Committee sends zoning changes for second‑floor apartments to planning board after code cleanup proposal

The Kankakee City planning/ordinance committee voted to send proposed zoning code amendments addressing second‑floor (above‑ground) residential units to the planning board for a public hearing, clearing the next procedural step toward possible council action.

City planner’s review and proposed fixes City planner staff explained she had discovered inconsistencies between the use table and district regulations: some districts (C2) lacked specific regulations for above‑ground dwelling units even though the use table lists them, while others (C3) contained duplicated regulatory language that conflicted with the use table. The planner proposed removing redundant language, adding clear accessory‑use language for upper‑floor dwelling units (so they are clearly accessory to principal commercial uses) and adopting consistent minimums and standards across districts.

Planner said the draft would, for example, state that residential dwelling units above ground floor are ‘‘accessory subject to these conditions’’ and would harmonize district tables and the district regulations so the code reads consistently.

Conditional use implications and examples Planner described a recent case (Jeffers) and an older building with existing upstairs apartments; some units had occupancy permits dating back to 1965. She said such longstanding, nonconforming units can be handled by conditional use permits and that those permits "run with the land," meaning approvals persist through ownership changes. The planner cautioned the committee about the practical effects on older converted properties that may not meet current parking or minimum‑size standards.

Committee action Chair asked for a motion to send the zoning amendments to the planning board for hearings; Collie moved, Lewis seconded, and the committee voted unanimously to forward the amendments to the planning board and then to full City Council. Planner staff said this item must go through hearings and the planning board process and therefore will take longer than the stormwater text amendment.

What to expect The amendments will go to the planning board for a public hearing and then return to City Council for consideration. The planner said staff will prepare the draft regulations and a schedule for hearings; committee members asked staff to be mindful of impacts on existing nonconforming units and conditional use permit holders.