Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Rezonings topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Machesney Park commission forwards two zoning map amendments to allow longstanding duplex and ADU units
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission voted Sept. 22 to forward two rezoning requests to the Planning & Economic Development committee on Oct. 6 that would rezone two single‑family parcels to R‑2, making an accessory dwelling unit and an existing duplex conforming uses so owners can obtain permits and finance sales.
The Machesney Park Planning & Zoning Commission on Sept. 22 recommended that two parcels be rezoned from single‑family (R‑1) to two‑family (R‑2) so longstanding secondary dwellings can be made conforming. Both items — ordinance 33‑25 and ordinance 34‑25 — will be considered by the Planning & Economic Development committee on Oct. 6.
Planning staff told the commission the first property includes an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) built in 1942 that is nonconforming under current zoning but has stood for decades. "This ADU was built back in 1942... staff is recommending approval of the zoning change," planning staff said. Applicant Gautam Sahar, sworn for the record, said he purchased the property "with the intention to improve it" and described the rear unit as having a kitchen, bath and living space.
On the second parcel staff said the building is a duplex constructed in about 1970 and recommended rezoning to R‑2 so it would be easier for future buyers to obtain mortgages. Applicant Bobby Letzinger said the structure "was built as a duplex. It's always been a duplex," and that prior offers failed because lenders balked at the zoning.
Commissioners asked limited procedural questions about setbacks and the age of the structures but raised no substantive objections. The commission voted to forward both rezoning requests with positive recommendations to the Oct. 6 PED meeting.
What happens next: the PED committee will review the staff reports, the commission's recommendation and public testimony on Oct. 6 before deciding whether to adopt the ordinance changes.
Vote/Action summary: Ordinance 33‑25 and Ordinance 34‑25 were moved forward to the Planning & Economic Development committee with positive recommendations.
