McLean County Times

Town of Normal Zoning Board of Appeals met July 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Members Present:

Mr. Moyer, Mr. Coates, Mr. Palmgren, Ms. Brand, Mr. Coates, Mr. Queen, Mr. Haywood

Members Absent:

Mr. Anderson

Others Present:

Planner Tessa Ferraro, Legal Corporation Council Steven Simmons, Inspections and Planning Associate Hannah Neal

Call to Order:

Ms. Brand noted that a quorum was present and called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM. Approval of Minutes:

Mr. Palmgren moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting on June 18, 2025, and Mr. Queen seconded.

Public Hearing:

a. 25-07-05-V: Proposed Variance for Landscaping Screen, 101 S. Towanda

Ms. Ferraro reviewed the report. 101 S Towanda is in a C-1 zoning district. Directly to the south there is an R-3A zoning district. Per code, when a commercial property is adjacent to a residential property, a vegetative screen is required. 101 S Towanda currently has a vegetative screen, however every 5 years the vegetative screen on this property needs replaced. During the winter, the salt on the property gets into the plant beds due to their not being a curb, causing the plants to die. The property was built without curbs years ago, and installing the curbs would cost a lot of money. The applicant is requesting to replace the vegetative screen with a privacy fence.

Staff believes that this replacement would be in harmony with zoning code, as well as the neighborhood. The fence would be more attractive than the dying trees, while still providing a buffer between the land uses. Staff also feels that the property owner has already invested a lot in the property trying to mitigate and replace the dying trees. Requiring him to continue to do that could hinder a return on the property. Staff additionally does find the property to be unique because the parking lot was built years ago without the curb, which is leading to the issue. Overall staff would recommend approval.

Ms. Brand asked if there were any questions for staff.

Mr. Haywood asked if the code currently requires a vegetative screen between commercial and residential properties, or if that was the case when the property was originally built.

Ms. Ferraro said that it is a current code requirement.

Mr. Palmgren asked what material would be used for the privacy fence.

Ms. Ferraro said she had not seen a rendering of the fence, but the applicant might be able to answer the question.

John McGrew, president and owner of Van Gundy approached and was sworn in.

The applicant approached and was sworn in. He stated that they have replaced the trees three times in the 18 years he has been there. He just replaced the west side of the lot last fall. The contractors have to use so much salt due to the snow falls in the winter, which is causing the trees to die faster than they should. He added that he is open to material suggestions for the fence. White vinyl or wood would probably be the best fit. It is roughly about 120 feet of trees. Out of the 25 trees they currently have, he believes 85% are dead.

Mr. Haywood asked how far the fence would go down on the property and wondered if it would reach the sidewalk.

The applicant said that some of the neighbors have expressed concern about the proposed fencing going all the way to the sidewalk, as it might block their view of the road. Ideally, he would like to take the fence all the way back to the rear of the property. He would be agreeable to the fence starting in the same area as the trees towards the front of the property.

Mr. Haywood asked if the fence would also cut through the back of the property. The applicant said it would just be a straight fence, and it would not connect to the back of the property. Mr. Haywood speculated that the material of the fence would be up to the property owner. Ms. Brand believes that the code just lists some height requirements.

Ms. Ferraro said that when a commercial property is adjacent to a residential property, the maximum height is 6 feet.

Mr. Queen asked if the only concern from the neighbors was the possibility of the view being blocked. The applicant said that had been the only complaint.

Ms. Brand asked if the applicant was leaning towards a particular material for the fence. The applicant said he wasn’t sure if the Board would need to decide on the material.

Ms. Brand stated that to her knowledge the code has a range of materials that would be acceptable and added that vinyl would probably have the least maintenance.

The applicant said he has had a lot of suggestions from planting ivy and letting it grow to stapling artificial ivory to whatever fence goes in.

Mr. Haywood commented that while the Zoning Board doesn’t require any particular fence material, the vinyl fencing would look the most cohesive with the neighborhood.

Ms. Ferraro said that the iron or chain link options would likely not provide the privacy that is required. To her knowledge the code would not allow a chain link fence to be placed on a commercial property when adjacent to a residential property, but she would check.

Mr. Haywood says that he appreciates the applicant's efforts to replace the trees over the years. Ms. Brand called for a motion

Mr. Coates moved to approve the findings and recommendations as proposed by staff, and Mr. Queen seconded.

All in favor:

Opposed: 0

The application was approved.

Ms. Ferraro added that the Town does not require a fence permit to install but encouraged the applicant to reach out if they had any questions regarding height or location.

Other business:

None

The meeting was adjourned at 5:20 PM

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5354