Elmhurst Hoop House Debate Returning?

ELMHURST, IL — Some Elmhurst residents want another round in the debate over whether to allow larger, temporary greenhouses known as hoop houses in town. In February 2019, the mayor broke a tie in favor of barring larger hoop houses — otherwise known as membrane structures.

In early July, the council received more than three dozen comments about hoop houses. Most wanted to revive the discussion, while a few contended the council handled the matter fairly before and opposed bringing it up again.

In 2015, the long-running dispute began when Dan and Nicole Virgil, who live on Fairview Avenue, put up a plastic-covered hoop house in their backyard. It was intended to extend their growing season.

In last month's written comments, many argued the Virgils were treated unfairly, contending the city applied its code for permanent structures to temporary ones. Their structure was limited to 6 feet in height.

The residents also touted the importance of people growing their own food, especially during the pandemic. Elmhurst is not alone in such disputes. A Darien family that got chickens at the beginning of the pandemic has ignited a local debate over whether to allow chicken coops.

In her written comments to the Elmhurst council, resident Jennifer Eckstein said, "The government cannot be selective in applying rules because a few people are concerned about aesthetics. Moreover, as we continue to distance ourselves during this pandemic, self-sustaining gardens feed a family and protect us all by limiting exposure in stores."

Others submitted comments defending the city's decisions on hoop houses. Resident Bill Sanders said the issue underwent "extensive vetting" in Elmhurst.

"If the matter is relitigated, there will once again be those who are opposed to hoop houses attending the meetings prepared to speak," he said in his comments. "Unfortunately, the points raised will be the same as they have been raised before and a great amount of time will be consumed hearing the same people speak again and again."

But another resident, Elizabeth White, said membrane structures such as tents and gazebos can be seen around town.

"Clearly the community wants them to be permissible and possibly not aware of the ban on 'membrane structures,'" she said in written comments.

Earlier this year, residents pointed to a membrane structure in the 300 block of South Prospect Avenue. In a letter that Patch obtained through a public records request, the city informed the homeowner in May that the 2014 permit for the structure was issued in error. In a letter the next month, the city said it would allow the structure to remain for the rest of the 2020 season. It asked the resident to come into compliance by January.

In written comments to the council earlier this month, citizen watchdog Edgar Pal praised the city for its handling of the Prospect structure.

"This helps ensure equal and fair application of the law, regardless of one's position in the community," he said.

Aldermen have not publicly responded to calls for reconsidering its decision on hoop houses.

In the February 2019 vote, the council split 7-7 on whether to allow larger hoop houses. Mayor Steve Morley broke the tie against them.

For the larger hoop houses were Bob Dunn, Dannee Polomsky, Michael Bram, Noel Talluto, Kevin York, Scott Levin and Tina Park. Against were Mark Mulliner, Mike Brennan, Mark Sabatino, Marti Deuter, Norm Leader, Michael Honquest and Jim Kennedy.