Land Use Commission gives negative recommendation on 'major accessory uses' proposal

The Land Use Commission on Aug. 26 gave a negative recommendation to a city-initiated text amendment that would define and require a public hearing for "major accessory uses" (uses of 5,000 square feet or more). Commissioners expressed concern the 5,000-square-foot threshold was too low, could be applied unevenly, and would add a new layer of process for projects that the zoning administrator already can manage or that can be appealed to the commission.

Jeremiah Bebo, development services supervisor, told the commission the 5,000-square-foot figure was provided by the council referrals committee and that the amendment would require initial staff intake, legal publication, mailed notice within 500 feet and on-site signposting before a Land Use Commission public hearing. Commissioners questioned whether the proposal was a reaction to past cases (the Chicago Stars’ use of Martin Field was cited) and whether the appeal process and special-event permits already address many of the concerns the amendment seeks to fix.

A straw poll taken during deliberations showed six commissioners opposed and two in favor of spending time to craft changes; when the motion to recommend approval was moved, the commission voted 6— 2 not to recommend the amendment to council. Chair Puktel asked staff to document in the memo to council the existing procedures and the reasons the commission declined to recommend the proposal.