Planning & Zoning Commission
Regular MeetingDeKalb, IL · November 6, 2019
Minutes
MINUTES
CITY OF DEKALB
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
November 6, 2019
The Planning and Zoning Commission held a Meeting on November 6, 2019, at the City
of DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Chair Christina
Doe called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
A. ROLL CALL
Principal Planner Dan Olson called the roll. Planning and Zoning Commission
members preset were: Chair Christina Doe, Steve Becker, Max Maxwell, David
Castro, and Ron Klein. Commissioner Vicki Buckley and Jerry Wright were absent.
Principal Planner Dan Olson was present representing the City.
B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA (Additions/Deletions)
Chair Doe Requested a motion to approve the November 6, 2019, agenda as
presented. Mr. Maxwell motioned to approve the agenda as presented. Mr. Castro
seconded the motion, and the motion was approved by unanimous voice vote.
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None
D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (Open Floor to Anyone Wishing to Speak on Record)
None
E. NEW BUSINESS
1. Public Hearing – Petition by Aurora Sign Company, representing DeKalb
Community School District #428, for approval of a special use permit to allow
an electronic changeable copy sign (digital display sign) as shown on the sign
detail made part of the special use application. The subject site is located at
650 North 1st Street (Clinton Rosette Middle School).
Brandon Weis, of 1100 US-34 in Aurora, representing the Aurora Sign
Company, stated he was here on behalf of DeKalb School District 428. He
stated the school district is proposing to replace and construct a new ground
sign along N. 1st St. in front of Clinton Rosette Middle School. He noted the
proposed sign will replace an existing manual changeable copy sign which is
about 36 sq. ft. in size and 10 feet in height and internally illuminated. Mr. Weis
advised the proposed sign will about 20 feet from the right-of-way of N. 1st St.
at the same location of the existing sign. He added the new sign falls under the
UDO regulations that allows churches, schools and public buildings to have
one Identification/Information Sign not to exceed 50 sq. ft. and 15 feet in height.
He stated the proposed sign will be just under 13 feet in height and about 50
sq. ft. and the digital display portion of the sign will be about 25 sq. ft. or about
50% of the total sign area.
Mr. Weis advised the sign has auto-dimming capabilities and will change its
illumination based on amount of daylight. He noted it can be programmed to
dim or turn off based on a schedule. He added the sign is about 400 ft. from
any residential properties.
Principal Planner Olson went through the staff report dated November 1, 2019
and recommended approval. He advised the UDO regulations prohibit
electronic changeable copy signs, however a variance/waiver to the sign
regulations can be granted as a condition of a special use permit. He noted the
site is zoned “SFR2” Single-Family Residential and “MFR1” Multi-Family
Residential and a school is a special use in those districts. He advised a special
use permit was issued in 2001 to allow the school to add a mobile classroom
on the site and a special use permit was also issued in 2003 to permit an
addition on the northeast side of the building.
Mr. Olson provided examples of recent special use permits for other electronic
changeable copy signs. He advised in July 2018, Littlejohn Elementary School
received a special use permit that included approval of a 7-foot-high and 46 sq.
ft. electronic changeable copy sign near the entrance to the school building. He
noted in October 2018 the City approved a special use permit to allow Hillcrest
Covenant Church at 1515 N. 1st St. to have a 30 sq. ft. and 5 ft. high electronic
changeable copy sign that replaced an existing ground sign with manual
changeable copy. He noted these approvals had multiple operational
limitations, which is recommended for the proposed sign. He said for Littlejohn
School, an additional condition was added stating the sign could only be
illuminated when school was in session or when there was a school activity
occurring in the building. Mr. Olson added the condition was added since the
sign was located as close as 25-50 feet to several homes.
Mr. Olson advised the Commission the City has also approved electronic
changeable copy signs in the past. He noted they included DeKalb High School
in 2009, First Midwest Bank at 130 W. Lincoln Highway in 2012 and Toyota of
DeKalb (Bemis) along Sycamore Road in 2016. Mr. Olson mentioned staff is
recommending the operational conditions approved for the electronic
changeable copy signs for Littlejohn Elementary School and Hillcrest Covenant
Church be approved for this site and are listed at the end of the staff report in
Exhibit B. He noted the applicant has reviewed the conditions and has indicated
they would comply with the standards.
Mr. Olson advised the proposed electronic reader board sign at Clinton Rosette
Middle School will not have a detrimental effect on the adjacent properties or
land uses. He added the proposed electronic reader board sign proposed along
N. 1st St. will not be in close proximity to any homes, will only take up about
50% of the total sign area and will have the same operational limitations as
other digital display signs recently approved by the City. Mr. Olson stated the
special use will not dominate the immediate area and will not prevent
development on the neighboring properties. He noted the surrounding area is
already developed with commercial uses, multi-family and single-family
residential uses, a church and cemetery.
Mr. Olson advised the City had received multiple responses and comments
from citizens. An e-mail from Peter and Florence Gerlach of 218 Sycamore Rd
and a Citizen Response Form from Beverly Joan Watson of 821 N. 5th St, was
received stating their objection to the proposal. A Citizen Response Form from
Jonathan and Jenifer Lowe of 206 Sycamore Rd had comments regarding the
lighting and the size of the sign. Cary Nelsen of 216 N. 1st St who also owns
property at 719 N. 4th St, submitted a Citizen Response Form noting her
support for the sign.
Mr. Olson said staff recommended approval of the special use request, which
will allow the school to inform the public of school and district related activities
and announcements.
Chair Doe then invited attendees in the audience to speak.
Peter Gerlach, of 218 Sycamore Rd, stated his opposition for the sign. He noted
his concern for the effect light pollution would have on neighboring wildlife and
residences. He stated drivers would also be distracted when the sign changes
phrases or pictures. He requested the Commission deny the special use permit.
Chair Doe gave the Commission members the opportunity to speak.
Mr. Maxwell questioned how the automatic dimming feature works, and how
bright the sign can be. Mr. Weis advised both sides of the sign have light
sensors that adjust the brightness of the sign automatically. He advised the
sign is within the City’s UDO regulations, which does not allow the sign to be
brighter than 500 nits.
Mr. Klein inquired if the sign will be illuminated all night. Mr. Weis advised the
UDO does not restrict if the sign will be illuminated at night and the school
district will make that decision. Tammy Carson, Director of Facility Operations
Services for Dekalb School District 428, advised they have received no
complaints regarding illumination of the current sign. She advised the current
sign is on 24 hours a day, however, they have not decided if the new sign will
be the same. She noted the existing sign is old and damaged and needs to be
replaced.
Mr. Castro inquired if the sign would turn off if the sensor stopped working. Mr.
Weis advised the sign would have to be turned off manually if the sensor
stopped working. He noted they have never had a sensor stop working in one
of their signs. Mr. Becker inquired if the previous sign was LED and if the newer
sign will be more energy efficient. Mr. Weis advised the current sign has
fluorescent tubes and the new sign will be significantly more energy efficient.
Chair Doe inquired whether the sign could change colors. Mr. Weis and Ms.
Carson advised the lights can change colors. Mr. Klein asked Mr. Gerlach if the
existing sign bothers him. Mr. Gerlach responded that it does.
Mr. Maxwell pointed out the proposed sign will not emit out more light than the
existing sign. Mr. Castro asked if there likely would be any activities at the
school after 9:30/10:00 at night. The Principal of Clinton Rosette Middle School,
Brant Boyer, stated there would be very few activities after 10:00 PM.
Chair Doe gave the public one more opportunity to speak.
Mr. Gerlach advised if the sign was turned off during the overnight hours, he
would not be opposed to the sign.
There were no further public comments.
Chair Doe gave the floor to the Commissioners to discuss the petition.
Mr. Becker advised he recommends the sign be dimmed to the minimum
amount after 10:00PM and not be brightened until 6:00AM. Mr. Castro, Mr.
Klein and Mr. Maxwell stated they could support that recommendation.
Discussion by the Commission took place regarding the hours when the lights
in the proposed sign should be turned off or dimmed.
Mr. Olson advised if a motion was passed regarding the brightness during
overnight hours, it must be specific so it can be enforceable. He suggested if
there was a motion to restrict the overnight hours, it should be to completely
shut off the sign after a certain time.
Ms. Carson and Mr. Weis noted there are other activities the school district
would like to advertise on the sign beyond the ones only conducted at Clinton
Rosette.
Mr. Weis advised the illumination from the school parking lot lights and passing
vehicles on 1st St casts much more illumination than the proposed sign would
produce. He noted the brilliancy of the light would not extend to the residential
properties 400 ft way, where Mr. Gerlach lives. Mr. Weis noted it would be hard
to control the dimming at night and stated nearby lights from vehicles would
affect the dimmer.
Mr. Olson noted the electronic changeable copy sign at Littlejohn Elementary
School that has the hour restrictions is different than the one at Clinton Rosette
because its located in the parking lot and only visible to parents of children that
attend the school. He added the one proposed for Clinton Rosette is along N.
1st St. which is a major road and has a lot of traffic and visible to the general
public.
Mr. Klein stated precedence was set for the previous sign that went before the
Commission at Hillcrest Covenant Church at 1515 N. 1st St. He noted there
were no restrictions regarding turning the sign off during overnight hours.
Mr. Becker advised Mr. Gerlach he would make a motion for the petition to be
passed as presented. Mr. Becker recommended Mr. Gerlach speak with
neighbors if they are also concerned with the lighting and have them attend the
next City Council meeting to express their concerns.
Mr. Becker advised based upon the submitted petition and testimony present,
he moved the Planning and Zoning Commission forward its findings of fact and
recommend to the City Council approval of a special use permit for the property
located at 650 N. 1st St. (Clinton Rosette Middle School) in order to approve a
waiver to Article 13.03.9 of the Unified Development Ordinance to allow an
electronic changeable copy sign (digital display sign) as shown on the sign
detail dated 9-18-19 prepared by Aurora Sign Company and located as shown
on the aerial photo received on 10-8-19 both labeled as Exhibit A and per the
conditions as indicated on Exhibit B of the staff report. Motion was seconded
by Maxwell.
A roll call vote was taken. Mr. Becker – yes, Mr. Castro – yes, Mr. Klein – yes,
Mr. Maxwell – yes, Chair Doe – yes. Motion was passed 5-0-0. Mr. Wright
and Ms. Buckley were absent.
2. Public Hearing - Petition by DeKalb-Harlem, LLC for a rezoning from the
“GC” General Commercial District to the “PD-C” Planned Development
Commercial District for a 7.26 acre site to allow for a video gaming
establishment to locate in an approximate 2,000 square foot tenant space.
The petition also requests allowance of the proposed video gaming
establishment to be located within 500 feet of another video gaming
establishment. The subject tenant space is located at 1704 Sycamore Road
and generally located at the northeast corner of Sycamore Road and East
Dresser Road.
Tim Muldowney, of 7791 Joy Ln in Roscoe, IL representing DeKalb-Harlem
LLC, advised they are proposing to establish a video gaming establishment in
an approximate 2,000 sq. ft. tenant space previously known as Lacey’s Place,
at 1704 Sycamore Road. He noted the subject site is 7.26 acres, which includes
the building the establishment will be located in and the rest of the site that
DeKalb-Harlem LLC owns, which includes the parking lot and two other
freestanding buildings. He noted the tenant space for the proposed
establishment is about 2,000 sq. ft. and substantial work has occurred inside
the space in order to accommodate the proposed use.
Mr. Muldowney noted amendments made to the UDO in March 2017 required
them to obtain a special use permit for a video gaming establishment. He added
one of the additional requirements approved in March 2017 was a video gaming
establishment must be at least 500 feet away from another establishment. He
stated Charley’s Video Gaming, located at 1792 Sycamore Road, is
approximately 465 feet away from the proposed Lacey’s Place. He said
reducing the 500 ft separation requirement for video gaming establishments is
not a variance that can be requested, so they are requesting to rezone the site
to the PD-C Planned Development Commercial District to accommodate the
reduction.
Mr. Muldowney advised the tenant space has been vacant since 2008 and
wasn’t generating any revenue. He mentioned in 2016 an investor signed a
lease for the site to be used as a licensed video gaming establishment, to be
called Lacey’s Place. He added the investor obtained local approvals and
attempted to obtain state approvals for the video gaming establishment,
however the investor was unable to obtain state approval.
Mr. Muldowney stated, this past June, an applicant came forward to re-open it
as a video gaming establishment, however, they did not have full approval by
them and eventually withdrew the petition. He stated DeKalb-Harlem, LCC is
interested in opening the video gaming establishment with a new
owner/operator and intends to re-apply for the liquor and video gaming licenses
and obtain the appropriate zoning for the site.
Mr. Muldowney advised he wanted to clarify some issues in the staff report. He
noted the new investor will most likely not be using the name Lacey’s Place.
He also mentioned the investor was initially not going to object to the hourly
restrictions on liquor sales discussed in the staff report, however they learned
that per State law, video gaming cannot occur if liquor sales are not permitted.
Mr. Muldowney requested there not be any additional conditions on hours of
operation.
Mr. Muldowney noted they had concerns with the wall signage restrictions that
were put in place for Maisy’s along S. 4th St, and the video gaming
establishment at 122 E. Hillcrest Dr., which restricted advertising the sale or
presence of alcohol or video gaming on signage. Mr. Muldowney stated he is
aware of the conditions established for Maisy’s and 122 E. Hillcrest Dr. and is
willing to abide by the same standards regarding the window signage and
temporary signage restrictions that they had. He added they have a concern
restricting the wall sign from advertising the word “slots” or something similar
since many video gaming establishments have such wording in the name of
their business.
Principal Planner Dan Olson went through the staff report dated November 1,
2019. He advised DeKalb-Harlem LLC is proposing to establish a video gaming
establishment in an approximate 2,000 sq. ft. tenant space at 1704 Sycamore
Road in a commercial building called the DeKalb Shopping Center. He noted
the site is zoned “GC” General Commercial District and since March 2017,
stand-alone video gaming establishments have been a special use in the “GC”
District. He advised Lacey’s Place was originally issued a liquor license and
video gaming license in April 2016, which was prior to the City’s passage of the
Ordinance requiring stand-alone video gaming establishments to obtain a
special use permit. He added although they obtained the necessary licenses in
2016, Lacey’s Place never opened for business and surrendered their license
with the City in December 2018.
Mr. Olson noted Lacey’s Place was one of the original seven stand-along video
gaming establishments that existed prior to the amendments made to the UDO
in March 2017 which required them to obtain a special use permit. He stated
one of the additional requirements approved in March 2017 was a video gaming
establishment must be at least 500 ft away from another establishment. He
pointed out that Charley’s Video Gaming, located at 1792 Sycamore Road, is
approximately 465 feet away from the proposed Lacey’s Place. He noted
reducing the 500 ft separation requirement for video gaming establishments is
not a variance that can be requested, so the applicant is requesting to rezone
the site to accommodate the business.
Mr. Olson noted on May 13, 2019, the City Council approved an amendment
to the Municipal Code to allow for an increase in the fixed number of liquor
licenses for video gaming establishments to ten to allow for the use on the
subject site. He advised one of the conditions of the Council’s approval was the
granting of the appropriate zoning for the video gaming establishment.
Mr. Olson noted the hours allowed for a video gaming establishment per the
Municipal Code are Monday-Wednesday 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM, Thursday-
Saturday 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM and Sunday 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM. Mr. Olson
stated for Maisy’s along S. 4th St. and the video gaming establishment
approved at 122 E. Hillcrest Dr. this past July the Planning and Zoning
Commission recommended the sale of alcohol not occur at the establishment
before 10:00 a.m., Monday through Sunday. He added, upon further research,
the City Attorney has noted per State law the operational hours for a video
gaming establishment and the hours allowed for sale of alcohol must coincide.
Mr. Olson advised a concern with video gaming establishments is safety and
security. He noted this past summer the Police Department reviewed the data
regarding calls for service for the seven existing video gaming establishments
in the City. He stated Interim Police Chief John Petragallo has indicated there
is no significant demand for public safety resources nor any quality of life or
crime concerns related to the existing stand-alone video gaming
establishments.
Mr. Olson advised two citizen response forms were received. Cynthia Dolder
of 1407 E. Dresser Road indicated her support for the proposal. Susan Aamodt
of 1730 Sunrise Dr. mentioned she does not support the proposal.
Mr. Olson explained the proposed video gaming establishment will take up a
vacant tenant space along Sycamore Road and will add to the economic
development along the corridor. He advised additional sales tax and video
gaming revenue will be generated for the City with the proposed use.
Chair Doe then invited attendees in the audience to speak. There were none,
and the public hearing was closed.
Mr. Becker inquired what benefit would it be to have another video gaming
establishment within the City, as well as it being so close to another
establishment. He also inquired how many video gaming machines would be
present in the establishment. Mr. Muldowney advised it attracts a different
demographic being a stand-alone establishment rather than having video
gaming within a bar, restaurant, or bowling alley. He also noted there will only
be five video gaming machines, as restricted by State law. Mr. Olson advised
recent changes to state restrictions now allow for 6 video gaming machines.
He also noted the number of video gaming establishment allowed in the City is
more of a determination of the City Council and the Commission’s focus should
be on the proposed location of the establishment.
Mr. Maxwell moved, based upon the submitted petition and testimony
presented, the Planning and Zoning Commission forward its findings of fact and
recommend to the City Council approval of a rezoning from the “GC” General
Commercial District to the “PD-C” Planned Development Commercial District
for the subject site located at 1704 Sycamore Road to allow for a video gaming
establishment per the conditions and standards listed in Exhibit A of the staff
report. Motion was seconded by Mr. Klein.
A roll call vote was taken. Mr. Castro – yes, Mr. Klein – yes, Mr. Maxwell – yes,
Mr. Becker – yes, Chair Doe – no. Motion passed 4-1-0. Mr. Wright and Ms.
Buckley were absent.
F. REPORTS
Mr. Olson noted the next scheduled meeting on November 20th will likely be
canceled. He added the next Commission meeting after that would be December
4th which will include a public hearing for a special use permit for a 10 foot tall cell
antennae to be located on the building at 100 W. Lincoln Highway (Walgreens).
He stated there will also be a request by Charles McCormick for a resubdivision of
three lot to two lots in the South Pointe Greens Unit Two Subdivision located along
Pebble Beach Ct.
Mr. Olson also noted the City Council approved the Chicago West Business Center
amendments on October 28th as well as the first reading of the amendments to the
UDO regarding cannabis dispensaries. He also mentioned the request for a
medical cannabis dispensary at 700 Peace Road would be reviewed by the City
Council on November 25th.
G. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Maxwell motioned to adjourned, Mr. Castro seconded the motion, and the
motion was approved by unanimous voice vote. The Planning and Zoning
Commission adjourned at 7:44PM.
Agenda
DeKalb Municipal Building
Council Chambers
200 S. Fourth St., 2nd Floor
DeKalb, IL 60115
AGENDA
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 6, 2019
6:00 PM
A. ROLL CALL
B. APPROVAL OF AGENDA (Additions or Deletions)
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. None
D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (Open Floor to Anyone Wishing to Speak on Record)
E. NEW BUSINESS
1. Public Hearing – Petition by Aurora Sign Company, representing DeKalb
Community School District #428, for approval of a special use permit to allow
an electronic changeable copy sign (digital display sign) as shown on the sign
detail made part of the special use application. The subject site is located at
650 North 1st Street (Clinton Rosette Middle School).
2. Public Hearing – Petition by DeKalb-Harlem, LLC for a rezoning from the “GC”
General Commercial District to the “PD-C” Planned Development Commercial
District for a 7.26 acre site to allow for a video gaming establishment to locate
in an approximate 2,000 square foot tenant space. The petition also requests
allowance of the proposed video gaming establishment to be located within 500
feet of another video gaming establishment. The subject tenant space is
located at 1704 Sycamore Road and generally located at the northeast corner
of Sycamore Road and East Dresser Road.
F. REPORTS
G. ADJOURNMENT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
November 1, 2019
TO: DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission
FROM: Dan Olson, Principal Planner
RE: Special Use Permit to Allow an Electronic Changeable Copy Sign - 650 N. 1st. St.
(Clinton Rosette Middle School)
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. Purpose Approval of a special use to allow an electronic
changeable copy sign (digital display sign)
B. Location/Size 650 N. 1st St./20 acres
C. Petitioner Aurora Sign Company representing Dist. 428 -
Clinton Rosette Middle School
D. Existing Zoning SFR2 - Single Family Residential District and
“MFR1” Multi-Family Residential District
E. Existing Land Use Middle School
F. Proposed Land Use Addition of an electronic changeable copy sign
G. Surrounding Zoning and Land Use North: GC & LC; various commercial uses
South: RC-1 SFR; single-family residential
East: SFR2; single-family residential,
cemetery
West: MFR1 & SFR2; multi-family, church
H. Comprehensive Plan Designation Institutional
I. BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
DeKalb School District 428 is proposing to replace and construct a new ground sign along N. 1st
St. in front of Clinton Rosette Middle School. The proposed sign will be just under 13 feet in height
and about 50 sq. ft. The digital display portion of the sign will be about 25 sq. ft. or about 50% of
the total sign area. The UDO allows churches, schools and public buildings to have one
Identification/Information Sign not to exceed 50 sq. ft. and 15 feet in height. A detail of the sign
is provided in your packet. The proposed sign will replace an existing manual changeable copy
sign which is about 36 sq. ft. in size and 10 feet in height and internally illuminated. The proposed
sign will about 20 feet from the right-of-way of N. 1st St. at the same location of the existing sign.
The UDO regulations prohibit electronic changeable copy signs, however a variance/waiver to the
sign regulations can be granted as a condition of a special use permit. The site is zoned “SFR2”
Single-Family Residential and “MFR1” Multi-Family Residential and a school is a special use in
those districts. A special use permit was issued in 2001 to allow the school to add a mobile
classroom on the site and a special use permit was also issued in 2003 to permit an addition on the
northeast side of the building.
In July 2018, Littlejohn Elementary School received a special use permit that included approval
of a 7-foot-high and 46 sq. ft. electronic changeable copy sign near the entrance to the school
building. In October 2018 the City approved a special use permit to allow Hillcrest Covenant
Church at 1515 N. 1st St. to have a 30 square feet and 5 foot high electronic changeable copy sign
that replaced an existing ground sign with manual changeable copy. The conditions of approval
for both Littlejohn Elementary School and Hillcrest Covenant Church included the following
operational limitations for the signs:
• Digital displays shall be static in nature and shall not have movement of any kind or the
appearance or optical illusion of movement, on any part of the sign.
• Each message on the sign must be displayed for a minimum of 20 seconds or such longer
time as may be hereafter enacted by the City in the UDO.
• The change between static messages must be accomplished immediately, with no use of
any transitions.
• The sign must include light sensors and dimmer controls that automatically adjust to
outdoor lighting levels so that illuminations levels are dimmer at night and on cloudy days
than during sunny days. In no instance shall lighting intensity exceed 500 nits.
• The sign shall not contain any “off-site” advertising, except for the dissemination of bona
fide emergency public messages issued by a unit of government.
• The sign shall be equipped with an automatic off switch when the sign is malfunctioning
or has missing light fields.
For Littlejohn School, an additional condition was added noting the sign could only be illuminated
when school was in session or when there was a school activity occurring in the building. The
condition was added since the sign was located as close as 25-50 feet to several homes. The
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proposed sign for Clinton Rosette School will be approximately 400 feet away from the nearest
single-family home. I have not recommended restricting the sign to be on only during school hours
or when activities are occurring in the building since the sign is several hundred feet away from
any home. One of the recommended conditions does require light sensors and dimmer controls to
be installed on the sign that automatically adjust to outdoor lighting levels so that illuminations
levels are dimmer at night and on cloudy days.
The City has also approved electronic changeable copy signs for DeKalb High School in 2009,
First Midwest Bank at 130 W. Lincoln Highway in 2012 and Toyota of DeKalb (Bemis) along
Sycamore Road in 2016. Staff is recommending the operational condition approved for the
electronic changeable copy signs for Littlejohn Elementary School and Hillcrest Covenant Church
be approved for this site and are listed at the end of the report in Exhibit B. The applicant has
reviewed the conditions and has indicated they would comply with standards.
III. STANDARDS OF A SPECIAL USE
1. The proposed special use complies with all provisions of the applicable district
regulations.
A school has been located on the subject property for decades and predates the UDO. The subject
property is zoned “SFR2” Single-Family Residential and MFR1 Multi-Family Residential, which
requires a special use for public schools. Article 13.02.06 of the UDO states that no variance or
waiver can be granted for any provision regarding signs except as a condition of a Special Use
Permit or a Planned Development Ordinance. The proposed sign will be in compliance with the
maximum size and height for ground signs for schools per the UDO.
2. The proposed special use will not be unreasonably detrimental to the value of other
property in the neighborhood in which it is to be located or to the public welfare at large.
The proposed special use will not have a detrimental effect on the adjacent properties or land uses.
The proposed electronic readerboard sign proposed along N. 1st St. will not be in close proximity
to any homes, will only take up about 50% of the total sign area and will have the same operational
limitations as other digital display signs recently approved by the City. The proposed sign will be
approximately 400 feet away from the nearest single-family home.
3. The location and size of the special use, the nature and intensity of the operation
involved in or conducted in connection with it, and the location of the site with respect to
streets giving access to it are such that the special use will not dominate the immediate
neighborhood so as to prevent development and use of neighboring property in accordance
with the applicable zoning district regulations.
The special use will not dominate the immediate area and will not prevent development on the
neighboring properties. The surrounding area is already developed with commercial uses, multi-
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family and single-family residential uses, a church and cemetery. The electronic readerboard sign
will be about 400 feet away from the nearest home and will have operational limitations similar to
other recently approved digital display signs in the City.
4. Adequate utility, drainage and other such necessary facilities have been or will be
provided.
The appropriate utilities are already provided to the proposed sign.
5. The proposed use, where such developments and uses are deemed consistent with
good planning practice, or can be operated in a manner that is not detrimental to the
permitted developments and uses in the district; can be developed and operated in a manner
that is visually compatible with the permitted uses in the surrounding area; shall in all other
respects conform to the applicable regulations of the district in which it is located; and is
deemed essential or desirable to preserve and promote the public health, safety and general
welfare of the City of DeKalb.
The proposed sign will not be detrimental to the permitted uses on the site or to the surrounding
area and will be about 400 feet away from the nearest home. The sign will also have operational
limitations similar to other recently approved digital display signs that will make it visually
compatible with the permitted uses in the surrounding area. The proposed sign will allow the
school to inform the public of school and district related activities and announcements which
promotes the public health, safety and general welfare of the City.
IV. CITIZEN RESPONSE/COMMENTS
The City received an e-mail from Peter and Florence Gerlach of 218 Sycamore Road and a Citizen
Response Form Beverly Joan Watson of 821 N. 5th St. objecting to the proposal. A Citizen
Response Form from Jonathan and Jenifer Lowe of 206 Sycamore Road had questions/comments
regarding the lighting and the size of the sign. Cary Nelsen of 216 N. 1st St. (owns property at 719
N. 4th St.) submitted a Citizen Response Form noting her support for the sign. Copies of the forms
and e-mail are in your packet and will be made part of the record at the hearing.
V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff would recommend approval of the special use request, which will allow the school to inform
the public of school and district related activities and announcements. In addition, the proposed
sign will be in compliance with the UDO regulations regarding height and size. The electronic
changeable copy sign will not be in an area directly facing homes and will have operational
limitations similar to other recently approved digital display signs.
Page 4 of 7
Sample Special Use Permit Motion:
Based upon the submitted petition and testimony presented, I move that the Planning and Zoning
Commission forward its findings of fact and recommend to the City Council approval of a Special
Use Permit for the property located at 650 N. 1st St. (Clinton Rosette Middle School) in order to
approve a waiver to Article 13.03.9 of the Unified Development Ordinance to allow an electronic
changeable copy sign (digital display sign) as shown on the sign detail dated 9-18-19 prepared by
Aurora Sign Company and located as shown on the aerial photo received on 10-8-19 both labeled
as Exhibit A and per the conditions as indicated on Exhibit B
Page 5 of 7
EXHIBIT A
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit B
The electronic changeable copy sign (digital display sign) shall conform to the following
operational limitations at all times:
1. Digital displays shall be static in nature and shall not have movement of any kind or
the appearance or optical illusion of movement, on any part of the sign.
2. Each message on the sign must be displayed for a minimum of 20 seconds or such
longer time as may be hereafter enacted by the City in the UDO.
3. The change between static messages must be accomplished immediately, with no use
of any transitions.
4. The sign must include light sensors and dimmer controls that automatically adjust to
outdoor lighting levels so that illuminations levels are dimmer at night and on cloudy
days than during sunny days. In no instance shall lighting intensity exceed 500 nits.
5. The sign shall not contain any “off-site” advertising, except for the dissemination of
bona fide emergency public messages issued by a unit of government.
6. The sign shall be equipped with an automatic off switch when the sign is
malfunctioning or has missing light fields.
Page 6 of 7
From: Peter Gerlach
To: Olson, Dan
Subject: proposed CRMS sign
Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2019 9:35:59 AM
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CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
Mr. Olson;
On behalf of both my wife and myself, I would like to express our opposition to the idea of a lighted sign at
Clinton Rosette Middle School.
Among our reasons:
An electronic device sucking juice 24/7 is an extremely wasteful proposition;
The way people drive near CRMS is dangerous enough to the students when they are in the schoolyard -
a flashing distraction is the last thing they need;
We do not want the added light shining in our windows;
Light pollution is a major problem in modern society, and we see no reason to needlessly add to it. I will
quote from an article in Places Journal:
Mounting evidence suggests that altering the natural patterns of light and darkness is doing more
than spoiling the view for night-sky gazers. Artificial light increasingly is being implicated in
disrupting the biology and behavior of people as well as the animals that share the nocturnal
landscape. In spring 2008, for example, researchers at the University of Haifa in Israel published
the results of a study showing an elevated incidence of breast cancer in women who live in light-
saturated neighborhoods. Researchers suggest that artificial nighttime illumination may be
interfering with the brain’s production of melatonin, a tumor-suppressing hormone.
And it turns out that critters need the natural modulation of light just as much as people. “Most
species depend on light and dark for some portion of their daily or seasonal life cycle,” write Travis
Longcore and Catherine Rich, editors of the Ecological Consequences of Artificial Night Lighting.
Migrating birds use the stars as a navigational tool during spring and fall migrations. Confusing
big city lights with the constellations, whole flocks of night-flying migrants can be lured into the
maze of urban towers where they crash into windows and die or become disoriented by the bright
lights and reflected glass. Eventually, many succumb to exhaustion, making them easy pickings for
predators....
Other animals wait for the cover of darkness to begin their feeding rounds or to carry out
reproduction. Many species of snakes, frogs and salamanders, for example, naturally take their
cues from lunar cycles, restricting their activities during full moons and stepping up foraging
activities in periods of darkness. Artificial lighting can curtail the ability of some of these animals
to detect prey. To avoid being eaten, some species play possum in brightly lit areas, remaining
motionless long after lights have gone out. Not only do they eat less under these artificial
conditions, but they also reduce or halt their calling during mating season. Researchers caution
that it doesn’t take lights with the equivalent brightness of a Walmart parking lot to disrupt such
essential functions. Even soft lighting can alter behavior.
Natural regimes of light and dark are important to many animals in the water as well as on land.
In 2000 limnologist Marianne Moore and her colleagues published research on the effects of
artificial lighting in a group of lakes in Massachusetts. Her team focused on the behavior of a
common group of zooplankton known as Daphnia. Under natural conditions, Daphnia frequent
deep waters during daylight hours, migrating up into the water column under the cover of
darkness to graze on algae. Lights from roads, lakeside homes and boathouses, however,
illuminate these upper waters, discouraging the extent to which these tiny animals are willing to
venture into areas where they are more visible to predators. The researchers concluded that the
reduced grazing could allow nuisance algae populations to explode, throwing off the whole aquatic
food chain and fouling water for swimmers and anglers.
There are many, many reasons to not install this sign - and not one that I can think of to explain
why it would be a good idea.
Please, deny this request!
Peter & Florence Gerlach
218 Sycamore Road
From: Peter Gerlach
To: Olson, Dan
Subject: CRMS sign part 2
Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2019 9:53:42 AM
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of the City Of DeKalb mail system -- DO NOT
CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
Mr. Olson; After I sent my previous e-mail, my wife pointed me at some other facts, to wit:
Light pollution has been shown to interfere with human circadian rhythms, leading to increased
depression (livescience.com), obesity (ibid.), insomnia (futurism.com) and cardiovascular disease ( ibid.)
.
This sign is a very bad idea.
Peter Gerlach
218 Sycamore Road
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
November 1, 2019
TO: DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission
FROM: Dan Olson, Principal Planner
RE: Rezoning from the ‘GC” General Commercial District to the “PD-C” Planned
Development Commercial District for 1704 Sycamore Road to allow for a video
gaming establishment and allowance of a video gaming establishment to be located
within 500 feet of another establishment (DeKalb-Harlem, LLC) (Lacey’s Place)
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. Purpose Approval of a rezoning from the ‘GC” District to
the “PD-C” District to allow for a video gaming
establishment.
B. Location/Size 1704 Sycamore Road/2,000 sq. ft. tenant space,
total site area - 7.26 acres
C. Petitioner DeKalb-Harlem, LLC
D. Existing Zoning “GC” General Commercial District
E. Existing Land Use Vacant Commercial Space
F. Proposed Land Use Video Gaming Establishment
G. Surrounding Zoning and Land Use North: GC; various commercial uses
South: GC and SFR2; various commercial uses,
single-family residential
East: SFR2; single-family residential;
West: GC and SFR2; various commercial uses,
park and recreational facilities
H. Comprehensive Plan Designation Commercial
II. BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The applicant, DeKalb-Harlem, LLC represented by Tim Muldowney, is proposing to establish a
video gaming establishment in an approximate 2,000 sq. ft. tenant space at 1704 Sycamore Road
in a multi-tenant commercial building called the DeKalb Shopping Center. The establishment will
be called Lacey’s Place. The site is zoned “GC” General Commercial District and since March
2017, stand-alone video gaming establishments have been a special use in the “GC” District.
Lacey’s Place was originally issued a liquor license and video gaming license in April 2016, which
was prior to the City’s passage of the Ordinance requiring stand-alone video gaming
establishments to obtain a special use permit. Although they obtained the necessary licenses in
2016, Lacey’s Place never opened for business and surrendered their license with the City in
December 2018. This past June an applicant came forward to re-open it as a video gaming
establishment as Lacey’s Place, however, they did not have full approval by the property owner
and eventually withdrew the petition. The property owner, DeKalb-Harlem, LCC has come
forward and are interested in opening the business under the same name. Because it is a new
owner/operator, they must re-apply for the liquor and video gaming licenses and obtain the
appropriate zoning for the site.
Lacey’s Place was one of the original seven stand-along video gaming establishments that
existed prior to the amendments made to the UDO in March 2017 which required them to obtain
a special use. One of the additional requirements approved in March 2017 was a video gaming
establishment must be at least 500 feet away from another establishment. Charley’s Video
Gaming, located at 1792 Sycamore Road, is approximately 465 feet away from the proposed
Lacey’s Place. Reducing the 500 foot separation requirement for video gaming establishments is
not a variance that can be requested, so the applicant is requesting to rezone the site to the PD-C
Planned Development Commercial District to accommodate the reduction.
The subject site is 7.26 acres and includes the building Lacey’s Place will be located in and the
rest for the site that DeKalb-Harlem LLC owns, which include the parking lot and two other
freestanding buildings. The tenant space for Lacey’s Place is about 2,000 sq. ft. and substantial
work has occurred inside the space in order to accommodate the proposed use (see floor plan and
photos in the packet). Other tenants in the building are Carniceria Super Market, Evolve Fitness,
US Census Bureau Office, Hearing Help Plus, and Sherwin Williams. Adequate parking is
provided, the parking lot is striped, and all handicap signage is in place. The property owner did
complete some landscaping improvements on the site in 2017 in conjunction with the installation
of new parking lot lighting fixtures.
On May 13, 2019, the City Council approved an amendment to the Municipal Code to allow for
an increase in the fixed number of liquor licenses for video gaming establishments to ten to allow
for the use on the subject site. One of the conditions of the Council’s approval was the granting of
the appropriate zoning for the video gaming establishment.
Page 2 of 7
The applicant is proposing to have the video gaming establishment open seven days a week and to
follow the hours allowed for a video gaming establishment in the City Liquor Code. The Code
allows the following operating hours: Monday-Wednesday 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM, Thursday-
Saturday 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM and Sunday 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM.
For Maisy’s along S. 4th St. and the video gaming establishment approved at 122 E. Hillcrest Dr.
this past July the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the sale of alcohol not occur at
the establishment before 10:00 a.m., Monday through Sunday. The applicant is aware of this
condition established for Maisy’s and 122 E. Hillcrest Dr. and is willing to abide by the same
standard if the Commission wishes to recommend it for the subject site.
With the recommendation for Maisy’s and the video gaming establishment at 122 E. Hillcrest Dr.
the Commission also restricted advertising the sale or presence of alcohol or video gaming on their
signage. The recommendation stated window signage advertising the sale or presence of alcohol
or video gaming shall be limited to no more than 40% of one of the windowpanes. Temporary
signage was also restricted and was not to contain advertising related to the sale or presence of
alcohol or video gaming The applicant is aware of the conditions established for Maisy’s and 122
E. Hillcrest Dr. and is willing to abide by the same standards regarding the window signage and
temporary signage restrictions, if the Commission wishes to recommend it for the subject site. The
applicant has indicated they would have a concern restricting the wall sign from advertising the
word “slots” or something similar since many video gaming establishments have such wording as
an identifier. It should be noted there already is a wall sign for Lacey’s Place which has the words
“Slots” and “Video Poker” in it (image provided in the packet), however the name of the facility
will likely be changed.
III. STANDARDS OF A REZONING
The proposed rezoning conforms to the Comprehensive Plan, or conditions have changed to
warrant the need for different types of land uses in that area. The proposed rezoning is
appropriate considering the length of time the property has been vacant, as originally zoned,
and taking into account the surrounding areas trend in development.
The 2005 Comprehensive Plan recommends the subject site for Commercial uses. Re-zoning of
the subject site to the PD-C District will allow the establishment to comply with the regulations of
the UDO except for having a video gaming establishment within 500 feet of another one. An
existing video gaming establishment is located at 1792 Sycamore Road and is approximately 465
feet away, just under the 500-foot minimum. The exception to the setback is justified due to the
fact Lacey’s Place had a liquor and video gaming license previously, however, they did not open.
The allowance for video gaming at Lacey’s Place will keep the number of stand-along video
gaming establishments at 10, which the City Council has authorized.
2. The proposed rezoning conforms to the intent and purpose of the Unified
Development Ordinance.
Page 3 of 7
The proposed video gaming establishment will comply with all regulations of the “PD-C” Planned
Development Commercial District and the UDO, except for slight reduction of the minimum
separation requirement between video gaming establishments.
3. The proposed rezoning will not have a significantly detrimental effect on the long-
range development of adjacent properties or adjacent land uses.
The proposed rezoning will not have a detrimental effect on the adjacent properties or land uses.
The site has been zoned commercial for decades and is in proximity to a variety of other
commercial uses. The proposed video gaming establishment will not dominate the immediate area
and will not prevent development on the neighboring properties. The surrounding area is already
developed with a variety of commercial uses along Sycamore and Dresser Roads and single-family
residential to the east.
4. The proposed rezoning constitutes an expansion of an existing zoning district that,
due to the lack of undeveloped land, can no longer meet the demand for the intended land
uses.
The subject property is proposed for “PD-C” Planned Development –Commercial zoning. The
“PD-C” District will allow the property to be used for uses that will be compatible with the
surrounding area and consistent with the Comprehensive Plan recommendations.
5. Adequate public facilities and services exist or can be provided.
Adequate public services are already provided to the subject site.
IV. STANDARDS FOR PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
General Standards: The approval of the Development Plan may provide for such exceptions from
the regulations associated with traditional zoning districts as may be necessary or desirable to
achieve the objectives of the proposed planned development. However, such exceptions shall
consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan and the standards contained in this Section and have
been specifically requested in the application for a planned development; and further, that no
planned development shall be allowed which would result in:
1. Inadequate or unsafe access to the planned development;
Adequate access already exists to the subject site from Sycamore and Dresser Roads.
2. Traffic volumes exceeding the anticipated capacity of the proposed major street
network in the vicinity;
Page 4 of 7
Sycamore Road is a major arterial road and more than adequate to handle the minimal traffic that
will be generated by the proposed video gaming establishment.
3. An undue burden on public parks, recreation areas, schools, fire and police
protection and other public facilities which serve or are proposed to serve the planned
development;
The Planned Development designation will not have any undue impact on public parks, recreation
areas, schools, fire and police protection or other public facilities. The proposed video gaming
establishment will take up a vacant tenant space in the building and will be an economic benefit to
the Sycamore Road commercial corridor. Additional sales tax and video gaming revenue will be
generated for the City with the proposed use.
Data from the City’s Police Department indicates there is no significant demand for public safety
resources, nor any quality of life or crime concerns related to the existing stand-alone video gaming
establishments in the City.
4. A development which will be incompatible with the intent and purposes of this
Ordinance;
The applicant is requesting PD-C zoning, which allows the City to approve regulations that will
control the zoning, development and maintenance, operations and other property improvement
related issues.
5. Detrimental impact on surrounding area including, but not limited to, visual
pollution;
The surrounding area is already developed. The proposed zoning and video gaming establishment
are consistent and compatible with the surrounding area and Comprehensive Plan. The proposed
rezoning should not have a detrimental effect on the adjacent properties or land uses.
IV. CITIZEN RESPONSE/COMMENTS
A Citizen Response Form was received from Cynthia Dolder of 1407 E. Dresser Road indicating
her support for the proposal. We also received a Citizen Response Form from Susan Aamodt of
1730 Sunrise mentioning she does not support the proposal. A copy of both Forms is provided in
the Commission’s packet.
This past summer the Police Department reviewed the data regarding calls for service for the seven
existing video gaming establishments in the City. Interim Police Chief John Petragallo has
indicated there is no significant demand for public safety resources nor any quality of life or crime
concerns related to the existing stand-alone video gaming establishments.
Page 5 of 7
V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The proposed rezoning and proposed video gaming establishment will take up a vacant tenant
space along Sycamore Road and will add to the economic development along the corridor.
Additional sales tax and video gaming revenue will be generated for the City with the proposed
use. Data from the City’s Police Department indicates there is no significant demand for public
safety resources, nor any quality of life or crime concerns related to the existing stand-along video
gaming establishments in the City.
In the sample motion, I did not include any restrictions regarding the hours alcohol could be served
or restrictions on the advertising of alcohol and gambling in the signage, however the Commission
may add those to the motion if you feel it is warranted.
Sample Motion:
Based upon the submitted petition and testimony presented, I move the Planning and Zoning
Commission forward its findings of fact and recommend to the City Council approval of a rezoning
from the ‘GC” General Commercial District to the “PD-C” Planned Development Commercial
District for the subject site located at 1704 Sycamore Road to allow for a video gaming
establishment per the conditions and standards listed in Exhibit A
Page 6 of 7
Exhibit A
1. The video gaming establishment shall only be allowed to operate in an approximate
2,000 sq. ft. tenant location as shown on the aerial image and floor plan labeled as
Exhibit B.
2. The applicant must obtain a City issued liquor license for the subject site with
supplemental licensure for video gaming as required in Ordinance 2019-038.
3. Development of the subject site shall be per the “PD-C” Planned Development –
Commercial District standards and the UDO except for the waivers as provided:
a. Article 7.20.01 to allow a video gaming establishment to operate within 500
feet of another video gaming establishment (Charley’s Video Gaming located
at 1792 Sycamore Road).
4. Any provisions not covered by the “PD-C” District regulations shall refer to the
“GC” General Commercial District regulations.
Page 7 of 7
EXHIBIT B
EXHIBIT B
REAR OF TENANT SPACE
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that a public hearing will be held before the DeKalb Planning and Zoning
Commission at its regular meeting on Wednesday, November 6, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. in the DeKalb
Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois, on the petition by DeKalb-Harlem,
LLC for a rezoning from the ‘GC” General Commercial District to the “PD-C” Planned
Development Commercial District for a 7.26 acre site to allow for a video gaming establishment
to locate in an approximate 2,000 square foot tenant space. The petition also requests allowance
of the proposed video gaming establishment to be located within 500 feet of another video gaming
establishment. The subject tenant space is located at 1704 Sycamore Road and subject site has
Parcel Identification Numbers (PINs) of 08-13-151-017, 08-13-151-043, 08-13-151-044 and 08-
14-277-003 and generally located at the northeast corner of Sycamore Road and E. Dresser Road.
All interested persons are invited to appear and be heard at the time and place listed above.
Interested persons are also encouraged to submit written comments on the proposal to the City of
DeKalb, Community Development Department, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115
by 5:00 p.m. by Wednesday, October 30, 2019. Further information regarding the petition is
available from the Community Development Department at (815) 748-2361 or on the City of
DeKalb’s web page at https://www.cityofdekalb.com/1103/Public-Hearings
Christina Doe, Chairperson
DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission