Normal Zoning Board of Appeals met Thursday, Dec, 15, 2016
The Zoning Board of Appeals serves the following purposes: To hear and make recommendations to the council on all Special Use Permits and to hear requests for variations of Zoning Code requirements.
Here are the minutes as provided by Normal:
TOWN OF NORMAL ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016, 5:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS, UPTOWN STATION 11 UPTOWN CIRCLE, NORMAL, IL
Members Physically Present:
Mr. Anderson, Mr. Blakney, Mr. Palmgren, Ms. Hood, Ms. Brand and Mr. Penn
Members Absent:
Mr. Schaab
Others Present:
Director of Inspections, Greg Troemel, Town Planner, Mercy Davison, and Office Associate, Sheila Elgin
Call to Order:
Chairman Anderson called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and noted a quorum was present.
Approval of Minutes:
Ms. Hood moved, seconded by Mr. Blakney, to approve the minutes of the October 20, 2016, meeting. Motion to approve carried 6-0.
Public Hearings:
a. 16-12-11-V: Variance for Parking, 1717 Ft. Jesse Rd.
Ms. Davison reviewed the staff report. She said that the building was originally constructed as a Verlo Mattress Factory. At the time, they received a parking variation for 18 spaces due to the use of the building. The applicant wishes to divide the building into multi-tenant spaces. Code requires one parking space per 200 sq. ft., or 45 spaces in this instance. The applicant is requesting 34 spaces. There is no on- street parking, so there would only be a problem for the tenants if there is a lack of parking. The tenants may have different peak times, so parking could be more available. They plan to make the lot with the building and the remnant lot to the east one lot of record.
Mr. David Juarez, 11 Waterside Circle, Bloomington, IL, was sworn in by Chairman Anderson. Mr. Juarez said that their plan is to purchase the property and divide it into two or three tenant spaces. The building has been vacant for a couple of years. They intend to make improvements to the exterior of the building also.
Mr. Blakney asked about the property to the east. Mr. Juarez said that they would be buying both properties. Ms. Davison said that it is a remnant from the bank building on the west.
Mr. Penn asked if they had a renter yet. Mr. Juarez said no. He believes that the building has sat vacant due to a lack of parking and the current façade. Mr. Penn asked what would happen if a tenant required more parking. Mr. Troemel said that one space per 200 sq. ft. is not new. The owner cannot have tenants that require excess parking. Ms. Brand asked if they would park at the bank. Ms. Davison said that it was unlikely. Mr. Juarez said that they are hoping for a retail office tenant.
There was no one else to speak regarding the application, and the public hearing was closed.
Ms. Hood said that she thought it was a good use for the property. Mr. Palmgren said he agreed. The property has sat vacant for a long time.
Mr. Palmgren moved, seconded by Ms. Hood, to approve the application as submitted.
Ayes: Ms. Hood, Mr. Blakney, Mr. Palmgren, Ms. Brand, Mr. Penn and Mr. Anderson Nays: None Motion declared carried.
Other Business:
None
Adjournment:
There being no further business, Mr. Penn moved, seconded by Ms. Brand, to adjourn the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila Elgin Office Associate
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