HomeMy WebLinkAboutG34-96 (2) a.
Ordinance No. G34-96
AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF ELGIN
WHEREAS, the City of Elgin has heretofore adopted a
Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Far West Area Plan has been proposed as an
amendment to the Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, on May 20, 1996 the Planning and Development
Commission of the City of Elgin conducted a public hearing on
said plan after due notice in the manner provided by law; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Development Commission of the
City of Elgin has heretofore submitted its findings and
recommendation for a Far West Area Plan for the City of Elgin;
and
WHEREAS, all persons appearing and desiring to be heard
concerning the proposed amendments were heard; and
WHEREAS, the corporate authorities of the City of Elgin
have considered the proposed amendments to the Comprehensive
Plan and the oral and written statements of persons desiring
to comment; and
WHEREAS, the corporate authorities of the City of Elgin
hereby find and determine that it is in the best interest of
the City of Elgin to amend the Comprehensive Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS :
Section 1 . That it hereby amends the Comprehensive Plan
for the City of Elgin heretofore adopted on June 6 , 1983 and
amended January 24 , 1990, March 22 , 1995 and April 24 , 1996 by
adding thereto the Far West Area Plan, a copy of which is
attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference .
Section 2 . That in case of conflict between the Far West
Area Plan and the Comprehensive Plan as heretofore adopted,
the provisions of the Far West Area Plan shall control in the
area covered by said plan.
Section 3 . That the provisions of Ordinance No . G21-83 ,
G10-90 , G15-95 and G17-96 shall otherwise remain in full force
and effect until amended or repealed in the manner provided by
law.
Section 4 . That this ordinance shall be in full force
and effect from and after its passage in the manner provided
by law.
s/ Kevin Kelly
Kevin Kelly, Mayor
Presented: August 14 , 1996
Passed: August 14 , 1996
Vote : Yeas 6 Nays 1
Recorded: August 15, 1996
Published: August 16 , 1996
Attest :
s/ Dolonna Mecum
Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk
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FAR WEST AREA PLAN
IAn Amendment to the Official Comprehensive Plan
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An Amendment to the Official Comprehensive Plan
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CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS SOUTH
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• FAR WEST AREA PLAN
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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CITY COUNCIL
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Kevin Kelly, Mayor
Terry Gavin Member
Robert Gilliam Member
John McKevitt Member
Edward Schock Member
John Walters Member111
Marie. Yearman Member .
PLANNING` AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
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Robert W. Siljestrom, Chairman
Royal Covey • Member
Dan Fox Member
Eric Johnson Member
Marlene Shales Member
Stu Wasilowski Member
George Wolff Member .
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An Amendment to the Official Comprehensive Plan
FAR WEST AREA PLAN
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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CITY MANAGEMENT
Richard B. Helwig, City Manager
Ii Robert 0. Malm, Chief Operating Officer
Assistant City Manager
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PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Roger K. Dahlstrom, Planning Director
Jerold T. Deering Principal Planner
Thomas J. Armstrong Principal Planner
Patricia A. Andrews Senior Planner
Diana L. McNeil Associate Planner
Veronica R. Bell Associate Planner
' Lydia Treganza Planning Technician
Bob G. Richardson Rehabilitation Specialist
Sandra L. Lewis Administrative Secretary
' Shari Allen Clerk Typist
PRINCIPAL AUTHOR
Jerold T. Deering
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GRAPHICS
Veronica R. Bell
Lydia Treganza
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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Comprehensive Plan. of Elgin 5
Land Resource Management 5
Historical Patterns of Development 6
The Fourth City 6
Far West Planning Area 7 111
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THE PLAN
Goal of the Far West Area Plan 5
Regional Land Resource Management 5
Infrastructure System 6
Cost of Development 8
Housing Affordability 10
Land 'Design 11
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FAR WEST AREA PLAN
EXHIBITS
A. Planning Area
B. Water System
C. Sewer System -
D. Watersheds
E . Thoroughfare System
F. Land Use
G. Land Design Model . -
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GOAL OF THE FAR WEST AREA PLAN
The Far West . Area Plan represents a commitment by the City of
Elgin to quality land resource management; directing a balance
among the need for development, the cost of development, and the
conservation of the natural environment.
REGIONAL LAND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Objective. Ensure that local land resource management strategies
are consistent with regional strategies .
Policies
1. Regional Land Resource Management. The City of Elgin
endorses the Strategic Plan for Land Resource Management
adopted by the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission on
June 18, 1992 .
I2 . County Land Resource Management. Protect prime
agricultural land from premature and piecemeal development;
encourage major development to occur from the expansion of
existing municipal service centers, such as Elgin; and
limit county development outside of the Elgin Planning Area
to the infill of existing rural residential patterns of
development.
Strategies
I I 1 . Actively pursue the endorsement of the regional and county
lb d mrg entl ipois ciPesa nnfingh eC oai W Aa Klann
County. Implementation Schedule: December, 1996 .
2 . Support applications to the Northeastern Illinois Planning
Commission foramendments to the Facilities Planning Area
for the area generally coterminous with the Far West
Planning Area. Implementation Schedule: Ongoing.
3 . Work cooperatively with surrounding municipalities toward
the execution of jurisdictional boundary agreements, toward
• the provision of an effective and efficient infrastructure
in support of the various communities; and toward the
establishment of other common planning and development
. policies . Implementation Schedule: December, 1998 .
4 . Object to any county zoning. or subdivision applications
within the Elgin Planning Area, that are inconsistent with
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any of the policies and strategies of the Far West Area
Plan. Implementation Schedule: Ongoing.
INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM
Objective. To ensure an efficient and cost effective
infrastructure system, encompassing the water treatment and
distribution system, the wastewater collection and treatment
system, the stormwater management system, and the thoroughfare
system, that is financed by new development through fees that are
directly attributable to the development within specified service
areas .
Policies a
1. Water Treatment and . Distribution System. Require all
development within the planning area to be served with
water treated and distributed by the City of Elgin, as
depicted on the map of the Water System, Exhibit B.
2 . Wastewater Collection and Treatment System. Require all Q
development within the planning area to provide for the
collection of wastewater by the City of Elgin and for the
treatment of wastewater by the Fox River Water Reclamation
District, as depicted on the map of the Sewer System,
Exhibit C.
3 . Stormwater Control System. Require the preservation and
enhancement of ponds, wetlands, flood plains, and
watercourses as the natural drainage and storage system for
stormwater management within the various watersheds, as 111
depicted on the map of the Watersheds , Exhibit D. Require
all development within the planning area to be served by a
stormwater management system, which is to be constructed
based on the findings and recommendations of a stormwater
management plan to be developed by the City of Elgin.
4. Thoroughfare System. Protect the primary function- of the
thoroughfare system: the efficient movement of vehicular
traffic, and require the construction of improvements and
additions to the thoro'ughfare , system, as depicted on the
map of the Thoroughfare System, Exhibit E.
Strategies
1 . Implement a water treatment and distribution expansion
program based on the findings and recommendations of the
Comprehensive Water Master Plan,- City of Elgin,. Illinois
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prepared by Black & Veach, dated 1992 , as may be amended,
and as programmed through the capital improvement program
and financed through development impact fees and
appropriate reimbursement ordinances . Implementation
Schedule: Ongoing.
2 . Implement an interceptor sewer construction program based
on the findings and recommendations of the Interceptor
Sewer Master Plan Amendment and Northwest Interceptor Route
Study prepared by Donohue, dated October, 1990 and the
Engineering Report, City of Elgin, Illinois, Sanitary Sewer
Study prepared by Baxter & Woodman, dated April, 1993, as
may be amended, and as programmed through the capital
improvement program and financed through development impact
fees and appropriate reimbursement ordinances .
Implementation Schedule: Ongoing.
3 . Implementt -a stormwater control system construction program
based on the findings and recommendations of a stormwater
management program, which is to be developed by the City of
Elgin for each watershed, addressing the utilization of the
natural drainage system, consolidated stormwater detention
facilities , and the preservation of natural areas
associated floodplains, watercourses, ponds, and wetlands .
Develop an impact fee program to pay the cost of the
stormwater control system directly attributable to
individual developments . Implementation Schedule: December
1997 .
4 . Establish and maintain development regulations which
emphasize the use of the natural drainage system for
stormwater management with the priorities in descending
order as follows :
a. Minimize impervious surfaces through the establishment
and maintenance of regulations for maximum building
coverage and maximum vehicle use area.
b. Reduce the rate of stormwater runoff and the amount of
stormwater pollutants through the establishment and
maintenance of regulations providing for the
introduction of vegetated swales in lieu of storm sewers
and through the introduction of depressional stormwater
storage (natural topographic depressions and wetlands) .
c . Reduce the rate of stormwater runoff and the amount of
stormwater pollutants through the establishment and
maintenance of regulations providing for an increase in
the amount of infiltrate runoff onsite (maximizing the
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connection between impervious surfaces and vegetated
pervious surfaces before runoff reaches a major
conveyance system) .
d. Reduce the rate of stormwater runoff and the amount of
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stormwater pollutants through the establishment and
maintenance of regulations requiring stormwater
detention, designed to increase infiltrate runoff on
site.
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e. Utilize storm sewers to provide necessary stormwater
conveyance and to prevent nuisance conditions in
situations where other drainage measures are not
practical . Implementation Schedule: December, 1997 .
5 . Establish - and maintain development regulations which
definitively . minimize soil erosion through efficient
construction phasing and ongoing stabilization measures .
Implementation Schedule: Ongoing.
6 . Require new development to complete additions and
improvements to the thoroughfare system as depicted on the
map of the Thoroughfare System, Exhibit E. and as
prescribed in the land design policies of the Far West Area
Plan through intergovernmental agreements, annexation
agreements , the city' s capital ' improvement program, and
appropriate reimbursement ordinances . Implementation
Schedule: Ongoing. a
COST OF DEVELOPMENT
Objective. Ensure that the cost of development is paid by new
development and that the balance between revenue generating land
use and expenditure generating land use is maintained and
improved ' in its current balance with a priority on encouraging
revenue generating land use.
Policies
1. Development Impact Fees. Require new development to pay
development impact fees that are attributable quantifiably
and directly to the impact of their development on the
community with credits against their impact fees, where
appropriate.
2 .' Impact Fee Administration. Provide developers with
reliable information ' 'regarding local policies and
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regulations , which affect the developer' s costs at the
earliest possible point in the development review process .
a 3. Fiscal Impact of Development. Maintain or improve the
current balance of development between revenue generating
land use and expenditure generating land use with a
priority on encouraging revenue generating land use.
Strategies
1 . Maintain and enforce the provisions of the Elgin
Development Impact Fees Ordinance. Implementation
Schedule: Ongoing.
2 . Research, develop, and enforce thoroughfare system impact
fees, as an amendment to the Elgin Development Impact Fees
Ordinance. During the interim, require contributions for
the construction and improvement of the thoroughfare system
as follows : .
a. The cost of improvements to existing arterials and the
construction of additional arterials is to be
distributed proportionately over the developable .acreage
within the two (2) adjoining Development Areas, as
depicted on the map of the Planning Area, Exhibit A.
' b. The cost of improvements to existing major collectors
and the construction of additional major collectors is
to be distributed proportionately over the developable
' acreage within each Development Area, as depicted on the
map of the Planning Area, Exhibit A.
' c . Improvements to the existing thoroughfare system and the
' construction of additions to the thoroughfare system are
to be phased and completed as required by the city. The
improvements and additions are to be financed by new
' development with appropriate reimbursement ordinances or
by the city' s capital improvement program with
appropriate reimbursement ordinances , as may be required
' or approved by the city. Implementation Schedule:
December, 1998 and Ongoing.
3 . Research, develop, and enforce stormwater control system
' impact fees , as an amendment to the Elgin Development
Impact Fees Ordinance, as a component of the development of
a comprehensive stormwater management program.
' Implementation Schedule: December, 1997 .
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4 . Establish and maintain policies and procedures for advising
developers of local ' development impact fees .
Implementation Schedule: Ongoing.
5 . Research, develop, and administer a fiscal impact
assessment system for the entire community, as well as for
current major development proposals . Implementation
Schedule: , December, 1998 .
6 . Subsequent to the completion of the fiscal impact
assessment system, establish additional policies and
implementation •strategies with respect to maintaining the
balance between revenue generating land use and expenditure
generating land use. Implementation Schedule: December,
1998 and Ongoing.
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
Objective. To ensure the provision of adequate affordable
housing to the community throughout the • full range of housing
types and prices .
Policies
1. Housing Values and Rents. Monitor proposed housing
development to achieve a balance in the distribution of
housing values and rents with the metropolitan area. a
2. Affordability. Continue to meet the affordable housing
needs of the community' s low and moderate income
households .
3. Development Regulation Administration. Provide developers
with reliable information regarding local policies and
regulations, which affect the developer' s costs at the
earliest possible point in the development review process .
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1 . Require substantial conformance to the housing
affordability policies of the Far West Area Plan through
annexation agreements, the Elgin Zoning Ordinance, the
Elgin Subdivision Ordinance. Implementation Schedule:
Ongoing.
2 . Implement the Consolidated Plan, 1995-1999 , as required for
entitlement communities under the Community, Development
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111 Block Grant (CDBG) . Implementation Schedule: Five Year
Intervals with Annual Strategies .
3 . Establish and maintain policies and procedures for advising
developers of the costs of development associated with
local regulation. Implementation Schedule: Ongoing.
LAND DESIGN ,
IObjective. Ensure proper relationships among open space,
thoroughfares ,. and land use.
IPolicies
1. Open Space. Require the preservation and enhancement of
natural areas , encompassing woodlands , ponds, wetlands,
flood plains, watercourses, and areas of steep slope as
natural systems for stormwater control, soil erosion
I control, wildlife habitats, passive recreation, and scenic
vistas; require the introduction of other open spaces and
parkways, linking the natural areas for passive and active
recreation, as depicted on the map of Land Use, Exhibit F;
Iand require the following additional open spaces :
a. The minimum amount of open space to be preserved and
' maintained along watercourses shall be the flood plain
as identified on the current Flood Insurance Rate Map or
Floodway Boundary Map prepared by the Federal Emergency
Management Administration;
I plus an additional 50 feet of open space to be used
exclusively for pedestrian access and related
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improvements, indigenous landscaping, or where required,
approved stormwater management facilities , sanitary
sewers, watermains, and other public utilities, above
Iground or underground;
or the minimum amount of open space shall be that land
I area bounded by lines that are located 125 feet from and
on both sides of the center line of the watercourse; •
whichever is greater.
I A fifty (50) foot building setback from the open spaces
adjoining all watercourses .
I b. A one hundred ( 100) foot building setback from all
woodlands, ponds, and wetlands with the first fifty (50)
feet adjoining such natural feature to be used
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exclusively for pedestrian access and related
improvements, indigenous landscaping, or where required, 111
approved stormwater management facilities, sanitary
sewers, watermains, and other public utilities, above
ground or underground, as depicted on the graphic of the
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' Land Design Model, Exhibit G.
c . One hundred ( 100) foot parkways (building setback)
adjoining all arterial streets with the first fifty (50) II
feet adjoining the arterial street to be used
exclusively for pedestrian access and related
improvements , indigenous landscaping, or where required, a
approved stormwater management facilities, sanitary -
sewers , watermains, and other :public utilities, above
ground or underground, except for Area Business
Districts and Community Facility Districts exceeding
thirty ( 30) acres of land, which are subject to the
setback requirements of the Elgin Zoning Ordinance, as III
depicted on the graphic of the Land Design Model,
Exhibit G.
d. One hundred ( 100) foot pathway linkages, as depicted on 0
the map of Land Use, Exhibit F.
2 . Land Use. Provide for residential, community facility, a
commercial, and office, research, and industrial
development, as depicted on the map of Land Use, Exhibit f,
as depicted on the graphic. ..of the Land Design Model,
Exhibit G, and according to the . following additional11
policies :
a. The land use designation "OS Open Space" encompasses all
natural areas and other passive or active open spaces .
Within ' 'the context of the competition for locations
among the various uses of land, parks may be at any
location, as approved by the city. Open space for parks
has not been designated on the map of Land Use.
b. The land use designation "RR Rural Residential" 111
encompasses existingresidential, developments featuring
the use of any alternate water distribution system or
wastewater treatment, system.
c . The land use designation "UR Urban Residential"
encompasses residential developments featuring the use
of water distribution services provided by the City of
Elgin and wastewater treatment services provided by the
Fox River Water Reclamation District, and developed in
conformance to the provisions of the Elgin Zoning
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IIOrdinance for residence districts . Within the context
of the competition for locations among the various uses
I of land, urban residential may be at any location, as
approved by the city.
d. The land use designation "CF Community Facility"
Jencompasses the development of community facilities
developed in conformance to the provisions of the Elgin
Zoning Ordinance for CF Community Facility Districts .
I Community Facility Districts exceeding thirty ( 30) acres
of land may be located at the intersection of two (2 )
arterial streets . Other Community Facility Districts
may be located at the intersection of an arterial street
I and a major collector street, at the intersection of an
arterial street and a collector street, or at the
intersection of two ( 2 ) major collector streets . Only
existing community facilities have been designated on
the map of Land Use.
I e. The land use designation "AB Area Business" encompasses
commercial development developed in conformance to the
provisions of the Elgin Zoning Ordinance for AB Area
Business Districts . Area Business Districts may be
I located at the intersection of two arterial streets .
However, no additional Area Business District zoning
should be granted prior to the development of at least
1 ninety ( 90 ) percent of the existing Area Business
Districts located south of Northwest Tollway ( Interstate
90) and west of North McLean Boulevard. Only one of the
1 acceptable locations for area business has been
designated on the map of Land Use.
The land use designation "NB Neighborhood Business"
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encompasses commercial development developed in
conformance to the provisions of the Elgin Zoning
• Ordinance for NB Neighborhood Business Districts .
I Neighborhood Business Districts may be located at the -
intersection of an arterial street and a major collector
street or at the intersection of two (2 ) major collector
I streets . None of the acceptable locations for
neighborhood business have been designated on the map of
Land Use.
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g. The land use designation "ORI Office Research
Industrial" encompasses industrial development developed
in conformance to the provisions of the Elgin Zoning
I Ordinance for ORI Office Research Industrial Districts .
Office Research Industrial Districts should be located
as depicted on the map of Land Use.
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h. The land use designation "GI General Industrial"
encompasses industrial development developed in
conformance to the provisions of the Elgin Zoning
Ordinance for GI General Industrial Districts . General
Industrial Districts should be located as depicted on 111
the map of Land Use. .
2. Thoroughfares. Establish appropriate relationships between
the use of land and the thoroughfare .system, as depicted on
the map of the Thoroughfare System Plan, Exhibit e, as
depicted on the map of Land Use, Exhibit F, as depicted on
the graphic of the Land Design Model, Exhibit G, and in
accordance with the following policies :
a. Limited access arterial streets are to be limited to a
maximum and a minimum of two (2 ) street intersections
with major collector streets or collector streets for
each mile • of length. Such intersections are to be a
located a minimum of one thousand ( 1, 000) feet apart.
Provisions for the removal of all existing direct access
to adjoining property is to be required. Randall Road
and State Route 20 are limited access arterials .
b. Arterial Streets are to be limited to a, maximum and a
minimum of four ( 4 ) intersections with major collector
streets or collector streets for each mile of length.
Such intersections are to be located a minimum of one
thousand ( 1, 000) feet apart. No direct access to
adjoining property is to be allowed, except for Area
Business Districts and Community Facility Districts
containing thirty ( 30) or more acres of land, which may
have direct access in conformance to the provisions of
the Elgin Zoning Ordinance. Provisions for the removal
, of all existing direct access to adjoining property is
to be required. The arterial streets are. Big Timber
Road, West Highland Avenue, Plank Road, South Street,
Bowes Road, Hopps Road, Water Road, Nestler-Coombs Road,
and proposed West Road.
c. One ( 1) north/south and one ( 1) east/west major
collector street is to be improved or constructed with
continuity through each Development Area. No major
collector street is to have continuity through more than
one ( 1) Development Area. Major collector streets are
to be allowed unlimited street intersections within a
Development Area, but no direct access to adjoining
property, except for Neighborhood Business Districts and
Community Facility Districts, which may have direct
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access in conformance to the provisions of the Elgin
Zoning Ordinance.
d. Traffic signals are to be installed at the intersection
of all arterial streets , and at the intersection of
arterial streets and major collector streets . Stop
signs are to be installed at the intersection of major
collector streets .
Strategies
1 . Require substantial conformance to the open space policies
of the Far West Area Plan through intergovernmental
agreements , annexation agreements , the Elgin Zoning
Ordinance, the Elgin Subdivision Ordinance, and the Elgin
Development Impact Fees Ordinance. Implementation
. Schedule: Ongoing.
2 . Provide for the preservation and enhancement of all
significant natural areas as open space through deed
transfers to the Kane County Forest Preserve or to the
city, or through property owner associations within
conservation or scenic easements , as may be determined to
be appropriate . Allow property owners/developers to
receive a net land area credit for the permanent
preservation of woodlands on site or within one mile of the
site receiving the credit, as may be approved by the City
Council . Consider the adoption of an Official Map as
provided by state statute. Implementation Schedule:
Ongoing and December, 1997 .
3 . Require substantial conformance to the land use policies of
the Far West Area Plan through annexation agreements and
the Elgin Zoning Ordinance. Implementation Schedule:
Ongoing.
4 . Require substantial conformance to the thoroughfare
- policies of the Far West Area Plan through annexation
agreements , the Elgin Zoning Ordinance, and the Elgin
Subdivision Ordinance. Implementation Schedule: Ongoing.
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FAR WEST AREA PLAN
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I
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CITY COUNCIL
Kevin Kelly, Mayor
Terry Gavin Member
Robert Gilliam Member
John McKevitt • Member
Edward Schock Member
John Wal.ters Member
Marie Yearman .. Member
' PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
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Robert W. Siljestrom, Chairman
Royal Covey Member
Dan Fox. Member
Eric Johnson Member
Marlene Shales Member
Stu Wasilowski Member
George Wolff Member
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FAR WEST AREA PLAN
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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CITY MANAGEMENT
Richard B. Helwig, City Manager
Robert O. Malm, Chief Operating Officer
Assistant City Manager
f •
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Roger K. Dahlstrom, Planning Director
Jerold T. Deering Principal Planner
Thomas J. Armstrong Principal Planner
Patricia A. Andrews Senior Planner
Diana L. McNeil Associate Planner
Veronica R. Bell Associate Planner
Lydia Treganza Planning Technician.
Bob G.,:Richardson Rehabilitation Specialist
Sandra L. Lewis Administrative Secretary
Shari' Allen Clerk Typist
PRINCIPAL AUTHOR
Jerry Deering
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GRAPHICS
1 Veronica R. Bell
Lydia Treganza
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An Amendment to the Official Comprehensive Plan
FAR WEST AREA PLAN
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION •
Comprehensive Plan of Elgin 5
Land Resource Management 5 11
Historical Patterns of Development 6
The Fourth City 6
Far West Planning Area 7
THE PLAN
11
Introduction 8
Goal of the Far West Area Plan 8
Regional Land Resource Management 8 11
Population Projections 10
Land Consumption Projections 11
Infrastructure System 14
Cost of Development 19
Housing Affordability 21
Land Design. 30 IR
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EXHIBITS 11
A. Planning Area
B. Water System
11 C. Sewer System
D. Watersheds
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E . Thoroughfare System
F. Land Use 11
G. Land Design Model
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FAR WEST AREA PLAN
IIINTRODUCTION
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5 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ELGIN
The Comprehensive Plan of Elgin was adopted in 1983, as amended
by the Northwest Area Plan in 1990 . The comprehensive plan is a
statement of community policy with respect to how the city' s
places to live, recreate, shop, and work are to be located and
' n developed. The plan is a guide to decision making, providing a
1 ® framework for the establishment of planning and development
1 objectives, policies, and implementation strategies .
IWhile the comprehensive plan of 1983 continues to be
substantially relevant for the developed portion of the planning
area, the policies for the developing portions of the planning
i area reflect community objectives, policies, and technical "
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implementation strategies that are ten years old.
I Accordingly, the Far West Area Plan, as an amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan of Elgin, represents the most current planning
and developmen policies of the community.t The goals, ,
I objectives , - and policies of the comprehensive plan of 1983 shall
remain in effect to the extent that there is not a conflict with
the policies of the Far West Area Plan.
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LAND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT -
II "Land resource management" is the reincarnation of the term
"growth management" . Where growth management viewed land as a
commodity, to be bought and sold, land resource management
focuses on land as a resource, and therefore, land is transacted 1
IIby an allocation decision. Both the developer with the commodity
perspective and the community with the resource perspective are
occupied with determining the optimum use of land.
In the developer' s view, land is transacted by a market decision.
The use of land is determined by the highest bidder, or more
I specifically, the use that generates the greatest economic return
on a specific parcel of land. In the community' s view, land is
transacted by an allocation decision. Land use decisions are
made according to planning and development policies and
II strategies . The appropriateness of a specific land use at a
specific location is determined by the needs of the community.
11 The Far West Area Plan is a land resource management plan, which
seeks to strike a balance among the need for development, the
needs of the community, and the conservation of the natural
environment.
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, INTRODUCTION CONTINUED
HISTORICAL PATTERNS OF DEVELOPMENT
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Over the years, three distinct patterns of development have
evolved in Elgin, each of which is largely the result of the
transportation technology and the land development economics of 11
their respective periods in history. .
The first city is the central portion of Elgin, which was built11
to a "human scale" due to its reliance on a pedestrian and
equestrian based transportation system. The distinguishing
feature of the first city is the close proximity in which
residential, commercial, and industrial areas are located.
The second city, located within a concentric zone or development
ring on the periphery of the central portion of Elgin, is
distinguished by a significantly lower density, which was made
possible by an automobile based transportation, system. The
second city, features single family neighborhoods interspersed
with neighborhood shopping areas .
The third city, representing the last distinguishable, development 11
ring, demonstrates the' full impact of 'an automobile based
transportation system. The third city features generally lower.
density .than the- se.cond city, neighborhoods that are defined by
the arterial street system, industrial parks, and community
business` centers, as well as strip commercial development. In IP
recent years, however, a ' fourth city has begun to emerge in
response; to evolving land resource management policies and
strategies .
THE FOURTH CITY
Envision a fourth city, where development compliments the most
significant and sensitive features of the natural environment. I
Imagine development 'standards '' in which flood ' plains,
watercourses, wetlands., wooded areas, and areas of steep slope
are preserved or restored as natural systems for stormwater
control, soil erosion control, wildlife habitats, and scenic 11
vistas .
Envision a fourth , city, in which natural areas are valued for j
their quality as open space. Imagine the introduction of other
open spaces, linking the natural areas for passive and active
recreation. Visualize residential ' neighborhoods directly
accessible to community and neighborhood business centers by
local . vehicular and pedestrian traffic',• yet protected from
intrusions of nonresidential land: use and vehicular through I
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FAR WEST AREA PLAN
I INTRODUCTION CONTINUED
traffic . Conceive of the reservation of prime industrial land
until it is required for development.
Envision a fourth city where development pays for the otherwise
public costs associated with its impact. Imagine a pattern of
development in which its taxable value is equal to the cost of
the public services it demands .
The Far West Area Plan represents an opportunity to embrace this
emerging pattern of development and to shape its form by
envisioning the fourth city and by establishing objectives,
policies, and strategies for its accomplishment.
FAR WEST PLANNING AREA
The Planning Area for the Far West Area Plan is bounded
approximately by the Northwest Tollway ( I-90) on the north, the
Village of Pingtee Grove on the west, the Illinois Central
Railroad tracks on the south, and Randall Road on the east. For
the purposes of ,this plan, the Planning Area has been divided
into twenty three ,(23) Development Areas . The Development Areas
represent underlying planning units for the plan. The Planning
Area and the Development Areas are depicted on the map of the
Planning, Area, Exhibit A.
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An Amendment to the Official Comprehensive Plan
11FAR WEST AREA PLAN
THE PLAN I
INTRODUCTION
For the purpose of achieving a definitive plan, many of the
findings , objectives, and policies embodied in the Far West Area
Plan are not supported by accompanying background information.
This approach is based on the premise that the consumers of this
document have a . basic understanding of the opportunities and
limitations for growth and development within the planning area
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• and an appreciation for conciseness .
GOAL OF THE FAR WEST AREA PLAN 11
The Far West Area Plan represents a commitment by the City of
Elgin to quality land resource management; directing a balance
among the need for development, the cost of development, and the
conservation of the natural environment.
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REGIONAL LAND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission. The Strategic Plan11
for Land Resource by
was Management . adopted the Northeastern
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Illinois, Planning Commission (NIPC) on June ' 18, 1992 . The plan
features objectives and recommendations concerning • the
stewardship, of environmental resources, the balance of the
regional- pattern of development, the completion of the regional
greenways network, and the consideration of the implementation of
a Diversified Regional Centers Policy.
Kane County. The Kane County 2020 Land Resource Management Plan
was adopted by the Kane County Board. on June 11, 1996 . The plan 11
features' objectives and strategies , based on five key elements :
open space, transportation, community character, land use, and
water resources . The strategy for land use divides the county 11
into three areas : the urban corridor, the critical growth area,
and the agricultural priority area.
Elgin Planning Area. Pressures for development will undoubtedly I
continue in the eastern portion of Kane County in general and in
the Elgin Planning Area in particular. Compact and contiguous
patterns of development,, which are built on the expanded
infrastructure of existing municipal service centers is the only
pattern of development which will ensure the most cost effective
delivery of municipal services, the maintenance of water quality,
and the prevention of the premature . development of prime
agricultural land.
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THE PLAN CONTINUED
! 1 The use of alternate wastewater collection and treatment systems,
such as mechanical and traditional, septic systems, and land
, application systems , represent a threat to compact and contiguous
it I patterns of development, to water quality, and to prime
agricultural land in the Far West Planning Area.
Any additional development under the regulation of Kane County
within the Far West Planning "Area will increase the cost of the
construction and maintenance of the water treatment and
,J distribution system, the wastewater collection and treatment
system, the stormwater management system, and the thoroughfare
system. Such development will also increase the cost of the
delivery of police and fire services to the remaining owners of
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undeveloped property and to the existing municipal service
centers . Development within the county' s jurisdiction decreases
l the number of contributors to the cost of the infrastructure
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the municipal service centers having any practical method
Ifor" decreasing the minimum required size of the infrastructure
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system.
IObjective r,
Regional " Land .` Resource Management. Ensure that local land
+ I resource" management strategies are consistent with regional
1 strategies .
Policies'
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1. Regional Land Resource Management. The City of Elgin
endorses the Strategic Plan for Land Resource Management"
1 I adopted by the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission on
June 18, 1992 .
2. County Land Resource Management. Protect prime
agricultural land from premature and piecemeal development;
encourage major development to occur from the expansion of
existing municipal service centers, such as Elgin; and
! I limit county development outside of the Elgin Planning Area
1 to the infill of existing rural residential patterns of
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development.
Strategies
1 . Actively pursue the endorsment of the regional and county
land resource management policies of the Far West Area Plan
by the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission and Kane
IICounty. Implementation Schedule: December, 1996 .
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FAR WEST AREA PLAN
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2 . Support applications to the Northeastern Illinois Planning 11
Commission for amendments to the Facilities Planning Area
for the area generally coterminous with the Far West
Planning Area. Implementation Schedule: Ongoing.
3 . Work cooperatively with surrounding municipalities toward
the execution of jurisdictional boundary agreements, toward
the provision of an effective and efficient infrastructure
in support of the various communities;. and toward the
establishment of other common planning and development
policies . Implementation Schedule: ..December, 1997 .
4 . Object to any county zoning or subdivision applications
within the Elgin Planning Area, that are inconsistent with I
any of the policies and strategies of the Far West Area
Plan. Implementation Schedule: Ongoing.
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POPULATION PROJECTIONS
General. Population projections allow the city to "see" future
demographic patterrfs given present population trends . Population
projections along with land consumption projections allow the11
city to identify and consider planning and development
opportunities and limitations . The 1990 Census reports that the
city' s overall population increased by 21 percent from 63,798 in
1980 to ,77 , 010 in 1990 . The number of housing units in the city 11
increased by 12 . 2 percent from 24 , 892 in 1980 to 27, 936 in 1990 .
The housing vacancy rate decreased from 5 . 7 percent in 1980 to 11
3 . 8 percent in 1990 . The 1990 rate represents a very "tight"
housing market. The average household size showed an increase
from 2 . 69 in 1980 to 2 . 79 in 1990 . This is the first time in
thirty years that average household size has increased.
Population Projections. The following table lists historical and
projected population for the city. In view of the city' s rate of
growth over -the last five years , the projected 1995 population
may be underestimated to some extent. However, because of the
wide range of growth rates during the 1980 to 1990 period, the
projections should ' be a reasonable indication of probable
population growth trends over the next ten to thirty years .
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Historical Projected
1940 - 40, 000 1995 - 85 , 753
) I 1950 - 44 , 000 2000 - 94 , 833
1 1960 - 49,447 2005 - 104 ,494
1970 - 55, 691 2010 - 115, 457
;I I 1980 - 63, 798 2015 - 128,246
1990 - 77, 010 2020 - 142 , 691
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Although the projected population for the city in the year 2020
is in excess of 142, 000, the projection is based on existing
1 community policy regarding growth and development. Consequently,
the population projections should not be viewed as a long term
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i commitment in support of growth, but rather as a probable result
of present development trends and community policy. ,
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I LAND CONSUMPTION PROJECTIONS
' 1 General. Land consumption projections allow the city to "see"
future patterns of development with respect to the amount and
location of land necessary for residential, commercial, and
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1 industri,al development. Land consumption projections in concert
with population ,,,-projections allow the city to identify and
consider planning and development opportunities and limitations .
For the purpose of projecting land consumption, the wide range of
1growth rates, which characterize the 1980 ' s should be a
reasonab- e basis for estimating land consumption over the next
ten to thirty years .
i1I Land Consumption 1982 thru 1991. Over the ten year period
beginning on January 1, 1982 and ending on December 31, 1991,
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development in Elgin had consumed approximately three square
{ miles of land ( 2 , 000 gross acres) . Residential land use had
consumed approximately 1,200 acres with 4 , 679 dwelling units,
commercial use had consumed approximately 300 acres with 95
1 ' additional buildings, and industrial use had consumed
I approximately 500 acres with 60 additional buildings . The
following table summarizes land consumption over the ten year
I I period.
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Land Consumption 1982 thru 1991
Residential Commercial Industrial
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• Eastside Acres 453 . 67 60 . 41 130 . 85II
Westside Acres 748 . 75 206 . 69 364 .61
Total City Acres 1202 .42 267 . 10 495 .46
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-Average Annual 120 .24 26 . 71 49 . 55
Consumption in Acres
Land Use Inventory by Development Area. The planning area for
the Far West Area contains 11, 396 .29 acres of : land ( 18 square
miles) of which 7 ,010 .51 acres of land ( 11 square miles) are
considered to be developable. The remaining land consists of
wetlands, flood plains, woodlands, open space, and existing II
development. The following table is an inventory of the planning
area by Development Area, as depicted on themap of the Planning
Area, Exhibit A. 111
Land Use Inventory by Development Area
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'. Total Wetlands & Open Existing Developable
Area Acres Flood Plains Space Subdivision - Acres
yIl
R 1 842 .48 66 . 91 68 .44 1 . 00 706 . 13
2 771 . 20 103 .58 65 . 89 57 . 39 544 . 34
3 638 . 58 0 . 00 157 . 42 335 . 59 - 145 . 57
4 696 .83 41 . 13 61 .49 335 . 35 258 . 86
5 1547 . 16 68 .57 746 . 79 422 . 13 309 . 67
6 716 . 97 0 . 00 53 . 71 110 . 70 552 . 56 ill
7 665 . 43 0 . 00 0 . 00 0 . 00 • 665 .43 il
8 527 . 05 29 .45 24 . 74 16 . 09 456 .77
.. 9 750 . 35 8 . 83 6 . 88 21 . 10 713 .54
10 -969 . 23 12 . 68 22 . 85 467 . 66 466 . 04
11 ' 774 . 59 38 .46 152 . 71 172 . 85 410 .57
12 798 . 92 28 . 54 .72 . 38 138 . 69 • 559 . 31
13 / 170 . 10 14 . 79 . 34 .96 1 . 65 118 . 70
14 695 . 47 14 . 45 151 . 89 15 . 82 513 . 31 a
15 831 . 93. 54 . 35 109 . 94 77 . 93 589 . 71
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Totals 11396 . 29 481 . 74 1730 . 09 2173 . 06 7010 . 51
Percent 100 . 00 4 . 23 15 . 18 19 . 07 61 .52 • 11
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ILand Consumption Projections. The land consumption projections
assume a continuation of the decentralization trend that the
metropolitan area has experienced over the last twenty years .
l ' During the period between 1970 and 1990, the metropolitan area
i increased in population by only 4 . 1 percent, while residential '
' land consumption increased by approximately 46 percent. During
the same period of time, 165 municipalities located on the
periphery of the metropolitan area gained in excess of 1 million
0 residents, while 90 municipalities located at the region' s center
I! experienced a net loss of 771, 000 residents .
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Two land consumption projections have been made, a low land
�� consumption projection and a high land consumption projection.
IIFor residential development, the low land consumption projection
I which features higher density assumes a decreasing rate of growth
based on the .1980 ' s , projected over the next 30 years at a fixed
number of additional dwelling units per year. The high land
1 consumption projection which features lower density assumes an
increasing -rate of growth based on population projections .
I Similarly, the low land consumption projection for commercial and
industrial 'assumes a decreasing rate of growth based on the
1980 ' s, projected over the next 30 years at a fixed number of
acres per ' year -, The high land consumption projection for
i I commercial ,and'. ind'ustrial assumes an increasing rate of growth
based on population projections .
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On the westside of Elgin there are 404 undeveloped acres of land ,
annexed and zoned for residential, 275 undeveloped acres of land
annexed -and zoned for commercial, and 938 undeveloped acres of
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land annexed and zoned for industrial . The existing supply of
undeveloped land has been subtracted from the following
projections .
IILow Land Consumption Projection
10 Year/Cumulative
' Far West Planning Area
Percent of
I Year
Residential Commercial Industrial Total Developable
Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres
2000 815 . 59 0 . 00 0 . 00 815 . 59 12%
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2010 2170 . 79 232 . 45 146 . 14 2549 . 28 36%
2020 3525 . 79 499 . 55 716 . 74 4742 . 08 67%
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THE PLAN CONTINUED a
High Land Consumption Projection a
10 Year/Cumulative
Far West Planning Area
Percent of
Residential Commercial Industrial Total Developable a
Year• Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres
2000 1490 . 16 49 . 27 0 . 00 : 1593 . 43 23%
2010 3927 . 16 466 . 17 645 . 33 5038 . 66 72%
2020 7144 .26 1016 . 77 1821 .43 9982 . 49 142%
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The low land consumption projection indicates that 67 percent of
the planning area will be developed by the year 2020 . In 1
general, this projection would include the land lying between
Randall Road on the east and Coombs Road extended north and south
on the west. More specifically, the developed land would
probably include Development Areas 1, 2, 3, 4 , 5, 6 , 7 , 8, 9, 10,.
and 11, as depicted on the map of the Planning Area, Exhibit A.
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The high land consumption projection indicates that 97 percent ofli
the planning area.. may be developed by the year 2020 . ' The actual
amount of land -cdnsumed by the year 2020 may reasonably lie
somewhere between the two projections . While the projections
represent a significant amount of growth and development in the 11
planning area, , they should not be viewed as a long term
commitment 'in support of growth', but rather as a probable result
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of present development trends and community. policy.
INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM II
General. The underlying framework for the .support of the
community is the infrastructure, encompassing the water treatment II
and distribution system,' the wastewater collection and treatment
system, . the stormwater management system, and the thoroughfare
system. A well planned and cost effective infrastructure system
is the community' s most powerful implementation tool for land
resource management in general and for directing a balance among
the need for development, the cost . of development, and the,.
conservation of the natural environment, in particular. I
Water Treatment and Distribution System. The City of Elgin has
developed and is now implementing a water treatment .and
distribution expansion program which is designed to provide water
service within the Far West Planning Area. The expansion program
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is based on the findings and recommendations of the Comprehensive
Water Master Plan, City of Elgin, Illinois prepared by Black &
' Veach, dated 1992 . See the map of the Water System, Exhibit B.
Wastewater Collection and Treatment System. The City of Elgin
with the support of the Fox River Water Reclamation District has
developed and is now implementing an interceptor sewer
construction program which is designed to provide wastewater
collection and treatment capability within the Far West Planning
' Area. The interceptor sewer construction program is based on the
findings and recommendations of the Interceptor Sewer Master Plan
Amendment and Northwest Interceptor Route Study prepared by
Donohue, dated October, 1990 and the Engineering Report, City of
' Elgin Illinois , Sanitary Sewer _ Study prepared by Baxter &
Woodman, dated April, 1993 . See the map of the Sewer System,
Exhibit C.
Stormwater Management System. While the City of Elgin has had
development regulations for stormwater control for many years,
' the city has not developed a comprehensive stormwater management
program. Such a program could result in a cost reduction in the
construction and maintenance of stormwater control facilities, as
well as result in certain benefits to the quality of life with
' regard to the provision of open space. These results could be
accomplished by establishing stormwater management programs for
each wa!terrhed, which would address the utilization of the
' natural drainage system, the consolidation of stormwater
detention 'facilities, and the preservation of natural areas
associated floodplains, watercourses, ponds , and wetlands, as
' depicted on the map of the Watersheds, Exhibit D. Development
impact fees could be developed to pay the cost of the stormwater
management system directly attributable to individual
developments .
' Stormwater management facilities should be designed for multiple
purposes . Stormwater should be viewed as a resource, which can
' be utilized in the creation of desirable water amenities, as well
as in enhancing groundwater recharge. Proper stormwater
management can reduce flooding to adjacent and downstream areas
' and can reduce water pollution by storing, infiltrating, and
limiting stormwater runoff .
Some of the findings , policies, and strategies for stormwater
' management include excerpts from Urban Stormwater Best Management
Practices for Northeastern Illinois, prepared by the Northeastern
Illinois Planning Commission, dated April 1993 .
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. THE PLAN CONTINUED
Thoroughfare System. The thoroughfare system provides vehicular 111.
accessibility to the community' s places to live, recreate, shop,
and work. The thoroughfare system is based on a hierarchy of
streets, encompassing limited access arterial streets, arterial
streets, major collector streets, collector streets, and local
streets . The primary function of the thoroughfare system is the
efficient movement of vehicular traffic.
The thoroughfare system component of the Comprehensive Plan of fl
Elgin has been and can continue to be implemented through
intergovernmental agreements, annexation agreements, and the
city' s capital improvement program. However, before the city can 111
require development impact fees for the thoroughfare system, a
construction and improvement program must be established in
conformance to state statutory requirements . See the map, of the111
Thoroughfare System, Exhibit E .
Objective
Infrastructure System. To ensure an efficient and cost effective
infrastructure system, encompassing the water treatment and
distribution system, the wastewater collection and treatment
system, the stormwater management system, and the thoroughfare
system, that is, financed by new development through fees that are
directly, attributable to the development within specified service 111
areas . f
Policies;
1. Water Treatment and Distribution System. Require all
development within the planning area to be served with
water treated and distributed by the City of Elgin, as
depicted on the map of the Water System, Exhibit B.
2. Wastewater Collection ,and Treatment System. Require all
development within the planning area to provide for the
collection of wastewater by the City of Elgin and for the
treatment of wastewater by the Fox River Water Reclamation
District, as depicted on the map of the Sewer System,
Exhibit C.
3. Stormwater Control System. Require the preservation and
enhancement of ponds,' wetlands, flood plains, and
watercourses as the natural drainage and storage system for
stormwater management within the various- watersheds, as
depicted on the map of the Watersheds, Exhibit d. Require
all development within the planning area to be served by a
stormwater" management system, which is to be constructed I
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THE PLAN CONTINUED
' based on the findings and recommendations of a stormwater
management plan to be developed by the City of Elgin.
' 4 . Thoroughfare System. Protect the primary function of the
thoroughfare system: the efficient movement of vehicular
traffic, and require the construction, of improvements and
additions to the thoroughfare system, as depicted on the
map of the Thoroughfare System, Exhibit E .
' Strategies
1 . Implement a water treatment and distribution expansion
program based on the findings and recommendations of the
Comprehensive Water Master Plan, City of Elgin, Illinois
prepared by Black & Veach, dated 1992, as may be amended,
and as programmed through the capital improvement program
' and financed through development impact fees and
appropriate reimbursement ordinances . Implementation
Schedule: Ongoing.
' 2 . Implement an interceptor sewer construction program based
on the findings and recommendations of the Interceptor
Sewer Master Plan Amendment and Northwest Interceptor Route
' Study prepared by Donohue, dated October, 1990 and the
Engineering° Report, City of Elgin, Illinois, Sanitary Sewer
Study prepared by Baxter & Woodman, dated April, 1993, as
may be amended, and as programmed through the capital
improvement program and financed through development impact
fees and appropriate reimbursement ordinances .
Implementation Schedule: Ongoing.
II . 3 . Implement a stormwater control system construction program
based on the findings and recommendations of a stormwater
' management program, which is to be developed, by the City of
Elgin for each watershed, addressing the utilization of the
natural drainage system, consolidated stormwater detention
' facilities, and the preservation of natural areas
associated floodplains, watercourses, ponds, and wetlands .
Develop an impact fee program to pay the cost of the
stormwater control system directly attributable to
' individual developments . Implementation Schedule: December
1997 .
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4 . Establish and maintain development regulations which
emphasize the use of the natural drainage system for
stormwater management with the priorities in descending
order as follows :
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a. Minimize impervious surfaces through the establishment
and maintenance of regulations for maximum .building
coverage and maximum vehicle use area.
b. Reduce the rate of stormwater runoff and the amount of Ir
stormwater pollutants through the establishment and
maintenance of 'regulations providing for the
introduction of vegetated swales in lieu of storm sewers
and through the introduction ' of depressional stormwater 11
storage (natural topographic depressions and wetlands) .
c. Reduce the rate of stormwater runoff and the amount of Ir
stormwater pollutants through the establishment and
maintenance of regulations providing for an increase in'
the amount of infiltrate runoff onsite (maximizing the11
connection between impervious ' surfaces and vegetated
pervious surfaces before runoff reaches a major
conveyance system) . I
d. Reduce the rate of stormwater runoff and the amount of
stormwater pollutants through the establishment and I
maintenance . of regulations •requiring stormwater
detention, designed to increase infiltrate runoff on
site. '
e'.r Utilize ! storm sewers to provide necessary stormwater II
conveyance and to prevent nuisance conditions in
situations where other drainage measures are not
' practical . Implementation Schedule: December, 1997 .
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5 . Establish and maintain . development regulations which
definitively minimize soil erosion through efficient It
construction' phasing and ongoing stabilization measures .
Implementation Schedule: Ongoing.
6 . Require new development to complete additions and II
improvements to the thoroughfare system as depicted on the
map of .. the Thoroughfare System, Exhibit E . and as
prescribed in the land design policies of the Far West Area
Plan through intergovernmental agreements, annexation
agreements, the city' s capital improvement program, and
appropriate 'reimbursement ordinances . ImplementationII
Schedule: Ongoing.
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' COST OF DEVELOPMENT
Cost of Municipal Services. Contrary to public opinion, there
exists evidence indicating that the general growth and
development of a municipality does not necessarily ensure greater
economic efficiencies in the delivery of public services . The
' balance between revenue generating land use and expenditure
generating land use is delicate at best. This delicate balance
is affected by developments of regional impact; the density of
development; the amount of residential development versus
nonresidential development; assessed valuations for taxing
purposes; fluctuating economies of scale in the delivery of
public services; and in the case of Elgin, a commitment to the
' conservation and renewal of the central portion of the city.
Fiscal Impact of Development. If alternate , amounts of
' residential versus nonresidential land use, varying levels in the
quality or value of development, or the range of development
density affect the cost of providing municipal services; the
. community should .knowingly select that form of development that
' it is willing to support. While the fiscal impact of development
is highly complex,. an assessment of fiscal impact is possible.
However, because%, of the necessary assumptions built into such
' analyses, adequately measuring the fiscal impact of development
becomes =an ongoing comparative assessment system, requiring city
staff allocation for implementation and maintenance.
Development Impact Fees. The development community is entitled
to a profitable return on its investments in land development and
building construction. Municipalities can help ensure the
viability of the development community by providing reliable
information regarding local regulations, which effect the
developers ' costs prior to the time that a developer makes an
initial investment. Additionally, it is reasonable for the
development community to expect development impact fees to be
quantifiably attributable directly to the impact of their
' development on the municipality. Furthermore, it is reasonable
for the development community to expect credits against their
impact fees , where appropriate. Similarly, it is reasonable for
11 a municipality to require such development impact fees .
Objective
' Cost of Development. Ensure that the cost of development is paid
by new development and that the balance between revenue
generating land use and expenditure generating land use is
' maintained and improved in its current balance with a priority on
encouraging revenue generating land use.
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Policies
1. Development Impact Fees. Require new development to pay
development impact fees that are attributable quantifiably
and directly to the impact of their development on the
community with credits against their impact fees , where
appropriate.
• 2. Impact Fee Administration. Provide developers with
reliable information regarding local policies and
regulations , which affect the developer' s costs at the
earliest possible point in the development review process .
3. Fiscal Impact of Development. Maintain or improve the
current balance of development between revenue. generating
. land use and expenditure generating land, use with a
priority on encouraging revenue generating land use.
Strategies
•
1 . Maintain and enforce the provisions of the Elgin •
Development , Impact Fees Ordinance. Implementation 111
Schedule: Ongoing.
2 . Research, develop, and enforce thoroughfare system impact 1
fetes,; as an amendment to the Elgin Development Impact Fees
Ordinance. During the interim, require contributions for
the construction and improvement of the thoroughfare system
as follows :
a. The cost of improvements to existing arterials and the
construction of additional arterials is to be
distributed proportionately over the ' developable acreage
within the two (2) adjoining Development Areas, as
depicted on the map of, the Planning Area, Exhibit A. I
b. The cost of improvements to existing major collectors
and the construction of additional major collectors is
to be distributed proportionately over the developable
acreage within each Development Area, as depicted on the
map of the Planning Area, Exhibit A.
c. Improvements to the existing thoroughfare system and the
construction of additions to the thoroughfare system are
to be phased and completed as ' required by the city. The
improvements and additions are to be financed by new
development with appropriate reimbursement ordinances or
by the .city' s capital improvement program with I
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' appropriate reimbursement ordinances , as may be required or
approved by the city. Implementation Schedule: December,
I
1998 and Ongoing.
3 . Research, develop, and enforce stormwater control system
impact fees, as an amendment to the Elgin Development
' Impact Fees Ordinance, as a component of the development of
a comprehensive stormwater management program.
Implementation Schedule: December, 1997 .
' 4 . Establish and maintain policies and procedures for advising
developers of local development impact fees .
' Implementation Schedule: Ongoing.
5 . Research, develop, and administer a fiscal impact
assessment system for the entire community, as well as for
' current major development proposals . Implementation
Schedule: December, 1998 .
' 6 . Subsequent to the completion of the fiscal impact
assessment . system, establish additional policies and
. implementation strategies with respect to maintaining the
balance between revenue generating land use and expenditure
' generating - land use. Implementation Schedule:. December,
19.98 and Ongoing.
f
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
General. Housing affordability has become a national issue. The
U. S . Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines
housing affordability as the point at which a low or moderate
income household pays 30 percent or less of household income on
' the provision of housing, encompassing existing and new housing,
whether owned or rented. As an implementation tool for attaining
adequate affordable housing, the federal government requires
entitlement communities under the Community Development Block
Grant Program to develop comprehensive housing affordability
strategies , directed at providing more affordable housing. In
the development community, housing affordability refers to the
maintenance and expansion of the market for new housing. The .
development community desires the deregulation of housing
development in order to reduce the cost of housing. However,
housing affordability is much more complex and much more regional
in scope than either definition or strategy provides .
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Comparison of the Cost of Housing. The U. S . Census Bureau has
recently distributed 1990 census data that permit a comparison
between the City of Elgin and other jurisdictions of the a
distribution of the number of owner occupied single family
detached housing units in each of six home value ranges .
The first of the following tables summarizes the distribution of
the number and percentage of owner occupied housing units in each •
- of six home value ranges for the City. of Elgin. The succeeding
' tables provide a comparison between the City of Elgin and the listed jurisdictions of the distribution of the percentage of
owner occupied_ housing units in each of six home value ranges .
The "Elgin Unit Difference" column represents the balance in the
number of Elgin housing units based on the percentage difference
for each home value range between Elgin and the listed
jurisdiction.
•
1
•
1
City of Elgin * 1990
Median Home. Value: $96 ,800
Total Housing Units: 27 , 936
Owner Occupied Units : 13,763
Value of Units Units Percent 1
Less than $50, 000 408 2 . 96%
$50,000 to $99 , 999 7 , 081 51 .45%
$100,000 to $149 , 999 4, 792 34 . 82%
$150,000 to $199 , 999 0 1, 144 8 . 31%
$200, 000 to $299 , 999 297 . 2 . 17%
$300,000 or Greater 0 41 .29% -
I
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IMetropolitan Area * 1990
Median Home Value : $110, 700
I
Total Housing Units : 2 , 798, 004
Owner Occupied Units : 1, 223 , 373
I
Elgin Unit
Value of Units Percent Percent Difference
I . Less than $50, 000 6 . 55% 2 . 96% - 494
$50 , 000 to $99 , 999 36 . 77% 51 . 45% + 2 , 020
$100 , 000 to $149 , 999 28 . 34% 34 . 82% + 892
$150, 000 to $199 , 999 13 . 80% 8 . 31% - - 755
I $200, 000 to $299 , 999 8 . 83% 2 . 17% - 918
$300 ,000 or Greater 5 . 68% . 29% 742
I The metropolitan area includes the combined totals for Cook
County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County,
and Will County: Elgin' s median home value is 87% of the
I metropolitan median home value. In comparison . to the
metropolitan area, the City of Elgin has a surplus of housing
units in the $149 ,,999 and less ranges and a deficit of housing
units in the $150, 000 and above ranges . The most significant
I
surplus _ is, in , the_" $50 , 000 to $99 , 999 range. This disparity
involves: 18% of-` Elgin' s owner occupied housing units . The
followir'g graphic depicts the Housing Values Comparison for Elgin
I
and the Metro Area.
I
1
I
II
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Three Counties * 1990
I
Median Home Value: $113,900
Total Housing Units : 2 ,425,866
Owner Occupied Units : 983, 601111
Elgin Elgin Unit
Value of Units Percent Percent Difference I
Less than $50, 000 6 .56% 2 . 96% - 495
$50, 000 to $99,999 36 . 62% 51 .45% + 2 ,041 a
$100,000 to $149 , 999 29 .23% 34 . 82% + 769
$150,000 to $199 ,999 13 . 98% 8 . 31% - 780
$200, 000 to $299 , 999 8 . 57% 2 . 17% 882
$300, 000 or Greater 5 . 04% .29% - 654 ' II
The Three Counties include the combined totals for Cook County,
DuPage County, and Kane County. Elgin' s median home value is 85%
of the three county median home value. In comparison to the
three counties, the City of Elgin has a surplus of housing units
in the $149999 and less ranges and a deficit of housing units in
the $150, 000 and above ranges . The most significant surplus is
in the $50; 000 to. $99 , 999 range. This disparity involves 17% of
Elgin' s , owner .,occupied housing units . The following graphic
depicts ' the Housing Values Comparison for Elgin and the 3
Counties.
r' I
II
1
I
II
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' Nine Townships * 1990
' Median Home Value : $148, 344
Total Housing Units : 94, 7'09
Owner Occupied Units : 61,798
' Value of Units Percent Elgin Elgin Unit Percent Difference
Less than $50, 000 1 . 63% 2 . 96% + 183
$50, 000 to $99 , 999 33 . 72% 51 .45% + 2,440
$100, 000 to $149 , 999 35 . 92% 34 . 82% - 151
$150, 000 to $199 , 999 14 . 42% 8 . 31% - 841
$200 , 000 to $299 , 999 9 . 09% 2 . 17% 954
$300 , 000 or Greater 5 . 22% . 29% 678
The Nine Townships include the combined totals for Barrington,
Campton, Dundee, Elgin, Hanover, Plato, Rutland, St. Charles, and
Wayne Townships . " Elgin' s median home value is ' 65% of the Nine
' Township median home value. In comparison to the Nine Townships,
the City of"Elgin has a surplus of housing units in the $149 ,999
and less ranges and a deficit of housing units in the $150,000
and above ranges : The most significant surplus is in the $50, 000
' to $99 , 999 " range. This disparity involves 18% of Elgin' s owner
occupied housing: units . The following graphic depicts the
Housing Values Comparison for Elgin and the 9 Townships .
1
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Eight Surrounding Municipalities *. 1990
Median Home Value: $125,525
Total Housing Units : 38,587.
Owner Occupied Units : 26 , 870
Elgin Elgin Unit
Value of Units Percent Percent Difference II
Less than $50,000 . 86% 2 . 96% + 289
$50,000 to $99 , 999 26 . 12% 51 . 45% + 3,486
, 47 . 44% 34 . 82% - 1,737 11
$11050, 0000 t $149999999 16 . 39% 8 . 31% • - 1, 112
$200, 000 to $299 , 999 7 . 84% 2 . 17% - .782
$300,000 or Greater 1 . 35% . 29% - 146 m
The Eight Surrounding Municipalities include the combined totals
for Bartlett, East Dundee, - Gilberts, Hoffman Estates, Pingree
Grove, Sleepy Hollow, South Elgin, and Streamwood. Elgin' s
median home value is 77 percent of the Eight Surrounding
Municipalities median home value. In comparison to the Eight
Surrounding Municipalities , the City of Elgin has a surplus of
housing . units , in-• the $149 , 999 and less ranges and a deficit of
housing , units , in 'the $150, 000 and above ranges . The most
significant surplus is in the $50,000 to $99 , 999 range. ThisII
disparit'y involves 15% of Elgin' s owner .occupied • housing units .
The following graphic depicts the Housing Values Comparison for
Elgin anti the 8 Municipalities . I
I
I
I
I
I
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' In comparison to the metropolitan area, to the three counties, to
the nine surrounding townships, and to the eight surrounding
' municipalities, the City of Elgin has a surplus of single family
detached housing units in the $149 , 999 and less ranges and a
deficit of such housing units in the $150, 000 and above ranges .
The most significant surplus is in the $50, 000 to $99, 999 range.
' This disparity ranges from 15% -to 18% of Elgin' s owner occupied
housing units, which calculates to approximately 2 , 300 housing
units .
An additional set of comparisons indicate that Elgin' s
distribution of the percent of housing units in each of the home
value ranges is very similar to Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, and
' Waukegan. However,. the greatest similarity is with the City of
Chicago. While in each comparison Elgin has a greater percentage
of its housing units in the $150, 000 and above ranges, each of
' these cities has a greater percent of its housing in the $300,000
and above range.
' An identical analysis of monthly rents for renter occupied units
reveals a similar disparity. In comparison to the metropolitan
area, to the three,- counties, to the nine surrounding townships,
' and to the eight- surrounding municipalities, the City of Elgin
has a surplus of renter occupied housing units in the monthly
cash rent of $499 and below ranges and a deficit of renter
occupied`.- housing units in the monthly cash rent of $500 and above
ranges . This disparity ranges from 5% to 19% of Elgin' s renter
occupied; housing units , which calculates to approximately 1, 700
housing units .
In summary, the City of Elgin provides a greater amount of less
expensive owner and renter occupied housing units as a percentage
of the total number of Elgin housing units than the other
' jurisdictions in the comparisons . Seemingly, this fact would
appear to place Elgin in a competitive disadvantage given the
relationship between attracting new office, research, and
' industrial development and . the availability of local housing
opportunities within the full range of housing values .
HUD Housing Affordability. The U.S . Department of Housing and
' Urban Development (HUD) has assembled data from the 1990 census
concerning housing affordability. According to HUD, 6Q$ of
Elgin' s total number of housing units are considered to be
' affordable by low and moderate income households . For the
metropolitan area, HUD considers 55% of the total number of
housing units to be affordable by low and moderate income
' households . For the purpose of additional comparison, Kane
County is considered to be 60% affordable, Hoffman Estates is
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considered to be 30% affordable, and Naperville is considered to
be 18% affordable. However, because the HUD data on housing
affordability is based on the median household income for
individual jurisdictions, a totally accurate regional comparison
of this regional issue is not possible based on HUD data. The
fact remains that the City of Elgin provides .a greater amount of
less expensive owner. and renter occupied housing units as a •
percentage of the total number of Elgin housing units than the
other jurisdictions to which Elgin has been compared.
Developer Housing Affordability. The development community is
also concerned with the provision of affordable housing, but with
a slightly different perspective than the federal government.
The development community desires to maintain and expand the
market for new housing by providing the largest range of housing
types and prices possible, directed at the various segments of
the market. The development community believes that the
deregulation of housing development will decrease .the cost of
housing, and consequently, provide more new housing to more first
time home buyers . —
Throughout ' the country, the development community has been
subjected to. planning and development policies; zoning,
subdivision, and building regulations; and development impact
fees that have ,been arbitrarily conceived and applied. Such
policiese and regulations, as well as the competition for
undeveloped land, render investment in housing development less
predicta ' best , development mm '
criticism ble of at the regulation. of housing Consequentlythe development becomesco very unitys
understandable. However, comprehensive and reasonable planning
and development 'policies and regulations , which are uniformly,
equitably, and efficiently applied remove the "guess factor"
from investment in housing development. Such policies and
regulations do not necessarily increase the cost of housing.
However, they affect the value of undeveloped land. 1
There is a balance among the reasonable regulation of housing
development by municipalities, a reasonable return on investment
by developers, and a reasonable expectation for the value of
undeveloped land by property owners . The municipality' s role in
maintaining an appropriate balance is to provide the developer
with reliable information regarding local regulations, which
affect the developers ' costs prior to the time that a developer
makes an initial investment.
•
Conclusion. The provision of adequate affordable housing is a
national issue and a regional issue, but it is not solely a local
• 1
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' one. The City of Elgin has a surplus of housing units in the
lower end of the housing value and rent ranges , as compared to
' the metropolitan area. While the provision of affordable housing
is a necessity for low and moderate income households, and while
the City of Elgin must continue to meet the needs of its
residents, the provision of an adequate amount of affordable
housing on the regional level cannot be achieved by a few
municipalities . Therefore, it is reasonable for the City of
Elgin to strive to meet the needs of its low and moderate income
' households, as well as to strive to bring the community' s housing
values and rents into balance with the rest of the metropolitan
area.
Objective
Housing Affordability. To ensure the provision. of adequate
' affordable housing to the community throughout the full range of
housing types and prices .
Policies
1. Housing Values and Rents . Monitor proposed housing
development to achieve a balance in the distribution of
' housing values and rents with the metropolitan area.
2 . AMordability. Continue to meet the affordable housing
' needs of the community' s low and moderate income
households .
' 3. Development Regulation Administration. Provide developers
with reliable information regarding local policies and
regulations , which affect the developer' s costs at the
earliest possible point in the development review process .
' Strategies
' 1 . Require substantial conformance to the housing
affordability policies of the Far West Area Plan through
annexation agreements, the Elgin Zoning Ordinance, the
Elgin Subdivision Ordinance. Implementation Schedule:
Ongoing.
2 . Implement the Consolidated Plan, 1995-1999 , as required for
entitlement communities under the Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) . Implementation Schedule: Five Year
Intervals with Annual Strategies .
1
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THE PLAN CONTINUED IF
•
3 . Establish and maintain policies and procedures for advising
developers of the costs of development associated with
local regulation. Implementation Schedule: Ongoing.
•
LAND DESIGN
General. Planning and development policies for. land design
address the interrelationships among open space, thoroughfares,
and land use. Land use in the Elgin Planning Area is generally
comprised of the residential, community facility, commercial, and
industrial categories . The unique differences among the land use 11
categories necessitate the establishment of land design policies .
These differences encompass certain functional, operational, and
traffic characteristics .
Open Space. Natural areas such as woodlands, ponds, wetlands,
floodplains,• watercourses, and areas of steep slope are valuable
amenities for recreational use, as well as. for 'scenic vistas .
These natural features should be preserved or enhanced as part of
the land design process for new development. Building upon the
location of natural areas, the opportunity exists to establish
other open, spaces as parks, scenic parkways , and linkages for
pedestrian ,access or scenic vistas among natural areas, parks,
and parkways . " Open space opportunities provide the underlying 1
element 'for; land design policies .
Thoroughfare , System. The primary function of the thoroughfare
system is to provide for the efficient movement of vehicular
traffic . The provision of accessibility and visibility to the
various uses of land is secondary. The thoroughfare system
provides the f-ramework for land design policies .
Land Use Designations. Locations for the various land use
categories are affected by the natural environment, the varying
levels of accessibility within the transportation system, and the
different locational requirements of each land use category.
Residential land use, both urban and rural, has the lowest 1
accessibility requirement ' in the land use system. Although,
access to schools, shopping, work, and community facilities are
all factors in choosing one location. over another..
Due to their public service nature, community facilities are
generally not locationally competitive with business and
industrial land uses, unless they ' serve the public health or
safety. Community facilities should be located central and
accessible to the population served without requiring traffic 1
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' THE PLAN CONTINUED
' movements through or into a residential neighborhood, as defined
by the arterial and major collector street system.
' Business districts provide goods and services to a market area,
which is defined by a required minimum supporting population.
The location of business districts is determined by the size and
' type of the commercial area, and the location of the market area.
The locational requirements for office, research, and industrial
land use varies by industry type and are affected by a number of
factors, encompassing market area, location of the labor force,
the availability of raw materials , and the availability and the
cost of transportation. In the Elgin Planning Area, regional
' accessibility is generally the minimum requirement for industrial
uses .
Objective
Land Design. Ensure proper relationships among open space,
' thoroughfares , and land use.
Policies ;
I
1. Open , Space, c::_Require the preservation and enhancement of
natural areas, encompassing woodlands, ponds , wetlands,
Mod plains, watercourses, and areas of steep slope as
natural systems for stormwater control, soil erosion
coptrol, wildlife habitats , passive recreation, and scenic
vistas; require the introduction of other open spaces and
' parkways, linking the natural areas for passive and active
recreation, as depicted on the map of Land Use, Exhibit F;
and require the following additional open spaces :
' a . The minimum amount of open space to be preserved and
maintained along watercourses shall be the flood plain
as identified on the current Flood Insurance Rate Map or
' Floodway Boundary Map prepared by the Federal Emergency
Management Administration;
' plus an additional 50 feet of open space to be used
exclusively for pedestrian access and related
improvements, indigenous landscaping, or where required,
approved stormwater management facilities, sanitary
sewers , watermains, and other public utilities, above
ground or underground;
' or the minimum amount of open space shall be that land
area bounded by lines that are located 125 feet from and
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THE PLAN CONTINUED
111
•
on both sides of the center line of the watercourse;
whichever is greater.
A fifty (50) foot building setback from the open spaces
adjoining all watercourses.
b. A. one hundred ( 100) foot building setback from all
woodlands, ponds, and wetlands with the first fifty (50) 11
feet adjoining such natural feature to be used
exclusively for pedestrian access and related
improvements, indigenous landscaping, or where required,
approved stormwater management - facilities, . sanitary
sewers, watermains, and other public utilities, above
ground or underground, as depicted on the graphic. of the
Land Design Model, Exhibit G.
c . One hundred ( 100) foot parkways (building setback)
adjoining all arterial streets with the first fifty (50)
feet adjoining the arterial street , to be used
exclusively for pedestrian access and related
improvements, indigenous landscaping, or where required,
approved ;stormwater management facilities, sanitary
sewers, /-watermains, and other public utilities, above
. ground -" or": underground, . except for Area Business
Districts and Community Facility Districts exceeding
fthirty ( 30) acres of land, which are subject to the:
setback requirements of the Elgin Zoning . Ordinance, as
; depicted on the graphic of the Land Design Model,
' Exhibit G.
d; One hundred ( 100) foot pathway linkages, as depicted on
the map of Land Use, Exhibit F.
2 . Land Use. Provide for residential, community facility,
commercial, and office, research, and industrial
development, as depicted on the map •of Land Use, Exhibit f,
as depicted on the graphic " of the Land Design Model,
Exhibit G, and according to the following additional '
policies :
a. The land use designation "OS Open Space" encompasses all
natural areas and other passive or active open spaces .
Within the context of the --competition for locations
among the various uses of land, parks may be at any
location, as approved by the city. Open space for parks
has not been designated on the map of Land Use.
b. The land • use designation "RR Rural Residential
encompasses existing residential developments featuring
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' THE PLAN CONTINUED
' the use of any alternate water distribution system or
wastewater treatment system.
c . The land use designation "UR. Urban Residential"
encompasses residential developments featuring the use
of water distribution services provided by the City of
' Elgin and wastewater treatment services provided by the
Fox River Water Reclamation District, and developed in
conformance to the provisions of the Elgin Zoning
' Ordinance for residence districts . Within the context
of the competition for locations among the various uses
of land, urban residential may be at any location, as
approved by the city.
d. The land use designation "CF Community Facility"
encompasses the development of community facilities
' developed in conformance to the provisions of the Elgin
•
Zoning Ordinance for CF Community Facility Districts .
Community Facility Districts exceeding thirty ( 30) acres
of land may be located at the intersection of two (2 ) •
arterial- streets . Other Community Facility Districts
may be, located at the intersection of an arterial street
and a major collector street, at the intersection of an
' , arterial :street and a collector street, or at the
, intersection of two ( 2 ) major collector streets . Only
` existing community facilities have been designated on
tthe map of Land Use.
e." The land use designation "AB Area Business" encompasses
commercial development developed in conformance to the
provisions of the Elgin Zoning Ordinance for AB Area
Business Districts . Area Business Districts may be
located at the intersection of two arterial streets .
' However, no additional Area Business District zoning
should be granted prior to the development of at least
ninety ( 90) percent of the existing Area Business
' Districts located south of Northwest Tollway ( Interstate
90) and west of North McLean Boulevard. Only one of the
acceptable locations for area business has been
' designated on the map of Land Use.
f . The land use designation "NB Neighborhood Business"
encompasses commercial development developed in
conformance to the provisions of the Elgin Zoning
Ordinance for NB Neighborhood Business Districts .
Neighborhood Business Districts may be located at the
' intersection of an arterial street and a major collector
street or at the intersection of two (2 ) major collector
streets . None of the acceptable locations for
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THE PLAN CONTINUED
neighborhood business have been designated on the map of
Land Use.
g. The land use designation "ORI Office Research
Industrial" encompasses industrial development developed
in conformance to the provisions of the Elgin Zoning
Ordinance for ORI Office Research Industrial Districts'.
Office Research Industrial Districts should be located
as depicted on the map of Land Use.
h. The land use designation "GI General Industrial"
encompasses industrial development developed in
conformance to the provisions of the Elgin Zoning
Ordinance for GI General Industrial Districts . General
Industrial Districts should be located as depicted on
the map of Land Use.
2. Thoroughfares. Establish appropriate relationships between
the use of land and the thoroughfare system, as depicted on
the map of• the Thoroughfare System Plan, Exhibit e, as
depicted on the map of Land Use, Exhibit F, as depicted on
the graphic _of the Land Design Model, Exhibit G, and in
accordance/with the following policies :
a., Limited -access arterial streets are to be limited to a
, maximum and a minimum of two (2 ) street intersections
' with major collector streets or collector streets for
; each mile of length. Such intersections are to be
' located a minimum of one thousand ( 1,000) feet apart.
Provisions for the removal of all existing direct access
to adjoining property is to be required. Randall Road
and State Route 20 are limited access arterials .
b. Arterial Streets are to be limited to a maximum and a
minimum of four (4) intersections with major collector
streets or collector streets for each mile of length.
Such intersections are to be located a minimum of one
thousand ( 1, 000) feet apart. No direct access to
adjoining property is to be allowed, except for Area
Business Districts and Community Facility Districts
containing thirty ( 30) or more acres of land, which may
have direct access in conformance to the provisions of
the Elgin Zoning Ordinance. Provisions for the removal.
of all existing direct access to adjoining property is
to be required. The arterial streets are Big Timber
Road, West Highland Avenue, Plank Road, South Street,
Bowes Road, Hopps Road, Water Road, Nestler-Coombs Road,
and proposed West Road.
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c . One ( 1) north/south and one ( 1) east/west major
collector street is to be improved or constructed with
continuity through each Development Area. No major
I
collector street is to have continuity through more than
one ( 1) Development Area. Major collector streets are
to be allowed unlimited street intersections within a
Development Area, but no direct access to adjoining
property, except for Neighborhood Business Districts and
Community Facility Districts, which may have direct
access in conformance to the provisions of the Elgin
Zoning Ordinance.
d. Traffic signals are to be installed at the intersection
I of all arterial streets , and at the intersection of
arterial streets and major collector streets . Stop
signs are to be installed at the intersection of major
I
collector streets .
Strategies
•
I1 . Require substantial conformance to the open space policies
of the Far , West Area Plan through intergovernmental
agreements ,- annexation agreements, the Elgin Zoning
I
Ordinance, - the Elgin Subdivision Ordinance, and the Elgin
Development- Impact Fees Ordinance. Implementation
Schedule : Ongoing.
I2 . Prpvide for the preservation and enhancement of all
significant natural areas as open space through deed
I transfers to the Kane County Forest Preserve or to the
city, or through property owner associations within
conservation or scenic easements, as may be determined. to
be appropriate. Allow property owners/developers to
I
receive a net land area credit for the permanent
preservation of woodlands on site or within one mile of the
site receiving the credit, as may be approved by the City
I Council . Consider the adoption of an Official Map as
provided by state statute. Implementation Schedule:
Ongoing and December, 1997 .
I3 . Require substantial conformance to the land use policies of
the Far West Area Plan through annexation agreements and
the Elgin Zoning Ordinance. Implementation Schedule:
I
Ongoing.
4 . Require substantial conformance to the thoroughfare
I policies of the Far West Area Plan through annexation
agreements, the Elgin Zoning Ordinance, and the Elgin
Subdivision Ordinance. Implementation Schedule: Ongoing.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Baxter & Woodman. Engineering Report, City of Elgin Illinois,
Sanitary Sewer Study. Elgin, unpublished report.
Black & Veach. 1992 . Comprehensive Water Master Plan, City of
Elgin, Illinois . Elgin, unpublished report.
City of Elgin. 1992 . Comprehensive Housing Affordability
Strategy. Elgin.
--- 1983 . Comprehensive Plan, Elgin, Illinois . Elgin.
--- 1989 . Elgin Development Impact Fee Ordinance, Elgin Municipal
Code. Elgin.
--- 1962 . Elgin Subdivision Regulations, Elgin Municipal Code.
Elgin.
--- 1992 . Elgin Zoning Ordinance, Elgin Municipal Code. Elgin.
--- 1993 . Land Consumption Projections, Far West Area, City of
Elgin, %Elgin, unpublished report.
--- 199Q. Northwest Area Plan, An Amendment to the Comprehensive 1
Plan, City of Elgin. Elgin.
--= 1991 . Report on 1990 Census Data and Projected Population
Growth. Elgin, unpublished report.
Donohue. 1990 . Interceptor Sewer Master Plan Amendment and
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36
An Amendment to the Official Comprehensive Plan
1
June 17, 1996
• FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION
Planning and Development Commission City of Elgin, Illinois
SUBJECT
Consideration of the Far West Area Plan * An Amendment to the
Official Comprehensive Plan by the City of Elgin, as Applicant.
BACKGROUND
• The Planning Department has researched, developed, and written an
amendment to the official comprehensive plan of Elgin, entitled
the Far West Area Plan * An Amendment to the Official
Comprehensive Plan, Elgin, Illinois .
The plan addresses regional land resource management, population
projections, land consumption projections, the infrastructure
system, the cost of development, housing affordability, and land
design.
• The Planning and Development Commission has held numerous public
meetings in review and consideration of the proposed amendment to
the comprehensive plan.
FINDINGS
After due notice, as required by law, the Planning and
Development Commission held a public hearing in consideration of
the Far West Area Plan on May 20, 1996 . The applicant testified
at the hearing and presented documentary evidence in support of
the application. Objectors appeared at the hearing. No written
correspondence has been submitted.
The Planning and Development Commission has made the following
findings concerning the proposed amendment to the official
comprehensive plan:
A. The Far West Area Plan establishes planning and
development objectives, policies, and strategies for
approximately 18 square miles of land located west of
Elgin.
•
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION Planning and Development Commission
Far West Area Plan June 17 , 1996
411
B. The Far West Area Plan represents a commitment to quality
land resource management, directing a balance among the
need for development, the cost of development, and the
conservation of the natural environment.
RECOMMENDATION
On a motion to recommend the approval of the Far West Area Plan,
the vote was six ( 6 ) yes, and zero ( 0) no .
Therefore, the motion to recommend the approval of the plan was
adopted.
•?-4C06e.4.Q9ACiafrt40-4Ak-•
110
Robert W. Siljestrom, Chairman
Planning and Development Commission
4r �
Roger t g r K. Dahlstrom, Secretary
Planning and Development Commission
111
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