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Commission backs Sadie Ridge setback reductions for MI Homes townhomes
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Summary
The commission recommended City Council approve a major change to the Sadie Ridge planned development, reducing rear‑yard setbacks for 23 townhomes from 25 feet to 13 feet and including proposed 5‑foot front and corner setbacks; staff said the change does not increase density and perimeter setbacks remain unchanged.
The City of Lockport Plan and Zoning Commission voted to recommend that City Council approve a major change to the Sadie Ridge planned development submitted by MI Homes of Chicago.
Staff corrected an earlier label and said the application is for a major change to a planned development rather than a new special use permit. Alyssa, a planning staff member, told the commission the request covers roughly 78 acres north of Bruce Road and east of I‑355 and is limited to internal townhome building setbacks. “We are requesting it to go down to 13 feet to accommodate the housing product that MI is planning to build,” she said, describing a proposed reduction of rear‑yard setbacks from 25 feet to 13 feet for 23 townhome buildings. Alyssa emphasized that staff expects no increase in overall density, no changes to roads or utilities and that the area beyond the 13‑foot rear yard would be managed as HOA open space.
Commission discussion focused on how attached townhomes are platted and whether the motion should explicitly include corner and front yard setback figures so the record aligns with the plat and future permit work. Lance and Caitlin, staff members, advised including a 5‑foot corner side setback and a 5‑foot front yard setback in the motion to match the applicant's graphic and the way the lots are measured to property lines. One commissioner described the technicality as administrative and noted the site plan and circulation will not change.
With no public comment, Garland moved to adopt findings of fact and recommend approval of the amendment to reduce the rear yard to 13 feet and to set front and corner setbacks at 5 feet; Quinn seconded. Staff performed a roll call and commissioners voted in favor; the chair said the motion passed. Staff told the commission both cases will go to the Committee of the Whole on April 1 for City Council review.
Staff said they will continue working with the applicant on driveway widths, vision triangles and signage as the project moves through final review. The record presented to council will include the amended setbacks and the staff findings that perimeter setbacks adjacent to existing properties will remain as previously approved.
