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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJPZ - 05/13/2002 - VILLAGE LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS V s ELK GROVE VILLAGE RECEIVED JPZ COMMITTEE MEETING MAY 13, 2002 MAY 2 8 2002 7:00 P.M. 'VU.0E CLERK.'S OFFICE JPZ Members Present: Bart Dill, Village Trustee, Chairperson Nancy Czarnick, Village Trustee Sam Lissner, Village Trustee Staff: Steve Trudan, Asst. Dir. CD George Knickerbocker, Village Attorney Members of the Plan Commission: Ed Hauser Village Board Members Jim Petri, Village Trustee Village Landscaping Requirements The meeting was called to order at 7:18 P.M. Trustee Dill inquired about the number of inspectors on staff in the Department of Engineering and Community Development available for inspection of landscaping, and whether or not there was a serious problem with maintenance of landscaping. Trustee Petri explained that almost all of the complaints originate from within the Village as opposed to being public complaints. Mr. Trudan described the available staff and explained that inspections pertaining to landscaping are made prior to the issuance of a final Certificate of Occupancy. It was noted that the Department of Engineering did not have staff adequate in number or expertise to perform further maintenance inspections. Trustee Czarnick asked if the current penalty clause was sufficient to obtain compliance with the landscaping and screening regulations. Mr. Knickerbocker described how such cases are typically handled in housing court and added that the Judge may not necessarily take these types of cases as seriously as cases more directly related to public safety. Mr. Hauser expressed concern about pursuing inadequate landscaping maintenance on vacant properties. Mr. Knickerbocker described the provisions of the landscaping and screening requirements in the Village as well as the available enforcement methods. He further explained that screening and landscaping requirements are in place to provide buffers between residential and commercial/industrial zoning districts. The Committee discussed the fact that the Plan Commission expressed concern over putting in the work to evaluate landscaping and screening plans without any apparent follow-up to insure their ongoing maintenance. Mr. Hauser suggested that some kind of program may get started with part time summer help focusing on commercial properties. The Committee discussed the problems with the seasonal nature of such a program along with a concern over the qualifications and expertise of seasonal employees. Trustee Lissner asked how these and other housing maintenance cases get to court. Mr. Knickerbocker described the procedure used for notification and explained that citations are issued when dialogue fails to resolve the problem. The Committee had further discussion regarding court procedures and fines. Trustee Czarnick suggested that the ICRC may be able to become involved by providing incentives. Trustee Dill again stated that he did not think that there was a problem with landscaping in the Village that was as serious as he initially thought. Mr. Trudan added that there were no major problems or complaints received by the Department of Engineering. It was the consensus of the Committee that no further action would be taken at this time and that the topic would be brought up again some time in the future. Adiournment The meeting adjourned at 8:15 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Steven J. Trudan Assistant Director of Community Development C: Mayor and Board of Trustees, Chairman and Members Plan Commission, Village Clerk, Village Manager, Assistant Village Manager, Assistant to the Village Manager, Director of Engineering & Community Development, Village Attorney, Chairman and Members Zoning Board of Appeals.