Council Minutes 08-21-23CALL TO
ORDER
ROLL CALL
CLOSED SESSION
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS HELD IN THE ELEANOR ROHRBACH
MEMORIAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, DES PLAINES CIVIC CENTER, MONDAY,
AUGUST 21, 2023
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Des Plaines, Illinois, was called to
order by Mayor Goczkowski at 6:01 p.m. in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council
Chambers, Des Plaines Civic Center on Monday, August 21, 2023.
Roll call indicated the following Aldermen present: Moylan, Oskerka, ·Say ad, Brookman,
Walsten, Smith, Charewicz. Absent: Lysakowski. A quorum was present.
Moved by Sayad, seconded by Brookman, to convene into Closed Session under the
following sections of the Open Meetings Act -Probable or Imminent Litigation, Personnel,
Sale of Property, Purchase or Lease of Property, and Litigation.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
A YES: 7 -Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 -None
ABSENT: 1 -Lysakowski
Motion declared unanimously carried.
The City Council recessed at 6:01 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 7 :04 p.m.
Roll call indicated the following Alderman present: Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Brookman,
Walsten, Smith, Charewicz. Absent: Lysakowski. A quorum was present.
Also present were: City Manager Bartholomew, Assistant City Manager/Director of Finance Wisniewski,
Director of Public Works and Engineering Oakley, Director of Community and Economic Development Carlisle,
Fire Chief Anderson, Police Chief Anderson, and General Counsel Friedman.
PRAYER AND
PLEDGE
PUBLIC COMMENT
ALDERMAN
COMMENTS
The prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America were
offered by Alderman Walsten.
Resident Phil Schloss, a recently retired Public Works employee, expressed concern over the
high number of water main breaks and personnel reporting issues.
Alderman Sayad enjoyed the Food Truck event at the Des Plaines Library and expressed
appreciation to the Public Works department for their assistance at Terrace Elementary
School. The next fourth ward meeting will be in October.
Alderman Walsten inquired as to when Northwest Mosquito Abatement will be spraying in
the city and where the revenue from Rivers Casino is being utilized. Director of Public
Works and Engineering Oakley will report back to the City Council with a date from
Northwest Mosquito Abatement. City Manager Bartholomew explained that the funds
received from Rivers Casino was used to pay off debt, install a new pipeline, and flooding.
Now the focus may need to be on the watermains.
Alderman Charewicz expressed his appreciation to the Media department for their work on
the Food Truck event. Alderman Charewicz announced that Fall Fest is September 15-17 at
Lake Park and that subsidized rain barrels available at MWRD.org/rain-barrels. The next
eighth ward meeting will be on October 3, 7:00 p.m., at Friendship Park Conservatory.
MAYORAL
ANNOUCEMENTS
CONSENT AGENDA
APPROVE
PURCHASE/
THERMAL IMAGING
CAMERAS/DINGES
FIRE COMPANY
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-142-23
APPROVE
PURCHASE/LAPTOPS
POLICE
DEPARTMENT
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-149-23
APPROVE AUDIO-
VISUAL
TECHNOLOGY/AVI
SYSTEMS
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-150-23
Page 2of10 8/21/2023
Mayor Goczkowski thanked all who were involved in putting together the Food Truck Round
Up event; it was a very enjoyable.
Alderman Walsten requested Item # 6 to be removed from the Consent Agenda.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Smith, to Establish the Consent Agenda without Item #6.
Upon voice vote, the vote was:
A YES: 7 -Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 -None
ABSENT: 1 -Lysakowski
Motion declared earned.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Walsten, to Approve the Consent Agenda without Item
#6.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
A YES: 7 -Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, W alsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 -None
ABSENT: 1 -Lysakowski
Motion declared earned.
Minutes were approved; Resolutions R-142-23, R-149-23, R-150-23, R-151-23, R-152-23,
R-156-23, Ordinances Z-17-23, Z-20-23, Z-21-23-Z-22-23.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-142-23, A
RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING THE PURCHASE OF BULLARD QXT THERMAL
IMAGING CAMERAS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BY THE FOREIGN FIRE
INSURANCE BOARD. Motion declared earned as approved unanimously under Consent
Agenda.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-149-23, A
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF 18 DELL LAPTOPS FOR THE
POLICE DEPARTMENT. Motion declared earned as approved unanimously under Consent
Agenda.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-150-23, A
RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH A VI SYSTEMS, INC. FOR
AUDIONISUAL EQUIPMENT PROCUREMENT AND INSTALLATION. Motion
declared earned as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
APPROVE
AGMT/MECROSOFT
OFFICE365/
SPEED LINK
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-151-23
AWARD BID/
SIDEWALK SNOW
REMOVAL/SNOW
SYSTEMS
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-152-23
AW ARD BID/ TREE
MAINTENANCE/
LANDSCAPE
CONCEPTS
MANAGEMENT
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-153-23
APPROVE
VOLUNTARY
SEPARATION AGMT
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-156-23
SECOND READING -
ORD Z-17-23
Consent Agenda
SECOND READING -
ORD Z-20-23
Consent Agenda
Page 3of10 8/21/2023
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-151-23, A
RESOLUTION APPROVING SECOND ANNUAL PAYMENT TO SPEED LINK
SOLUTIONS INC. FOR THE PURCHASE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF
BARRACUDA 0365 EMAIL PROTECTION. Motion declared carried as approved
unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-152-23, A
RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH SNOW SYSTEMS, INC. FOR
THE REMOVAL OF SNOW FROM VARIOUS CITY SIDEWALKS DURING THE
2023/2024 WINTER. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent
Agenda.
Item #6 was removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of Alderman Walsten.
Alderman Walsten expressed his displeasure with the way some of the trees in the city were
pruned and presented examples. Alderman Walsten requested that the Public Works
department ensure that the tree company is pruning the trees correctly.
Moved by Walsten, seconded by Sayad, to Approve Resolution R-153-23, A RESOLUTION
APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH LANDSCAPE CONCEPTS MANAGEMENT,
INC. FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF TREE MAINTENANCE AND EMERGENCY
TREE SERVICES.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
A YES: 7 -Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Brookman,
W alsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 -None
ABSENT: l -Lysakowski
Motion declared carried.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-156-23, A
RESOLUTION APPROVING A VOLUNTARY SEPARATION AGREEMENT. Motion
declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Second Reading -Ordinance
Z-17-23, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TEXT OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES REGARDING CONVENIENCE MART FUELING OR
CHARGING STATIONS (CASE #23-049-TA). Motion declared carried as approved
unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Second Reading -Ordinance
Z-20-23, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TEXT OF THE DES PLAINES ZONING
ORDINANCE REGARDING THE ALLOWANCE OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN THE
C-5 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously
under Consent Agenda.
SECOND READING -
ORD Z-21-23
Consent Agenda
SECOND READING -
ORD Z-22-23
Consent Agenda
APPROVE
MINUTES
Consent Agenda
APPROVE
MINUTES
Consent Agenda
UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
CONSIDER A
CONDITIONAL USE
FOR
81 N BROADWAY ST
Ordinance
Z-19-23
Page 4of10 8/21/2023
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Second Reading -Ordinance
Z-21-23, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND
MAJOR VARIATIONS FOR A PRIVATE SCHOOL AT 733 LEE STREET,
DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS (CASE #23-038-TA-CU-V). Motion declared carried as
approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Second Reading -Ordinance
Z-22-23, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A
COMMERCIALLY ZONED ASSEMBLY USE AT 733 LEE STREET, DES PLAINES,
ILLINOIS (CASE #23-038-TA-CU-V). Motion declared carried as approved unanimously
under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Walsten, to Approve the Minutes of the City Council
meeting of August 7, 2023, as published. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously
under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Walsten, to Approve the Closed Session Minutes of the
City Council meeting of August 7, 2023, as published. Motion declared carried as approved
unanimously under Consent Agenda.
At the August 7, 2023 City Council meeting, the Council voted to defer the first-reading
consideration of approving Ordinance Z-19-23 to August 21. The approving Ordinance is
unchanged from the previous packet. However, the report is revised (i) to clarify the off-
street parking minimum under Section 12-9-7 and (ii) to explain the Council's ability through
the conditional use standards to evaluate if the petitioner's total parking plan, which
combines on-site parking with off-site parking through lease agreements with other private
property owners, is sufficient to grant approval for the desired assemblies.
The petitioner has requested a Conditional Use Permit to host meetings and events
(assembly) within the proposed library/media space at the Romanian Heritage Center NFP,
81 N. Broadway Street. This type of activity is categorized under the commercially zoned
assembly use as defined below.
COMMERCIALLY ZONED ASSEMBLY USES: A use that is primarily for the purpose of
the assembly of people, which can contain a combination of uses that take place in both
principal and accessory structures. Such uses include: commercial theater, banquet halls,
nightclubs, church, synagogue, temple, meeting house, mosque, or other place of worship.
For allowable accessory uses, refer to the specific land uses defined in this chapter. Such
uses shall adhere to the off-street parking requirements under "assembly uses".
The property at 81 N. Broadway Street is in the C-3 zoning district, along Broadway between
Cumberland Circle (i.e. the intersection of Broadway, Golf Road, Wolf Road, and State
Street) and Northwest Highway, near the Cumberland Metra Station. The subject property
contains a one-story commercial building with on-street public parking in the front (currently
limited to three hours, Monday-Friday, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.) and an accessory
parking lot at the rear as shown on the attached Plat of Survey. The petitioner currently
operates an office, which is a permitted use and has a valid business registration, on a
property at 83 N. Broadway Street directly north of the subject property. The 83 Broadway
space is an office for the Romanian-American Network and a law office for the Leahu Law
Group, LLC.
Page 5of10 8/21/2023
The petitioner plans to completely remodel the interior of the existing building to locate a
library/multi-media room, which will occupy most of the space. In addition, there is a
Romanian heritage exhibit area, along with restrooms, and storage areas. The need for the
Conditional Use stems from conducting meetings and events. Section 12-13-3 of the Zoning
Ordinance, in defining commercially zoned assembly, includes the example of a "meeting
house," and the petitioner intends to conduct meeting events of various professional and
civic groups tied to the organization. On the other hand, the private library is a permitted
use, and the classes and art workshops would be considered accessory to the library and
therefore permitted. The true focus of this request is using the property for meetings and
events.
The petitioner intends to utilize the subject property for various uses. The Fire Prevention
Bureau reviewed the plans and visited the space. The maximum occupancy load is 73 people.
The subject property contains a surface off-street parking area shared between 81 and 83 N.
Broadway Street. As such, the off-street parking requirement must consider the existing
office uses at 83 N. Broadway Street and the proposed assembly uses at 81 N. Broadway
Street, pursuant to Sections 12-9-7 and 12-9-8 of the Zoning Ordinance:
• One parking space for every 250 square feet of gross floor area for office areas; and
• One parking space for 200 square feet of gross activity area for the commercially zoned
assembly area (library).
Note: A library has a parking minimum of only 1 space per every 750 square feet of gross
floor area. However, for the purposes of this request, the requirement for commercially
zoned assembly must be used because it is more restrictive (i.e. contemplates more people).
Nonetheless, should the commercially zoned assembly not be approved, staff preliminarily
believes the total parking requirement for office at 83 N. Broadway and Library at 81 N.
Broadway could be met by the rear parking lot.
The existing office area at 83 N. Broadway Street consists of 840 square feet and the total
gross activity area for the proposed use at 81 N. Broadway Street consists of 1,100 square
feet, requiring a total of 11 off-street parking spaces, including a minimum of one accessible
space.
The Site and Parking Plan shows the existing parking area at the rear of the building is
designed to accommodate 13 off-street parking spaces including one accessible space on the
subject property and 83 Broadway Street. Staff has added a condition that a revised Site and
Parking Plan prepared by a design professional is submitted with full dimensions on the
parking area in conformance with Sections 12-9-7 and 12-9-8 of the Zoning Ordinance at
time of building permit.
The Council may consider that the parking minimum is a baseline ratio that applies at all
days of the week and times of day. The inexact nature of the requirement is part of the reason
that commercially zoned assemblies are conditional uses. The Council may find that because
of the nature of the proposal and likely spikes in demand and usage to accommodate
meetings and events, the baseline agreement is not sufficient. To a certain extent, the
petitioner has acknowledged this fact through seeking and obtaining various parking
agreements with private property owners in the general area.
The petitioner has submitted a Proposed Parking Use Plan to identify how the parking area
will be utilized during their operations throughout the week. It appears that on regular
weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the off-street parking
available on the subject property would be sufficient for their operations. However, the
Page 6of10 8/21/2023
petitioner does indicate that more parking-in addition to the spaces available on the subject
property-is necessary on regular weekdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays after 5 p.m.,
and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
To address these additional parking needs, the petitioner sought private parking agreements
from six nearby properties: three on the east side of Broadway and three on the west side of
Broadway. As such, staff added a condition that the petitioner must obtain, execute, and
submit to staff a parking agreement with each property it intends to use for additional parking
to address all parking requirements for the proposed assembly use events.
At the June 27, 2023 PZB public hearing, the petitioner entered into the record executed
parking agreements for three sites on their off-site parking plan (all west of Broadway),
totaling an approximate 20 off-street parking spaces in addition to the 13 off-street spaces
available on the subject property. In its review of the proposal and part of its recommendation
of approval of the request, the PZB amended staffs condition to require that the petitioner
obtain executed parking agreements from the three identified properties located on the east
side of Broadway in an effort to address resident parking concerns in the nearby
neighborhood along Yale Court.
Prior to the staff submittal to City Council, executed parking agreements were submitted for
four sites, bringing the total off-site parking space count to 56. On August 1, the petitioner
submitted to staff an additional parking agreement for eight parking spaces, bringing the
total number of off-site parking spaces to 64.
The Council may determine whether the number of available on-site and off-site parking
spaces, as presented by the petitioner, are sufficient for the proposed assembly use and the
anticipated events and meetings associated with it. The Conditional Use Standards in Section
12-3-4.E. include factors such as the use being" ... operated ... so as to be harmonious and
appropriate in appearance with the existing or intended character of the general vicinity,"
" ... not hazardous or disturbing to existing neighboring uses .. .," and" ... served adequately
by essential public facilities and services such as ... streets .... " Note there is a recommended
condition to maintain the parking agreements as presented to the City.
The PZB opened a public hearing on June 13, 2023 and, pursuant to a request by the
petitioner, continued the case to the June 27, 2023 meeting. The PZB voted 6-0 to
recommend approval of the conditional use request. The Board's rationale for its
recommendation is captured in the excerpt to the approved minutes of the June 27, 2023
meeting.
Pursuant to Section 12-3-4.D.4 of the Zoning Ordinance, the City Council has final authority
to approve, approve with modifications, or deny the request, which will be included in
Ordinance Z-19-23. Should the City Council vote to approve the request, staff and the PZB
recommend the following conditions:
Conditions of Approval:
1. The Site Plan must be revised by a design professional and submitted at time of
building permit to show the full dimensions of the parking area in conformance with
Chapter 9 of the Zoning Ordinance.
2. Petitioner must obtain and maintain executed parking agreements for off-site
parking sufficient to accommodate the parking needs for the proposed assembly
events. Petitioner must submit copies of all executed parking agreements to City
staff.
3. All appropriate building permit documents and details, including all dimensions and
labels necessary to denote all proposed improvements to the Subject Property must
NEW BUSINESS
WARRANT
REGISTER
Resolution
R-155-23
DISCUSS BUSINESS
ASSISTANCE
REQUEST FROM
HOTPOT757
PROPOSED
RESTAURANT AT
1417-1425
ELLINWOOD
Page 7of10 8/21/2023
be submitted as necessary for the Proposed Development. All permit documents
must be sealed and signed by a design professional licensed in the State of Illinois
and must comply with all City of Des Plaines building and life safety codes.
Several residents spoke against allowing a Conditional Use Permit at the Romanian Heritage
Center NFP, 81 N. Broadway Street citing the lack of parking as the main reason and
increased traffic. Residents of the area expressed that parking is already limited and due to
the number of parking agreements the possibility of an agreement not being renewed is high.
Petitioner Bonica stated that not many events will be held throughout the year and multiple
people come in one car.
Moved by Smith, seconded by Sayad to deny Ordinance Z-19-23, AN ORDINANCE
APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A COMMERCIALLY ZONED
ASSEMBLY USE AT 81 N. BROADWAY STREET, DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS (CASE
#23-028-CU).
Upon roll call, the vote was:
A YES: 7 -Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Brookman,
W alsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 -None
ABSENT: 1 -Lysakowski
Motion declared carried.
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION -Alderman Sayad, Chair
Alderman Sayad presented the Warrant Register.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Sayad, to Approve the Warrant Register of
August 21, 2023 in the Amount of$3,l 13,81 l.49 and Approve Resolution R-155-23.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
A YES: 7 -Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, W alsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 -None
ABSENT: 1 -Lysakowski
Motion declared carried.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT -Alderman Moylan, Chair
Director of Community & Economic Development Carlisle reviewed a memorandum dated
August 10, 2023.
Applicant Yun Lin of Hot Pot 757, a brand with locations in Virginia but none yet in Illinois,
is asking the City Council to approve a GROWTH grant -provided as a lump reimbursement
after competition of build-out construction -for $100,000 toward $780,000 of identified,
eligible project expenses under the adopted BAP guidelines. As listed in the attached
contractor quote from Chicago-based Newtech Engineering, the project includes
components such as a hood system ($150,000), waterline installation ($150,000), electrical
wiring ($150,000), duct work ($50,000), refrigeration and freezer ($130,000), and restrooms
($150,000). The $780,000 is not comprehensive for the entire project cost but instead isolates
the proposed work by the identified contractor. Because the BAP guidelines allow an award
to cover up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, $100,000 would fall well within that
threshold, and therefore the $780,000 quote amount is sufficient to demonstrate eligibility
for the award. The project budget indicates an 8-12-month project with a target opening in
April 2024.
DISCUSS CURRENT
REGULATIONS FOR
DURATION OF
RESIDENTIAL
RENTALS
Page 8of10 8/21/2023
Additionally, the applicant is proposing the City agree to rebate 1 percent of the total 2
percent of municipal sales tax for the first five years of operation, up to a maximum amount,
or cap, of$250,000. The applicant has provided sales projections showing Year 1 gross sales
of $5 million, which would generate $100,000 in municipal sales tax, half of which (or 1
percent of gross sales) is $50,000. The projections assume an annual 5 percent increase in
gross sales.
The business plan articulates the concept for the restaurant and why they are choosing
downtown Des Plaines and The Welkin specifically. The plan identifies risk in launching the
first location in the area, a challenge that could be aided with an award. Nonetheless, the
submission notes the experience of the partners and operators, who have operated other
restaurant brands in Chicagoland.
The Council's current five-year strategic plan calls for adding and retaining restaurants in
the downtown area, Which this award would contribute toward. At nearly 9,000 square feet,
the footprint is substantial and will be able to serve a wide variety of customers at different
times and for different purposes (i.e, lunch, dinner, etc.) Their establishment should
contribute toward the additional evening activity envisioned for downtown Des Plaines.
The Council may discuss and indicate a consensus to support all, some, or none of the
assistance request from Hot Pot 757. The Council may consider the total assistance amount
and the proposed breakdown and structure ($100,000 in a grant+ up to $250,000 over five
years in tax sharing= up to $350,000 total). The grant award is a reimbursement and would
be disbursed all at once at the time of (or in close succession to) initial opening. The expense
would be expected to be drawn from the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. The sharing (partial
rebate) of sales tax would be based on revenue not yet generated and does not require a
budget allocation.
Staff requests direction on which components of business assistance (i.e. resolution
approving grant, resolution approving sales tax sharing agreement and agreement itself) to
prepare for formal consideration.
The consensus was to provide the total assistance amount, a grant of $100,000 and up to
$250,000 over five years in tax sharing
Assistant Director of Community and Economic Development Johnson reviewed a
memorandum dated August 10, 2023.
During Summer 2023, staff has experienced an uptick in inquiries about existing regulations
regarding the use of properties for short-term rental (also known as "vacation rental" and
common through platforms such as Airbnb and Vrba). In summary, the current rental
licensing regulations (City Code Chapter 4-17, "Residential Properties Used for Rentals")
define a "Rental Property" as being rented for" ... part of the year or all year," which means
there is no minimum period. However, the City imposes certain additional
administrative requirements designed to promote harmonious operation within
neighborhoods where properties are typically occupied (owned or rented) long term:
months, years, etc. We believe it is prudent to review with the current City Council and
discuss whether the Council desires any changes at this time.
The residential rental license rules fall under Title 4: Business Regulations. While the
licensing rules do not establish a minimum period to qualify as a rental, they do address the
following:
Page 9of10 8/21/2023
• The City has interpreted and enforced the code such that entire residential units must
be rented; the rental of individual rooms or portions of a residence are prohibited.
• License applicants must sign an affidavit that they will not rent out portions or
individual rooms of the residence.
• Licenses are not valid for more than a year and must be renewed after December 31
of each year.
• The property owner or property manager must complete a crime free multi-housing
class.
• All rental units are subject to Code Enforcement inspections, particularly if
violations are noted or if a there is a complaint pertaining to a licensed property.
Because the City does not stipulate whether the rentals are for short-or long-term stays, the
application form does not request information regarding anticipated length of rental stays.
Nonetheless, staff estimates there are fewer than I 0 short-term rental units licensed at this
time.
These are the annual fees per unit:
• Single Family House: $100.00
• Single Family Condo: $20.00
• Single Family Townhouse: $50.00
• Apartment: $20.00
In 2017, the topic of short-term rentals was brought to Council first for discussion and then
for action. At that time, a Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC) survey indicated
that three of 14 neighboring municipalities specifically regulated short-term rentals, and
these three permitted the use. At the direction of Council, staff collaborated with the General
Counsel at the time and brought forward draft ordinances that would have amended both
Zoning and the Business Regulations to allow "Short Term Rental Property" in residential
districts and regulate short-term rentals distinctly from long-term rentals, with 30 days
as the threshold in defining something a rental long-term. Short-term rentals would have
had other requirements, such as not being booked for overlapping periods, not being allowed
to rent for less than 24 hours, and not being allowed to be used as a short-term rental for
more than I 0 days in a calendar year. These amendments were indefinitely deferred by the
Council and have not since been revisited.
Local governments have wrestled with how to best regulate short-term rentals for at least the
past decade. Policy arguments range from short-term rentals should be allowed with minimal
regulation because they are a fundamental property right to short-term rentals are
problematic and incongruous with residential neighborhoods so they should be banned
under zoning, licensing, or both. Communities can struggle with tracking and enforcement,
as a person can offer their residence on one of the online platforms without the city being
aware. Listings on the platforms do not include addresses, so city staff cannot easily verify
whether the property is within City limits, or currently licensed as a rental property.
Cities have finite resources and capacity in code enforcement and must prioritize
where problems and complaints are most severe. The summary of the most recent
NWMC survey on the topic (2023) is below, and the full results are attached:
• Ten of the 20 responding municipalities have adopted an ordinance to specifically regulate
short-term rentals. Eight have prohibited short-term rentals entirely, and one more (Bartlett)
is considering a prohibition. Of the 11 municipalities that do not specifically prohibit short-
term rentals, several have restrictive rental property policies.
• Palatine and Barrington: rentals must be for a duration of more than 30 days.
• Lincolnshire: rentals must be for a duration of more than 3 months.
ADJOURNMENT
Page 10of10 8/21 /2023
• Lincolnwood: a residence may only be r ented out only one time within a period of
365 days.
The Council may discuss and decide whether it would like further re search or reach a
consensus to direct staff to prepare any necessary code amendments . A non-exhaustive
breakdown of options is the following :
Continue to regulate short-term rental properties with the same process in place;
Amend City Code to clarify the duration and definition of a short-term rental, with any
additional desired restrictions (i.e., continue to allow short-term terms but with further
regulation); or
• Prohibit short-term rentals altogether, with any necessary code amendments to affirm this
prohibition .
The consensus was to bring back the 2017 proposal for City Council to review .
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Smith to adjourn the meeting . Upon voice vote, motion
declared carried . The meeting adjourned at 8:36 p .m .
Laura Fast -DEPUTY CITY CLERK
APPROVEDBYMETHIS 3 0..
DA~
Andrew Goczkowski, MAYOR