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Board grants First United Methodist Church reduced setback, parking variances for reconstructed lot
Summary
The Village Board approved zoning variations allowing First United Methodist Church to rebuild a deteriorating parking lot with reduced setback and fewer parking spaces, relying on petitioner's parking studies and Plan Commission recommendation; the vote was unanimous.
The Arlington Heights Village Board unanimously approved zoning relief on May 4 allowing First United Methodist Church, 1903 Euclid Ave., to rebuild a failing parking lot with added landscaping, wheel stops in lieu of curbs in limited areas, and a reduced parking count.
Dan Buntli, a church trustee, said the project replaces a worn parking surface and adds green space, prairie plantings and a row of evergreens to buffer adjacent back yards. The church asked for three variations: a west setback of 30.5 feet instead of the zoning requirement of 43.2 feet (noting it increases the existing asphalt setback), wheel stops rather than curbing in two small areas, and a reduction of required parking from 320 to 235 spaces.
The petitioner presented two parking studies, including a yearlong count of every Sunday service and maximum counts for special events. The studies showed average Sunday attendance generally in the 110–150 vehicles range and peak holiday services reaching about 225 cars, which the petitioner said supports the proposed 235 stalls. “During this study we had 230 spaces full on Easter — that’s below the proposed 235,” the petitioner said.
Planning staff summarized the Plan Commission's recommendation for approval subject to conditions, including grading the new setback toward the existing detention pond to manage stormwater and standard compliance language. Trustees asked technical questions about parking layout and curb versus wheel stops; staff and the petitioner explained engineering and stormwater rationale.
Trustee La Bedz moved to approve the ordinance granting the requested zoning variations with the Plan Commission conditions; Trustee Zyck seconded. The board voted unanimously in favor.
The church said it had secured signatures from the six directly adjacent neighbors west of the site in support of the green‑space additions. The approved variances allow the church to proceed with reconstruction subject to the listed conditions and permitting.
