HomeMy WebLinkAboutG35-16 Ordinance No. G35-16
AN ORDINANCE
GRANTING A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AS A CONDITIONAL USE
IN THE CC2 CENTER CITY DISTRICT
INCLUDING CERTAIN DEPARTURES FROM THE ELGIN ZONING ORDINANCE
RELATED TO SITE DESIGN AND STREET GRAPHICS REQUIREMENTS
TO PERMIT THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 4-STORY SENIOR HOUSING FACILITY
(300 North State Street)
WHEREAS, written application has been made requesting a planned development for a
conditional use to permit certain departures from the Elgin Zoning Ordinance related to Site
Design and Street Graphics Requirements in the CC2 Center City District; and
WHEREAS, the Planning & Zoning Commission conducted a public hearing concerning
said application on June 6, 2016, following due notice by publication; and
WHEREAS, the Community Development and the Planning & Zoning Commission have
submitted their Findings of Fact concerning said application; and
WHEREAS, the Community Development and the Planning & Zoning Commission
recommend approval of said application, subject to the conditions articulated below; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Elgin, Illinois, has reviewed the findings and
recommendations of the Community Development Department and the Planning & Zoning
Commission; and
WHEREAS, the City of Elgin is a home rule unit and as a home rule unit may exercise
any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs; and
WHEREAS, zoning, including, but not limited to, this ordinance granting a planned
development as a conditional use in the CC2 Center City District pertain to the government and
affairs of the city.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS:
Section 1. That the City Council of the City of Elgin hereby adopts the Findings of
Fact, dated June 6, 2016, made by the Planning & Zoning Commission, a copy of which is
attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference as Exhibit A.
Section 2. That a planned development for a conditional use to permit departures in
the CC2 Center City District at 300 North State Street, and legally described as follows:
PARCEL 1:
THAT PART OF LOT 1 IN BLOCK 48 OF WILLIAM C. KIMBALL'S SECOND
ADDITION TO ELGIN, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE
NORTHEAST CORNET OF SAID LOT, THENCE WEST ALONG THE
NORTHERLY LINE OF SAID LOT TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER THEREOF,
THENCE SOUTHERLY ALONG THE WESTERLY LINE OF SAID LOT 6 RODS,
THENCE EASTERLY PARALLEL WITH NORTHERLY LINE OF SAID LOT TO
THE EAST LINE THEREOF, THENCE NORTHERLY ALONG THE EASTERLY
LINE OF SAID LOT TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, EXCEPT THAT PORTION
WHICH WAS CONVEYED TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, BY WARRANT DEED DATED MARCH
12, 1975 RECORDED AS DOCUMENT 1329210 ON JUNE 5, 1975 IN BOOK 3051
PAGES 417-418 BY THE KANE COUNTY RECORDER OF DEEDS, IN THE CITY
OF ELGIN, KANE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
PARCEL 2:
LOTS 2, 3 AND 4 IN BLOCK 48 OF WILLIAM C. KIMBALL'S SECOND ADDITION
TO ELGIN IN THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 14, TOWNSHIP 41 NORTH,
RANGE 8 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ALSO THAT PART OF
LOT 1 IN BLOCK 48 OF SAID WILLIAM C. KIMBALL'S SECOND ADDITION
LYING SOUTHERLY OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED LINE: COMMENCING
AT THE POINT OF INTERSECTION OF THE NORTHERLY LINE OF SAID LOT
WITH THE EASTERLY LINE OF RIGHT OF WAY OF THE CHICAGO AND
NORTHWESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY; THENCE SOUTHERLY ALONG SAID
EASTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINES, 99 FEET FOR THE POINT OF BEGINNING
OF SAID LINE; THENCE EASTERLY PARALLEL WITH THE NORTHERLY LINE
OF SAID LOT 1, 185 FEET TO THE EASTERLY LINE OF SAID LOT 1 FOR THE
TERMINUS OF SAID LINE, (EXCEPTING FROM THE ABOVE DESCRIBED
PROPERTY ALL THAT PART LYING NORTHEASTERLY OF A LINE THAT IS
41.0 FEET SOUTHWESTERLY OF, AS MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES
THEREFROM, THE CENTER LINE OF F.A. ROUTE 23 (ILLINOIS ROUTE 31),
COMMONLY KNOWN AS STATE STREET); ALSO (EXCEPTING FROM THE
ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY THAT PART OF LOT 2 AFORESAID
DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF
SAID LOT 2; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID
LOT 2, 10.33 FEET TO A POINT ON A LINE THAT IS PARALLEL WITH AND 41.0
FEET SOUTHWESTERLY AS MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES THEREFROM,
THE CENTER LINE OF F.A. ROUTE 23 (ILLINOIS ROUTE 31), COMMONLY
KNOWN AS NORTH STATE STREET OF THE PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE
NORTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID PARALLEL LINE TO A POINT 6.0 FEET
NORTHWESTERLY OF THE SOUTH LINE OF LOT 2 AS MEASURED ALONG
SAID PARALLEL LINE; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY 8.48 FEET TO A POINT ON
THE SAID SOUTH LINE OF LOT 2, 16.33 FEET SOUTHWESTERLY OF THE
SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 2 AS MEASURED ALONG THE SAID
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SOUTH LINE; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE,
THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE 6.0 FEET TO THE
POINT OF BEGINNING), IN KANE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
be and is hereby granted subject to the following conditions:
1. The setback from a street lot line shall be no less than 10.09 feet. Accordingly a
street yard shall be provided to allow for the provision of an ADA compliant sidewalk along
State Street and to accommodate an existing 10-foot watermain easement along Lawrence
Avenue.
2. The maximum building coverage shall be no less than 26,358 square feet or 35%
of the total zoning lot area of 75,192 square feet.
3. The development shall be allowed the construction of dwelling units with a gross
minimum floor area of 680 square feet for a 1-bedroom unit and a gross minimum floor area of
946 square feet for a 2-bedroom dwelling unit, whereas in the CC2 zoning district, the minimum
required gross floor area of a 1-bedroom dwelling unit is 850 square feet and 1,100 square feet
for a 2-bedroom dwelling unit.
4. The dumpster, trash, and recycling container common area(s) must be screened
from view with a 6-foot high wall constructed of masonry matching that found on the main
building. The opening to the common area(s) enclosure shall include a door(s) that provides
complete screening of the dumpster, trash, or recycling containers at all times except during
times when such containers are actively being serviced.
5. Each occupied unit within the multi-family building shall at all times have as a
permanent occupant as least one (1) person who is fifty five (55) years of age or older. For the
purposes of this ordinance, an occupant shall not be considered a "permanent occupant" within
the unit unless such occupant considers the unit to be his or her legal residence and actually
resides in the unit for at least six (6) months during every calendar year or such shorter period as
the unit is actually occupied by any person. No unit shall be occupied by any person under the
age of twenty two (22). For the purposes of this ordinance, a unit shall be deemed to be
"occupied" by any person who stays overnight in the unit more than ninety (90) days in any
twelve(12)month period.
6. Each occupied unit shall at all times have as a permanent occupant at least one (1)
person who is fifty five (55) years of age or older (the "Qualifying Occupant"), except that in the
event of the death of a person who was the sole Qualifying Occupant of a unit, persons age
twenty two (22) or older who were occupying the unit with such Qualifying Occupant at the time
of the death or relocation to a long-term health care facility for medical reasons of the Qualifying
Occupant may continue to occupy the unit provided that the provisions of the United States and
State of Illinois Fair Housing Acts and the terms and conditions of this Agreement are not
otherwise violated by such occupancy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at all times, at least eighty
percent (80%) of the rental units within the entire development shall at all times have as a
permanent occupant at least one person who is fifty five (55) years of age or older.
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7. Buckeye Community Hope Foundation, or any future owner, operator, and/or
assigns of the senior housing facility established by this planned development as a conditional
use shall contract with and shall call and otherwise utilize a qualified private ambulance service
to provide for all non-emergency medical transportation to and from the facility. For the
purposes of this section, terms shall be defined as provided in the Emergency Medical Services
(EMS) Systems Act at 210 ILCS 50/1, et seq. "Emergency" means a medical condition of recent
onset and severity that would lead a prudent layperson, possessing an average knowledge of
medicine and health, to believe that urgent or unscheduled medical care is required. (210 ILCS
50/3.5, as amended). "Non-Emergency Medical Services" means medical care or monitoring
rendered to patients whose conditions do not meet the definition of an emergency, before or
during transportation of such patients to or from health care facilities visited for the purposes of
obtaining medical or health care services which are not emergency in nature, using a vehicle
regulated by the Emergency Medical Services Systems Act. (210 ILCS 50/3.5, as amended).
8. The development shall be allowed the installation of two free-standing monument
graphics, one at each vehicular entrance to the property. Each monument graphic shall be no
greater than 40 square feet in surface area, and shall be completely supported on a base
constructed of masonry that is permanently anchored to the ground and which shall be wider
than the width of the graphic. Each monument graphic shall be provided with a landscaped area
located around the base of the monument graphic equal to 2.5 square feet for each square foot of
ground graphic area. All other graphics shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 19.50
Street Graphics.
9. Substantial conformance with the Development Application, Statement of
Purpose and supporting documentation submitted by Buckeye Community Hope Foundation
including the following:
a. Development Application submitted by David Petroni of Buckeye Community
Hope Foundation dated received on April 22, 2016
b. Owners consent and disclosure prepared and submitted by Thomas M. Hartwell
dated April 21, 2016 and Real Estate Purchase and Sale Contract executed on
March 4, 2016.
c. Statement of Purpose and Conformance prepared by C. M. Lavoie & Associates
dated April 20, 2016.
10. Substantial Conformance with the architectural and zoning Exhibits prepared by
Hooker DeJong, Inc. Architects, Engineers and Planners, dated March 31, 2016 including the
following exhibits, and contingent upon revisions per the Community Development Department,
Engineering, Water and Fire Departments:
a. Area Tabulations, Sheet PR1.4
b. Floor Plans, Sheets PR1.5 through PR1.8
c. Unit Plans, Sheets PR1.12 through PR1.14
d. Exterior Building and Perspective Elevations, Sheets A4.1 through 4.3; last
revised on April 20, 2016
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11. Substantial conformance with the Preliminary Engineering Plans entitled "Fox
River Crossing" Sheets C1.0-C9.0, dated March 18, 2016 and Preliminary Landscape Plans,
Sheet C10.0, dated April 20, 2016 prepared by C.M. Lavoie & Associates, contingent upon
revisions per the Community Development Department, Engineering, Water and Fire
Departments.
12. In the event of any conflict between the foregoing documents in subsections 9, 10
and 11, and the provisions of this ordinance or other applicable city ordinances, the provisions of
this ordinance or other applicable city ordinances shall supersede and control.
13. Compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances.
Section 3. Notwithstanding the expiration provisions found within Section 19.60.210
of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976, as amended, the planned development for a conditional use
granted herein shall expire if not established within five (5) years from the date of passage of this
ordinance.
Section 4. That this ordinance shall be in full force and effect immediately after its
passage in the manner provided by law. /
avid J. Kapt.g4 , Ma-or
Presented: August 10, 2016
Passed: August 10, 2016
Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 9 Nays: 0
Recorded: August 10, 2016 �4e�
Published: August 12, 2016
Att-st- z 1\
O 1 i`,�!
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/ ill�'� UI����J=•`
Kimberly Dewis, • Cler a ;.�
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June 6, 2016
RECOMMENDATION & FINDINGS OF FACT
OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND
THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
CITY OF ELGIN, IL
OVERVIEW
Provided herein are the written findings and recommendation of the Community Development
Department and the Planning & Zoning Commission regarding Petition 16-16, an application by
Buckeye Community Hope Foundation for approval of a planned development as a conditional
use in the CC2 Center City District to permit the construction of a new residential senior housing
facility at the property commonly referred to as 300 North State Street.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Petition Number: 16-16
Requested Action: Approval of a Planned Development as a Conditional Use
Current Zoning: CC2 Center City District
ARC Arterial Road Corridor Overlay District
Existing Use: Vacant Land
Property Location: 300 North State Street
Applicant: Buckeye Community Hope Foundation
Owner: Thomas M. Hartwell
Staff Coordinator: Sarosh Saher, AICP, Senior Planner
Marc Mylott, AICP, Community Development Director
LIST OF EXHIBITS ATTACHED
A. Aerial/Location Map
B. Zoning Map
C. Parcel Map
D. Site Photos
E. Development Application and Attachments
F. Draft Ordinance
G. Related Correspondence
Exhibit A
Recommendation & Findings of Fact
Petition 16-16
June 6, 2016
BACKGROUND
Buckeye Community Hope Foundation proposes to develop the property with a new residential
senior living facility.The project will consist of a 94,583 square-foot,4-story residential apartment
building with indoor parking on the first floor and 60 residential units on the second through fourth
floors. Unit types range from an average of 621 square feet for a 1-bedroom unit to an average of
887 square feet for a 2-bedroom unit. Parking is proposed to be provided by means of 60 indoor
and 12 outdoor parking spaces, those outdoor spaces being located at the rear of the property.
The building would be located at the southeast corner of the site to provide the desired urban form
and capitalize on the views of the Fox River and surrounding cityscape. The remaining portion of
the site will be surface parking and open space, including a gazebo and landscape materials
consisting of evergreen trees and shrubs. The landscaping not only provides relief from the built
areas, but also serve as screening from the adjacent commercial and industrial properties and the
adjacent railroad tracks to the west. The property is well located for the intended use as residents
can take advantage of the short walk to the Gail Borden Public Library, the Centre of Elgin, and
the Hemmens Cultural Center.
The building includes a street-level, pedestrian entrance along State Street, and this entrance
provides access to a bank of elevators, which persons then take to the second floor. The second
floor is the primary common area for the building, and it also includes 17 residential dwelling
units. This common space includes a community room, lounges, laundry facilities, and office
space. The third and fourth floors each contain 21 residential units and other amenities, such as a
fitness room and laundry facilities. The third floor also includes a library.
The building facades will be designed with alternating bays of colored cement board siding flanked
by masonry bays at the center and corners of each elevation. The elevation of the lower level of
the building that houses the indoor parking area will be designed with corner storefront features
containing spandrel glass topped with awnings to give the impression of a commercial building,
while window openings will be located midway along the elevation to provide relief from an
otherwise blank wall (behind this wall is the underground parking). Each alternating bay will be
staggered and topped with a cornice that differs in design from that on the adjacent bay to create
interest in the elevation.
Landscape material along the street frontage of the building will be provided within masonry
planters in keeping with the urban character of the streetscape, while the sides and rear portions of
the property will be landscaped with trees, shrubs, perennials, and features such as a gazebo and
walking paths within the open space on the property.
A request for departures from the minimum building coverage, setbacks, and minimum floor area
requirements of the apartment dwelling units necessitates the need for a planned development as
a conditional use, and such an application requires approval through a public hearing process.
Approval of the project can only be granted by the Elgin City Council following a recommendation
by the Planning& Zoning Commission.
2
Recommendation & Findings of Fact
Petition 16-16
June 6, 2016
FINDINGS
After due notice as required by law, the Planning & Zoning Commission conducted a public
hearing in consideration of Petition 16-16 on June 6, 2016. Testimony was presented at the public
hearing in support of the application. The Community Development Department submitted a
Planned Development as a Conditional Use Review and Written Findings & Recommendation to
the Planning&Zoning Commission dated June 6, 2016.
The Community Development Department and the Planning & Zoning Commission have made
the following general findings against the standards for a conditional use for a planned
development as outlined within Section 19.60.040 of the Elgin Zoning Ordinance:
A. Site Characteristics. The suitability of the subject property for the intended planned
development as a conditional use with respect to its size, shape, and any existing
improvements.
Findings. The subject property is suitable for the intended planned development as a
conditional use with respect to its size, shape, and existing improvements. It comprises of
seven parcels containing 75,192 square feet (1.72 acres) of land area and is generally
rectangular in shape. The previous site improvements that comprised of buildings along
the westerly portion of the property and parking lots along the remaining portion of the
property have been demolished, except for three accessory storage structures located at the
northwest corner of the property. The only remaining features include gravel and concrete
pads that have overgrown with vegetation. There is no landscape material of any
significance on the property. The topography of the property varies with a high elevation
of 758 feet along the westerly boundary of the property and steps down to a low elevation
of 734 at the southeast portion of the property for a maximum relief of 24 feet.
B. Sewer and Water. The suitability of the subject property for the intended planned
development as a conditional use with respect to the availability of adequate water,
sanitary treatment, and storm water control facilities.
Findings. The subject property is suitable for the intended planned development as a
conditional use with respect to the availability of adequate water, sanitrary treatment, and
storm water control facilities. The subject property is served by municipal water, sanitary
sewer and stormwater drainage systems that extend along State Street and Lawrence
Avenue. These services are designed to tie into the property. Stormwater management will
be provided by means of underground detention facilities located at the northwest corner
of the property.
C. Traffic and Parking. The suitability of the subject property for the intended planned
development as a conditional use with respect to the provision of safe and efficient on-site
and off-site vehicular circulation designed to minimize traffic congestion.
3
Recommendation & Findings of Fact
Petition 16-16
June 6, 2016
Findings. The subject property is suitable for the intended planned development as a
conditional use with respect to the provision of safe and efficient on-site and off-site
vehicular circulation designed to minimize traffic congestion. The subject property is
located at the northwest corner of State Street (IL RT 31) and Lawrence Avenue. State
Street is a regional arterial street serving Elgin and the communities located to the north
and south of Elgin. Lawrence Avenue is a collector street serving the residential
neighborhoods in the near west side of Elgin. The property is also bounded along its
westerly lot line by the railroad tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad which traverses
Lawrence Avenue at a grade-level crossing.
The number of locations for vehicular access to or from the public right of way is limited
to those which are necessary for the reasonable use of the property and are consistent with
current traffic engineering standards.Vehicular access to the property is currently provided
at two locations—one at the northerly portion of its frontage with State Street(IL RT 31)
and the other at approximately the mid-point of its frontage with Lawrence Avenue. The
development plan continues to propose access from both State Street and Lawrence
Avenue, but with a right-in right-out access from State Street and full access from
Lawrence Avenue. The State Street access is located as far away from the intersection as
possible and, by being designed as right-in right-out, will minimize disruption to the flow
of traffic on State Street. The Lawrence Avenue access is located toward the top of the
Lawrence Avenue hill to provide maximum visibility and also be located as far away from
the intersection as possible.The combination of the two site accesses will serve to distribute
the minimal amount of vehicular traffic coming to and from the proposed facility evenly
upon,and without negative impact to,the existing street system. It is worth noting that uses
that would generate far greater number of trips are permitted within the CC2 Center City
district.
The number of parking spaces within the development will exceed the requirements of the
zoning ordinance which requires 1 parking space for every 2 dwelling units for elderly
public housing. The developer proposes to construct 72 off-street parking spaces on the
property. Of these, 60 spaces will be located indoors within the first floor of the building
and 12 will be located outdoors on the west side of the proposed building. It should
additionally be noted that a municipal surface parking lot at the southwest corner of
Kimball and Grove Avenues is located approximately 760 feet from the subject property,
thereby technically removing the requirement for off-street parking within the
development.
D. Zoning History. The suitability of the subject property for the intended planned
development as a conditional use with respect to the length of time the property has
remained undeveloped or unused in its current zoning district.
Findings. The subject property is suitable for the intended planned development as a
conditional use with respect to the length of time the property has remained undeveloped
or unused in its current zoning district. The subject property was originally platted as part
of W. C. Kimball's Plat of the West Side of the Village of Elgin recorded on February 15,
4
Recommendation & Findings of Fact
Petition 16-16
June 6, 2016
1843. The property was first classified within a G Industrial District in 1927. In 1962,the
property was rezoned to B4 General Service District and in 1992, to CI Commercial
Industrial District as part of a comprehensive amendment to the zoning ordinance. In 2001
it was rezoned to CC2 Center City District and included within the Center City Preservation
Overlay Zoning District to provide for the implementation of the 2000 Riverfront/Center
City Master Plan.
City records indicate a 2-story building containing a grocery store on the first floor with
residential apartment on the second floor and adjoining parking lot to the north was
constructed on southwest corner of the property in 1939. The parking lot was expanded in
or around 1980 to cover the easterly portion of the lot with frontage along State Street. In
1991 the building was occupied by a tavern (drinking place) known as the "Hilltop Pub."
In 1993, the buildings on the property were demolished after they were significantly
damaged in a fire. The property has been vacant and unimproved since that time. The
current property owner acquired the vacant parcels in 2001 and has retained ownership
since that time.
E. Surrounding Land Use and Zoning. The suitability of the subject property for the
intended planned development as a conditional use with respect to consistency and
compatibility with surrounding land use and zoning.
Findings. The subject property is suitable for the intended planned development as a
conditional use with respect to consistency and compatibility with the surrounding land use
and zoning. The areas immediately surrounding the property are zoned within the CC2
Center City District.The areas further to the east are zoned CF Community Facility District
and consist of open space maintained by the City of Elgin. The areas to the north are
developed with commercial and light industrial uses,while those to the south are developed
with commercial uses located in-between a number of vacant properties.
The areas further to the west of the subject property are zoned RC3 Residence Conservation
District and developed primarily with single-family residences constructed prior to 1939
and located within the older established neighborhoods on the near west side of Elgin.
F. Trend of Development. The suitability of the subject property for the intended planned
development as a conditional use with respect to its consistency with an existing pattern of
development or an identifiable trend of development in the area.
Findings. The subject property is suitable for the intended planned development as a
conditional use with respect to its consistency with the existing pattern of development or
an identifiable trend of development in the area. The subject property is located along a
major arterial street (State Street) on the westerly edge of downtown Elgin in an
underutilized area that is currently comprised of a number of older commercial and
industrial uses within smaller building located in-between vacant properties. Very little
redevelopment has taken place in this area in recent years. However, in 2013, city council
adopted the Elgin Chicago Street Station Area Planning Study, which established a vision
5
Recommendation & Findings of Fact
Petition 16-16
June 6, 2016
for the use and urban form of the property across Lawrence Avenue from the subject
property. The proposed use and urban form of this planned development as a conditional
use is wholly consistent with Elgin Chicago Street Station Area Planning Study.
G. Conditional Use for a Planned Development. The suitability of the subject property for
the intended planned development as a conditional use with respect to conformance to the
provisions for the purpose and intent of planned developments.
Findings. The subject property is suitable for the intended planned development as a
conditional use with respect to conformance to the provisions for the purpose and intent of
planned developments. The purpose and intent of the provisions for planned developments
is to accommodate unique development situations, and the subject property represents just
that situation. The subject property is narrowly shaped, encumbered by steep topography,
and bound by State Route 31 on the east and railroad tracks on the west. No conditional
use for a planned development should be granted for the sole purpose of introducing a land
use not otherwise permitted on the subject property, and that is not the case with this
application as the proposed use is permitted within the CC2 Center City zoning district.
For planned developments as a conditional use, the planned development should
demonstrate the following characteristics:
1. An opportunity to realize a development of demonstrated need with respect to the
types of environment available to the public that would not be possible under the
strict application of the other chapters of this title.
2. The public benefit realized by the establishment of the planned development is
greater than if the property were to remain subject to the standard requirements of
the zoning district in which it is located.
3. Extraordinary conditions or limitations governing site design, function, operation,
and traffic are imposed on the planned development.
The intended planned development as a conditional use demonstrates each of the above
three characteristics. The purpose of the provisions which permit a planned development
as a conditional use is to provide an element of flexibility in the zoning ordinance. This
element of flexibility allows a relatively small property to be granted departures from the
standard requirements of the zoning ordinance without meeting the two (2) acre minimum
for a planned district. Accordingly, each request made under these provisions should be
very cautiously reviewed and considered with respect to the standards for planned
developments. Further,the zoning ordinance states that"the authority to grant a conditional
use for a planned development shall be sparingly exercised."
H. Comprehensive Plan. The suitability of the subject property for the intended planned
development as a conditional use with respect to conformance to the goals, objectives, and
policies of the official comprehensive plan.
Findings. The subject property is suitable for the intended planned development as a
conditional use with respect to conformance to the goals, objectives, and policies of the
6
Recommendation & Findings of Fact
Petition 16-16
June 6, 2016
official comprehensive plan. The subject property is designated as "Community Mixed
Use"by the City's Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines dated 2005. The plan states
that, "Community Mixed-Use Centers provide focus, identity, and convenient goods and
services, as well as some employment, for a number of surrounding neighborhoods in a
larger trade area. The ideal community mixed-use center should be between 30-100 acres
of commercial, office, entertainment, medium density residential, and institutional uses
accessed by arterial streets and transit service. The center would have parcels and buildings
scaled to pedestrians, small enough to encourage parking once and walking to more than
one destination. Off-street parking is shared and on-street parking helps to contribute to the
intimate scale of well-functioning pedestrian environments. Parking located between and
behind buildings permits people to walk more safely and comfortably between uses that
front sidewalks rather than large parking lots" (emphasis added).
Downtown Elgin functions as a unique community mixed-use center within the planning
area. It is the historic and traditional heart of the community. Recommended land uses
include a compatible mix of residential (30 plus du/ac), employment, educational, civic,
and office uses, combined with a cultural and entertainment center focus that extends
activities throughout the day. Pedestrian,bicycle,transit,and vehicular circulation systems
are coordinated and efficient. Streets and places are designed to encourage pedestrian
activity.
More so, the proposed use and urban form of this planned development as a conditional
use is wholly consistent with Elgin Chicago Street Station Area Planning Study adopted in
2013.
Natural Preservation. The suitability of the subject property for the intended planned
development as a conditional use with respect to the preservation of all significant natural
features including topography, watercourses, wetlands, and vegetation.
Findings: The subject property is suitable for the intended planned development as a
conditional use with respect to the preservation of all significant natural features including
topography,watercourses,wetlands, and vegetation. The only significant natural feature of
the site is the steep topography. The high point of the subject property is along the railroad
tracks, and it drops off quickly down to State Street. The proposed planned development
as a conditional use works with the existing topography; for example, the building will
have a ground-floor pedestrian entrance at State Street but also a second entrance at the
back of the building which puts persons at the second floor. The remainder of the ground
floor is underground parking, tucked into the slope of the site. There are three trees and
scrub shrubbery along the easterly edge and one tree and a number of random shrubs
internal to the property. This poorly maintained vegetation is not significant and exists
simply as a result of the property being vacant for more than 20 years. There are no
additional significant natural features on the subject property.
J. Internal Land Use. The suitability of the subject property for the intended planned
development as a conditional use with respect to the land uses permitted within the
7
Recommendation & Findings of Fact
Petition 16-16
June 6, 2016
development being located, designed, and operated so as to exercise no undue detrimental
influence on each other or on surrounding property.
Findings. The subject property is suitable for the intended planned development as a
conditional use with respect to land uses permitted within the development being located,
designed, and operated so as to exercise no undue detrimental influence on each other or
the surrounding property. No evidence has been submitted or found that the proposed
planned development for a conditional use will be located, designed, or operated in a
manner that will exercise undue detrimental influence on itself or surrounding property.
All land uses proposed upon the property are permitted uses or typical and customary uses
accessory to a permitted principal use.
The building on the property is proposed to be located at the southeasterly corner of the
property, as far away from adjacent residential properties as possible. Vehicular access to
the property from State Street is limited through a right-in right-out only so as to reduce
the impact of resident traffic onto this arterial street. The full access on Lawrence Avenue
is located as far west along the frontage and away from the intersection of State and
Lawrence so as to similarly reduce the impact of resident traffic on the intersection of State
Street and Lawrence Avenue.
DEPARTURES AND EXCEPTIONS
A conditional use for a planned development may be granted certain departures from the normal
standards, regulations, requirements, and procedures of the zoning ordinance. The applicant is
requesting the following departure from the Zoning Ordinance:
1. Section 19.35.735.0. Setbacks; Generally: In the CC2 district, no building setbacks
from a street lot line are allowed. The developer is proposing to locate the building at
a distance of 10.09 feet from the east lot line along State Street.The setback is proposed
to accommodate a 12 foot wide sidewalk that will be compliant with the requirements
of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additionally, the building will be set
back for a distance of no less than 10 feet from the lot line along Lawrence Avenue to
prevent it from encroaching into an exclusive city watermain easement. The proposed
setbacks will provide a highly desirable urban form consistent with the 2013 Chicago
Street Station Area Planning Study.
2. Section 19.35.735.G. Yards; Generally: In the CC2 district, no street yards are
allowed. Due to the provision of the ADA compliant sidewalk along State Street and
the existence of the exclusive watermain easement along Lawrence Avenue, the
building will be setback from the street lot lines creating a street yard along the frontage
of both streets.
3. Section 19.35.735.J. Building Coverage: In the CC2 district, the minimum building
coverage shall be fifty percent(50%)of the zoning lot area.The developer is proposing
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Recommendation & Findings of Fact
Petition 16-16
June 6, 2016
a building with a ground coverage of 26,358 square feet which is approximately 35%
of the total zoning lot area of 75,192 square feet. The area of the property not covered
by building will be used for ingress and egress, surface parking,and open space, which
buffers the proposed land use from a commercial/industrial land use to the north.
4. Section 19.35.735.N. Floor Area for Residential Buildings. In the CC2 zoning
district, the minimum required gross floor area of a dwelling unit is 600 square feet,
plus an additional 250 square feet for each bedroom amounting to 850 square feet for
a 1-bedroom dwelling unit and 1,100 square feet for a 2-bedroom dwelling unit. The
developer is proposing to offer a variety of 1- and 2-bedroom dwelling units with
minimum floor areas of 680 square feet for a 1-bedroom unit and a minimum floor area
of 946 square feet for a 2-bedroom dwelling unit. The proposed dwelling unit sizes are
very reasonable, even if the intended target occupant was not a senior.
By comparison, the recently approved 4- to 6-story senior residential facility of the
Housing Authority of Elgin located at 130 South State Street was designed with 1-and
2-bedroom apartment dwelling units with minimum floor areas of 680 square feet for
a 1-bedroom unit and a minimum floor area of 960 square feet for a 2-bedroom
dwelling unit. The existing 11 story building on that property was also remodeled to
provide for studio and 1 bedroom apartment dwelling units with a minimum floor area
of 423 square feet for a studio unit and a minimum floor area of 538 square feet for a
1-bedroom unit. For more comparison, the Tower Building Redevelopment, which is
not age restricted, will contain a mix of 44 1- and 2-bedroom units. The smallest 1-
bedroom unit will be 476 square feet, and the largest 1-bedroom unit will be 1,187
square feet. The smallest 2-bedroom unit will be 732 square feet, and the largest 2-
bedroom unit will be 875 square feet.
5. Section 19.50.070.D.2 Maximum Number of Monument Graphics. The maximum
number of monument graphics allowed on a zoning lot is one graphic for each principal
building. The developer is requesting the installation of two monument graphics, one
at each vehicular entrance to the property.
RECOMMENDATION
The Community Development Department and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommend
approval of Petition 16-16, subject to the following conditions:
1. Substantial conformance with the Development Application, Statement of Purpose and
supporting documentation submitted by Buckeye Community Hope Foundation including
the following:
a. Development Application submitted by David Petroni of Buckeye Community
Hope Foundation dated received on April 22, 2016
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Recommendation & Findings of Fact
Petition 16-16
June 6, 2016
b. Owners consent and disclosure prepared and submitted by Thomas M. Hartwell
dated April 21, 2016 and Real Estate Purchase and Sale Contract executed on
March 4, 2016.
c. Statement of Purpose and Conformance prepared by C. M. Lavoie & Associates
dated April 20, 2016.
2. Substantial Conformance with the architectural and zoning Exhibits prepared by Hooker
DeJong, Inc. Architects, Engineers and Planners, dated March 31, 2016 including the
following exhibits, and contingent upon revisions per the Community Development
Department, Engineering, Water and Fire Departments:
a. Area Tabulations, Sheet PR1.4
b. Floor Plans, Sheets PR1.5 through PR1.8
c. Unit Plans, Sheets PR1.12 through PR1.14
d. Exterior Building and Perspective Elevations, Sheets A4.1 through 4.3; last revised
on April 20, 2016
3. Substantial conformance with the Preliminary Engineering Plans entitled "Fox River
Crossing" Sheets C1.0-C9.0, dated March 18, 2016 and Preliminary Landscape Plans,
Sheet C 10.0,dated April 20,2016 prepared by C.M. Lavoie&Associates,contingent upon
revisions per the Community Development Department, Engineering, Water and Fire
Departments.
In the event of any conflict between the foregoing documents and the provisions of this
ordinance or other applicable city ordinances, the provisions of this ordinance or other
applicable city ordinances shall supersede and control.
4. The dumpster,trash, and recycling container common area(s)must be screened from view
with a 6-foot high wall constructed of masonry matching that found on the main building.
The opening to the common area(s) enclosure shall include a door(s) that provides
complete screening of the dumpster,trash,or recycling containers at all times except during
times when such containers are actively being serviced.
5. Buckeye Community Hope Foundation, or any future owner, operator, and/or assigns of
the senior housing facility established by this planned development as a conditional use
shall contract with and shall call and otherwise utilize a qualified private ambulance service
to provide for all non-emergency medical transportation to and from the facility. For the
purposes of this section, terms shall be defined as provided in the Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) Systems Act at 210 ILCS 50/1, et seq. "Emergency" means a medical
condition of recent onset and severity that would lead a prudent layperson, possessing an
average knowledge of medicine and health, to believe that urgent or unscheduled medical
care is required. (210 ILCS 50/3.5, as amended). "Non-Emergency Medical Services"
means medical care or monitoring rendered to patients whose conditions do not meet the
definition of an emergency, before or during transportation of such patients to or from
health care facilities visited for the purposes of obtaining medical or health care services
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Recommendation & Findings of Fact
Petition 16-16
June 6, 2016
which are not emergency in nature, using a vehicle regulated by the Emergency Medical
Services Systems Act. (210 ILCS 50/3.5, as amended).
6. The development shall be allowed the installation of two free-standing monument graphics,
one at each vehicular entrance to the property. Each monument graphic shall be no greater
than 40 square feet in surface area, shall be completely supported on a short wall
constructed of masonry that is permanently anchored to the ground, and which shall be no
less than 80% of the width of the graphic. Each monument graphic shall be provided with
a landscaped area located around the base of the monument graphic equal to 2.5 square feet
for each square foot of ground graphic area. All other graphics shall conform to the
requirements of Chapter 19.50 Street Graphics.
7. Compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances.
The vote of the Planning& Zoning Commission on the motion to recommend approval, subject
to the conditions outlined by the Community Development Department,was six (6) yes, zero (0)
no, and zero (0) abstentions.
Respectfully Submitted,
s/Robert Siljestrom
Robert Siljestrom, Chairman
Planning&Zoning Commission
s/Marc S. Mvlott, AICP
Marc S. Mylott, Secretary
Planning&Zoning Commission
Director of Community Development
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