‘A load of garbage’: Barrington officials oppose zoning change bill

Barrington officials are concerned about proposed legislation they say could upend local zoning, crowd single-family neighborhoods with multifamily buildings and alter the character of the village.

During Monday’s village board meeting, they blasted House Bill 5626, otherwise known as the BUILD legislation, which officials said is not out of committee, but is moving at a quick pace.

“To say that this is concerning is an understatement,” Village President Mike Moran said. “This is an extremely dangerous bill. This is a load of garbage. It completely removes local control and moves it to Springfield.”

Director of Development Services Jennifer Tennant, who serves on the Northwest Municipal Conference’s housing committee, told trustees multifamily dwellings would be permitted by right in all residential zoning districts.

In addition, the bill would allow accessory dwelling units on any single-family lot, something prohibited by the village.

“This would totally change the character of our community,” Trustee Kate Duncan said.

The bill would also change local parking restrictions.

“We will no longer be able to enforce our parking regulations, and people will be forced to park on the streets of Barrington,” Moran said.

Several communities and regional municipal resource organizations are similarly opposing this bill.

Tennant said the bill would preempt home-rule powers, preventing communities from opting out.

She said the Northwest Municipal Conference opposes the bill, adding the agency is working on alternatives.