08/25/2020Case 20-026-TA City-wide Text Amendments
Case 20-028-CU 1375 E Oakton St Conditional Use
Case 20-029-MAP 380 Northwest Hwy Map Amendment
August 25, 2020
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DES PLAINES PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD MEETING
August 25, 2020
MINUTES
The Des Plaines Planning and Zoning Board Meeting held its regularly-scheduled meeting on Tuesday,
August 25, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 101 of the Des Plaines Civic Center.
ZONING BOARD
Acting Chairman Saletnik called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and read this evening’s cases. Roll call
was established.
PRESENT: Bader, Catalano, Fowler, Hofherr, Saletnik, Veremis
ABSENT: Szabo
ALSO PRESENT: Mike McMahon, Community & Economic Development Director
Jonathan Stytz, Planner/Community & Economic Development
Wendy Bednarz/Recording Secretary
A quorum was present.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no Public Comment.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Board Member Hofherr, seconded by Board Member Fowler, to approve the
minutes of July 28, 2020, as corrected.
AYES: Bader, Catalano, Fowler, Hofherr, Saletnik, Veremis
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: None
***MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY***
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OLD BUSINESS
1. Address: City-wide Case Number: 20-026-TA
The City of Des Plaines is requesting Text Amendments to the following sections of the 1998 Des Plaines
Zoning Ordinance, as amended for: (i) Section 12-7-3.K to add “Body art establishments” under certain
circumstances as a Conditional Use to the C-3 zoning district, (ii) Section 12-9-7 to add “Body art
establishments” to the Off Street Parking Regulations, and (iii) Section 12-13-3, to add a definition for
“Body art establishment” to the Definition Chapter, and approval of any zoning text amendments as may
be necessary.
PIN: City-wide
Petitioner: City of Des Plaines, 1420 Miner Street Des Plaines, IL 60016
Owner: City of Des Plaines, 1420 Miner Street Des Plaines, IL 60016
Acting Chairman Saletnik asked if the Board has any questions. Several board members had questions
regarding:
• Clarification of radius of allowable locations
• How other local municipalities are handling tattoo parlors and body art establishments; are the
allowed
Acting Chairman Saletnik stated that the diagram provided in the packet provide clarification of the
allowable locations.
Director McMahon provided information from other municipalities regarding tattoo parlors and body art
establishments. Acting Chairman Saletnik stated that some municipalities are more restrictive on tattoo
parlors versus body piercing, but some municipalities do not allow either.
Acting Chairman Saletnik asked why this issue was being brought to the Planning & Zoning Board. Director
McMahon stated that an Alderman was approached by an individual to open an establishment on Oakton
St. There was discussion at a City Council meeting to bring to a future Planning & Zoning Board meeting.
Members Fowler and Vermis asked about the survey results, specifically Mount Prospect and Arlington
Heights. Director McMahon stated that the survey results were provided by the Northwest Municipal
Conference.
Director McMahon stated that tattoo parlors are not a widely acceptable business for Zoning, some
municipalities do allow as a special or conditional use.
Member Fowler asked if the City can limit the total number of tattoo parlors or body art establishments.
Director McMahon stated that the City tries to stay away from limiting numbers but instead providing
distance requirements.
Member Hofherr asked about licensing requirements and fees. Director McMahon stated that there has
not been discussion on fees and licensing at this time, the discussion is about the allowable use in Des
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Plaines. Director McMahon stated that the there is one tattoo establishment located within the City of
Des Plaines, that was “grandfathered in”. The establishment recently moved from the Broadway Street
location to Metropolitan Square, and the parlor is allowed to operate and move as long as the corporation
and business owner remain the same. Member Fowler asked if the existing tattoo parlor would be
counted in the mapping zones; the current parlor is in a different zoning designation (C-5), a new tattoo
parlor would not be allowed in after they have left. Director McMahon also stated that the tattoo parlors
fall under “public safety” and not the zoning section of the code.
Member Vermis inquired about the money received from taxes. Director McMahon stated that the tax
revenue is negligible since it is a use, which the State does not tax.
Director McMahon also stated that with his four years with the City of Des Plaines, he has not had any
inquiries for a tattoo or body art establishment.
Member Fowler expressed concern over the grouping on tattoo parlors, Director McMahon reiterated the
distance requirements to avoid clustering.
Member Veremis asked about the possible total number of shops allowed, Director McMahon stated the
most would be three-four shops in the City.
Member Fowler suggested increasing the radius to 1.5 or 2 miles to limit the number of shops allowed.
Director McMahon stated that with a two mile buffer, the limit would be two shop allowed. He also stated
that the potential tattoo establishment is ready to sign a lease.
Member Catalano asked if the buffer would include the current establishment, “High Class”, Director
McMahon stated that the establishment would be included in the numbers.
Member Saletnik stated that the use is already restrictive and all conditional uses would have to come
before the Planning & Zoning Board.
Member Veremis inquired about the vision for Oakton Street, Director McMahon stated that the
redevelopment plan and the TIF District hopes to create a niche entertainment district.
Acting Chairman Seletnik asked that the Staff Report be entered into record, Director McMahon
provided a summary of the following report:
Issue: The City of Des Plaines is requesting Text Amendments to the following sections of the 1998 Des
Plaines Zoning Ordinance, as amended, (i) Section 12-7-3.K to add “Body art establishments” as a
Conditional Use to the C-3 zoning district under certain circumstances, (ii) Section 12-9-7 to add “Body art
establishments” to the Off Street Parking Regulations, and (iii) Section 12-13-3, to add a definition for
“Body art establishment” to the Definition Chapter, and approval of any zoning text amendments as may
be necessary.
Analysis:
PIN: Citywide
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Petitioner: City of Des Plaines, 1420 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Case Number: #20-026-TA
Project Description: The City of Des Plaines is proposing several text amendments to the Des Plaines
Zoning Ordinance, which are as follows:
• Adding Body art establishments as a conditional use to the C-3 zoning district under certain
circumstances;
• Adding Body art establishments to the Off Street Parking Regulations; and
• Adding a definition for Body art establishments to the Definition Chapter of the Zoning
Ordinance.
The Des Plaines City Council discussed body art establishments at the July 6, 2020 meeting as there was a
general consensus to allow for tattoo parlors and body piercing establishments in Des Plaines under
certain restrictions. The City Council discussed the proposed text amendments below and made a motion
to have the Planning and Zoning Board consider the proposed text in a public hearing and forward their
recommendation back to City Council for final consideration.
Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance Regarding Body Art Establishments
Add
12-7-3.K: - COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS USE MATRIX
Uses C-1 C-2 C-3 C-4 C-5 C-6 C-7
Body art establishments C22
Notes
22. Body art establishments shall be located at least one mile away from any other body art
establishment. The total size of such use/space cannot exceed 2,000 square feet.
The text amendment above suggests to add body art establishments as a conditional use in the C-3 zoning
district. Additionally, there would be a regulation that any such use must be located at least one mile
away from another body art establishment and the space that this use could occupy does not exceed
2,000 square feet in size. The intent of this text is to reduce any cluster effect and to ensure the proposed
use is in-keeping with the surrounding business sizes. Additionally, every such applicant who wants to
operate such a use has to go through the public hearing process and seek approval from the City Council
through the conditional use process. That results in every request being evaluated on a case-by-case
basis.
Add
12-9-7: OFF STREET PARKING REGULATIONS
Commercial Uses
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Body art establishments 1 space per 250 square feet of floor area
Add
12-13-3 DEFINITIONS
Body Art Establishment: An establishment, licensed under the Illinois Department of Public Health,
which conducts physical body adornment activities, including, but not limited to, the following
techniques: body piercing, tattooing, cosmetic tattooing, branding and scarification. This definition
does not include practices that are considered medical procedures by the Illinois State Medical Board,
such as implants under the skin, which shall not be performed in a body art establishment. “Body art
establishment" shall not include any use that is otherwise listed specifically in a zoning district as a
permitted or conditional use.
Note, the definition above closely resembles the definition for such use under the Illinois Department of
Public Health as this government agency regulates this profession.
Standards for Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment:
To analyze this text amendment request, the standards for amendments contained in Section 12-3-7.E of
the Zoning Ordinance are used. Following is a discussion of those standards.
1. Whether the proposed amendment is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the
comprehensive plan, as adopted and amended from time to time by the city council;
The proposed text amendments are generally consistent with the goals and objectives of the
comprehensive plan as the amendments includes an opportunity to allow a new business category to the
C-3 zoning district. Modernizing the Zoning Ordinance will advance the 2019 Des Plaines Comprehensive
Plan to ensure that development trends and existing conditions coincide in a logical manner.
2. Whether the proposed amendment is compatible with current conditions and the overall character
of existing development;
The proposed text amendments are mainly based off the conversations that took place at recent Des
Plaines City Council meetings. The general consensus was to allow such a use in the C-3 zoning district as
a conditional use in order to evaluate each applicant on a case-by-case basis. The proposed text
amendment will limit the quantity of body art establishments within the City of Des Plaines through a one
mile buffer requirement.
3. Whether the proposed amendment is appropriate considering the adequacy of public facilities and
services available to this subject property;
The proposed amendments are appropriate when considering the adequacy of public facilities and
services throughout the City of Des Plaines. The proposed text amendments will help ensure that there
are no concerns with impeding public facilities and services as each text amendment is being introduced
in a responsible manner.
4. Whether the proposed amendment will have an adverse effect on the value of properties throughout
the jurisdiction; and
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The proposed text amendments will not have a negative adverse effect on property values throughout
the City as there are several mechanisms introduced to allow for such uses in a careful manner.
5. Whether the proposed amendment reflects responsible standards for development and growth.
The proposed amendments reflect responsible standards for development and growth as all text
amendments aim to regulate a proposed land use that is not covered in the Zoning Ordinance.
Recommendation: The Community and Economic Development Department recommends approval of
the proposed text amendments to the following sections of the 1998 Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, as
amended, for the following portions: (i) Section 12-7-3.K to add “Body art establishments” as a Conditional
Use to the C-3 zoning district under certain circumstances, (ii) Section 12-9-7 to add “Body art
establishments” to the Off Street Parking Regulations, and (iii) Section 12-13-3, to add a definition for
“Body art establishment” to the Definition Chapter.
Planning & Zoning Board Procedure: Pursuant to Sections 12-3-7.D.3 of the Zoning Ordinance, the
Planning and Zoning Board may vote to recommend approval, approval with modifications, or disapproval.
The City Council has final authority over the Text Amendments.
Acting Chairman Saletnik asked if there was anyone from the public that wanted to comment on the
case; there were no comments.
A motion was made by Board Member Hofherr seconded by Board Member Catalano to approve as
presented.
AYES: Bader, Catalano, Hoffer, Saletnik
NAYES: Fowler, Veremis
***MOTION CARRIES ***
Case 20-026-TA City-wide Text Amendments
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NEW BUSINESS
1. Address: 1375 E. Oakton Street Case Number: 20-028-CU
The petitioner is requesting a Conditional Use under Section 12-7-3(K) of the 1998 Des Plaines Zoning
Ordinance, as amended, to allow a Domestic Pet Service use in the R-1 zoning district at 1375 E. Oakton
Street, and approval of any other such variations, waivers, and zoning relief as may be necessary.
PINs: 09-29-205-008-0000
Petitioner: Milan Milosevic, 2500 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 1107, Miami, FL 33137
Owner: 1375 Oakton St, LLC, 1381 E. Oakton Street, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Acting Chairman Saletnik swore in Milan Milosevic, 2500 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 1107, Miami, FL
33137. The Petitioner played a short video highlighting his proposed business, a pet daycare, grooming
facility and hotel. The Petitioner stated that is also has an application for pet walkers. The Petitioner
stated that the facility will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. with a retail component, including pet
accessories, and have separate areas for big/small dogs and cats, as well as an outdoor facility.
Member Fowler asked if the Petitioners have any other facilities, he stated that this would be his first.
Member Catalano asked if the Petitioner agreed with the conditions, the Petitioner agrees with the
conditions listed.
Acting Chairman Saletnik asked about the number of employees hired, the Petitioner stated that the he
hopes to hire three-four employees to begin. The Petitioner stated that employees will park on the side
of the building, the front will exclusively be used for drop off.
The Board asked about cleanliness, the Petitioner stated the facility will remain clean and does not see
any issues.
Acting Chairman Saletnik asked that the Staff Report be entered into record.
Issue: The petitioner is requesting a Conditional Use under Section 12-7-3(K) of the 1998 Des Plaines
Zoning Ordinance, as amended, to allow a Domestic Pet Service use in the C-3 zoning district at 1375 E.
Oakton Street, and approval of any other such variations, waivers, and zoning relief as may be necessary.
Analysis:
Address: 1375 E. Oakton Street
Owners: 1375 Oakton Street, LLC, 1381 E. Oakton Street, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Petitioner: Milan Milosevic, Waggy Paradise, Inc., 2500 Biscayne Boulevard, Unit #1107,
Miami, FL 33137
Case Number: 20-028-CU
Real Estate Index
Number: 09-29-205-007-0000; -008
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Ward: #6, Alderman Malcolm Chester
Existing Zoning: C-3, General Commercial District
Existing Land Use: Go Doggie Home Doggie / Kotur Mechanical Group (Commercial)
Surrounding Zoning: North: C-3, General Commercial District
South: R-1, Single-Family Residential District
East: C-3, General Commercial District
West: R-1, Single-Family Residential District
Surrounding Land Use: North: Commercial (vacant land)
South: Residential (single-family)
East: Commercial (shopping center)
West: Residential (single-family) & Railroad
Street Classification: Oakton Street is an arterial street and Chestnut Street is a local street.
Comprehensive Plan: The Comprehensive Plan designates the site as Higher Density Urban Mix
with Residential.
Project Description: The petitioner, Milan Milosevic on behalf of Waggy Paradise, Inc., has requested a
Conditional Use Permit for a Domestic Pet Service use at 1375 E. Oakton Street for a pet grooming and
boarding business, Waggy Hotel, in the C-3 zoning district. The property contains a one-story, 12,081-
square foot multi-unit building with a 19 space surface parking lot. The existing building is divided into
two main portions: the western portion of the building consists of two larger units, which extend the
entire depth of the building, and the eastern portion of the building, which is broken up into three smaller
units. There is currently a pet grooming/boarding business on the subject property located in Unit #1 on
the eastern side of the building, which has been operating in the space since 2017. Go Doggie Home
Doggie received a conditional use for a Pet Domestic Service use back in 2010 for Unit 1 of the building.
While this business plans to move out of the building, the petitioner is proposing to locate the proposed
pet grooming/boarding business in the larger unit on the western portion of the building and install a dog
run in the back of the property. Thus, a new conditional use for a Domestic Pet Service is required for the
proposed pet grooming/boarding business, Waggy Hotel.
The petitioner plans to combine the two larger units on the western portion of the building into a single,
5,000-square foot space for the pet grooming, boarding, and daycare business. The space will be divided
into separate sections to accommodate the grooming salon, cat and dog lounges, pet washing area, retail
area/lobby, employee break room, and storage/mechanical rooms as shown in the Floor Plans
(Attachment 6). On the outside of the building, the petitioner plans to utilize much of the existing building
materials and improvements, including the stone façade, metal clad canopy, and stone planter boxes.
However, the petitioner plans to add a new aluminum storefront for the business entrance, a new signage
for the front of the building, new landscaping in the existing planter boxes, and install a new dog run at
the rear of building with a 6-foot tall wood fence and gate as shown in the Building Elevations (Attachment
7). Waggy Hotel would operate every day of the week between 7 am and 7 pm with initially three full time
employees along with up to four pet groomers. The petitioner plans to have rotating staff to care for all
pets staying overnight at their location. Waggy Hotel will utilize pet pads and Urine Zero solutions to trap
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and disinfect all surfaces both inside building and outside in the dog run area to ensure that all waste is
cleaned and disposed of daily.
Of the existing 5,000-square foot space on the western portion of the building, 4,054-square feet of
combined space will be devoted to the lobby/retail area, office, pet bathing area, cat and dog lounges,
dog play areas, and pet grooming salon. The rest of the building is used for storage, mechanical
equipment, restrooms, and employee break room. Pursuant to Section 12-9-7, the amount of parking
spaces required for customer and employee parking is at least one parking space per 250-square feet of
gross floor area. Based on the information obtained from the petitioner, including a Floor Plan of the
existing building unit, staff finds that at least 16 parking spaces, and at least one handicap parking space,
are required on site for customer and employee parking. The petitioner is proposing to utilize the existing
19 parking spaces, including one handicap parking space, located on site as shown in the Site Plan.
Compliance with the Comprehensive Plan
The proposed project, including the proposed the site improvements, address various goals and
objectives of the 2019 Comprehensive Plan including the following aspects:
• Future Land Use Plan:
o The property is marked for the Higher Density Urban Mix with Residential land use. The
Future Land Use Plan strives to create a well-balanced development area with a healthy
mixture of commercial and residential uses. While the current use is commercial, the
petitioner will work to partially enhance the property with additional landscaping, new
aluminum storefront, and new dog run.
o The subject property is located along Oakton Street, a defined commercial corridor, with
single-family residential to the south and west. The request would assist in the
development of a new commercial business as well as improve the property from a
functional and aesthetic standpoint.
• Landscaping and Screening:
o The Comprehensive Plan seeks to encourage and actively pursue beautification
opportunities and efforts, including the installation of landscaping, street furniture,
lighting, and other amenities, to establish a more attractive shopping environment and
achieve stronger corridor identity in Des Plaines.
o The proposal seeks to add foundation landscaping in the existing planting beds along
the front of the western portion of the building to provide a more pronounced buffer
between the building and north parking area.
o The proposal also includes the addition of a 6-foot tall wood fence to enclose the new
dog run area located behind the building to adequately screen its view from the single-
family residences located south of the subject property.
While the aforementioned aspects represent a small portion of the goals and strategies of the
Comprehensive Plan, there is a large emphasis on improving existing commercial developments and
enhancing commercial corridors throughout Des Plaines.
Conditional Use Findings: As required, the proposed amendment is reviewed below in terms of the
standards contained in Section 12-3-4(E) of the Zoning Ordinance:
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A. The proposed Conditional Use is in fact a Conditional Use established within the specific Zoning
district involved:
Comment: A Domestic Pet Service use is a Conditional Uses in the C-3 General Commercial District,
as specified in Section 12-7-3(K) 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 Comprehensive Plan seeks to promote additional land uses in the area through
development and/or redevelopment opportunities in its commercial districts. The proposed
Conditional Use for a Domestic Pet Service would allow for a new business to fill a vacant space,
provide additional services to Des Plaines residents, and may, in turn, promote future
development or redevelopment opportunities with multi-use concepts for the surrounding
properties.
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 Conditional Use for a Domestic Pet Service is harmonious with the
surrounding commercial development as there are other service-oriented uses located along
Oakton Street. In addition, there is currently a similar pet boarding, grooming, and daycare
business located on the subject property.
D. The proposed Conditional Use is not hazardous or disturbing to existing neighboring uses:
Comment: The existing Conditional Use for a Domestic Pet Service is not hazardous or disturbing
to existing neighboring uses as it more so blends in with surrounding commercial development.
While the petitioner plans to make some aesthetic improvements to the front exterior of the
building and add a fenced dog run in the rear of the building, staff finds that the changes will not
be hazardous or distributing to surrounding development. Enhancements will be made to the
property such as increased landscaping and fencing to reduce any potential impact to neighboring
properties.
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: The subject property is located west of the intersection of Oakton Street and Chestnut
Street and currently has three access points: two along Oakton Street and one along Chestnut
Street. The Conditional Use for a Domestic Pet Service will not affect the service of the property
by public facilities and services or agencies responsible for establishing the Conditional Use.
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:
Comment: The proposed Conditional Use for a Domestic Pet Service does not create excessive
additional requirements at the public’s expense or detract from the economic well-being of the
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community as all operations will take place inside the building aside from the dog run area located
outside behind the building.
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 existing pet grooming, boarding, and daycare business on site does not produce
excessive production of traffic, noise, smoke fumes, glare or odors. The proposed Conditional Use
for a Domestic Pet Service will operate in a larger space than the existing pet grooming, boarding,
and daycare business, but will not have a detrimental effect on any individual, property, or general
welfare of the community.
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 subject property contains three access points onto the subject property that
negate any interference with traffic on surrounding thoroughfares and the existing Domestic Pet
Service use has not affected the use of these access points. The proposed Conditional Use for a
Domestic Pet Service will not cause traffic interference on the surrounding public thoroughfares.
I. The proposed Conditional Use does not result in the destruction, loss, or damage of natural,
scenic, or historic features of major importance:
Comment: The existing Conditional Use for a Domestic Pet Service has not resulted in any
destruction, loss, damage, or change to the natural, scenic, or historic features of major
importance since the subject property has already been developed for commercial use. The
proposed Conditional Use for a Domestic Pet Service will not cause in any destruction, loss, or
damage of natural scenic, or historic features as it will utilize the existing space within the building
and the existing parking available on the property.
J. The proposed Conditional Use complies with all additional regulations in the Zoning Ordinance
specific to the Conditional Use requested:
Comment: The existing Conditional Use for a Domestic Pet Service complies with all additional
regulations in Section 12-3-4 in the City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance. The proposed
Conditional Use for a Domestic Pet Service will also comply with all applicable regulations for
Conditional Uses.
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit for a Domestic Pet Service
based on a review of the information presented by the applicant as specified in Section 12-3-4(E)
(Standards for Conditional Uses) of the City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, subject to the following
conditions:
1. That the parallel parking spaces between the building and the front property line shall be
designated as loading or short-term parking.
2. That the building space and outdoor dog run areas are cleaned daily to remove pet waste and
that pet waste is collected from the site on a weekly basis.
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3. That a sign permit application is submitted and obtained for any proposed exterior signage on
the property.
Planning and Zoning Board Procedure: Under Sections 12-3-4(D) (Procedure for Review and Decision for
Conditional Uses) of the Zoning Ordinance, the Planning and Zoning Board has the authority to
recommend that the City Council approve, approve subject to conditions, or deny the above-mentioned
Conditional Use Permit for motor vehicle sales in the C-3 General Commercial District. The City Council
has final authority on the proposal.
Acting Chairman Saletnik asked if there was anyone from the public that wanted to comment on the
case; the following members from the public came forward:
• Mario Garcia of 1681 S Chestnut, Des Plaines, IL asked about pets staying overnight and had
concerns over noise.
The Petitioner responded that the building is virtually soundproof, made of double layer brick.
Acting Chairman Saletnik stated that there are noise performance requirements as specified in
the zoning code, and that the business would have to comply. Director McMahon stated that
the noise issue was a major concern for Playtime Pup Ranch, but has not had any noise
complaints. The Petitioner also stated that each animal would have their own crate and be in
their kennel from 7:00 pm - 7:00 am.
• Elizabeth Davis, who has a daughter who resides on Chestnut, had a question about the number
of dogs allowed and if there was a standard or a number of dogs per square foot of building.
Director McMahon stated there is nothing for indoor pet services in the City Code. The facility
would have to comply with all state regulations and animal control (overcrowding and safety
issues). The Petitioner stated that he does not have any license currently, but the location in
question is approximately 5,000 square feet and he can board up to 50 dogs. Acting Chairman
Saletnik asked for clarification regarding the kennels, the kennels are larger and there is
separation between dog sizes.
Ms. Davis also had concerns over the disease outbreaks, such as parvo. The Petitioner stated
that all dogs must be current on vaccinations prior to accepting them into the facility.
The property owner for 1375 Oakton, Acy Marsenic, came forward and reiterated the fact the
location is very soundproof and that if additional modifications are needed for additional
soundproofing, they will be addressed.
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Planner Stytz stated that the following written communiques were received and entered into record:
• Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Asa, 1658 S Chestnut, Des Plaines, IL, dated 8/21/2020
Dear Sir or Madam:
Regarding the above referenced conditional use permit application, I am opposed to it for a
number of reasons (including nuisance) and would respectfully request that you vote to deny the
granting of the conditional use permit.
• David Vicik, 1511 Riverview Ave, Des Plaines, IL dated 8/25/2020
Dear Sir or Madam:
Regarding the above referenced conditional use permit application, I am opposed to it for a
number of reasons (including nuisance) and would respectfully request that you vote to deny the
granting of the conditional use permit.
I would like it to be known by the members of the city council that along with the nuisance
factor, a facility of this size would generate a large amount of pet waste. Unless some type of
special licensed waste hauler is contracted to remove the waste on a daily basis, the smell,
disease and insect population that would arise from such a facility during a pandemic, Covid 19
in particular, would make me feel unsafe and I would stay away from such a facility. My
neighbors and I should not feel like we are being endangered by a business in our neighborhood.
Just a few hundred feet east is the Oak Elm animal hospital which already serves the needs of
our neighborhood quite nicely when it comes to pet grooming, care and boarding.
I urge the council members to vote NO on case #20-028-CU and DO NOT grant the conditional
use permit.
• Cheryl Held/Taxes With Held, 140 E Oakton & 1721 S Elm St, Des Plaines, IL dated 8/21/2020
Dear Sir or Madam:
Regarding the above referenced conditional use permit application, I am opposed to it for a
number of reasons (including nuisance) and would respectfully request that you vote to deny the
granting of the conditional use permit.
Not only is this a nuisance but if you look at the property, there is not enough room for walking
these dogs nor an area for them to be going to the bathroom outside. This definitely should not
be allowed and if these dogs are taken out, they are going to be doing their business in the
parkway or in the parking lot? We already have that situation occurring with the current tenant
who is there with the same type of business but it is our understanding that the new proposed
renter for that space wants to take on (3) times the amount of space that is currently being
utilized for this same type of organization. While I know this petition normally would be for the
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August 25, 2020
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homeowners directly impacted by this, I am a business owner located directly across the street
and have witnessed the current situation of dogs doing this business (allowed by owner) in the
parkway. Now, operating my own business with windows directly facing that business, how do
you think that this situation looks to us and our clients. Are we to say, sorry, but their dogs need
to take a dump, so pretend like you don’t see it.
I very strong oppose this new business operation with the expansion to be allowed to operate
their domestic pet service and that the permit be denied.
Thank you,
Cheryl A Held
Also, as an addendum to my previous comments I would like to follow it up with the following
info – Oakton Street is a very, very busy thoroughfare connecting out city to Elk Grove Village,
Park Ridge and beyond. Going eastbound on Oakton from Lee Street you pass the fire station, go
over the railroad tracks and then Oakton Street merges into one lane directly in front of the
property in question. This is a very dangerous piece of road. What will happen if a handler or
two has dogs out (with no place to be walked) and the dog runs out into this merging traffic.
This is an awful situation and I do not know what liability the City would incur for allowing this
permit application when indeed this property is incapable of having this property location for
this type of business. I urge the City to come out and note this situation because it is absolutely
correct. Also, currently we have the Elm Animal Hospital one block away on Elm St and Oakton
St property. We are already crazed with all the dogs barking at that location and the unkempt
property. I mention this because not only am I a business owner at 1401 E Oakton St – square in
the middle of the Pet Service Co and the animal hospital, but I am also a homeowner at 1721 S
Elm St, down the street from the animal hospital and I have totally had enough of the animal
situation in my work and personal home setting.
Des Plaines needs to seriously consider my opposition to this conditional use permit. You are
allowing my neighborhood to go to the DOGS!
Acting Chairman Saletnik provided comments regarding the cleanliness and noise factors to address the
written communiques.
A motion was made by Board Member Catalano, seconded by Board Member Fowler to approve as
presented.
AYES: Bader, Catalano, Fowler, Hofherr, Saletnik, Veremis
NAYES: None
***MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY ***
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August 25, 2020
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2. Address: 380 Northwest Highway Case Number: 20-029-MAP
The petitioner is requesting a Map Amendment under Section 12-7-3(K) of the 1998 Des Plaines Zoning
Ordinance, as amended, to rezone the property located at 380 Northwest Highway from C-1,
Neighborhood Shopping District to C-3, General Commercial District, and approval of any other such
variations, waivers, and zoning relief as may be necessary.
PINs: 09-07-303-047-0000
Petitioner: Arvind Patel, 4295 Eisenhower Circle, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
Owner: Arvind Patel, 4295 Eisenhower Circle, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
Acting Chairman Saletnik swore in Arvind Patel, 4295 Eisenhower Circle, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192. The
Petitioner stated that his request is regarding rezoning the property at 380 Northwest Highway from C-
1, Neighborhood Shopping District to C-3, General Commercial District. The new zoning designation
would allow the building to comply with current zoning standards and allow for more flexibility
regarding uses and tenants.
Acting Chairman Seletnik asked that the Staff Report be entered into record. Director McMahon
commented that the current zoning designation is not appropriate, and that the C-2 or C-3 would be
appropriate, and that the C-3 designation would provide the most flexibility.
Issue: The petitioner is requesting a Map Amendment under Section 12-3-7 of the 1998 Des Plaines Zoning
Ordinance as amended to rezone the subject property from C-1, Neighborhood Shopping District to C-3,
General Commercial Use.
Analysis:
Address: 380 Northwest Highway
Owners: Dr. Arvind Patel, 4295 Eisenhower Circle, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
Petitioner: Dr. Arvind Patel, 4295 Eisenhower Circle, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
Case Number: 20-029-MAP
Real Estate Index
Number(s): 09-07-303-047-0000
Ward: #7, Alderman Don Smith
Existing Zoning: C-1, Neighborhood Shopping
Existing Land Use: Multi-Unit Office Building
Surrounding Zoning: North: R-1, Single-family Residential
South: M-1, Limited Manufacturing
East: C-3, General Commercial / R-1 Single-family Residential
West: C-3, General Commercial
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Surrounding Land Use: North: Single-family Residences
South: Railroad / Metra Parking Lot
East: Commercial / Single-family Residences
West: Commercial
Street Classification: Northwest Highway is an arterial street, Cambridge Road is a local street, and
Cornell Avenue is a local street.
Comprehensive Plan: The Comprehensive Plan designates the site as Commercial.
Project Description: The petitioner, Dr. Arvind Patel, is requesting a Map Amendment to rezone the
subject property from C-1, Neighborhood Shopping District to C-3, General Commercial District to allow
for additional businesses within the existing building. The property contains a three-story, multi-use
building with a 124-space off-street surface/covered parking lot on the ground level and two upper office
floors. The existing building was built in 1966 and contains medical offices, home health care offices,
pharmacy, wound care and medical spa, and similar office uses. The petitioner purchased this building in
2017 and remodeled a majority of the units.
At this time, the petitioner is attempting to fill vacant units with new office uses. However, the subject
property is currently zoned C-1, Neighborhood Shopping where office uses are a conditional use. Thus,
any new office use would currently have to obtain a conditional use prior to locating within the existing
building. The petitioner is requesting the map amendment from C-1 to C-3 to allow future office uses on
the property as a permitted use and to match the property zoning with the existing commercial
development along Northwest Highway. Aside from the map amendment, the petitioner does not have
any plans to make changes to the building or property itself at this time.
Compliance with the Comprehensive Plan
The proposed project, including the proposed the site improvements, address various goals and
objectives of the 2019 Comprehensive Plan including the following aspects:
• Future Land Use Plan:
o The property is marked for Commercial land use. The Future Land Use Plan strives to
create a well-balanced development area with a healthy mixture of commercial and
residential uses. While the current use is a multi-unit office building, the petitioner has
remodeled the building to attract new businesses and services to Des Plaines.
o The subject property is located at the corner of the major intersection along a defined
commercial corridor with a mixture of single-family residential, commercial, and
manufacturing uses and serves as a prominently-positioned development along
Northwest Highway. The request would assist in the retention and growth of an existing
multi-unit office building as well as allow room for new services within close proximity to
Des Plaines residents.
While the aforementioned aspects represent a small portion of the goals and strategies of the
Comprehensive Plan, there is a large emphasis on improving existing commercial developments and
enhancing commercial corridors throughout Des Plaines.
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Amendment Findings: Map Amendment requests are subject to the standards set forth in Section 12-3-
7(E) of the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, as amended. In reviewing these standards, staff has
the following comments:
A. The proposed amendment is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the
comprehensive plan, as adopted and amended from time to time by the city council
Comment: The Comprehensive Plan strives to foster both retention and growth of retail, office, and
service-oriented uses that primarily serve day-to-day needs of local residents. The subject property
is located along the Northwest Highway corridor and contains commercial office uses in close
proximity to Des Plaines residents, contributing to a more pedestrian friendly environment. The
rezoning will bring the entire property under a zoning district tailored towards the existing uses
present on the subject property and that is consistent with surrounding development.
B. The proposed amendment is compatible with current conditions and the overall character of
existing development in the immediate vicinity of the subject property
Comment: The subject property is surrounded by a mix of commercial, manufacturing, and
residentially-zoned properties. However, the properties directly east and west of the subject
property are zoned C-3, General Commercial, which are compatible with the proposed map
amendment for the subject property.
C. The proposed amendment is appropriate considering the adequacy of public facilities and services
available to this subject property
Comment: There are currently adequate public facilities for the existing C-1, Neighborhood Shopping
District zoned property to enable it to be rezoned to the C-3 General Commercial District.
D. The proposed amendment will have an adverse effect on the value of properties throughout the
jurisdiction:
Comment: The proposal would better address the existing uses operating on the subject property
and make the subject property zoning consistent with similar C-3 zoned development in the area.
This request would also allow for additional uses to be located on site thus promoting new business
growth in the existing building.
E. The proposed amendment reflects responsible standards for development and growth:
Comment: The proposal strives to meet and exceed the responsible standards required for
development and growth as it would allow for additional uses to locate on site. The request will
lessen the barriers to entry for new retail, office, and service-oriented businesses to locate in Des
Plaines at this site.
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of a map amendment to rezone the subject property from
C-1, Neighborhood Shopping District to C-3, General Commercial District under Section 12-3-7 of the 1998
Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance as amended.
Planning and Zoning Board Procedure: Under Section 12-3-7(D) (Procedure for Review and Decision for
Amendments) of the Zoning Ordinance, the Planning and Zoning Board has the authority to recommend
that the City Council approve, approve subject to conditions, or deny the above-mentioned requests for
a Map Amendment for the property at 380 Northwest Highway. The City Council has final authority on
the proposal.
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Acting Chairman Saletnik asked if there was anyone from the public that wanted to comment on the
case; there were no comments.
A motion was made by Board Member Hofherr seconded by Board Member Veremis to approve as
presented.
AYES: Bader, Catalano, Fowler, Hofherr, Saletnik, Veremis
NAYES: None
***MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY ***
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ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting is scheduled for September 8, 2020.
Acting Chairman Saletnik adjourned the meeting by voice vote at 8:09 p.m.
Sincerely,
Wendy Bednarz, Recording Secretary
cc: City Officials, Aldermen, Zoning Board of Appeals, Petitioners