Geneva panel approves zoning changes to implement Illinois 'People Over Parking' law

The Geneva Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously April 23 to approve city-initiated zoning text amendments that remove minimum off-street parking requirements in downtown zoning districts to comply with the Illinois People Over Parking Act.

City planner Matt told the commission the state law takes effect June 1, 2026 and "prohibits municipalities from enforcing off-street parking minimums within a half mile of any public transportation hub or public transportation corridor." He said the proposed amendments add the act's definition of "development project" to section 11-2-2 and replace section 11-11A-4 (DCM and DRSCM special provisions) to remove local minimums in the subject area.

Staff said the law applies to commercial and residential development but does not prevent developers from providing parking. "Developers can still provide as much or as little as they deem fit, based on market demand," Matt said. He also noted municipalities may continue to enforce parking maximums and may set bicycle-parking minimums; on-street parking and public lots are not affected by the change.

The staff proposal defines a subject area around the Geneva train station and recommends expanding that boundary to include the city's downtown corridors (Third Street, State Street and parcels across the river) so that parking regulations are consistent across the downtown. Staff displayed maps showing the half-mile radius around the train station and an expanded downtown boundary; staff said the furthest affected parcel in the proposed expansion, 327 East State, is about three-quarters of a mile from the station as the crow flies.

Commissioners asked staff how the change might affect parking supply in residential areas north of the tracks and at redevelopment opportunity sites east of the river. Matt said the city owns several public lots near the east-of-river corridor and that an aerial check of parking inventories (a 2021 count) suggested roughly 85 public spaces in that immediate area, but he characterized that figure as approximate. He also said most new projects in Geneva are redevelopments on small downtown parcels and that developers generally have an incentive to provide parking if market demand requires it.

Commissioner Miv Evans raised concerns about spillover into neighborhood streets if developers do not provide on-site parking. Commissioner Mike Slivka and Commissioner Adam Matiscale said expanding the boundary to capture the downtown corridors aligns with the state law's intent and helps avoid creating inconsistent standards across adjacent blocks. "I think I'm comfortable with what you guys have proposed," Slivka said.

Commissioner Mike Slivka moved to approve the zoning text amendments to section 11-2-2 (definitions) and section 11-11A-4 (DCM and DRSCM special provisions) to remove minimum off-street parking requirements; Commissioner Miv Evans seconded. The motion passed by roll call vote: Tim Moran — yes; Miv Evans — yes; Mike Slivka — yes; Rebecca Hollowman — yes; Adam Matiscale — yes (5–0).

Matt told the commission he expected the item to go to City Council and said staff would confirm whether it would appear on the May 4 council agenda. The commission closed the public hearing with no public testimony.

The commission concluded other business including reminders to file economic interest statements and announcements about a comprehensive-plan workshop on May 7 at Geneva High School and an APA training session on June 11.