[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6177219,"mediaKeyId","5341069-d15454f003ae747f32b42b39b664a32a","parentId",5341069,"title","Commission approves variance for six‑foot front‑yard privacy fence at East Lincoln Highway home","audioSeconds",37,"startMs",383999,"endMs",421120,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5341069-d15454f003ae747f32b42b39b664a32a&start=383&end=421","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5341069-d15454f003ae747f32b42b39b664a32a/thumbnail_383999.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6177219/DeKalb-City/DeKalb-County/Illinois/Commission-approves-variance-for-sixfoot-frontyard-privacy-fence-at-East-Lincoln-Highway-home","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177219-b25d4451294773598d7bf03a8db7bcaf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153817&Signature=k6jAfdFQVOnhwRHuqLhQavpm-E9syVp5hab7pep3jjZB~DJOd8Xnu~MDrumRQk8cevJYULIK-8866wgLY6cJezosRRtXAm6UIGWS-klV41~zBnN0Jb3z0yWjKtk6VeSOeCT11pK5SHvouAEGIzNuCJeUc9Sv18FHnBsmz2yrO4-0mA9ifvdxOLR4kmYStYyyQjullMy1cnt2VAIFD1MpqlEkWiSC2k9Awgq7UQIPq13a3eYIKcCxOLudpGtwJg5BX5Df1rcSPmJfdDShsMsgrJ4MtA561~1IGGceqdznfGiFGZ1JOsCOTgG8MrEQ3EeBXWAhNlHpfa4IAC9CeH5-Vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Dekalb, IL","date","2025-07-10T00:16:00.907Z","article","The DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday approved a variance to permit a six‑foot privacy fence in part of the front yard at 1838 East Lincoln Highway, at the request of the property owner, Crystal Garvey.

Garvey said the fence had stood for decades around the property she grew up on but had deteriorated; she requested permission to replace it with a six‑foot privacy fence along the west property line, extending the existing historic alignment to match the adjacent building line, then transition to a four‑foot open fence near the sidewalk and driveway to preserve sight lines.

City staff presented a site sketch and photographs showing the former fence location and the proposed 66‑foot segment that would run from the neighboring commercial building line to about 25 feet from the sidewalk, then taper to a four‑foot section. Staff noted that, because the neighboring commercial residence could place a six‑foot fence on its own property line without a variance, the visual outcome would be similar; staff recommended approval after receiving one written comment of support from Michelle Brokop of Mars Inc., which occupies the nearby commercial building.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about visibility and pedestrian access. Staff said the proposal would maintain a four‑foot open section to preserve sight lines for the adjacent driveway, and noted the lot had been annexed into the city in 2011 and later rezoned commercial. Commissioners characterized the request as a reasonable restoration of an historic feature and moved to approve the variance.

Commissioner O’Flaherty moved to approve a variance to allow the six‑foot privacy fence as shown in Exhibit A of the staff report dated July 3, 2025; Commissioner Wright seconded. The motion passed on roll call.

The variance allows Garvey to replace the deteriorated fence consistent with the approved exhibit; construction and any required permits will be processed through the city’s standard permitting procedures.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning and Zoning Meeting for July 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a variance July 7 allowing a six‑foot privacy fence to extend into a portion of the front yard at 1838 East Lincoln Highway, replacing an historic fence and transitioning to a four‑foot open fence where visibility is needed.","taxTitle","DeKalb City, DeKalb County, Illinois","taxId",4986,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6177224,"Planning commission recommends special use permit for Heartland Bank drive‑through at Grove and South Fourth",55,325678,381188,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5341069-d15454f003ae747f32b42b39b664a32a&start=325&end=381","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5341069-d15454f003ae747f32b42b39b664a32a/thumbnail_325678.jpg","/articles/6177224/DeKalb-City/DeKalb-County/Illinois/Planning-commission-recommends-special-use-permit-for-Heartland-Bank-drivethrough-at-Grove-and-South-Fourth","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177224-bea888984a4bcde7c7d172b324432f00/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153817&Signature=gn4qzhDj-BpbZiob~fbEx3VZ39Hi~sKgqSOkPibTo9Mot1V4a9ig~9oCVEyTBnyRUhf7QcFOnBbp4Rh4PWcek~2khfUm3CGcDSNMtBAhAEocrIdFBbq0NeijUl1eSescAmiqzHi15npcC3qimGBTQUvyqeUo9lWeNDHqY~G17scqZY26eH0Pt95PvH3Flae~miKStxcNnic7HG5r3DxzOCoXsHRSbza-~--nWXtq9uesMHIpYLrqX3t~xBa~sgby7N2JZGqBt3SmmKKSCmrHpmPvzfNaUfmCcrwoDO4YDnxLg27LPyRSMrlmvF8~cJQf1IS4-NT4EpDC7gu6asAOnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday recommended that the City Council approve a special use permit for Heartland Bank and Trust to build a new branch with drive‑through facilities at the southwest corner of Grove Street and South Fourth Street.

Staff said Heartland’s proposal calls for a roughly 2,100‑square‑foot masonry building, two stacked drive‑through lanes, an ATM lane, and 10 parking spaces. The property is zoned Central Business District, where a drive‑through facility requires a special use permit; the staff report recommended approval after review of access, stacking and landscaping plans.

Tom Weaver, representing the applicant during the hearing, described the site as the former post office parcel and said Heartland acquired the lot last fall. A Heartland representative who could not attend was noted as supportive; Landon (representing Heartland) said the bank expects the new location will provide improved visibility and continued service to the city’s south side.

City staff described site changes discussed during design review: two access points (one off Grove Street and one full access off South Fourth Street with Illinois Department of Transportation approval), landscaping setbacks along South Fourth, and stacking that meets the UDO requirement of three spaces per drive lane. The staff report included building elevations, grading and utility plans in Exhibit A.

Commissioners asked about the alley that will provide one access into the site. One commissioner who uses the alley daily said it is “not very much used,” and staff and a city representative said any required alley repairs or improvements damaged during construction would be addressed as part of the project; the city indicated it would coordinate paving work with adjacent parking and annex building needs.

Commissioner Becker moved that the commission forward its findings of fact and recommend council approval of the special use permit per the site plan in Exhibit A of the staff report dated 07/03/2025; Wright seconded. Roll call was taken and the motion passed.

The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council, and staff noted final site work and any alley improvements will be coordinated with the property owner and city public works during permitting.","The DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission voted July 7 to recommend City Council approve a special use permit for Heartland Bank’s new branch at 330 Grove Street with two drive‑through lanes and an ATM, subject to the site plan in Exhibit A.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6177231,"DeKalb planning commission recommends allowing on‑site edible consumption lounges at dispensaries",206,119020,325294,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5341069-d15454f003ae747f32b42b39b664a32a&start=119&end=325","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5341069-d15454f003ae747f32b42b39b664a32a/thumbnail_119020.jpg","/articles/6177231/DeKalb-City/DeKalb-County/Illinois/DeKalb-planning-commission-recommends-allowing-onsite-edible-consumption-lounges-at-dispensaries","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177231-336cbd715df8464a2176c71171b2f553/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153817&Signature=Cj5DwgbA-CL081BZkxo3XUeH6HtiHVXXS4qsxxzRKugOABLG6e1~EgNtBlphNGiHJk4zBmY2MclGpGdOtLEBnVcnQW5FoI-QPMpKjaBkZWyV-NvKYVFmxrz0E7dCq~8EMdPS1LV0YK2wuP8SxlkAp4NTPtgHkhf~xbwPvZgI7xjBlit76PbuSRcd5yz6LoPaGpUMVr5NnFSTMuUZe9bEhUuvcnoN0B0BEiWnue2hOlmJyqo-EJwvZYwlenWL10RHYikObR8YcOqQsq~VeJi9XjNRqwUnlizy37A1FljjErBXR2Y1O8M9IWACaxguAAr1eGzK9XVwDWEDcBKqOa3myw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday recommended that the City Council amend the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to allow on‑site consumption lounges at licensed cannabis dispensaries, limited to non‑inhaled products such as edibles.

The change, proposed by the City of DeKalb and discussed at a public hearing on July 7, would permit a consumption lounge of up to 1,000 square feet in a dispensary if the applicant submits a responsible operations plan, staffing and training plans, a security plan including a licensed security guard, and a product waste/destruction plan consistent with Illinois administrative regulations.

City staff told commissioners that the proposal follows a May 27 City Council discussion in which council members expressed support for allowing tasting rooms. The amendments would apply to both existing dispensaries named in the staff report and to future applicants; staff noted that the rules would bar smoking, vaping or other inhalation in the on‑site lounges and would require employee oversight and insurance coverage similar in concept to existing local liquor‑service rules.

Co‑owner Maria Davis of Excel Leaf, one of the city’s dispensaries, told the commission the tasting room would be used for education and community events in addition to limited sampling. “We want to use it as a means to bring the community together as well as to use it as an education for cannabis,” Davis said, listing proposed classes on dosing, medical uses, and culinary applications. Co‑owner Crystal Anderson added that, as health professionals, the principals see the space as a place to teach consumers about dosing and safe use.

Commissioners pressed applicants and staff on intoxication assessment and enforcement after customers leave the site. Commissioner O’Flaherty asked, “What happens when a person leaves?” and raised concerns about the lack of a rapid, reliable impairment test analogous to breathalyzers for alcohol. City staff and the applicants said employee training and the state’s operational requirements would be used to identify signs of over‑intoxication, and that the businesses would be required to implement a documented safe‑transportation plan — for example, arranging rideshare or having a designated driver — rather than permitting visibly impaired customers to depart alone.

Staff explained that Illinois administrative regulations governing on‑site consumption require a “responsible operations plan” addressing over‑intoxication prevention, underage access, illegal distribution, and impaired driving prevention, and that those plans must be submitted with a city permit application. The staff report said a permit violation or failure to provide required plans could lead to revocation of the lounge permit.

The draft ordinance language in the staff packet includes a series of conditions: a maximum lounge size of 1,000 square feet; prohibition on sale or use of alcohol or tobacco in the lounge; no free samples (per state law); age restrictions (21 and older); employee training and staffing requirements; sound limitations; signage and permit display; and general liability insurance requirements. Staff also noted that any proposal to allow inhaled consumption would require a separate text amendment and additional code and building‑permit considerations.

During the hearing commissioners and the public discussed how lounges would operate in practice. Applicants said tasting events would be scheduled (for example, vendor‑led sessions) rather than continuous social hours; employees would be present while the lounge was open; and vendors would educate customers about products. Applicants said routine sales for home use would not be intended for consumption inside the lounge unless purchased specifically for on‑site use.

Commissioner O’Flaherty moved that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval of the text amendments to Article 7 of the UDO as shown in the staff report; Wright seconded. A roll call vote followed and the motion carried.

The Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation goes to the City Council for final action; the staff report and draft amendment language were entered into the record by staff during the July 7 hearing.","The DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission on July 7 recommended city council approve amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance to permit on‑site consumption lounges limited to edible cannabis products, with operational and security conditions drawn from state regulations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves variance for six‑foot front‑yard privacy fence at East Lincoln Highway home

Planning commission recommends special use permit for Heartland Bank drive‑through at Grove and South Fourth

DeKalb planning commission recommends allowing on‑site edible consumption lounges at dispensaries