Glendale commission votes to pursue zoning change to apply historic-design guidelines to new construction

The Village of Glendale Planning and Historic Preservation Commission voted to initiate a zoning-code amendment to make the village’s historic-design guidelines explicitly applicable to new construction in the historic district.

David, a village staff member, told the commission that Chapter 154.46 contains design requirements for new buildings but that the separate guidelines are written only for existing landmark, pivotal or contributing buildings. He said the omission means the guidelines are not presently a clear, reviewable mechanism for new construction and that inserting the guidelines would require a zoning-code amendment, solicitor review and initiation by the planning commission or council.

Resident Julie Mayer urged greater resident input, clearer definitions and stronger notification and enforcement procedures, saying residents had struggled to find information in the code and had discovered a nearby accessory building that she and neighbors view as too large and too close to property lines. “I think there needs to be resident input as to how this area is laid out,” Mayer said, adding that residents wanted clearer language on height, setbacks and notification for accessory structures.

David responded that the village had notified the property owner after the setback deviation was discovered and that the owner is in the process of bringing the structure into conformance; he also explained that building‑department inspections and plan review are the mechanisms for verifying compliance. Staff noted that the plan in question showed an original approval of a 7‑foot setback and that revisions are under way to meet code requirements.

Commission members discussed technical points — for example, whether the 5‑foot setback applies to foundations or eaves, and how building height is measured (peak center to grade); staff said the contested accessory structure measured about 13 feet to the roof center on the submitted plans, consistent with a 1½‑story measurement.

A commissioner moved to direct the administrator, through the village solicitor, to draft language that would allow the guidelines to be applied to new construction and to schedule a public hearing as soon as notification rules allow. The motion passed by voice vote. Staff said they will circulate proposed language in advance of the public hearing and noted that initiation may trigger a 30‑day notification period before hearings occur.