Zoning board recommends approval for continued two‑unit use at 421 Abe Street; moves to city council

The Joliet Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to recommend approval of a variation of use that would allow the continuation of a two‑unit residence at 421 Abe Street despite the property's current R‑2 single‑family zoning. The variation requires city council approval; the board will send a recommendation of approval and the council is scheduled to consider the item at its September 16 meeting.

Staff reported the house was built in the 1930s, the lot is about 4,364 square feet and the building contains two dwelling units with separate entrances. The property was downzoned to R‑2 in 1997 during a blanket rezoning of older neighborhoods; staff said the surrounding block includes multiple R‑3 lots and several two‑unit structures and that the requested variation would not alter the neighborhood’s essential character. Staff recommended conditions that the property comply with the city’s rental inspection program and that the variation be subject to rehearing and possible revocation if the property is declared a public nuisance.

Owner Angela Gutierrez told the board she purchased the property in May 2022 believing the correct zoning and inspections were in place and said the last rental inspection was in February and passed. During discussion board members noted the 1997 downzoning history and the practical context of the block’s mix of single‑ and two‑unit homes.

The board voted to recommend approval; the matter will advance to the city council for final determination with the staff conditions noted.