Elmhurst Begins Membrane Structure Discussion

ELMHURST, IL — The city's Development, Planning and Zoning Committee met on May 14 to begin the initial review of the City Code regarding membrane structures on residential properties. The discussion is in part because of one Elmhurst resident's building of a hoop house.

Resident Nicole Virgil first built her hoop house as a way to extend the growing season for her crops. Opposition came about when neighbors complained to the city, and the city argued she must take her hoop house down.

According to the city, Elmhurst Building Code currently states, “Membrane Structures shall not be permitted.” It also states, “A mobile home and temporary tents and membrane structures shall not be permissible as an accessory building.”

A referral was made by two aldermen to the DPZ Committee to review the code regarding membrane structures, the city said. The referral was made after Virgil's case was brought to the attention of the City’s Code Inspectors. The structure commonly referred to as a “hoop house” was determined by the City to be in violation of code.

Committee Chairman, Michael Honquest outlined the city’s process to change code. After a referral is made to DPZ, the committee discusses the topic and decides whether or not a recommendation should be made to City Council to direct the Planning and Zoning Commission to review the code.

If the topic is put before the Planning and Zoning Commission, a public hearing is held, and the recommendation of the Commission is then sent back to the DPZ Committee for review. The Committee then presents their recommendation to City Council for final approval.

Committee Chairman, Ald. Michael Honquest, Vice Chair, Alderman Noel Tallutto, and Alderman Michael Mulliner requested that City Staff provide additional information on hoop houses, greenhouses, conservatories and any other means to extend the growing season. According to the city, staff was also asked to provide information on how other communities handle temporary membrane structures.

Mayor Morley emphasized how important it is for the DPZ Committee to explore all options of extending the growing season so that if the topic is put before the the Planning and Zoning Commission, the commission will have enough information to make a proper recommendation.

The DPZ Committee will continue this discussion on May 29 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

Image via City of Elmhurst.