Ordinance Review Committee
Regular MeetingArlington Heights, IL · May 26, 2021
Agenda
Agenda
Village of Arlington Heights
Ordinance Review Committee
Virtual Meeting
May 26, 2021
6:00 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting is being
held virtually which permits the public to fully participate via
their computers or using their phones.
To participate in the virtual meeting, please follow these
instructions: https://bit.ly/3eGitPN
Individuals who wish to comment or ask a question on an item
on the Agenda may either participate virtually or send an email
to the Village at benright@vah.com. Please limit emails to 200
words or less. To be shared at the meeting, the email must be
received by 3:00 p.m. on May 26, 2021.
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
IV. REPORTS
V. OLD BUSINESS
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Amendment to Chapter 28 Zoning Regulations and Chapter 29
Subdivision Control Regulations related to Arlington
International Racecourse
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
VIII.ADJOURNMENT
Persons with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services, such as an
American Sign Language interpreter or written materials in accessible
formats, should contact David Robb, Disability Services Coordinator, at 33 S.
Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois 60005, (847)368-5793
(Voice), (847)368-5980 (Fax) or drobb@vah.com.
Ordinance Review Committee
5/26/2021
Amendment to Chapter 28 Zoning Regulations and Chapter 29
Item: Subdivision Control Regulations related to Arlington International
Racecourse
Department: Planning & Community Development
Requested Action
An amendment to Chapter 28 Zoning Regulations to establish an Overlay Zoning
District at Arlington International Racecourse and an Amendment to Chapter 29
Subdivision Control Regulations relating to Arlington International Racecourse.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Ordinance Review Committee recommend to the Plan
Commission approval of the following:
a. An amendment to Chapter 28 Zoning Regulations creating an Overlay Zoning
District for Arlington International Racecourse.
b. An amendment to Chapter 29 Subdivision control regulations related to future
subdivision of Arlington International Racecourse.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Staff Memo Memorandum
Memorandum
To: Ordinance Review Committee
From: Bill Enright, Assistant Director Planning and Community Development
Date: May 21, 2021
Subject: Ordinance Review Committee Meeting: May 26, 2021 6:00 PM
Arlington International Racecourse Property - Overlay Zone
Background
Since the announcement of the pending closure and sale of the Arlington International
Racecourse property by Churchill Downs, research and identification of some initial steps to be
considered to set the stage for potential redevelopment, and/or putting future investors and
purchasers on notice of the Village’s desires for the property, has occurred.
On May 3, 2021 the Village Board adopted Resolution R2021-016 (see attached), directing the
Plan Commission to conduct a public hearing to consider recommendations to the Village
Board relating to an Overlay Zoning District for the 326 acre Arlington International
Racecourse. The first step in the process to amend Chapter 28 Zoning Regulations, and
Chapter 29 Subdivision Control Regulations, is a public meeting of the Ordinance Review
Committee, which is a subcommittee of the Plan Commission. If recommended by the
Ordinance Review Committee, the Plan Commission would then conduct a public hearing to
consider these amendments. The Plan Commission’s recommendation would then be
forwarded to the Village Board for consideration of approval. The proposed Overlay Zoning
District is included in this memo as Exhibit A, and the proposed Subdivision Control
Regulations amendment is also included as Exhibit B.
Chapter 28 Zoning Regulations: Overlay Zone
The primary purpose of the Overlay Zone is to require that the total racecourse site totaling
326 acres is developed as part of a comprehensive master plan, rather than subdivided into
smaller parcels for independent piecemeal development. In addition, the Overlay would
expressly prohibit certain uses that are not conducive to the type of development the Village
wants to see at this important site. A second phase to be considered at a later date to be
determined, would expand upon the Overlay Zone to develop zoning bulk standards for
height, density, building setbacks, floor area, among other zoning requirements. This phase in
the process would take into consideration potential future uses of the site and development
concepts. It is important to recognize that the proposed Overlay Zone does not preclude the
horse racing track from remaining and continuing to operate under current or new ownership.
Current Zoning and Comprehensive Plan
The racecourse property is currently zoned B-3 General Service, Wholesale, and Motor Vehicle
District, and designated as Mixed Use on the Village’s Comprehensive Plan. The B-3 district
permits uses such as motor vehicle sales and repair, wholesale sales, retail and service uses,
among others. Certain current permitted uses and the current zoning bulk standards are not
conducive to a mixed use, high quality one of a kind type redevelopment opportunity that the
racetrack presents. Therefore as first step, the proposed overlay zone would address some of
these issues and prohibit certain uses that would normally be allowed in the B-3 zoning district.
As mentioned, subdivision would only be allowed as part of a master planned Planned Unit
Development, which requires the public hearing process and Village Board approval.
Proposed Overlay Zone
The Overlay Zone proposed is outlined below as Exhibit A. New verbiage to be considered is
underlined in bold face. Its important to note that the overlay zone supplements the current
underlining zoning, and where differences exist, the overlay zone supersedes the underlying
zoning. The overlay zone addresses the following:
General Purpose. This section describes the general purpose of the overlay zone.
Conditions of Use:
a. Requirement for a Planned Unit Development;
b. Prohibited Uses;
c. Preservation and inclusion of natural site features and development of Transit Oriented
Development (TOD) within 1,300 lineal feet of the existing Metra train station.
d. Requirement that the division of land shall only be permitted as part of a master
planned development.
e. That impact fees and land dedication for public services will be required as part of the
Planned Unit Development.
f. Requirement that sustainable development features are provided including bicycle
access.
Regarding section ‘c’ above, the overlay encourages Transit Oriented Development near the
Metra station, which could include higher density residential, mixed use development.
Allowing for a mix of uses such as residential and commercial within walking distance of the
train station will provide an opportunity for future development unique to the area that could
compliment the remainder of the racecourse site including if the racetrack is preserved and
remains operational.
Below is the proposed overlay zone:
Exhibit A
Proposed Overlay Zoning District: Arlington International Racecourse
Chapter 28 Zoning. Section 5.1-22 Overlay Zoning District - Arlington International
Racecourse Property
The purpose of the overlay zoning district is to implement redevelopment of the Arlington
International Racecourse property by establishing guidelines specific to the property, which
consists of approximately 326 acres. The following conditions of use shall supplement the
underlying zoning of the area, but supersede the underlying zoning where different. The intent
of these regulations is to promote mixed use redevelopment of the property in a master
planned and coordinated manner. Map A in this section illustrates the boundaries of this
Overlay Zone.
Section 5.1-22.1 – Conditions of Use:
a. To create a unique regional “one of a kind” redevelopment to be master planned in
a unified manner. A Planned Unit Development (PUD) is required. The existing
racetrack may continue as a permitted use.
b. Prohibited Uses:
Adult Business;
Agricultural Implement Sales and Service;
Antenna Commercial;
Antenna Non Commerical;
Auto Car Wash;
Auto Service Station;
Building Material Sales;
Contractor Office & Design Showroom;
Currency Exchanges;
Electrical Equipment Sales;
Fairgrounds Kiddie Parks;
Funeral Parlor, Mortuary;
Laundry Dry Cleaning up to 5,000 sf;
Machinery Sales and Service;
Monuments Sales;
Motor Vehicle Repair Major and Minor;
Pawn Shop Cash Converter;
Recreational Vehicles and Boats, Sales/Supplies;
Repair, Minor
Secondhand Store;
Sign Painting Shop;
Tool and Die Shop;
Wholesale Offices (including warehouses and storerooms);
c. Development shall include preservation of natural site features such as Salt Creek linear
park along with creating a central park amenity. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and
uses are encouraged within 1,300 lineal feet of the Metra Train Station and re-use and
preservation of landmark site elements should be considered.
d. The division of land per Chapter 29 shall only be permitted as part of approval of a
master Planned Unit Development for the entire property. Exempt subdivisions per 29-104
(c) are prohibited.
e. Impact fees, land dedication, extension and provision of utilities and accommodation of
services for the property shall be provided for in a master Planned Unit Development
application.
f. Development should include sustainable development features such as but not limited
to, permeable pavers, green rooftops, energy efficient building design, electric vehicle
charging stations, bioswales, solar energy, bicycle access.
Map A – Arlington International Racecourse Overlay Zone Boundary
(next page)
Arlington International Racecourse Overlay Zone
NO
RTH
WEST
HW
Y.
WILKE RD.
ROHLWING RD.
EUCLID AVE.
Proposed Amendment to Chapter 29 - Subdivision Control Regulations
In addition to the proposed Overly Zone, it is recommended that the subdivision control
regulations are amended to require that subdivision of the racecourse property only be
permitted as part of approval of a master planned Planned Unit Development. This will prevent
the piecemeal subdivision of the site, which could result in more haphazard redevelopment of
the 326 acre site.
Therefore, the following amendment is proposed to Chapter 29 - Subdivision Control
Regulations:
Exhibit B
Proposed Amendment to Chapter 29 Subdivision Control Regulations
Section 29-104 Scope of Regulations
d. Arlington International Racecourse Property: The division of any of the 326-acre Arlington
International Racecourse property shall only be permitted as part of approval of a master
Planned Unit Development for the entire property. Exempt subdivisions per 29-104 (c) are
prohibited.
Summary
The recommended amendments to Chapter 28 and Chapter 29 of the Municipal Code are
initial, important steps in guiding possible future development at Arlington International
Racecourse, and would not preclude the track from operating as a horse racing facility in the
future. However, if additional development or redevelopment of the 326 acre site is proposed,
the Village will be better prepared with these amendments to ensure that the property is
developed in a master planned, high quality development benefitting the Village and region.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Ordinance Review Committee recommend to the Plan Commission
approval of the following:
a. An amendment to Chapter 28 Zoning Regulations creating an Overlay Zoning District for
Arlington International Racecourse.
b. An amendment to Chapter 29 Subdivision control regulations related to future subdivision
of Arlington International Racecourse
c: Randy Recklaus, Village Manager
Charles Witherington Perkins, Director Planning and Community Development
Hart Passman, Village Legal Counsel
VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
RESOLUTION NO. 0 D I( 0
A RESOLUTION REGARDING ZONING REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO THE ARLINGTON INTERNATIONAL RACECOURSE PROPERTY
WHEREAS, Arlington Park Racecourse is located on 326 acres of property located generally in
that portion of the Village bounded by Wilke Road on the east, Euclid Avenue on the south, the Salt Creek
and Rohlwing Road on the west, and the Union Pacific railroad right- of-way on the north, all as depicted
in Exhibit A to this Resolution(" Racecourse Property"); and
WHEREAS, Arlington Park Racecourse has hosted horse racing since 1927, and is among the most
famous horse racing facilities around the world; and
WHEREAS, the owner of the Racecourse Property has publicly stated that it intends to close
Arlington Park Racecourse after the 2021 racing season, and to sell the Racecourse Property; and
WHEREAS, the Racecourse Property is currently located within the B- 3 General Service,
Wholesale and Motor Vehicle District of the Village(` B-3 District"); and
WHEREAS, Section 5. 1- 12 of" The 2002 Comprehensive Amendment of the Zoning Ordinance
of the Village of Arlington. Heights," as amended(" Zoning Ordinance"), provides that the B- 3 District is
intended" primarily for motor vehicle oriented uses, wholesale/ retail and service establishments"; and
WHEREAS, the Village has determined that the existing regulations of the B- 3 District may not be
appropriate for the future redevelopment or re- use of the Racecourse Property; and
WHEREAS, the Village President and Board of Trustees desire that the Racecourse Property be
zoned and regulated so as to encourage and facilitate the development and use of the Racecourse Property
in a manner that reflects the historic importance and value of the Racecourse Property to the Village,
promotes the Village' s tax base, complements existing and potential development in the surrounding
neighborhoods and the Village as a whole, and protects the public health, safety, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the President and Board of Trustees have determined that it is in the best interest of
the Village and its residents. to direct the Village' s Plan Commission to evaluate the current zoning and
subdivision regulations applicable to the Racecourse Property, and to recommend to the Board of Trustees
whether to adopt any amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, the official Zoning Map of the Village, and the
Village' s subdivision control regulations in order to ensure proper and appropriate redevelopment or re- use
of the Racecourse Property, which amendments may include, without limitation, the establishment of an
overlay zoning district with specific use and bulk regulations applicable to the Racecourse Property, the
prohibition ofcertain uses of the Racecourse Property, and the prohibition of subdivision of the Racecourse
Property;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OF THE VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, as follows:
SECTION 1: RECITALS. The facts and statements contained in the preamble to this Resolution
are found to be true and correct and are hereby adopted as part of this Resolution.
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SECTION 2: DIRECTION TO PLAN COMMISSION; NOTICE TO PUBLIC. The Plan
Commission is hereby directed to hold a public hearing concerning possible amendments to the Zoning
Ordinance, the official Zoning Map of the Village, and the Village' s subdivision control regulations in order
to ensure proper and appropriate redevelopment or re- use of the Racecourse Property, which amendments
may include, without limitation:
A. The establishment of an overlay zoning district with specific use and bulk regulations
applicable to the Racecourse Property;
B. The prohibition on any portion of the Racecourse Property of those specific uses set forth
in Exhibit B to this Resolution, all of which are otherwise permitted in the B- 3 District;
and
C. The prohibition of any subdivision of the Racecourse Property except as part of a master
planned unit development for the entire Racecourse Property.
The notice of such hearing must be given as required by law within 90 days after the effective date of this
Resolution. The public is to be deemed to have notice that the Village is considering Zoning Code, Zoning
Map, and subdivision amendments regarding the Racecourse Property as of the effective date of this
Resolution.
SECTION 3: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution will be in full force and effect upon its
passage and approval as provided by law.
AYES: LABEDZ, TINGALU, TA,
SCALET— GFASSE,, rANTY, BAI.,DTY10, BERTUCCI,
aCHWINGBECK, HAYES
NAYS: B;!) jjr
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 3rd day of May, 2021
Village President
ATTEST:
Village Clerk
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EXHIBIT A The Village
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EXHIBIT B
LIST OF PROPOSED PROHIBITED USES OF RACECOURSE PROPERTY
Adult Business;
Agricultural Implement Sales and Service;
Antenna Commercial;
Antenna Non Commercial;
Auto Car Wash;
Auto Service Station;
Building Material Sales;
Contractor Office & Design Showroom;
Currency Exchanges;
Electrical Equipment Sales;
Fairgrounds Kiddie Parks;
Funeral Parlor, Mortuary;
Laundry Dry Cleaning up to 5, 000 sf,
Machinery Sales and Service;
Monuments Sales;
Motor Vehicle Repair Major and Minor;
Pawn Shop Cash Converter;
Recreational Vehicles and Boats, Sales/ Supplies;
Repair, Minor
Secondhand Store;
Sign Painting Shop;
Tool and Die Shop;
Wholesale Offices ( including warehouses and storerooms);
00119861. 1}