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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 08/14/2003 - Planning and Zoning CommissionMinutes of the City of McHenry PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION August 14, 2003 The August 14, 2003 Meeting of the City of McHenry Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman Howell at 7:30 p.m. in the McHenry Municipal Center Council Chambers. Commission members in attendance: Buhrman, Cadotte, Ekstrom, Howell, Nadeau, Thacker. Absent: Franzen. Staff in attendance: None. Discussion Regarding Aesthetics In response to a memo received from Director of Community Development Napolitano, it was agreed the Aesthetics Committee Discussions will be placed at the end of the agenda for all commission meetings. If time does not permit, the Aesthetics Committee Discussion will be canceled for that evening. 1.Community Aesthetics Sub-committee comprised of Chairman Franzen, Buhrman, and Ekstrom. Space/Community Design, Vehicle Management and Landscape Design/Mgt • First priority – concentrate on existing ordinances and codes. Clarification of enforcement policies is needed. Would prefer to have Code Compliance Inspectors provided with authority to ticket code violators. • Parking of boats and recreational vehicles was discussed at length. A recommendation regarding parking of these vehicles will be forthcoming. • Discussion also occurred regarding developing all future subdivision/redevelopment under PUD guidelines to encourage clustering, preservation of open space, etc. • Provide for pedestrian-friendly shopping centers – include sidewalks, walkways, etc. • Encourage more underground electrical service in an effort to improve streetscape and prevent loss of mature trees. 2. Management and Enforcement comprised of Chairman Cadotte and Thacker. Enforcement/Compliance and Aesthetic Management • Primary focus first on enforcement of existing ordinances. • Ordinances should be more strictly enforced by either Code Compliance Inspectors or Police Officers. • Code Compliance Inspectors and Chief of Police O’Meara will be invited to attend an upcoming meeting to discuss how division of enforcement will take place. • Additionally, there is a need to assess implementation issues for those responsible for enforcement. • It was suggested the enforcement personnel ( i.e. Chief O’Meara and Code Compliance Inspectors) attend the August 21st regularly scheduled meeting. 3. Architectural Aesthetics comprised of Chairman Howell and Nadeau. Signage and Architectural Design • Encourage continuity of sign colors between sign and building exterior. • Multi-tenant business signage should maintain continuity in color and style. • Signage should be permitted on rear of business buildings in outlots. Signage should be consistent from store to store – small but easily identifiable. • Encourage design continuity in designated theme areas of City, i.e. Riverwalk, Historical District. • Signage in designated theme areas should be of comparable size, color and background as existing signs • Limit pylon signs to multi-business areas only. Monument signs should be required for all single-business buildings. Landscaping around all signs should be meticulously maintained. • Homemade temporary signs should not be permitted • Temporary signs should be permitted for a period not-to-exceed 90 days. • Monument sign landscaping should not interfere with sign illumination. • Sightlines should not be obscured by location of monument signs or landscaping. Page 2 P&Z Commission 8/14/03 • Motion or dynamic lighting should require special permit. This type of lighting should be discouraged. • Explore inclusion of 1.5-mile radius outside City limits in signage regulations. • Offer tax credits to businesses requesting assistance in design and/or rehabbing building facades. • Create color code. Establish standard of certain colors, earth tones, pastels, primary, that are permissible. • Corporate franchises should follow same color schemes as set by corporate. • Bright colors not acceptable • Colors should blend with adjacent building exteriors. • Impose limit on front-loading garages • Garage shall comprise no more than 30% of front lineal footage of single family home • Garage shall comprise no more than 50% of front lineal footage of multi-family buildings • Additionally, in multi-family –buildings, garages must be setback lat least 3’ from front building line • Building remodeling or additions should be harmonious with adjacent structures. Respectfully submitted, _________________________________ Kathleen M. Kunzer, Deputy Clerk Planning and Zoning Commission C: Mayor, Aldermen, City Administrator, City Clerk, City Attorney, City Planner, City Engineers, Applicants, Landmark Commission Chairman, Chicago Tribune, Northwest Herald, Aldermen Conference Room, File Copy.