Maywood amends zoning to allow vocational schools in C-2 districts, approves beauty academy special use

The Village of Maywood Board of Trustees on Nov. 17 voted to concur with a Plan & Zoning Commission recommendation to amend the village zoning code to allow vocational schools and certain education facilities in C-2 commercial (pedestrian-oriented) districts.

Village Attorney Michael Marrs explained that commissioners concluded vocational schools are distinct from other education uses (which can include small for-profit entities such as martial-arts or gymnastics studios) and should be permitted in C-2 via the proposed text amendment. Trustees noted the Plan & Zoning Commission vote was reported as 5-1-1 in favor of the change.

Following the text amendment, the board considered a special-use permit for Wild Hair Beauty Academy at 811 S. 5th Avenue under new ownership. Attorney Marrs said the Plan & Zoning hearing produced one public speaker in favor, no opposition, and a unanimous recommendation for approval. Applicant Edmund Brooks was present; trustees voted to approve the special use.

The zoning change will require applicants seeking to operate vocational schools in C-2 districts to pursue a special-use approval process, providing the board and public an opportunity to review individual proposals.

Next steps: the ordinance amending the zoning code will be finalized and the special-use permit for 811 S. 5th Avenue will be processed according to the ordinance terms.