# Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards meeting, October 29, 2024

- When: Tue, Oct 29, 2024, 10:00 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: Room 201A, 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/1024088792
- Transcript: [full text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/1024088792.txt) (23,614 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.

The Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards started about 45 minutes late, deferred a list of items, and heard 13 public commenters on topics including the South Works quantum computing site, a Washington Park community center proposal, parking in the 36th Ward, and calls to legalize four-flats and accessory dwelling units citywide. The committee recommended three text amendments: updated sign rules for the Michigan Avenue and State-Wabash special sign districts, allowing up to 15% of Adopt-a-Landmark funds for administrative costs, and permitting indoor urban farms in downtown DC and DX districts. It recommended a batch of large-sign permits and numerous map amendments, including affordable senior housing at 53rd and Calumet, the Western Avenue corridor rezoning, a landmark community center reuse on West Washington Boulevard, and adaptive reuse of office buildings at 1220 W. Van Buren, 208 S. LaSalle and 500 N. Michigan. Three aldermanic upzonings on Milwaukee Avenue in the 35th Ward drew objections from Alderpersons Lawson, Reilly and Dowell and were deferred at Alderperson Carlos Ramírez-Rosa request so he could talk with colleagues.

Topics: zoning map amendments, special sign districts, Adopt-a-Landmark fund, indoor urban farms, aldermanic upzoning, affordable housing, adaptive reuse, four-flats and ADUs, South Works quantum site, downtown office vacancy

### Agenda items discussed

- [53:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=3188) Deferral of listed items, including O2024-0011129 and multiple map amendments: deferred
- [1:29:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=5348) Mayoral text amendment modifying sign regulations in the Michigan Avenue and State Street-Wabash Avenue special sign districts (O2024-0012427): passed
- [1:39:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=5978) Mayoral text amendment allowing Adopt-a-Landmark funds to be used for administrative, reporting and monitoring costs (O2024-0012428): passed
- [1:47:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=6473) Text amendment (substitute) allowing indoor urban farm operations in DC and DX zoning districts: passed
- [1:53:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=6806) Large signs over 100 square feet or 24 feet above grade in multiple wards: passed
- [1:55:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=6942) File 22546-T1: rezoning at 53rd and Calumet for a 71-unit affordable senior housing building (3rd Ward): passed
- [2:01:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=7310) File 22567: rezoning at 4814-4822 W. Fillmore for a waste hauler's vehicle storage (29th Ward): passed
- [2:04:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=7452) Files A-8903, A-8904, A-8905: aldermanic upzonings of parcels on Milwaukee Avenue (35th Ward): deferred
- [2:22:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=8529) File A-8900: Western Avenue corridor rezoning: passed
- [2:23:51](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=8631) File 22539-T1: rezoning at 1228 W. Race Avenue to legalize a three-unit building (1st Ward): passed
- [2:26:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=8777) File 22564-T1: downzoning at 1239 N. Wood Street per a prior community agreement (1st Ward): passed
- [2:33:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=9222) File 22560-T1: rezoning at 1807 N. Fremont for a home expansion (43rd Ward): passed
- [2:50:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=10215) File 22534: amendment to Planned Development 1404 at 3300 N. Clark to add ground-floor uses (44th Ward): passed
- [2:57:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=10668) File 22552: rezoning at 2678 W. Washington Boulevard for adaptive reuse of a landmark as a community center (27th Ward): passed
- [2:59:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=10774) File 22440: residential-business planned development at Fulton and Racine (27th Ward): passed
- [3:07:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=11222) File 22553-T1: rezoning at 1220 W. Van Buren for 112 residential units in a vacant loft building (34th Ward): passed
- [3:17:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=11861) File 22540: return of 208 S. LaSalle from PD 291 to DC-16 for residential conversion (42nd Ward): passed
- [3:19:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=11978) File 22532: amendment to PD 487 at 500 N. Michigan Avenue for up to 320 dwelling units (42nd Ward): passed
- [3:21:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=12078) File 22524-T1: rezoning at 4920-4924 N. Sheridan Road for up to 31 units (48th Ward): passed

### Alderpersons who spoke

- [Walter R. Burnett](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/27) (chair): Explained that with about 19 people signed up and a 30-minute limit, each public speaker would get less time than usual. ([6:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=360)); Congratulated Alderperson Pat Dowell on the senior housing project and asked why it was not done on the West Side. ([2:01:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=7263)); Asked Alderperson Carlos Ramírez-Rosa whether he would hold the Milwaukee Avenue items to talk with colleagues. ([2:21:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=8460))
- [Carlos Ramírez-Rosa](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/former/ramirez-rosa) (alderperson): Presented the Milwaukee Avenue upzonings as implementing the ward's land use policy and zoning overlay, noting new development would need to be at least 20% affordable. ([2:06:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=7599)); Said the parcels are privately held, owners were notified, and other buildings on the block were left alone because they are character buildings to be preserved. ([2:08:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=7737)); Disagreed with Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson, saying the parcels were chosen through a comprehensive, systematic study. ([2:11:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=7894))
- [Bennett R. Lawson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/44) (alderperson): Asked whether the Milwaukee Avenue parcels are city-owned and why the whole block was not rezoned. ([2:08:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=7729)); Said aldermanic upzonings of select private parcels differ from block-wide planning elsewhere, raised concerns about who the owners are, and asked to be recorded as no. ([2:11:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=7862)); Supported adding ground-floor uses at 3300 N. Clark, saying the city needs more flexibility for businesses. ([2:52:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=10344))
- [Brendan Reilly](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/42) (alderperson): Supported the sign district changes as pro-business and cautioned colleagues about higher property taxes as a barrier to businesses heading into the budget. ([1:38:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=5892)); Asked the Adopt-a-Landmark fund's balance, what 15% would mean in dollars, and confirmed it would not replace general fund positions. ([1:42:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=6127)); Presented his ordinance allowing indoor urban farms in downtown districts as a way for property owners to fill vacant office space. ([1:48:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=6538))
- [Pat Dowell](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/3) (alderperson): Asked who the outside consultants for the Adopt-a-Landmark program would be, how they would be chosen, and how many staff do the work now. ([1:44:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=6266)); Thanked the Renaissance Collaborative for its grandfamily housing development in Washington Park and asked for support. ([2:00:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=7221)); Asked whether the Affordable Requirements Ordinance is triggered by the upzonings. ([2:13:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=8004))
- [William Conway](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/34) (alderperson): Said his office participated in the working group and strongly supports modernizing the sign ordinances. ([1:36:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=5809)); Co-sponsored the indoor urban farm ordinance, citing a test case at 30 N. LaSalle, and asked colleagues to support it. ([1:52:14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=6734)); Asked whether owners of the Milwaukee Avenue parcels had been notified. ([2:14:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=8043))
- [Daniel La Spata](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/1) (alderperson): Praised the sign presentation and asked what a projecting sign looks like. ([1:37:14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=5834))

### Exchanges between members

- [1:52:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=6737) Alderperson William Conway thanked Alderperson Brendan Reilly for putting forward the indoor urban farm ordinance.
- [2:01:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=7263) The chair congratulated Alderperson Pat Dowell on the senior housing project.
- [2:08:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=7729) Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson asked Alderperson Carlos Ramírez-Rosa whether the parcels were city-owned and why the whole block was not rezoned.
- [2:11:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=7894) Alderperson Carlos Ramírez-Rosa told Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson he disagreed, saying the parcels were selected comprehensively.
- [2:12:14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=7934) Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson responded that the block is a patchwork of zones and raised concerns about the owners.
- [2:16:35](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=8195) Alderperson Carlos Ramírez-Rosa answered Alderperson Brendan Reilly question about the planning process for the parcels.
- [2:18:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=8298) Alderperson Brendan Reilly thanked Alderperson Carlos Ramírez-Rosa for answering but said he would not support the upzonings.
- [2:20:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=8450) Alderperson Pat Dowell said she agreed with Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson objections.
- [2:20:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=8450) Alderperson Pat Dowell said she agreed with Alderperson Brendan Reilly objections.
- [2:21:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0?t=8460) The chair asked Alderperson Carlos Ramírez-Rosa whether he would hold the items to talk with colleagues.

## Documents

- [Notice](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/999ffcd0-0ecf-44ff-9d9b-d0b2d8262715.pdf)
- [Agenda](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/050df5c9-443a-4960-9ab9-6bbfe475793a.pdf)
- [Notice](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/eb095029-4b4f-47ff-9814-8de3eed30277.pdf)

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/6A18B000-158B-EF11-AC21-001DD8306DF0 · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt