Zoning board recommends approval for mixed-use variance at 616 Williamson Avenue

The Joliet Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-0 to recommend approval of a variation of use that would permit a mixed-use structure at 616 Williamson Avenue, allowing one dwelling unit in the basement and a nonresidential space on the main floor. The board’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council, tentatively scheduled for consideration Oct. 21.

Staff told the board the building, constructed about 1906 as a church, contains a basement one-bedroom unit with its own exterior entrances and a main floor that remains configured for religious assembly. The R-3 (one- and two-family residential) district allows dwelling units but does not permit two principal uses in the same structure; the requested variation would allow the dwelling and a separate nonresidential space to coexist.

Dennis Carr, who said he manages the owner’s properties and spoke for the petitioner, described the basement unit as "a one-bedroom apartment set up in the basement" and said the main floor would be used for the owner’s personal storage. Staff noted that if the owner later sought to use the main floor as anything other than storage or a religious institution, additional permits and approvals would be required.

Staff reported the site is approximately 64 by 134 feet, contains no paved parking, and that the zoning ordinance requires two off-street parking spaces for a single dwelling unit. The owner proposed installing a paved driveway along the east side of the building to meet the requirement. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions: enrollment and compliance with the city’s rental inspection program, provision of required off-street parking before issuance of the rental inspection certificate, no expansion of the permitted uses without additional approvals, and potential rehearing and revocation of the variation should the property be declared a public nuisance.

The board moved and seconded approval; the roll call vote was Chairman Hennessy, yes; Commissioner Nachtrib, yes; Commissioner Radakovich, yes; Commissioner Stiff, yes. The board’s report and recommendation will be placed on the City Council agenda for its second October meeting (tentatively Oct. 21).