Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Text Amendments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission recommends broad zoning text amendments covering design standards, accessory structures and driveway widths
Summary
The commission recommended forwarding Chapter 14 text amendments to the Village Board that adopt single‑family architectural diversity standards, prohibit stucco/EIFS on single‑family facades, revise accessory structure rules (200 sq ft cap for many structures), modestly increase detached garage size, allow driveway widths up to 30 ft (still 26 ft at property line), and convert some minor variations into administrative conditional uses.
The Planning & Zoning Commission voted to forward a package of text amendments to Chapter 14 of the Mount Prospect Village Code intended to implement strategic priorities on architectural diversity, homeowner flexibility and administrative process.
Staff framed the package as accomplishing two objectives: adopting single‑family architectural diversity (anti‑monotony) standards for new subdivisions and clarifying several accessory‑structure, driveway and administrative procedures. The draft language defines when two detached single‑family dwellings on adjacent or near lots are ‘‘similar in appearance’’ (three or more matching characteristics such as roof form, fenestration pattern or garage configuration) and establishes submission and approval requirements for model elevations and lot assignments so approved elevations will be binding on subsequent building permits.
Staff said the amendments cross‑refer existing prohibitions on stucco/EIFS for single‑family residential facades (maintaining the existing restriction) and more prominently locate that requirement in the zoning chapter. The accessory structure section would clarify that attached features can be treated as part of the principal structure, prohibit use of accessory structures as living quarters, and limit detached accessory buildings to 200 sq ft (a clearer, easier‑to‑understand standard). Detached garage area limits would modestly increase from 672 to 720 sq ft while maximum height would remain unchanged.
On driveways, staff proposed allowing up to 30 feet in width behind the sidewalk (the village would still require driveways to taper to 26 feet at the property line) to let homeowners legally park three vehicles side‑by‑side while preserving front yard and lot‑coverage limits designed to prevent front yards from becoming large paved aprons. Staff also proposed converting a range of existing minor variations and nonconformity relief into administrative conditional uses, changing the final‑authority matrix so the director would handle more routine administrative requests while the commission retains authority over certain conditional uses.
Commissioners asked about tree protection, green‑space requirements and the visual effect of wider driveways. Staff said parkway trees should be preserved when feasible, that lot‑coverage and front‑yard green‑space rules would limit wholesale conversion of front yards to pavement, and that circular driveways (already limited to large lots) were not part of this change. After discussion the commission moved, seconded and issued a positive recommendation to the Village Board.
