Planning board backs rezoning of 1076 East Maple Street to allow two‑unit housing

The City of Kankakee Planning Board voted Aug. 17 to recommend that City Council approve rezoning of 1076 East Maple Street from R‑1 single‑family to R‑2 two‑family residential. The recommendation followed testimony from the property owner’s representative that the house has long been configured with two separate units and that the owner has been restoring the building.

Applicant representatives explained that the building already contains two entrance doors and internal stairs providing separate unit access and had become legally nonconforming after a prolonged vacancy. The applicant presented plans to restore the structure and expand the rear paved area to provide the four required parking spaces for two units; planning staff confirmed a process exists to reinstate legal nonconforming status but that rezoning to R‑2 provides a permanent, compliant solution.

Board members moved and seconded a recommendation for approval. The vote was unanimous. The board conditioned standard permitting and site‑improvement requirements; staff will review parking and remodeling permits and the applicant must secure necessary building permits for any site work.

Next steps: The Planning Board’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action. Planning staff signaled the case may reach the Council agenda as early as Sept. 2.

Why it matters: The rezoning will regularize an existing two‑unit residential arrangement, allowing the property owner to complete rehabilitation and meet parking requirements under R‑2 zoning.