Small Changes to Zoning Code Clarify Notification Process

Even though a report approved Monday night by the Elmhurst City Council was not about taller buildings downtown, the idea of allowing six-story structures in the city was still the focus of the discussion.

Last week, the city's Development, Planning and Zoning Committee minor wording additions to city code that would clarify how residents and businesses will be notified of potential zoning changes. The controversy started in July when the Planning and Zoning Commission that was set to consider an amendment to allow for 65-foot-tall buildings downtown without a conditional use application. The meeting was canceled because two aldermen felt neighbors were not served proper notification.

On Monday, three aldermen were not satisfied with the DPZ's report on the proposed changes.

“To me, this report pretty much means nothing,” 1st Ward Alderman Pezza said, adding the council should hold off on approving any changes pending further discussion by the committee.

First Ward Alderman Diane Gutenkauf and 3rd Ward Alderman Michael Bram also voted against the committee's report.

Third Ward Alderman and DPZ Committee Vice Chairman Danee Polomsky said what the committee was proposing was not about building height. Second Ward Alderman and fellow DPZ member Norman Leader, who also signed off on the wording changes, added that he would have serious concerns about allowing taller buildings downtown.

The report will be drafted into an ordinance by the city's lawyers, and it will then return to the council for final approval.