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Greendale Plan Commission adopts updated design guidelines for "originals" after heated debate
Summary
Planning staff presented an ordinance and updated design-guidelines booklet to streamline review of "Greendale originals," add a special-exception process, and require public-hearing findings before demolition; the commission approved the changes despite resident concerns that the guidelines could function like enforceable rules.
The Village of Greendale Plan Commission adopted an updated ordinance and design-guideline booklet for Greendale "originals" after an extended discussion and public comment on Sept. 10.
Staff said the draft ordinance updates terminology to reflect state law changes (converting former "special uses" to the conditional-use framework), adds a special-exception process to allow minor deviations during conditional-use review, and places in the municipal code a requirement that demolition or removal of a locally designated original home be allowed only after a public hearing and a finding that the structure is irreparably damaged or unsafe. "The recommendation was to just add that into the village code," staff said when explaining demolition language.
Several residents and one commissioner expressed strong concern that the guidelines could operate like enforceable rules, limit how owners may alter their homes, reduce marketability and impose burdens on lower-cost original homes. One resident said the 2004 guidelines had been controversial and that many owners perceive them as restrictive: "You can't tell people how to live in their home," the resident said. Staff and other commissioners said the updates do not change the design standards themselves but intend to streamline review and provide clarity about the application process. The commission also noted a newly established Historic Preservation Commission would review locally designated historic properties and that the guidelines are intended to provide a baseline, not absolute prohibition, while preserving the village's historic character.
After debate the Plan Commission voted to approve the ordinance and updated guidelines as presented; the roll call recorded three ayes and one nay. The updated flowcharts and process language will be published online and the ordinance will be forwarded to the Village Board for final adoption.
