06/26/2012CrT OF\
DES PLAINES ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
n a June 26, 2012
MINUTES
DES PLAINES
ILLINOIS
The lies Plaines Zoning Board of Appeals Commission held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 26,
2012, at 7:30 P. M., in Room 102, City Council Chambers, of the Des Plaines Civic Center.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
PRESENT: Catalano, Hotherr, Porada, Saletnik, Schell, Seegers, Szabo
ABSENT: None
Also present was Senior Planner, Scott Mangum, Department of Community and Economic Development.
Chairman Seegers called the meeting to order at7:33 P.M.
Chairman Seegers directed that the following cases would be heard:
Case 11021-V:
The petitioner is requesting a variation to Section 7.2-41) of the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, as
amended: to authorize the construction of a one-story addition to an existing single family residence with a building
coverage of approximately 34.5%, where a maximum of 30% is allowedwithin the R-1 zoning district.
Case 12 -033 -CU:
The petitioner is requesting a Conditional Use Permit under Section 7.4-5-C of the 1998 Des Plaines Zoning
Ordinance, as amended, for the operation an Indoor Shooting Range with accessory Firearm Sales in the M-2
Zoning District.
Case 11017 -CU:
The petitioner is requesting a Conditional Use Permit under Section 7.3-6-C of the 1998 Des Plaines Zoning
Ordinance, as amended, to authorize the operation of a Massage Therapy (Massage Parlor) use in the C-3 District.
A motion was made by Board Member Saletnik seconded by Board Member Schell to approve the minutes of
the June 26, 2012, hearings as submitted.
Board Member Catalano abstained because he was notpresent June 12, 2012.
Board Member Szabo was not presentwhen the motion was made.
AYES: Hother, Porada, Saletnik, Schell, Seegers
NAYES: None
MOTION CARRIED
Address: 2021 Busse Htehwav
Case 11021-V
The petitioner is requesting a variation to Section 7.2-41) of the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, as
amended: to authorize the construction of a one-story addition to an existing single family residence with a building
coverage of approximately 34.5%, where a maximum of 30% is allowedwithin the R-1 zoning district.
Case # 12-021-V — 2021 Busse Highway
Case # 12 -033 -CU — 1226 Rand Road
Case # 12 -017 -CU -1784 E. Oakton Street
June 26, 2012
Page 2
PIN 09-21-207-004-0000
Petitioner: Fadi Tamer, 2021 Busse Highway, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Owner(s): Fadi Tamer, 2021 Busse Highway, Des Plaines, IL 60016
The following individual was sworn in:
Fadi Tamer, 2021 Busse Highway
Petitioner Tamer was sworn in and explained his request to the Board.
Chairman Seegers asked if there used to be a courtyard between the garage and the house.
Petitioner said yes.
Chairman Seegers asked if the space to be used would be for a kitchen.
Petitioner said it was for a kitchen and dining room.
Chairman Seegers asked if the entrance will be moved once the area is enclosed.
Petitioner said yes.
Chairman Seegers asked if Petitioner was expanding beyond the existing walls.
Petitioner said no.
Chairman Seegers asked if Petitioner would be using frame or masonry.
Petitioner was not clear what Chairman Seegers was asking.
Chairman Seegers asked if the house is currently frame or masonry, that is, siding or brick.
Petitioner said brick.
Chairman Seegers asked if the addition would be brick.
Petitioner said it would be.
Chairman Seegers asked if the same roofline would be extended.
Petitioner said yes.
Board Member Hofherr asked who Jabur Zeno is.
Petitioner said his wife.
Board Member Hofherr asked if he was living with his wife.
Board Member Hofherr asked if Petitioner is living in the house he wishes to add an addition on to or if he planned
to stay in Morton Grove.
Petitioner said he planned to stay in Morton Grove and rent the house out in Des Plaines.
Board Member Saletnik asked if the garage was there when Petitioner bought the house.
Petitioner said yes.
Board Member Saletnik said after the addition, Petitioner's garage would look like an attached garage which is
similar to what all Petitioner's neighbors have.
Board Member Catalano asked if the entire courtyard is currently brick or concrete.
Petitioner said yes.
Chairman Seegers asked Mr. Mangum to read into the record the summary of the staff report
Mr. Mangum summarized the following staff report for the record:
Issue: The petitioner is requesting a variation to Section 7.2-4D of the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance,
as amended: to authorize the construction of a one-story addition to an existing single family residence with a
building coverage of approximately 34.5%, where a maximum of 30% is allowed within the R-1 zoning district.
Analysis:
Address: 2021 Busse Highway
Existing Zoning: R-1, Single Family Residential District
Case # 12-021-V — 2021 Busse Highway
Case # 12 -033 -CU — 1226 Rand Road
Case # 12 -017 -CU -1784 E. Oakton Street
June 26, 2012
Page 3
Petitioner: Fadi Tamer, 2021 Busse Highway, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Owner(s): Fadi Tamer, 2021 Busse Highway, Des Plaines, IL 60016
PIN: 09-21-207-004-0000
In reviewing this variation request, staff has considered the following information:
The 55' by 150' (8,250 square foot) lot at 2021 Busse Highway is a legal conforming lot with regards to both lot
width and lot size in the R-1 District. A one story brick single-family residence with detached two -car garage and 74
square foot shed currently exist on site. The applicant proposes to add approximately 385 square feet through a
single story addition to the front of the house that would enclose the brick patio area between the front of the house
and the garage. The applicant states that the addition will provide extra needed living area.
The existing house and attached garage cover approximately 29.8% of the lot. The proposed addition would place
the total building coverage at approximately 2,846 square feet (34.5%), where the zoning ordinance allows a
maximum building coverage of 2,475 square feet (30%). A building permit was received for the shed in 1995. Per
Section 3.6-6 of the Zoning Ordinance, lot coverage of up to 20% over the maximum requirements may be allowed
with a standard variation.
Recommendation: Staff recommends denial of the above -requested lot coverage variation based on review of the
information presented by the applicant and the standards and conditions imposed by Section 3.6-8 (Findings of Fact
for Variations) as outlined by the City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance. Staff is recommending denial of the
variation as the subject lot meets the minimum lot size requirements and is not unique in size in comparison to the
adjacent properties on the south side of Busse Highway. The Zoning Ordinance would allow for a second story
addition that did not expand the footprint in order to add floor area to the house.
Zoning Board of Appeals Procedure
Under Section 3.6-6 of the Zoning Ordinance (Standard Variations) the Zoning Board of Appeals has the authority
to approve, approve subject to conditions, or deny the above-mentioned variance for lot coverage for an addition to a
single-family residence in the R-1 zoning district.
Chairman Seegers asked if there were any questions from the Board.
Board Member Hofherr asked why the Board should grant a variation when Petitioner said there was no hardship,
especially when it is to become a rental property and not a residence for Petitioner.
Petitioner said it would be a much better use of the property and would conform to other residences in the
neighborhood.
Chairman Seegers asked if there were any other questions from the Board, there were none.
Chairman Seegers asked if anyone in the audience approved. Three people raised their hands.
Chairman Seegers asked if anyone was against. There were none.
Board Member Saletnik said when the Petitioner first came before the Board there was not adequate information.
He said the overall footprint of the construction is essentially going to be the same as the residence currently has.
He said the house will appear the same other than the ridgeline in the back of the garage which will be extended
back. He said Petitioner is here to get the highest and best use of his property. He said the community would
benefit from this.
A motion was made by Board Member Saletnik seconded by Board Member Catalano to approve a variation
to Section 7.24D of the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, as amended: to authorize the
construction of a one-story addition to an existing single family residence with a building coverage of
approximately 34.5%, where a maximum of 30% is allowed within the R-1 zoning district
Case # 12-021-V — 2021 Busse Highway
Case # 12 -033 -CU — 1226 Rand Road
Case # 12 -017 -CU -1784 E. Oakton Street
June 26, 2012
Page 4
Ayes: Catalano, Saletnik, Seegers, Szabo
Nayes: Holbert, Schell, Porada
MOTION CARRIED
Address: 1226 Rand Road Hiahwav
Case 12 -033 -CU
The petitioner is requesting a Conditional Use Permit under Section 7.4-5-C of the 1998 Des Plaines Zoning
Ordinance, as amended, for the operation an Indoor Shooting Range with accessory Firearm Sales in the M-2
Zoning District.
PIN 09-30-100-047-0000
Petitioner: Barry and Claudia Levin, 1226 Rand Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Owner(s): Mercury Mold and Tool Company, 75 Bradrock Drive, Des Plaines, 60018
The following individual was sworn in:
Claudia Levin, 1226 Rand Road
Petitioner Levin was sworn in.
Board Member Porada recused himself and took a seat in the gallery during the issue.
Petitioner explained her request to the Board.
Chairman Seegers asked if the hours of operation would be the same.
Petitioner said they would be.
Chairman Seegers asked if there is adequate parking.
Petitioner said yes, there is parking for 59 vehicles.
Chairman Seegers asked if there would be any exterior improvements.
Petitioner said no.
Board Member Hofherr suggested alarming the ceiling and the roof.
Petitioner said she has already done that.
Board Member Hofherr said the reason he mentioned this is because of past experiences.
Petitioner said assured the Board she would be installing a state-of-the-art security system.
Board Member Szabo asked if Petitioner had any problems with security in the past.
Petitioner said she has had one break-in in the past. She said she has spoken with the Des Plaines Police Department
about ways to avoid/prevent future break-ins.
Board Member Szabo asked Petitioner to elaborate on the security system she will be using.
Petitioner said there will be motion detectors on the front of the building, sensitive motion detectors on the windows,
gates that prevent intruders from going into the retail area, secured doors with motion and heat detectors, and gates
that physically go across the doors, motion detectors in the ceiling itself.
Barry Levin, Petitioner's husband, was sworn in. He said the security system is wired directly into the Des Plaines
Police Department. He said there is no lag this way and an immediate signal will be sent to the Des Plaines Police
Department in the event of a break-in.
Case # 12-021-V — 2021 Busse Highway
Case # 12 -033 -CU — 1226 Rand Road
Case # 12 -017 -CU -1784 E. Oakton Street
June 26, 2012
Page 5
Board Member Szabo asked if this system was in place when Petitioner was a victim of a break-in in the past.
Mr. Levin said no, but this system is currently in place now.
Petitioner said there was a lag time before to get to the key panel, which has now been eliminated based on the
police chief s suggestion.
Chairman Seegers asked Mr. Mangum to read into the record the summary of the staff report
Mr. Mangum summarized the following staff report for the record:
Issue: The petitioner is requesting a Conditional Use Permit under Section 7.4-5-C of the 1998 Des Plaines Zoning
Ordinance, as amended, for the operation an Indoor Shooting Range with accessory Firearm Sales in the M-2
Zoning District.
Analysis:
Proposed Use Indoor Shooting Range with accessory Firearm Sales
Petitioner Barry and Claudia Levin, 1226 Rand Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Owner Mercury Mold and Tool Company, 75 Bradrock Drive, Des Plaines, 60018
PIN 09-30-100-047-0000
Plan of Operation Typical hours of operation would occur weekdays Tuesday through Friday from
10 00a to 9:OOpm, weekends from 9:OOam to S:OOpm, and from 6:OOpm to
10:00pm on Mondays for special events. 10-15 employees would be at the
location.
Existing Use Vacant industrial building
Surrounding Land Use North: Industrial
East: Industrial
South: Industrial
West: Industrial
Existing Zoning M-2, General Manufacturing
Surrounding Zoning North: M-2, General Manufacturing
East: M-2, General Manufacturing
South: M-2, General Manufacturing
West: M-2, General Manufacturing
Street Classification Bradrock Drive is a local street according to the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Comprehensive Plan The Comprehensive Plan recommends an Industrial use.
Maxon's Shooters has requested a Conditional Use Permit to operate an Indoor Shooting Range with accessory
Firearm Sales at 75 Bradrock Drive in the M-2 Zoning District. The 1.1 acre lot (49,500 square -feet) has 165 -feet of
frontage on Bradrock Drive. The one-story 14,670 square foot building would be fully occupied by the applicant,
who is under contract to purchase the property. The proposed floor plan includes two 75 -foot by 30 -foot shooting
ranges containing nine shooting positions each, a 2,340 square -foot retail sales area, two 320 square -foot
classrooms, and areas for storage and gun smithing.
Case # 12-021-V — 2021 Busse Highway
Case # 12 -033 -CU — 1226 Rand Road
Case # 12 -017 -CU -1784 E. Oakton Street
June 26, 2012
Page 6
The proposed plan of operation includes typical hours of operation on weekdays, Tuesday through Friday from
10 00a to 9:00pm, weekends from 9 00a to 5:00pm, and from 6:00pm to 10:00pm on Mondays for special
events. 10-15 employees would be at the location. Maxon's sells firearms, a number of firearms related
merchandise, and also acts as a training facility with individual and group instruction.
The business would be relocating from its current, approximately 4,000 square foot, operation with 18 parking
spaces at 1266 Rand Road. In 2011 a Conditional Use Permit was approved to relocate to a 10,650 square foot
tenant space within a building at 461 N. Third Avenue that had a total of 150 parking spaces, however, the petitioner
has indicated that they will not be occupying that space. There are currently approximately 25 parking spaces
provided on site at 75 Bradrock Drive, but the proposed site plan shows a total 59 parking spaces.
The applicant requested a waiver of the traffic study requirement along with vehicle counts from their current
facility and projections for the proposed location. The traffic study waiver request was reviewed by the Engineering
Division and granted subject to conditions.
Conditional Use Findings: As required by Section 3.4-5 (Standards for Conditional Uses) of the Zoning Ordinance,
the proposed development is reviewed below:
A. The proposed Conditional Use is in fact a Conditional Use established within the specific Zoning district
involved:
Comment: An Indoor Shooting Range is a Conditional Use in the M-2, General Manufacturing Zoning District, as
specified in Section 7.4-5-C of the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, as amended.
B. The proposed Conditional Use is in accordance with the objectives of the City's Comprehensive Plan:
Comment: The 2007 Comprehensive Plan recommends Industrial for this site. However, an Indoor Shooting Range
is a Conditional Use in the M-2 Zoning District.
C. The proposed Conditional Use is designed, constructed, operated and maintained to be harmonious and
appropriate in appearance with the existing or intended character of the general vicinity:
Comment: The proposed Indoor Shooting Range use would be located within an existing structure. No major
exterior alterations are proposed to the structure.
D. The proposed Conditional Use is not hazardous or disturbing to existing neighboring uses:
Comment: None of the functions of the Indoor Shooting Range use are anticipated to be hazardous or disturbing to
the surrounding neighborhood. The applicant has stated that they will use sound insulation in addition to an air
filtration system to minimize potential impacts.
E. The proposed Conditional Use is to be served adequately by essential public facilities and services, such as
highways, streets, police and fire protection, drainage structures, refuse disposal, water and sewer, and
schools; or, agencies responsible for establishing the Conditional Use shall provide adequately any such
services:
Comment: After reviewing the petitioner's plans, the proposed Conditional Use would be served adequately by
essential public facilities and it would not overburden existing public services.
F. The proposed Conditional Use does not create excessive additional requirements at public expense for
public facilities and services and will not be detrimental to the economic well-being of the entire community:
Case # 12-021-V — 2021 Busse Highway
Case # 12 -033 -CU — 1226 Rand Road
Case # 12 -017 -CU -1784 E. Oakton Street
June 26, 2012
Page 7
Comment: The proposed Conditional Use would appear to have adequate public facilities, it would not create a
burden on public facilities nor would it be a detriment to the economic well being of the community.
G. The proposed Conditional Use does not involve uses, activities, processes, materials,
equipment and conditions of operation that will be detrimental to any persons, property, or the general
welfare by reason of excessive production of traffic, noise, smoke fumes, glare or odors:
Comment: The proposed Indoor Shooting Range use is not anticipated to create an amount of additional traffic and
parking which cannot be accommodated by the existing street network according to the information provided. The
peak hours for the proposed use are generally outside of normal business hours of surrounding businesses in this
industrial area.
H. The proposed Conditional Use provides vehicular access to the property designed so that it does not create
an interference with traffic on surrounding public thoroughfares:
Comment: The proposed project would utilize an existing curb cut on Bradrock Drive for access. Based on
information provided, staff does not find any evidence for potential interference with traffic patterns.
I. The proposed Conditional Use does not result in the destruction, loss, or damage of natural, scenic, or
historic features of major importance:
Comment: No significant exterior building alterations are proposed. The proposed plan would not add impervious
surface, nor cause the destruction, loss, or damage of any natural, scenic or historic features of major importance.
J. The proposed Conditional Use complies with all additional regulations in the Zoning Ordinance specific to
the Conditional Use requested:
Comment: As proposed, the Indoor Shooting Range use appears to conform to all other zoning regulations. While
the Des Plaines City Code (4 -7B -3.C.1.3) limits the location of Firearms Dealers to not closer than 0.25 miles to a
public park or school. While the current operator is grandfathered (4 -7B -3.C.1.4) because they were established
prior to September 1, 1994 it does not appear that there is a park or school within 0.25 miles of the proposed
location.
Recommendation: The Community Development Department recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit
modification request for the establishment of a Indoor Shooting Range use, based on review of the information
presented by the applicant and the findings made above, as specified in Section 3.4-5 (Standards for Conditional
Uses) of the City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, subject to conditions of approval:
1. Prior to issuance of the Conditional Use Permit, the applicant shall submit a Landscape Plan with areas of
new and reconstructed parking lot in compliance with Interior Parking Lot Landscaping requirements per
Section 10.8-2 of the Zoning Ordinance.
2. Prior to issuance of the Conditional Use Permit, a revised Site Plan shall be submitted with diagonal
pavement striping, minimum 4' wide, along the west side of the building for pedestrians to walk along so
that they are out of the traffic lanes, and a sidewalk connection from the street sidewalk to the front
entrance to the satisfaction of the Directors of Community and Economic Development and Public Works
and Engineering.
3. Prior to issuance of the Conditional Use Permit, the applicant shall submit a security plan, including a
security system with direct call to the City's 9-1-1 system, reinforcement of exterior and interior doors, and
locking mechanisms for all firearms to the satisfaction of the Chief of Police.
4. Prior to issuance of the building license, the applicant shall improve the parking lot with interior
landscaping in new and reconstructed areas, with diagonal pavement striping, minimum 4' wide, along the
Case # 12-021-V — 2021 Busse Highway
Case # 12 -033 -CU — 1226 Rand Road
Case # 12 -017 -CU -1784 E. Oakton Street
June 26, 2012
Page 8
west side of the building for pedestrians to walk along so that they are out of the traffic lanes, and install a
sidewalk connection from the street sidewalk to the front entrance.
5. Prior to issuance of the building license, all security measures included in the security plan shall be in place
to the satisfaction of the Chief of Police.
6. All landscaping materials shall be maintained in good condition so as to present a healthy and orderly
appearance, and plant material not in this condition shall be replaced when necessary and shall be kept free
of refuse and debris.
7. All parking areas shall be surfaced and striped to meet all applicable Building Code hard surface
requirements.
Zoning Board of Appeals Procedure: Under Section 3.4-4-C of the Zoning Ordinance (Conditional Uses) the
Zoning Board of Appeals has the authority to recommend that the City Council approve, approve subject to
conditions, or deny the above-mentioned Conditional Use Permit for the establishment of a Indoor Shooting Range
use in the M-2 zoning district. The City Council has the final authority on the project.
Chairman Seegers asked if there were any other questions from the Board, there were none.
Chairman Seegers asked if anyone in the audience approved. Numerous people raised their hands.
Chairman Seegers asked if anyone was against. There were none.
A motion was made by Board Member Hofherr seconded by Board Member Catalano to recommend that the
City Council approve a Conditional Use Permit under Section 7.4-5-C of the 1998 Des Plaines Zoning
Ordinance, as amended, for the operation an Indoor Shooting Range with accessory Firearm Sales in the M-2
Zoning District
AYES: Catalano, Holbert, Saletnik, Schell, Seegers, Szabo
NAYES: None
MOTION CARRIED
475 Cordial Drive Case 12 -017 -CU
The petitioner is requesting a Conditional Use Permit under Section 7.3-6-C of the 1998 Des Plaines Zoning
Ordinance, as amended, to authorize the operation of a Massage Therapy (Massage Parlor) use in the C-3 District
Petitioner: Maryana Kolos, 475 Cordial Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Owner: John Okolita, 1784 E. Oakton Street, Suite 103, Des Plaines, IL 60018
The following individual was sworn in:
Maryana Kolos, 475 Cordial Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Petitioner Kolos was sworn in and explained her request to the Board
Chairman Seegers asked if this is a new business that Petitioner has created.
Petitioner said she had worked for someone else but has also had her own business in Skokie. She said she has been
in the massage business for 10 years.
Board Member Hofherr asked where her current business is.
Petitioner said she works out of her house right now.
Board Member Szabo asked if Petitioner was going to hire any staff
Case # 12-021-V — 2021 Busse Highway
Case # 12 -033 -CU — 1226 Rand Road
Case # 12 -017 -CU -1784 E. Oakton Street
June 26, 2012
Page 9
Petitioner said she would be the only massage therapist.
Board Member Szabo said Des Plaines has encountered problems in the past with massage therapy businesses. He
asked Petitioner if she was the only massage therapist at her previous location in Skokie.
Petitioner said yes.
Chairman Seegers asked if Petitioner was only leasing one facility.
Petitioner said yes.
Chairman Seegers asked if other businesses in the office building know she will be leasing out of.
Petitioner said she did not know.
Board Member Catalano noted that the hours of operation listed are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Petitioner said the business will be open to 10 p.m. in case a customer's appointment runs a little late, but the last
appointment will be at 9 p.m.
Board Member Catalano asked Petitioner if she had a problem with the staff s recommendation of the closing time
being at 9 p.m.
Petitioner said no.
Board Member Hofherr asked if there would be a showering unit in the facility.
Petitioner said no.
Board Member Hofherr asked if there was a requirement by the state to have shower facilities within the physical
suite.
Petitioner said she did not know.
Mr. Mangum said massage establishments are governed by city code and state regulation.
Board Member Szabo asked if the business license was taken out in Petitioner's name at the Skokie location.
Petitioner said yes.
Board Member Szabo asked if there were any violations against Petitioner, and if so, what.
Petitioner said yes.
Board Member Szabo what the nature of those violations were.
Petitioner said there was a business licensing fee issue.
Board Member Szabo asked Petitioner to clarify if she had only one violation regarding a disagreement with the
business fee license.
Petitioner said yes.
Board Member Szabo asked what year the violation occurred.
Petitioner said 2011.
Board Member Szabo asked if that was the only violation Petitioner had.
Petitioner said no.
Board member Szabo asked Petitioner to explain other violations.
Petitioner said in October of 2006 she had another business licensing fee issue. She said police were involved
another time regarding a mistake with a police officer.
Board Member Szabo said he understood about the licensing fee issue but wanted Petitioner to elaborate on the third
issue.
Petitioner said there was an arrest.
Board Member Szabo asked why.
Petitioner said prostitution.
Board Member Szabo asked if the police were justified. He asked if it went to court.
Petitioner said it went to court.
Board Member Szabo asked if the court ruled in Petitioner's favor.
Petitioner said she was found not guilty.
Case # 12-021-V — 2021 Busse Highway
Case # 12 -033 -CU — 1226 Rand Road
Case # 12 -017 -CU -1784 E. Oakton Street
June 26, 2012
Page 10
Board Member Saletnik asked Mr. Mangum if the City does background checks for things like this. He said these
kinds of issues should not come up in meetings like this for the first time.
Mr. Mangum said there is a requirement for the business license for an application to the police department that
involves fingerprinting. He said the police department has the option of denying a business application based on
previous convictions such as felony prostitution or sexual misconduct with children. Mr. Mangum said the police
department did not deny Petitioner's business application.
Board Member Saletnik asked if this has already gone to the police department and the police department authorized
the business.
Mr. Mangum said yes.
Chairman Seegers asked Mr. Mangum to read into the record the summary of the staff report
Mr. Mangum summarized the following staff report for the record:
Issue: The petitioner is requesting a Conditional Use Permit under Section 7.3-6-C of the 1998 Des Plaines Zoning
Ordinance, as amended, to authorize the operation of a Massage Therapy (Massage Parlor) use in the C-3 District
Analysis:
Proposed Use Massage Therapy business
Petitioner Maryana Kolos, 475 Cordial Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Owner John Okolita, 1784 E. Oakton Street, Suite 103, Des Plaines, IL 60018
PIN 09-21-312-020-0000
Plan of Operation The petitioner would be the only employee at the location with proposed hours
of operation from 10:00am to I0:00pm.
Existing Use Multi -tenant office building
Surrounding Land Use North: Single -Family Residential
East: Commercial
South: Commercial
West: Multi -Family Residential
Existing Zoning C-3, General Commercial
Surrounding Zoning North: R-1, Single Family Residential
East: G3, General Commercial
South: G3, General Commercial
West: G3, General Commercial
Street Classification Oakton Street is a collector street according to the City's Comprehensive Plan
Comprehensive Plan The Comprehensive Plan recommends low-density mixed use in this area.
The applicant, Maryana Kolos of Luxury Touch, LLC, has requested a Conditional Use Permit to operate a Massage
Therapy (Massage Parlor) establishment at 1784 E. Oakton Street in the C-3 Zoning District. The 11,580 square foot
lot has a 60 -foot frontage on Oakton Street. The petitioner would occupy an approximately 300 square -foot suite
(#101) within a one-story approximately 6,000 square foot office building with 13 tenant spaces. The floor plan
indicates that the suite would contain an office area and single room for massage therapy. The plat of survey shows
Case # 12-021-V — 2021 Busse Highway
Case # 12 -033 -CU — 1226 Rand Road
Case # 12 -017 -CU -1784 E. Oakton Street
June 26, 2012
Page 11
12 parking spaces at the rear of the building. Access is provided by a driveway that is shared with the multi -family
residential buildings to the west.
The proposed plan of operation includes hours of operation between 10:00am and 10:00pm, however, as the City
Code limits Massage Parlors to no later than 9:OOpm, a condition of approval is proposed to limit the hours. The
petitioner, Maryana Kolos, states that she would see no more than 10 clients during the day, with sessions typically
ranging from 60-90 minutes. The applicant requested a waiver of the traffic study which has been granted due to the
limited amount of traffic anticipated.
Conditional Use Findings: As required by Section 3.4-5 (Standards for Conditional Uses) of the Zoning Ordinance,
the proposed development is reviewed below:
A. The proposed Conditional Use is in fact a Conditional Use established within the specific Zoning district
involved:
Comment: A Massage Parlor is a Conditional Use in the G3, General Commercial Zoning District, as specified in
Section 7.3-6-C of the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, as amended.
B. The proposed Conditional Use is in accordance with the objectives of the City's Comprehensive Plan:
Comment: The 2007 Comprehensive Plan recommends low-density mixed use for this site. However, a Massage
Parlor is a Conditional Use in the C-3 Zoning District
C. The proposed Conditional Use is designed, constructed, operated and maintained to be harmonious and
appropriate in appearance with the existing or intended character of the general vicinity:
Comment: The proposed Massage Parlor use would be located within an existing structure. No exterior alterations
are proposed to the structure.
D. The proposed Conditional Use is not hazardous or disturbing to existing neighboring uses:
Comment: None of the functions of the Massage Parlor use are anticipated to be hazardous or disturbing to the
surrounding neighborhood.
E. The proposed Conditional Use is to be served adequately by essential public facilities and services, such as
highways, streets, police and fire protection, drainage structures, refuse disposal, water and sewer, and
schools; or, agencies responsible for establishing the Conditional Use shall provide adequately any such
services:
Comment: After reviewing the petitioner's plans, the proposed Conditional Use would be served adequately by
essential public facilities and it would not overburden existing public services. The Police Department has reviewed
the application.
H. The proposed Conditional Use does not create excessive additional requirements at public expense for
public facilities and services and will not be detrimental to the economic well-being of the entire community:
Comment: The proposed Conditional Use would appear to have adequate public facilities; it would not create a
burden on public facilities nor would it be a detriment to the economic well being of the community. The Police
Department has reviewed the application.
I. The proposed Conditional Use does not involve uses, activities, processes, materials,
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equipment and conditions of operation that will be detrimental to any persons, property, or the general
welfare by reason of excessive production of traffic, noise, smoke fumes, glare or odors:
Comment: The proposed Massage Parlor use is not anticipated to create an amount of additional traffic and parking
which cannot be accommodated by the existing street network according to the information provided.
H. The proposed Conditional Use provides vehicular access to the property designed so that it does not create
an interference with traffic on surrounding public thoroughfares:
Comment: The proposed project would utilize an existing curb cut on Oakton Street for access. Based on
information provided, staff does not find any evidence for potential interference with traffic patterns.
I. The proposed Conditional Use does not result in the destruction, loss, or damage of natural, scenic, or
historic features of major importance:
Comment: No significant exterior building alterations are proposed. The proposed plan would not add impervious
surface, nor cause the destruction, loss, or damage of any natural, scenic or historic features of major importance.
J. The proposed Conditional Use complies with all additional regulations in the Zoning Ordinance specific to
the Conditional Use requested:
Comment: As proposed, the Massage Parlor use appears to conform to all other zoning regulations. The Des
Plaines City Code, Title 4, Chapter 10 establishes additional regulations pertaining to Massage Establishments and
requires approval of the City Manager including review by the City Sanitarian and the Police Department.
Recommendation: The Community Development Department recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit
modification request for the establishment of a Massage Parlor use, based on review of the information presented by
the applicant and the findings made above, as specified in Section 3.4-5 (Standards for Conditional Uses) of the City
of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, subject to conditions of approval:
1. The only individual authorized to operate at the location is Maryana Kolos. Any additional person
would require approval of the Chief of Police.
2. Hours of operation shall be limited to 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
3. The use shall comply with, and remain in compliance with, Title 4, Chapter 10 (Massage
Establishments) of the City of Des Plaines Municipal Code.
Zoning Board of Appeals Procedure: Under Section 3.4-4-C of the Zoning Ordinance (Conditional Uses) the
Zoning Board of Appeals has the authority to recommend that the City Council approve, approve subject to
conditions, or deny the above-mentioned Conditional Use Permit for the establishment of a Massage Parlor use in
the C-3 zoning district The City Council has the final authority on the project.
Chairman Seegers asked if there were any other questions from the Board.
Board Member Szabo asked Petitioner if she had a business in Skokie for 10 years.
Petitioner said no, only 3 years.
Board Member Szabo asked if there were only the 3 violations previously described: one Petitioner was found not
guilty and the other two were procedural matters.
Petitioner said yes.
Chairman Seegers asked if anyone in the audience approved
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An audience member, Lenny Goodman, 749 Sandy Lane, Des Plaines, was sworn in.
Mr. Goodman asked Petitioner if the police officers were clients or there to prosecute.
Petitioner said he was a client.
Mr. Goodman asked what percentage of Petitioner's clients are police officers.
Petitioner said she did not know because she never asks her clients if they are police officers or not.
Daniela Kelemen, a tenant of the proposed business site, was sworn in
Ms. Kelemen said her business produces a lot of noise and is concerned that the noise may be a nuisance to the
massage parlor, and did not want her business restricted because of the massage parlor.
Chairman Seegers said it would be an issue for the landlord to decide.
Chairman Seegers asked Ms. Kelemen what her hours of operation are.
Ms. Kelemen said 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
John Okolita, 1784 E. Oakton Street, Suite 103, Petitioner's landlord, was sworn in.
Chairman Seegers asked Mr. Okolita if he had any problems with the massage parlor.
Mr. Okolita said he does not have any problem. He said he hardly notices any noise from Ms. Kelemen's business.
Board Member Hofherr asked Mr. Okolita how many spaces are currently has occupied.
Mr. Okolita said 9 of the 13 offices are currently occupied.
Board Member Hofherr asked what types of businesses are currently there.
Mr. Okolita said there is a nutritionist, a trucking business, an acupuncturist, a towing service, and other businesses.
A motion was made by Board Member Catalano seconded by Board Member Szabo to recommend that the
City Council approve a Conditional Use Permit under Section 7.3-6-C of the 1998 Des Plaines Zoning
Ordinance, as amended, to authorize the operation of a Massage Therapy (Massage Parlor) use in the C-3
District
AYES: Catalano Szabo, Saletnik
NAYES: Holbert, Schell, Porada, Seegers
MOTION FAILID
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 P.M
Sincerely,
A.W. Seegers, Chairman Seegers
Des Plaines Zoning Board of Appeals
cc: City Officials
Aldermen
Zoning Board of Appeals