Delavan and Darian officials outline extraterritorial zoning process, set April 9 landowner meeting

Delavan city staff and Town of Darian officials met in an informational session to explain how the city’s proposed extraterritorial zoning (ETZ) would operate, to set a public-outreach schedule and to clarify how routine permits would be handled during the interim freeze.

Nick Griffin, the city administrator, told the joint committee that “ETZ lets a city apply zoning controls in adjacent unincorporated fringe area to manage growth and avoid incompatible land uses.” He said the process uses an ETZ map and zoning regulations and requires a three-and-three joint committee — three members appointed by the city and three by the town — to recommend any ordinance to the city council. Griffin outlined a proposed calendar: April (notice to ETZ landowners and a public forum), May (joint-committee work session), June (draft map and public information meeting), and July (public hearing and committee recommendation, followed by city council consideration).

Town members raised concerns that the proposed schedule could “freeze” routine development and delay residents who are seeking lot-line adjustments, sheds or similar permits. A town representative said several residents have recently been told they could not proceed and asked whether the committee could meet more frequently to avoid harming residents who have already purchased materials or planned work.

City attorney Steve Cook and town counsel (James) responded that lot-line adjustments are not zoning actions and therefore may proceed. Cook said, “If it's not a zoning issue, then there is not a threes in place. If it's just a, you know, putting a building up, all need is the building permit.” The committee agreed the town may continue to issue building permits where no zoning change is required and the city will perform zoning compliance checks as appropriate.

Committee members also agreed on clerk-to-clerk notification and point persons for follow-up. Marilyn Larson will serve as the town contact; Andrea White will serve as the city contact; Nick Griffin will coordinate staff responses for zoning questions.

The committee confirmed the April 9 meeting at 6 p.m. (held on a Thursday this cycle because of election scheduling) to provide landowners in the ETZ area an opportunity to comment and propose preferences for future zoning of their properties. The meeting packet and a draft notice will be circulated between clerks before publication.

A motion to adjourn was made and seconded; the chair closed the meeting after a voice vote.