and builds on the past. system — ensuring plans address public
Objective T-1.3 To improve values and have the flexibility to respond
accessibility, availability, efficiency, and to changing needs.
viability of public transportation systems Objective T-3.2 To educate and
for all users. involve the public and policy makers in
Objective T-1.4 To create a developing our transportation system.
comprehensive system of bicycle facilities, Objective T-3.3 To coordinate the
programs, and services. planning for the existing and future
Objective T-1.5 To create an transportation system with neighboring
communities and jurisdictions.
efficient, inviting environment for
pedestrians. Objective T-3.4 To utilize the
Objective T-1.6 To create a Transportation Plan as the foundation for
transportation system that is accessible to decision making in transportation related
all users. issues.
Objective T-1.7 To ensure existing Goal T-4 Develop a transportation plan
elements of the transportation system are that can be funded and that reflects
conserved through adequate maintenance responsible use of public funds.
and preservation. Objective T-4.1 To develop
Goal T-2 Develop and implement a innovative and sound funding policies to
plan that builds on the character of the implement the Transportation Plan.
community, is sensitive to the Objective T-4.2 To establish
environment, and enhances the quality funding priorities to guide the timing and
of life today and in the future. sequencing of transportation
Objective T-2.1 To establish improvements.
guidelines and standards to enhance the Objective T-4.3 To ensure new
land use transportation connection. growth and development projects pay for
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City of Elgin, Illinois
• Executive Summary
their fair share of transportation Objective H-2.2 To establish a
infrastructure costs. community-wide goal of adequate
affordable housing, as defined by the
Goal T-5 Provide the transportation Housing Plan. Affordability criteria for
system to support planned economic lower income groups should follow the
development and vitality. most current Department of Housing and
Urban Development definitions and
Objective T-5.1 To support desired guidelines.
economic development and tourism.
Objective H-2.3 To provide a variety of
Objective T-5.2 To provide for housing opportunities that will satisfy the
goods movement. needs of existing and future households at
diverse socioeconomic levels.
Housing (H)
Goal H-3 Encourage the development
Goal H-1 Ensure that housing is safe, of an appropriate mix of residential
decent, and sanitary; and encourage land uses throughout the City. Protect
residential design that is community- and preserve established, stable
friendly and compatible with the neighborhoods and new residential
neighborhood character. developments from incompatible
adjacent land uses.
Objective H-1.1 To identify and
recognize the changing needs of the City's Objective H-3.1 To preserve and protect
maturing neighborhoods and take steps to the City's neighborhoods by minimizing
stabilize and upgrade these areas. internal and external impacts that may
detract from a neighborhood's ability to
Objective H-1.2 To increase offer a safe and aesthetically pleasing
opportunities for the housing stock to be environment.
maintained in a safe and sanitary living
condition. Objective H-3.2 To encourage the
development of neighborhoods that
Objective H-1.3 To encourage provide safe vehicular and non-vehicular
development and revitalization projects in access and mobility, as well as convenient
all areas of Elgin that provide a variety of access to community facilities and
housing types to meet the needs of the neighborhood services.
growing population.
Economic & Business
Objective H-1.4 To encourage Development (ED)
redevelopment and/or rehabilitation of
substandard residential neighborhoods. Goal ED-1 Foster and sustain long-
Goal H-2 Promote the preservation and term economic growth for the City of
development of high-quality, balanced, Elgin.
and diverse housing options for Objective ED-1.1 To develop a
persons of all income levels comprehensive and visionary economic
throughout the City of Elgin. development strategy to promote the long-
Objective H-2.1 To encourage the term economic growth of Elgin.
creation of residential developments which Objective ED-1.2 To diversify Elgin's
provide housing opportunities for current and future fiscal resources to
individuals and families of all support community needs.
socioeconomic levels.
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Executive Summary
Objective ED-1.3 To continue to Objective ED-5.3 To expand the
expand Elgin's retail business base and hospitality and tourism industry to position
strengthen its retail position in the Elgin as a destination location.
northern Fox Valley region.
Objective ED-5.4 To maintain a well-
Goal ED-2 Identify and prepare rounded community in terms of
strategic locations for economic recreational, cultural, educational, and
growth. health care opportunities.
Objective ED-2.1 To support the Objective ED-5.5 To expand workforce
development of key employment centers housing opportunities for all economic
and corridors throughout Elgin. segments of the community.
Objective ED-2.2 To develop a Community Facilities and
comprehensive transportation,
communication, and infrastructure system Services (CFS)
to ensure efficient movement of
commerce and information. Goal CSF-1 Strive for efficiency in the
provision of municipal services and
Goal ED-3 Promote the revitalization of facilities to improve the relative
Downtown Elgin as a pedestrian- desirability of Elgin as a place to live
oriented civic town center, enhanced and conduct business.
with diverse retail, residential,
entertainment and recreational, cultural Objective CSF-1.1 To maximize the
and employment opportunities. provision of municipal services to Elgin
residents and businesses through a
Objective ED-3.1 To promote comprehensive and efficient fiscal
Downtown Elgin as a destination for local management process.
residents and regional visitors thereby
creating a stimulus for economic Objective CSF-1.2 To work with Elgin
revitalization. residents, businesses and institutions to
enhance the relative desirability of the
Goal ED-4 Develop a planned urban community as a place to live and do
structure of centers and corridors to business.
strengthen the relationship between
land use, transportation, and transit. Objective CSF-1.3 To provide public
facilities and services that will serve
Goal ED-5 Utilize the competitive existing residents and businesses, and
advantages of the City and region to encourage new residents and businesses
promote Elgin as a community where to locate in Elgin.
people may live, learn, work, shop and
play. Goal CSF-2 Provide sufficient staffing,
equipment and facilities to ensure
Objective ED-5.1 To develop and
effective fire protection, emergency
maintain local, regional, state, national medical and rescue services,
and international alliances to advance construction review and fire
economic development in Elginl. inspection, and hazardous material
response services to keep pace with
Objective ED-5.2 To support a growth.
comprehensive educational system to
produce a competitive workforce. Objective CSF-2.1 To ensure that fire
protection and emergency medical
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Executive Summary
facilities and services are located to allow Goal CSF-8 Support excellent library
acceptable response times. facilities and opportunities for Elgin
citizens.
Goal CSF-3 Meet the community's
needs for public safety and law Objective CSF-8.1 To ensure that the
enforcement by ensuring adequate community continues to be served with
resources for the prevention, detection, excellent library facilities, and other
and investigation of crime, and supportive uses.
response to calls for service.
Goal CSF-9 Support school districts
Objective CSF-3.1 To ensure that law located within the Planning Area in
enforcement resources are provided to their efforts to provide excellent
serve the community's projected growth. schools and educational opportunities
for Elgin citizens.
Goal CSF-4 Assure that the residents,
businesses, and visitors of Elgin are Objective CSF-9.1 To ensure that the
provided multiple opportunities to community is served with public schools
attain an education. and other educational opportunities.
Objective CSF-4.1 To identify the Parks and Open Space (POS)
locations of all existing and proposed
educational facilities required to meet the Goal POS-1 Create a balanced,
educational needs of Elgin. accessible, and integrated system of
open space and natural resource areas,
Goal CSF-5 Ensure that a high quality parks and recreation programs, and
network of public utilities and services facilities to meet the active and passive
is delivered to all residential and non- recreation needs for the current and
residential structures in Elgin. future residents and visitors of the City
of Elgin.
Objective CSF-5.1 To ensure utility
needs for all residential and non- Objective POS-1.1 To provide a
residential customers in Elgin are being meaningful network of natural and
met in a cost effective manner. developed open space areas.
Goal CSF-6 Manage the safe disposal Objective POS-1.2 To manage and
of all solid waste and seek all efforts to preserve open space to optimize its use
encourage recycling. and protection.
Objective CSF-6.1 To provide Objective POS-1.3 To maintain where
effective customer service for the safe and possible the natural aesthetic qualities of
efficient collection and disposal of solid areas that are visually prominent or offer
waste. unique settings.
Goal CSF-7 Support excellent arts and Objective POS-1.4 To promote an
cultural facilities and opportunities for interconnected open space network that
quality arts and cultural programs for responds to local and regional needs.
citizens of all ages.
Objective POS-1.5 To coordinate
Objective CSF-7.1 To ensure that the open space plans, related improvements
community continues to be served with and implementation strategies with
appropriate public arts and entertainment neighboring jurisdictions, stakeholders,
facilities, museums, and other supportive and users groups.
uses.
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Executive Summary
Objective POS-1.6 To monitor, resources to the Greenways and Natural
evaluate and benchmark open space Areas Network.
plans and implementation programs to
ensure effective performance. Objective CRC-1.4 To ensure that the
Greenways and Natural Area Network
Goal POS-2 Develop a parks system serves all Elgin area residents.
and recreation programs that are
proximate, meet user needs, and offer Objective CRC-1.5 To build public and
a diversity of both learning and political support for the Greenways and
physical activities. Natural Areas Network.
Objective POS-2.1 To increase the Goal CRC-2 Protect, enhance and
supply of park land in the City to make it manage all water-based natural
accessible for residents and visitors. resources in the Elgin Planning Area.
Objective POS-2.2 To continually Objective CRC-2.1 To establish a
evaluate all equipment and facilities to unified storm water management
ensure their maximum usefulness to the framework throughout the Elgin Planning
City, its residents and visitors. Area.
Objective POS-2.3 To continually Objective CRC-2.2 To minimize and
monitor the recreation program activity reduce flood damages to existing
types, location and frequency to serve the structures and land improvements to
needs of the City's residents and visitors. maximize protection of the public health,
safety and welfare.
Community Resource Conservation
(CRC) Objective CRC-2.3 To require
adequate storm water management
Goal CRC-1 Achieve a balanced and measures for all new developments to
sustainable use of natural resources in minimize increases in storm water
the community to accommodate the damages.
economic, social and environmental
needs of residents, industries and Objective CRC-2.4 To identify, protect,
visitors. and improve floodplains, waterways,
lakes, ponds, wetlands, and groundwater
Objective CRC-1.1 To create and recharge areas.
manage a Greenways and Natural Areas
Network over the Elgin Planning Area to Objective CRC-2.5 To protect and
protect and integrate natural resource improve water quality.
areas with development.
Objective CRC-2.6 To create and
Objective CRC-1.2 To conserve and promote public awareness and
restore natural areas in the Elgin Planning understanding of storm water
Area in order to maintain a functioning management issues.
natural landscape that provide ecological,
aesthetic, and economic benefits while Goal CRC-3 Manage the "Urban
allowing adaptation to future Forest" as community infrastructure.
environmental changes.
Objective CRC-3.1 To conserve
Objective CRC-1.3 To connect and existing trees and woodlands throughout
enhance existing open spaces, outdoor the community.
recreation amenities, and cultural
18 Public Review Draft
Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines
City of Elgin, Illinois
Executive Summary
Objective CRC-3.2 To create tree areas exhibit quality design. Good urban
planting opportunities throughout the design is essential if we are to produce
community. attractive, high-quality, sustainable places
in which people will want to live, work and
Fiscal Impact of Development(FID) play. Good design should be the aim of
all those involved in the community-
Goal FID-1 Provide quality public building and development processes, and
services to new and existing should be encouraged everywhere. The
development in Elgin, and sustain the aim of Volume II: Design Guidelines is to
City's fiscal health. promote higher standards in urban design
throughout the existing and future
Objective FID-1.1 To assess new community.
development for the provision of public
services at established acceptable levels Successful urban design requires an
of service. understanding of the conditions under
which decisions are made and
Objective FID-1.2 To improve public development is delivered. Many factors
services to existing development when determine or influence the outcome of the
desired by City residents and businesses, design process and the places we create.
and fiscally possible. Success does not happen by chance, it
depends on:
Objective FID-1.3 To consider funding
mechanisms that contain the elements of • A clear framework provided by the
efficiency to provide public services to comprehensive plan, design
new and existing development, guidelines, and regulation; and
supplementary guidance delivered
Objective FID-1.4 To improve the consistently through the development
availability and understanding of review process;
information concerning the cost of • A sensitive response to the local
providing public services, available context;
funding mechanisms, and the City's fiscal • An understanding of what is feasible in
health. terms of economic and market
conditions; and
Goal FID-2 Provide means to ensure • An imaginative and appropriate design
that new development pays its fair approach by those who design
share of the additional costs of development and by those individuals
extending or improving public services who manage the process.
and systems.
The Elgin Design Guidelines are intended
Objective FID-2.1 To assure that new to be applied universally to all public and
development proportionally contributes to private improvement projects in the City.
the provision of public services and other They are general in scope and coverage,
community amenities at acceptable and are meant to complement the other
standards. regulatory controls applicable throughout
the City.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
The Design Guidelines address each of
Throughout the process of developing the the general land use categories —
Comprehensive Plan and Design residential and residential neighborhoods,
Guidelines, participants continually commercial, industrial, civic and
expressed their interest in ensuring that institutional.
the character of the community was
maintained, and that new development
19 Public Review Draft
Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines
City of Elgin, Illinois
Executive Summary
❖ NEXT STEPS
PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
Implementation of the Comprehensive
Plan and Design Guidelines will not
happen over night. It requires that
activities occur on many fronts
simultaneously, over many years. The
tools, priorities and actions that need to
occur for this plan to be implemented are
relatively simple. Re-orienting and
reordering individual efforts into a work
plan for the City is more difficult. The
essential steps that begin the plan
implementation process are as follows:
• Organize staff to accomplish the task
of implementing the plan;
• Set priorities for funding and action;
• Establish the partnerships and
process to achieve success;
• Communicate effectively with the
community and stakeholders;
• Establish benchmarks and
checkpoints to monitor progress;
• Make a commitment to ongoing
evaluation and change; and
• Report to the community and
stakeholders on the progress of plan
implementation.
20 Public Review Draft
Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines
City of Elgin, Illinois
Executive Summary
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Management Team
The following individuals and groups are Olufemi Folarin, Acting City Manager
recognized for their contributions to the Sean Stegall, Assistant City Manager
development of the Comprehensive Plan Jerry Deering, Community Development
and Design Guidelines. Group Director
Raymond H. Moller, Director of Economic
Mayor and City Council Development
William A. Cogley, Corporation Counsel
Edward Schock, Mayor Gail Cohen, Purchasing/Risk Management
Juan Figueroa Director
Robert Gilliam Michael Falese, Fire Chief
Brenda Rodgers David L. Lawry, General Services Group
Tom Sandor Director
John Walters Larry Deibert, Director of Water Department
Joe Evers, City Engineer
Comprehensive Plan Advisory John Loete, Director of Public Works
Committee Randy Reopelle, Director of Parks and
Recreation
Robert W. Siljestrom, Planning and William D. Miller, Chief of Police
Development Commission/Chair James R. Nowicki, Fiscal Services Group
Brian Anderson, Citizen-at-Large Director
Chris Barry, Parks Advisory Board Jeff Massey, Director of Management
Greg Guerrero, Image Advisory Commission Information Services
Denise Harding-Hopkins, Citizen-at-Large
Paul Maring, Image Advisory Commission City Staff
David Segel, Citizen-at-Large
Tom Nelson, Citizen-at-Large Tom Armstrong, Principal Planner/author
Eric Pepa, Heritage Commission Sarosh Saher, Urban Design and
Ralph Tiberi, Zoning and Subdivision Preservation Planner/coauthor
Hearing Board Steve Damolaris, GIS Planner/graphics and
George Wolff, Planning and Development maps
Commission
Consulting Team
Michael Dachman, Former Member
Phil Hanegraaf and HNTB, DLK
Planning and Development Architecture, Wolff-Clements & Associates,
Commission Real Estate Planning Group
John Hurlbut, Chair Cover Design
Susan Angell-Case
David Kaptain Deborah Morton
Anna Bicanic Moeller
Leo Nelson Citizens of Elgin
Robert W. Siljestrom Of course, the Comprehensive Plan and
Bennie Sowers Design Guidelines could not have been
crafted without the input and assistance of
the citizens of Elgin. Individuals and
community organizations alike dedicated
hours of their time to take part in the
development of the Plan. The efforts of the
entire community are greatly appreciated.
21 Public Review Draft
Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines
City of Elgin, Illinois
•
Figure 3.4
-/ •1oh? '' Land Use Plan
sow. Draft Copy 1/19/2005
Map Legend
RESIDENTIAL
liFJPIP Estate Residential(0-2 d.u./net acre)
1111111111e1
"el Low Density Residential(2.1-4 d.u./net acre)
Urban/Traditional(2.1-8.7 d.u./net acre)
_ Medium Density Residential(4.1-8.7 d.u./net acre)
Si
(39 muHigh Density Residential(8.8+d.u./net acre)
1 liritkillte - ' ''' / • , Waft_
COMMEghborh od MixeUSE
J ¥ Neighborhood Mixed-Use
` * i Community Mixed-Use
:, . 14 MI Highway Commercial
.7
,. ‘Nftimp..4111". kikEMPLOYMENT
Office/Research/Industrial
y . INSTITUTIONAL
w� , . J
Civic.Schools(Secondary&Higher)&Hospitals
el- Avii.FPARKS&OPEN SPACE
_.,e, Parks,Cemetaries,Forest Preserves,Floodplain
IA. ' ' TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS
all
a I
' a N Existing Corridors
^ � A 0 Proposed Corridors Illi
- Iasi
.. .. . iirLit:
rin
w � ID
1.. 1,2 Mile 0 1 Mile
,..* .1, ,..,_,--,4, ' . Nri ,...,
j I City of Elgin .1,
\; ; Comprehensive Plan
�� and Design Guidelines
City of Elgin
`_ Community Development Group
fr
2(Z)1041-<. 1 55380
SANDY WEGNAN
RECORDER
KANE COUNTY, IL
This document prepared by and 12/0RE RECORDED
CORD0ON59AM
return to after recording:
Dolonna Mecum REC FEE: 25.00
PAGES: 2
Elgin City Clerk
150 Dexter Court
Elgin, IL 60120
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF ELGIN
AND AMENDMENTS THERETO
On June 6, 1983, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G21-83 adopting a
Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin.
On January 24, 1990, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G10-90 amending
the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Northwest Area Plan.
On March 22, 1995, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G15-95 amending
the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Center City Master
Plan.
On April 24, 1996, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G17-96 amending the
Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Metra Community Task
Force Report.
On August 14, 1996, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G34-96 amending
the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Far West Area Plan.
On January 26, 2000, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G4-00 amending
the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Far West Planning
Area Development and Design Guidelines.
On May 24, 2000, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G28-00 amending the
Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Riverfront/Center City
Master Plan dated May 24, 2000.
On January 24, 2001, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G6-01 amending
the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding as an addendum to the Far West
Planning Area Development and Design Guidelines, additional guidelines concerning
garage orientation.
On November 19, 2003, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G96-03
amending the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Far West
Area Growth Management and Land Use Strategy.
� y
On December 1, 2004, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G91-04 amending
the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Far West Area Active
Adult Communities Guidelines.
Copies of the Comprehensive Plan and Amendments thereto are on file at the
office of the Elgin City Clerk, at 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, Illinois 60120.
This notice is being filed pursuant to 65 ILCS 5/11-12-7.
Dated: December 2, 2004
CITY OF ELGIN
Dolonna Mecum
City Clerk
(Seal)
r
OI5 'J15141'-2
1598/01 11 1,1 CO . CS:
This document prepared by and 2002.-09-1O 16:20 : 48
return to after recording: Cook `°''``'+yerde
"`Dolo
Elgin nC t na Mecum
I IIIi Ill 111411 III 11
150 Dexter Court 0020994122
Elgin, IL 60120
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF ELGIN
AND AMENDMENTS THERETO
On June 6, 1983, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G21-83 adopting a
Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin.
On January 24, 1990, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G10-90 amending
the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Northwest Area Plan.
On March 22, 1995, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G15-95 amending
the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Center City Master
Plan.
On April 24, 1996, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G17-96 amending the
Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Metra Community Task
Force Report.
On August 14, 1996, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G34-96 amending
the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Far West Area Plan.
On January 26, 2000, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G4-00 amending
the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Far West Planning
Area Development and Design Guidelines.
On May 24, 2000, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G28-00 amending the
Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Riverfront/Center City
Master Plan dated May 24, 2000.
On January 24, 2001, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G6-01 amending
the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding as an addendum to the Far West
Planning Area Development and Design Guidelines, additional guidelines concerning
garage orientation.
Copies of the Comprehensive Plan and Amendments thereto are on file at the
office of the Elgin City Clerk, at 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, Illinois 60120.
T _oe,.'is being filed pursuant to 65 ILCS 5/11-12-7.
4 t st gust 14y.2002
CITY OF ELGIN
Dolonna Mecum
City Clerk
•
K .. r
FILED FOR RECORD
KANE COUNTY. ILL.
This document prepared by and. .
return to after recording: 2 O O 2 K 1 0 4 7 7 1 1(02 AUG 23 PH 3: 30
Dolonna Mecum -
Elgin City Clerk ,�"�/" A.)...,- ,...)
Elgin 150 Dexter Court RECORDER
\s , Elgin, IL 60120
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF ELGIN
AND AMENDMENTS THERETO
On June 6, 1983, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G21-83 adopting a
Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin.
On January 24, 1990, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G10-90 amending
the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Northwest Area Plan.
On March 22, 1995, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G15-95 amending
the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Center City Master
Plan.
On April 24, 1996, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G17-96 amending the
Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Metra Community Task
Force Report.
On August 14, 1996, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G34-96 amending
the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Far West Area Plan.
On January 26, 2000, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G4-00 amending
the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Far West Planning
Area Development and Design Guidelines.
On May 24, 2000, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G28-00 amending the
Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding thereto the Riverfront/Center City
Master Plan dated May 24, 2000.
On January 24, 2001, the Elgin City Council passed Ordinance G6-01 amending
the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elgin by adding as an addendum to the Far West
Planning Area Development and Design Guidelines, additional guidelines concerning
garage orientation.
Copies of the Comprehensive Plan and Amendments thereto are on file at the
office of the Elgin City Clerk, at 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, Illinois 60120.
This notice is being filed pursuant to 65 ILCS 5/11-12-7.
;;r D .f° ,' ` 1 t,�4St, ,2002
...�
CITY OF ELGIN
.s
x ti : y` -'a,,," q 1
" i 4� #r .:. Dolonna Mecum �()
r5 u {, s .� City Clerk
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