West Cook News

Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission met July 25

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

I. Call to Order

Chairperson Grund called the regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission to order at 7:00 PM.

II. Roll Call

Present: Chairperson Grund and Commissioners Evans, Miller, Sabourin, Straka, Svoboda, Weber.

Absent: None

Others Present: Trustee Liaison Jennifer Hendricks, Village Planner Kate Portillo.

III. Approval of Minutes

Chairperson Grund entertained a motion to approve the meeting minutes dated June 27, 2024.

Commissioner Straka so moved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Sabourin.

AYES: Evans, Grund, Sabourin, Straka, Svoboda, Weber.

NAYS: None.

ABSTAIN: Miller.

Motion Passed 6-0.

IV. Public Comment

Parks and Recreation Commissioner Kyle Whitehead came forward to share the concept idea of a Youth Commission and garnered feedback. Commissioners provided positive feedback.

V. New Business

Case No. 24-13 Public Hearing to Consider a Request for a Variance from §62-75 Bulk, Yard, and Space Requirements to Build an Enclosed Porch at 3132 Park Avenue.

Chairperson Grund entertained a motion to open the public hearing. Commissioner Svoboda so moved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Evans.

AYES: Evans, Grund, Miller, Sabourin, Straka, Svoboda, Weber.

NAYS: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

Motion Passed 7-0.

Village Planner Kate Portillo presented the staff report. Commissioners requested confirmation that the Village Code does not offer an allowance for using permeable pavers and that they should reference the standards for variation in their findings.

Chairperson Grund opened the floor for Public Comment and swore in those who stood to speak. Applicant Ben Thurnhoffer provided background on the site conditions and reasons for requesting relief from the maximum building coverage. Commissioners asked questions regarding the type of construction proposed, whether the sunroom would have heating and cooling, and for clarification that the proposed outdoor patio location was being moved away from the tree.

Chairperson Grund entertained a motion to close the public hearing for Case 24-13 and went immediately into roll call vote.

AYES: Evans, Grund, Miller, Sabourin, Straka, Svoboda, Weber.

NAYS: None.

ABSTAIN: None

Motion Passed 7-0.

Commissioners deliberated the request according to the standards for review, discussing the hardship and whether it is self-created. There was also hypothetical discussion related to potential future Code changes and what the impact may be on reviewing proposed property improvements such as this. Staff recommended Commissioners consider the case before them according to the current Code. Commissioners stated that the hardship existed on the property prior to the applicant’s ownership and likely under different requirements, both matters largely out of his control.

Commissioner Svoboda entertained a motion to approve Case 24-13, a Variance from §62-75 Bulk, yard, and space requirements to construct a three-season sunroom. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Sabourin.

AYES: Evans, Grund, Miller, Sabourin, Straka, Svoboda, Weber.

NAYS: None.

ABSTAIN: None

Motion Passed 7-0.

VI. Other Business

Arista Strungys from the planning consulting firm Camiros presented the Technical Report for the Zoning Code Update project. Ms. Strungys discussed the goals of the project, which include better implementation of the Village’s adopted plans and policies, organizing the Code into a more user-friendly structure, ensuring predictability and consistency, integrating design into the standards, preserving neighborhood character, requiring fewer special approvals and increasing transparency of development approvals. Ms. Strungys shared Camiros’ analysis of the current zoning district standards, policy on accessory structures, evaluation of development standards, Code administration, and rules for non-conformances.

Commissioners asked questions regarding how changes in zoning standards would impact development, regarding potential changes to design standards, regarding GIS data limitations, requested clarification on how short-term rental regulations may be brought into the process, and regarding current sign regulations and potential changes to the sign code related to the technical evaluation.

VII. Adjournment

Chairperson Grund entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Sabourin so moved. Commissioner Miller seconded the motion.

AYES: Evans, Grund, Miller, Sabourin, Straka, Svoboda, Weber.

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: None

Motion Passed 7-0.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 P.M.

https://brookfieldil.civicweb.net/document/166248/