Glendale planning commission backs recommendation for mandatory surveys on major permits

The Glendale Planning & Historic Preservation Commission voted to recommend that the Village Council study a zoning-code amendment to require a stamped survey as part of permit packages for major construction, including houses, accessory structures, driveways, retaining walls and fences.

The motion, introduced by a commissioner after public comment, passed by voice vote. Chair said the commission will ask the village solicitor to confirm whether the requirement can be imposed by ordinance or whether it belongs in guidelines and then forward a recommendation to council for consideration.

Commissioners split on the proposal's practicality. One commissioner cautioned, “Surveys can get expensive,” and noted homeowners sometimes pay several thousand dollars and face long lead times. The chair described a client who received two quotes for a lot split — “1 was 5,000. The 1 he took was 3,500” — illustrating the potential cost burden for smaller projects.

Supporters said requiring surveys could reduce property-line disputes and give the building inspector a reliable reference when verifying setback and placement. Commissioners discussed possible mitigations, such as accepting an existing stamped survey or plat when available, limiting the requirement to larger projects, or defining exemptions for minor work to avoid undue burden on low-cost projects.

The commission emphasized that its action is a recommendation: the change would require council action and likely legal review. Chair said staff and the solicitor will review how similar rules are applied in other municipalities and advise on implementation options. The commission voted to forward the recommendation for council study; no ordinance text was adopted at the meeting.

Next steps: staff will consult the village solicitor and bring findings back to council and the commission for further consideration.