Elmhurst May Reverse Hoop House Resistance

ELMHURST, IL — The Elmhurst City Council, where a majority has opposed allowing larger garden tents near houses, may change its position.

Last month, a 6-1 majority of the city's Zoning and Planning Commission voted to recommend allowing tents that are 121 to 400 square feet. Such tents would need building permits and approval of a licensed engineer or architect. They could be up for six months a year.

This policy would apply to all tents. But the burning issue in Elmhurst is those for gardens. Many residents have opposed the city's hard-line stance against garden tents, also known as hoop houses.

Fairview Avenue resident Dan and Nicole Virgil have led the local movement against the hoop house ban.

On Monday, the City Council's Development, Planning and Zoning Committee discussed the commission's recommendation. Members had a lengthy discussion about whether pre-engineered tents from stores would meet the standard of a licensed engineer's approval.

The committee made no decisions. Its chairwoman, Dannee Polomsky, said the panel would revisit the issue later.

The full City Council would make the final decision.

In February 2019, a split City Council voted to continue the city's ban on hoop houses, with then-Mayor Steve Morley breaking a tie.

Supporters of such tents say they are crucial for growing food in the winter.