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West Chicago council affirms municipal control over zoning in response to state proposals
Summary
The council adopted Resolution 26R0046 expressing support for preserving local authority over housing, land use and zoning decisions after discussion about ADUs, residents’ ability to comment and the city's history with discriminatory housing practices.
The West Chicago City Council approved Resolution 26R0046 to express support for preserving municipal authority over housing, land‑use and zoning decisions in the face of proposed state legislation that council members said could preempt local control.
City staff explained the resolution is intended to preserve the city’s ability to make local zoning and permitting choices. "This resolution is a mechanism that our council can express a desire for municipalities to retain their own local voice in the development of our community," staff said during the presentation.
Council discussion touched on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and whether the city should proactively allow them by local code — Alderman Alcántar‑García said ADUs are currently not allowed in the city code and expressed interest in allowing them. Alderman Myers said he supports ADUs as a local policy but opposed state mandates that remove local discretion.
Mayor Jodi Bovey emphasized the resolution is not an "Anti‑Build Act" ordinance but a statement of preference for preserving local decision‑making. Alderman Morano and others also raised the historical context of exclusionary housing practices and said the resolution should be paired with continued attention to equitable housing outcomes.
The council voted by roll call to adopt the resolution; the motion passed with a unanimous recorded vote.
