City Council Planning Sessions

Monday, October 23, 2023 I. Call to Order The Wheaton City Council Planning Session was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Barbier following the conclusion of a public hearing. The following were: Physically Present: Mayor Pro Tem Barbier Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilman Brown Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Present Electronically: Mayor Suess Absent: Councilman Clousing City Staff Present: Michael G. Dzugan, City Manager John M. Duguay, Assistant City Manager Thomas Corrigan, Director of Building and Code Enforcement Dawn Didier, City Attorney James Kozik, Director of Planning & Economic Development Halie Cardinal, Public Relations Coordinator II. Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem Councilwoman Robbins moved and Councilman Weller seconded that Councilman Barbier be appointed Mayor Pro Tem for the evening's meeting. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilman Barbier Councilwoman Bray Parker Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Nays: None Absent: Councilman Clousing Motion Carried Unanimously III. Approval of Planning Session Minutes – October, 9 2023 The City Council approved the October, 9 2023 City Council Planning Session Minutes.  Monday, October 23, 2023 CITY COUNCIL PLANNING SESSION MINUTES IV. Recommended Changes to the Demolition Ordinance City Manager Dzugan stated that staff is recommending revisions to the demolition provisions within the City Code. From the late 1980s through the early 2000s, there were multiple amendments to the demolition ordinance. At that time, the City was using these demolition regulations as a tool to accomplish objectives such as historic preservation, maintaining attainable housing, and maintaining existing neighborhood character. After the targeted amendments to the demolition ordinance were made, it became clear the regulations were not effective in carrying out these objectives. Director of Building and Code Enforcement Corrigan reviewed City staff’s proposed revisions that aim to streamline the demolition process. First, staff recommends eliminating two 30-day waiting periods, which would reduce extended site inactivity. Staff also proposes eliminating the developer-hosted on-site informational meeting. Instead, neighboring property owners would receive an informational flyer regarding the project. Another recommended change is eliminating the annual demolition contractor meeting with City staff; instead, staff would provide an informational handout to developers when they apply for a permit. Finally, staff is proposing requiring that demolition site debris be taken to a recycling facility to salvage recyclable materials. This recommendation aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan initiative of Environmental Sustainability. In response to a Council question, Director of Building and Code Enforcement Corrigan stated that the fees associated with sending debris to landfills are more costly than sending debris to the recycling center located in West Chicago. In response to a Council question, Director of Building and Code Enforcement Corrigan stated that City staff intend to implement a requirement that developers provide documentation verifying debris was transported to the recycling facility. Director of Building and Code Enforcement Corrigan answered a Council question by stating that City staff conduct a pre-demolition site inspection prior to issuing a permit. With the new procedures, property owners near demolition sites would be notified approximately 3 weeks prior to work. In response to a Council question, Director of Building and Code Enforcement Corrigan stated that the process for signage notification on the demolition sites remains the same. The signage is posted on-site by the City at least 2 to 3 weeks prior to the start of work. To answer a Council question about the amount of time it takes before demolition can begin, Director of Building and Code Enforcement Corrigan stated that it is approximately 3 to 4 weeks from the date of the demolition application to the actual start of demolition. V. Recommended Changes to the Fence Ordinance Assistant City Manager Duguay stated that City staff has been working on revising the current fence ordinance and how to explain the parameters to residents in an understandable way. Currently, the City uses the Zoning Ordinance’s definition of “front yard,” which is the shortest lot line of a parcel. This method typically works well for homes in the middle of a block. However, corner lot fences have proven difficult to manage with the current ordinance. Director of Building and Code Enforcement Corrigan reviewed several proposed changes to the fence ordinance.  Monday, October 23, 2023 CITY COUNCIL PLANNING SESSION MINUTES To simplify and clarify the process and allow for fence placement to be aligned with the design of the home, the proposed changes would redefine the yard where the front door of the home is situated will be deemed the “front yard” for fence placement only. In addition, to eliminate a conflict between the fence ordinance and the adopted swimming pool barrier requirements, staff is recommending changing corner side yard requirements from a 3-foot fence to a 4- foot tall fence. This would bring the fence ordinance in compliance with the swimming pool barrier requirement, which requires a minimum 4-foot tall fence. To enhance safety, City staff also recommends adjusting the parameters that allow for 6-foot fences in corner side yards along high-volume streets to only allow a 4-foot decorative fence adjacent to driveways and alleyways. Finally, City staff recommends creating requirements for structural pillars in fence lines. The current fence ordinance does not address structural pillars, which has caused issues with City staff determining if proposals are allowed. In response to a Council question, Director of Building and Code Enforcement Corrigan stated that for a typical interior lot, a 6-foot fence would be allowed in a side yard up until it reaches the front face of a home along the street side. For a corner lot, the front face on both sides would be allowed to have a 6-foot fence. City Attorney Didier added that residents cannot build a 6-foot fence in the front yard. Director of Building and Code Enforcement Corrigan stated that City staff intends to provide drawings which illustrate the changes to the fence ordinance. In response to a Council question, Director of Building and Code Enforcement Corrigan stated that these proposed guidelines for structural pillars will standardize enforcement by clearly defining the allowed dimensions and requirements. Another intention regarding the guidelines for structural pillars is to minimize intrusive lighting and prevent lighting from extending beyond the adjacent fence. The pillars must comply with the required fence height for their location on the lot. City Manager Dzugan stated that City staff will review the recommended fence ordinance changes to further clarify and define the rules and regulations, especially in regard to structural pillars, and the proposed ordinance would come before the Council for their formal review. VI. Public Comment There were no public comments. VII. City Council/Staff Comments There were no Council comments. VIII. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:44 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Halie Cardinal