Town of Normal Planning Commission met March 5.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:.
Members Present:
Mr. Broad, Mr. Ropp, Mr. Matejka, Ms. Wodika, Mr. Matthews, Mr. McBride, Ms. Woods
Members Absent:
None
Others Present:
Director of Planning & Zoning Mercy Davison, Office Associate Hannah Neal, Legal Corporation Counsel Jason Querciagrossa
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM by Mr. McBride, and he noted a quorum was present.
Approval of Minutes:
Mr. Matejka moved to approve the minutes from December 4th, 2025, and Ms. Wodika seconded.
Public Hearing:
a. 2026-03-01-PC: Zoning Text Amendment
Ms. Davison began by stating that there were two main sections of the Staff report. The first section pertained to minor clarifications, and the second section pertained to substantive changes. She noted that most of the minor clarifications were straight forward. She specifically highlighted the need to clarify the separation requirement between new cannabis dispensers and smoke shops and vape shops.
She went on to review the substantive changes, starting with revisions regarding fences. A few years ago, the code was amended to allow certain utility sites to put up 8-foot fencing with barbed wire. There were not many specifications at the time in the code, but the proposal is to scale the height back to 6 feet when adjacent to residential zoning or the public right of way. More details are in the staff report.
Ms. Davison reviewed the section pertaining to permitted obstructions in yards, noting that the proposed code change would allow an in-ground swimming pools to encroach into the corner side yard up to 10-feet as a permitted obstruction.
Another change worth noting was the use of solar panels in historical districts. Code currently requires a special use permit for solar when in a historical area; however since there are no other items within the Historical Preservation Commission’s purview that require this permit, staff feels that it could be waived.
Finally, there was a proposed change to the roundabout design guidelines, which would allow canopies and awnings as an alternative design where code currently requires an arcade. This change would only pertain to the 5 buildings surrounding Uptown Circle.
Mr. McBride asked if there were any questions from the commissioners for Ms. Davison
Mr. Broad said he was in favor of giving options to the developers, but he assumed most developers would prefer an arcade to increase the square footage that can be rented out.
Ms. Davison said that the arcade at Uptown Station is so heavy that it creates difficulty with viewing store fronts. People may prefer a lighter canopy appearance such as at Hacienda Leon.
Mr. Broad asked for clarification on the arcade dimensions on a curve.
Ms. Ferraro stated that the measurements provided in the amended code include a minimum depth for the arcade. The curved measurement would only apply to the portion of the arcade or canopy along the circle, and the straight measurements would pertain to the portion along Constitution Trail Boulevard or North Street.
Ms. Wodika asked if barbed wire would still be allowed on fencing.
Ms. Davison said barbed wire barbed wire would be permitted at a utility site, even adjacent to a residential zone, but it is required to have dense screening.
Ms. Wodika read the passage aloud that she was referring to, which stated, “A fence may not be electrified or constructed with barbed wire or similar material, except in agricultural districts.” Ms. Wodika said she felt that barbed wire fences weren’t necessary in a residential district but thought it would be fine in agricultural or manufacturing districts.
Ms. Davison clarified that the proposed code language would still restrict barbed wire in residential districts except when a utility site has residential zoning. This is due to the increased need for security.
Mr. McBride asked if there were any further questions from the commission with no response. There was no one present to speak on behalf of the public.
Mr. McBride called for a motion.
Mr. Matejka moved to adopt the findings and recommendations as proposed by staff, and Mr. Ropp seconded.
Mr. McBride called for a vote.
All in favor: 7
Opposed: None
The motion carried.
With no further business, Mr. McBride called for a motion to adjourn.
Mr. Matejka moved to adjourn, and Mr. Broad seconded.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:15PM
https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5534
