The Galena Zoning Board of Appeals on Dec. 10, 2025 approved a special use permit and a related variance permitting an eight-room small inn at 401 Elk Street to be innkeeper-occupied rather than owner-occupied. The board's findings noted the site plan met the standards for the city's low-density residential zoning district and required a license agreement with the City of Galena to secure off-street parking in the Elk Street right-of-way.

A member of the zoning board read the findings in full and summarized the applicant's request: “The applicant seeks a special use permit to allow an 8 room small inn at 401 Elk Street,” and concluded the proposal was compatible with district standards and would have only minimal negative impact on neighboring properties. The board cited compliance with the zoning ordinance and consistency with the adopted comprehensive plan in support of its decision.

The approvals combined two calendar items tied to the same property. On calendar 25S-03 the board approved the special use permit; on calendar 25B-10 it approved a variance to permit innkeeper occupancy instead of owner occupancy. The board recorded motions and seconds on the record: the minutes approval was moved by Heinz Waller and seconded by Tunney; the special use permit motion was credited to Baranski with a second by Tunney; the variance motion was made by Hans Werner and seconded by Spidey. When asked, several members answered in the affirmative during roll-call confirmation, including Rosenthal and Spidey. The board did not record full individual tallies for every item in the transcript; the minutes reflect the motions passed.

The board also noted a procedural requirement: the applicant, identified as 401 Elk Street LLC, must obtain a license agreement from the City of Galena to satisfy required off-street parking in the Elk Street right-of-way before final implementation. The board's written findings state the project meets hardship and minimum-necessary criteria for a variance and does not conflict with the purpose of the zoning code or the comprehensive plan.

Aside from the land-use items, the board approved the minutes from a prior meeting and moved to adjourn after stating there was no further business. The meeting concluded with the board adjourning following the recorded motions.

Votes at a glance: 25S-03 — Special use permit for an eight-room small inn at 401 Elk Street: approved (motion by Baranski; second Tunney). 25B-10 — Variance to allow innkeeper occupancy at 401 Elk Street: approved (motion by Hans Werner; second Spidey). Approval of prior meeting minutes: approved (motion by Heinz Waller; second Tunney).