Elgin pans home review plan
In Elgin -- like most towns -- if you want to build a deck, you must show that it's level, structurally stable and not too close to your neighbor's house.
But what if the city told you what color and type of wood to use and that you needed to add a trellis to make it fit in with other homes?
That's a scenario some groups believe could be the case if Elgin leaders change the way buildings and other projects are reviewed.
In a nutshell, the city is considering a change that will mandate that building permits for all new construction, exterior remodeling and additions be reviewed for design, materials and other aspects to ensure they mesh well with the surrounding area or neighborhood.
Paul Colgan, executive officer of the Addison-based Attainable Housing Alliance, believes adding qualitative judgments gives the city too much power and infringes on property rights.
Colgan fears that one Elgin city staff member instead of a board or commission will be reviewing all new applications.
"It's a design czar," he said.
But Jerry Deering, Elgin's community development department director, said at least three staff members -- including an architect and an urban design specialist -- will review each plan.
"It's certainly not the city's intention to make things overly burdensome or unpredictable. Our priority would be the opposite. Quick, painless, predictable and creating a standard," he said. "The city's idea is not for us to be invasive. It's really more common sense than making sure everyone has a Taj Mahal."
Some areas that will be reviewed are landscaping, roof angles and building materials used. Monotony is discouraged.
The city's planning and development commission will review these changes at 7 p.m. July 7 at city hall, 150 Dexter Court.
If given the thumbs-up, the measure would travel next to the city council for final approval in late July or early August.
Deering said that since 2003 the city has been reviewing designs for properties along heavily traveled roads.
These changes, if approved, will extend that review to every project in the city.
He said the staff already reviews documents and drawings for projects that need a permit. This change would give staff members more weight if they disagree.
If the city staff rejects a plan, a property owner can appeal to the plan commission and city council.
"Our goal is to be very practical, very reasonable and quick. When there is a difference of opinion between the property owner and staff, get them to an appeal right away," Deering said.
The Illinois Association of Realtors also has concerns about the plan.
Sharon Gorrell, the group's government affairs director, noted the city already has extensive zoning laws in place.
"This simply seems like too much government," read part of a letter Gorrell sent to city leaders detailing the group's concerns. "As long as the property conforms to the building code, why does the city feel it necessary to micromanage every possible change a homeowner would like to make?"