Village: "Zoning Ordinance Re-Write Underway"

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In 2009, the Village convened the Ad Hoc Zoning Ordinance Review Committee to direct and oversee the research and ordinance drafting work of the project consultant, Camiros LLC of Chicago. The Committee most recently has focused on the R1 single family zoning requirements. The Committee is reviewing a proposal to create up to nine R1 subdistricts out of the current R1 district. Creating additional residential subdistricts would allow for the development standards, such as setbacks, floor area, and height, to be tailored to reflect the predominant features in a subdistrict. This proposal addresses two major goals of any substantial zoning ordinance change: to make it easier for existing homes to meet the regulations and therefore reduce the need for variations and to encourage retention of existing homes and to encourage new construction to match the character of the neighborhood.

Earlier:

The Village staff will be holding five open houses for residents to learn about the proposal for their neighborhood and to ask questions and provide feedback. Each open house will feature a different neighborhood. The map identifies the proposed subdistricts and the date for the open house associated with that area.  While each open house will focus on a specific area, all open houses are open to all residents. 

Each open house will start with a brief presentation about the zoning ordinance project and the proposed changes for the subdistrict that is the subject of the open house. Attendees will then have a chance to review the available materials and discuss the proposal with staff

Some subdistricts will see very few changes from the current ordinance. Other districts will see more changes.  The intention, however, is to maintain approximately the same allowable floor area as currently exists.

Each proposed subdistrict has a lot coverage and floor area formula with applicable bonuses tailored to the predominant housing style.  Two districts are proposed with minor changes to the setback requirements. Three districts are proposed with a minor reduction in the maximum building height and four districts are proposed with a reduction in first floor height.  The porch floor area bonus is proposed to be modified so that it applies to a wider variety of porch styles and the garage floor area bonus is proposed to be increased for all single family districts. The proposed changes do not modify the R zoning district, however a rezoning to R1 is proposed for properties on Indianwood Road, Virginia Lane, the 2900-3000 block of Iroquois Road, the 3000 block of Country Lane, and the east side of the 1000-1100 block of Hibbard Road.

To learn more about the zoning ordinance update project and to view materials related to the proposed R1 changes, visit the project web site at www.wilmette.com/departments/communitydevelopment/zoningordreview.aspx.

You may also contact Lisa Roberts at (847) 853-7529 or at robertsl@wilmette.com for more information.

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