# Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards meeting, October 8, 2024

- When: Tue, Oct 8, 2024, 10:00 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: [Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/zoning-landmarks-and-building-standards)
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928576/video/1017210423
- Transcript: [full text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/1017210423.txt) (17,078 words, automatic captions)

## Meeting notes

> AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.

In his first meeting as chair, Alderperson Walter R. Burnett led the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards through public comment from nine speakers, including firefighter union and realtor representatives supporting a roof-opening safety ordinance and Washington Park residents asking the committee to revisit a Sunshine Gospel Ministries matter. The committee recommended passage of a mixed-income planned development at Lincoln, Irving Park and Damen in the 47th Ward that includes 64 permanent supportive housing units for survivors of gender-based violence, and of the Quinn and Nugent ordinance requiring guards or load-bearing covers around light shafts and skylights on low-slope roofs, following testimony from the widow of firefighter Drew Price. It also recommended reappointment of three Public Building Commission members, an ordinance allowing Zoning Board of Appeals alternates to fill vacancies, landmark designations for the Jackson Storage and Van Company warehouse and the Mars Candy Factory, a series of large sign orders, and several map amendments in the 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th, 11th, 40th, 43rd, 45th and 47th Wards.

Topics: firefighter roof safety, affordable and supportive housing, planned development, Public Building Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, landmark designations, map amendments, large signs

### Agenda items discussed

- [19:14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=1154) Public comment: discussed
- [46:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=2802) Residential business planned development amendment, 3959 N. Lincoln Ave. / 3940 N. Damen, 47th Ward: passed
- [57:44](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=3464) Text amendment requiring protection of low-slope roof edges, light shafts and skylights (O2024-0012417): passed
- [1:18:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=4685) Reappointments of David Whitley, James F. Ellis Jr. and Jose Maldonado to the Public Building Commission: passed
- [1:26:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5183) Text amendment allowing alternate members to fill Zoning Board of Appeals vacancies (substitute): passed
- [1:32:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5550) Landmark designation: Jackson Storage and Van Company warehouse, 3609-3611 W. Cermak Road (O2024-0010591): passed
- [1:36:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5813) Landmark designation: Mars Candy Factory, 2019 N. Oak Park Ave. (O2024-0011694): passed
- [1:40:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=6018) Large sign orders, including two substitutes: passed
- [1:44:10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=6250) Map amendment A-8891, Western Avenue rezoning, 40th Ward: passed
- [1:46:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=6393) Map amendment A-8907, 4835-41 N. Lipps Ave., 45th Ward: passed
- [1:47:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=6476) Rezoning at 4508 S. Cottage Grove Ave., 4th Ward: passed
- [1:50:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=6638) Rezoning at 6714 S. Stony Island Ave. for a proposed cannabis dispensary, 5th Ward: passed
- [1:52:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=6778) Rezoning at 8006 S. Drexel, 8th Ward: passed
- [1:54:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=6881) Rezoning at 10950 S. Wentworth for a barbershop, 9th Ward: passed
- [1:57:04](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=7024) Rezoning at 3307 S. Morgan St. for a listening bar, 11th Ward: passed
- [1:58:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=7134) Type 1 rezoning at 2600 N. Clark St. for 66 residential units, 43rd Ward: passed
- [2:06:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=7569) Type 1 rezoning at 3710-3714 N. Ashland Ave. for a 21-unit building, 47th Ward: passed

### Alderpersons who spoke

- [Walter R. Burnett](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/27) (chair): Thanked colleagues and the mayor for his appointment as zoning chair and thanked the previous chair. ([16:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=969)); Commended Alderperson Matthew J. Martin and his community for a project with affordable housing beyond the ARO requirement. ([53:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=3198)); Commended the sponsors of the roof safety ordinance, noted he was a co-sponsor, and thanked Laura Price. ([1:10:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=4225))
- [Matthew J. Martin](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/47) (alderperson): Described a community process that led to a project adding density, preserving the historic bank building, and creating the city's first permanent supportive housing for families recovering from gender-based violence. ([50:47](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=3047)); Said the bank building has not been landmarked but the development team agreed to preserve it. ([54:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=3262)); Explained parking levels reflect transit-oriented development near the Irving Park stop. ([54:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=3296))
- [Bennett R. Lawson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/44) (alderperson): Commended the 47th Ward project and asked whether the bank building could be landmarked and why the project has significant parking. ([53:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=3236)); Thanked Knudsen for the ZBA ordinance and noted it is on the mayor's Cut the Tape agenda. ([1:31:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5492)); Asked the Clark Street developer about vehicular access and planning for deliveries and loading. ([2:04:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=7453))
- [Samantha Nugent](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/39) (alderperson): Presented the ordinance requiring guards and walls around roof openings, citing the death of firefighter Drew Price. ([58:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=3517))
- [David H. Moore](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/17) (alderperson): Offered condolences and asked what the parapet protection would look like in practice. ([1:02:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=3747))
- [Marty Quinn](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/13) (alderperson): Thanked Laura Price and partners, said the ordinance followed over 12 meetings, and called it a first step with drones a possible next step to locate hazards. ([1:08:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=4118))
- [Pat Dowell](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/3) (alderperson): Asked the Department of Buildings whether roof replacement permits currently check for open shafts. ([1:10:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=4258)); Vouched for Public Building Commission reappointee James Ellis and moved passage of all three reappointments. ([1:25:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5139)); Asked about the terracotta material and the new owner's plans for the Jackson Storage building. ([1:34:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5692))
- [Timothy R. Knudsen](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/43) (alderperson): Supported the roof safety ordinance as a co-sponsor and thanked Laura Price and firefighter advocates. ([1:11:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=4302)); Explained that ZBA alternates cannot currently fill vacancies, causing applicants to hold matters, and that the ordinance fixes this. ([1:27:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5253)); Supported the 2600 N. Clark project, citing a large community meeting, a deeper setback, 20% on-site affordable units and a plan of operation. ([2:01:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=7272))
- [Daniel La Spata](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/1) (alderperson): Asked why pitched roofs are exempt from the roof safety requirements. ([1:13:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=4388)); Asked the Public Building Commission appointees to explain the commission's role for the public. ([1:20:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=4802)); Said the ZBA ordinance solves problems at no cost to the city and saves applicants time and money. ([1:30:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5441))
- [William Conway](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/34) (alderperson): Thanked Laura Price and asked how the roof safety ordinance compares with other cities. ([1:14:44](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=4484)); Called the ZBA alternates ordinance good-government legislation and said he was proud to support it. ([1:30:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5408))
- [Ruth Cruz](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/30) (alderperson): Added her support for the roof safety ordinance and thanked Laura Price for her advocacy. ([1:16:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=4615))
- [Brian Hopkins](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/2) (alderperson): Thanked Knudsen for resolving the ZBA vacancy issue and offered a do-pass motion. ([1:29:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5393))
- [Gilbert Villegas](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/36) (alderperson): Congratulated the appointees and said the Public Building Commission should be used more to complete projects faster. ([1:25:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5101))

### Exchanges between members

- [50:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=3041) Burnett asked Martin whether he wished to speak on the project.
- [53:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=3198) Burnett commended Martin for the project's affordable housing.
- [53:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=3236) Lawson commended Martin and asked about landmarking the bank building and parking.
- [54:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=3262) Martin answered Lawson about the bank building and transit-oriented parking levels.
- [1:09:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=4145) Quinn thanked Nugent and her staff for their work on the ordinance.
- [1:10:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=4225) Burnett commended Quinn and Nugent for the roof safety ordinance.
- [1:11:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=4309) Knudsen thanked Quinn and Nugent for the ordinance.
- [1:15:04](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=4504) Conway agreed with Quinn that the ordinance is a first step toward safer work for first responders.
- [1:16:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=4615) Cruz congratulated Burnett on his chairmanship.
- [1:16:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=4619) Cruz thanked Nugent and Quinn for the ordinance.
- [1:29:35](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5375) Knudsen credited La Spata for help with the ZBA ordinance.
- [1:29:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5393) Hopkins thanked Knudsen for bringing the ZBA ordinance.
- [1:30:10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5410) Conway thanked Knudsen for good-government legislation.
- [1:30:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5441) La Spata responded to Conway's remark about press coverage of the ordinance.
- [1:31:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5484) La Spata thanked Knudsen for his work on the ZBA ordinance.
- [1:31:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5492) Lawson thanked Knudsen for taking on the ZBA ordinance.
- [1:31:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5506) Lawson pointed out to Conway that the ordinance is on the mayor's Cut the Tape agenda.
- [1:32:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB?t=5529) Dowell responded to Conway's comment about press coverage.

## Documents

- [Summary](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/3208fbbe-895f-43d9-89eb-ba0278b44f39.pdf)
- [Notice](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/c64e7563-e1a0-4279-9072-685a4d4f56ca.pdf)
- [Agenda](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/d95d2fde-8083-42a6-8426-c2bdfee82c2b.pdf)

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/65DB5706-F575-EF11-A671-001DD804C7AB · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt