Broad review of accessory‑structure and lot‑coverage rules continues after lengthy debate

Board members on Jan. 13 spent an extended discussion on proposed amendments to accessory‑structure rules, coverages, and related definitions. Staff presented a matrix comparing Kankakee's code with neighboring communities and flagged archaic and confusing elements—most notably an '8 steps' limit and the current practice of calculating accessory limits as percentages of 'buildable area' (lot minus setbacks).

Board members recommended clarifying definitions—distinguishing 'stairway' (access to a second story) from 'steps' or 'risers'—and replacing vague language with dimensional standards tied to building code and safety (fall protection and railing requirements apply at 30 inches). Several members favored simplifying the code by switching to an overall lot‑coverage percentage (e.g., a single flat percentage per district) rather than the current buildable‑area calculations, noting that the present approach can make reasonable additions (decks, pools) effectively impossible in some lots.

The board also discussed apparent conflicts between a community‑garden section and accessory‑use tables that restrict garden crops in front and corner yards; staff said the community‑garden language appears to allow private‑lot crop production and recommended reconciling the two code sections. Members raised stormwater and aesthetic concerns and discussed offering lot‑coverage reductions for properly installed permeable pavement products if adopted and verified.

No formal action was taken; staff will revise draft language, add clearer definitions (risers/stairway), further investigate buildable‑area alternatives, and return with refined proposals for future meetings.