CITY COUNCIL 02/06/2012THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Monday February 6, 2012 7:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Honorable James J. Cowhey, Jr., Mayor
Kent Novit, Alderman First Ward Thomas Morsch, Jr., Alderman Third Ward
Catherine Waldeck, Alderman First Ward Donald Schoenheider, Alderman Third Ward
David Moore, Alderman Second Ward Robert Palmer, Alderman Fourth Ward
George Pandaleon, Alderman Second Ward Michael Adelman, Alderman Fourth Ward
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS 7:30 p.m.
1. Comments by Mayor
A. Mayor For A Day – 8th Grade student from Country Day School
B. Resolution of Sympathy for Patricia Waldeck
Copy of Resolution beginning on page 5.
C. Swearing in of Fire Fighter/Paramedic Christopher Roberts
2. Comments by City Manager 7:45 p.m.
A. Northwest Municipal Conference 2012 Legislative Program and Resolution
Information and Resolution beginning on page 7.
B. Local Hands Free Ordinance Update
Memo attached beginning on page 14.
3. Comments by Council Members 8:00 p.m.
OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
CONSENT AGENDA 8:10 p.m.
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February 6, 2012 Agenda Page 2
1.
Check Register For Period December 21, 2011 – January 30,
2012
Fund Invoice Payroll Total
General 315,331 1,072,612 1,387,943
Water & Sewer 87,421 113,059 200,480
Parks & Recreation 118,177 265,126 383,303
Capital Improvements 254,439 4,592 259,032
Bond Funds - Projects 22,288 22,288
Motor Fuel Tax 0 0
Cemetery 3,200 15,173 18,373
Senior Resources 12,592 18,157 30,748
Deerpath Golf Course 22,639 15,789 38,428
Fleet 69,213 37,897 107,110
Debt Funds 206,374 206,374
Housing Trust 0 0
Park & Public Land 1,350 1,350
All other Funds 1,110,026 140,499 1,250,525
$2,223,049 $1,682,905 $ 3,905,954
2. Approval of the January 17, 2012 City Council meeting minutes
Copy of January 17, 2012 minutes beginning on page 26.
Recommended Action: Approval of the Consent Agenda as presented.
ORDINANCES 8:15 p.m.
1. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending the Special Use Permit for Woodlands
Academy of the Sacred Heart to Allow Expansion of the Campus Boundaries to
Incorporate the 23-acre Barat Parcel into the Woodlands Academy Campus. (First
Reading)
PRESENTED BY CATHERINE CZERNIAK, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, VICTOR
FILIPPINI, CITY ATTORNEY
On December 14, 2011, the Plan Commission considered a request for an amendment to an
existing Special Use Permit to expand the boundaries of Woodlands Academy Campus.
Since Woodlands Academy, like other public and private institutions in the community, is
located on residentially zoned property, a Special Use Permit is required to authorize an
educational use. In the case of this Special Use Permit, use of the property is also restricted to
educational use in exchange for City support of the demolition of Old Main. The requested
amendment seeks approval to include the adjacent 23-acre parcel, commonly known as
Barat Campus, as part of the Woodlands Academy Campus. No other approvals are
requested as part of this petition.
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February 6, 2012 Agenda Page 3
The Plan Commission heard a presentation from representatives of Woodlands Academy and
heard public testimony. After deliberation, the Commission voted 3 to 2 to recommend
approval of the amendment to the Special Use Permit authorizing the consolidation of the
two campuses subject to a number of conditions of approval. The dissenting members of the
Commission expressed concern about the timing of the approval since the Barat parcel was
not yet in the ownership of Woodlands Academy. Both dissenting members indicated
support for the ultimate incorporation of the property into Woodlands Academy Campus, but
expressed concern about the uncertainties of the proposal.
Since the Plan Commission public hearing, the property has been acquired by an LLC
representing the donors who have publicly announced the intention to donate the property,
once cleaned up, to Woodlands Academy for use consistent with Woodland’s educational
mission. The sale of the property closed prior to the end of 2011 as required by the bank
formerly holding the property. The transfer of the property, out of the hands of the bank, was
an important step to provide some increased certainty in this process. In addition, the
Ordinance, beginning on page 33 of this packet, includes numerous conditions of approval
as recommended by the Plan Commission and limitations on use and transferee provisions
added by the City Attorney in response to previous City Council requests.
Granting first reading of the Ordinance amending the Special Use Permit and combining the
property into a single parcel, is consistent with the City Council’s previous action and
direction in support of the ultimate demolition of Old Main and expansion of Woodlands
Academy on to the Barat property. If this Special Use Permit is approved, Woodland’s
Academy will undertake the development of a master plan for the property. The master plan
will require review and approval by the City consistent with standard processes.
Recommend Action: Grant first reading of an Ordinance amending the Woodland’s
Academy Special Use Permit authorizing the incorporation of the 23-acre Barat parcel into
the Woodlands Academy Campus.
2. Consideration of Recommendations from the Building Review Board and the Legal
Committee in Support of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 9, Architectural and Site
Design Review, of the City Code. (First Reading, and if desired by the City Council,
Final Approval)
PRESENTED BY CATHERINE CZERNIAK, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, VICTOR
FILIPPINI, CITY ATTORNEY
At the February 1, 2012 meeting, the Building Review Board held a public hearing and
considered amendments to Sections 86 and 87 of Chapter 9 of the City Code. The proposed
amendments relate to review and approval procedures and modify the form, but not the
substance, of these procedures. Under the modified procedures, the Building Review Board
will continue to review petitions however instead of rendering a final decision with the
potential for appeal to the City Council; the Board will function as a recommending body to
the City Council.
The role of a recommending body is consistent with the current role of the Zoning Board of
Appeals. A corresponding amendment is proposed for Chapter 51 of the City Code, Historic
Preservation, and as a result, if the amendments currently proposed are approved, the
procedures of the Historic Preservation Commission, Building Review Board and Zoning Board
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February 6, 2012 Agenda Page 4
of Appeals will be more closely aligned. These procedural changes are not intended to
delay or extend the review process and staff will work with the City Attorney to streamline
review by the City Council as appropriate however, importantly, the proposed amendments
will bring the Code language in these sections in line with recent judicial decisions.
In addition to the procedural modifications, the proposed amendments to Chapter 9 also
clean up some repetitive language that was identified. Beginning on page 56 of the packet,
a black-line of Sections 9-86 and 9-87 is included in the City Council packet reflecting the
proposed changes along with the Ordinance.
Approval of the Ordinance amending Chapter 9 is recommended by the Building Review
Board and the City’s Legal Committee.
Recommended Action: Waive first reading and grant final approval of the Ordinance
amending Chapter 9, Architectural and Site Design Review, of the City Code.
3. Consideration of Recommendations from the Historic Preservation Commission and the
Legal Committee in Support of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 51, Historic
Preservation, of the City Code. (First Reading, and if desired by the City Council, Final
Approval)
PRESENTED BY CATHERINE CZERNIAK, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, VICTOR
FILIPPINI, CITY ATTORNEY
At the January 25, 2012 meeting, the Historic Preservation Commission held a public hearing
and considered amendments to Chapter 51 of the City Code. These amendments, like those
proposed to Chapter 9 in the previous agenda item, relate to review and approval
procedures and modify the form, but not the substance, of these procedures. Under the
modified procedures, the Historic Preservation Commission will continue to review petitions
that involve requests for building scale variances, however instead of rendering a final
decision with the potential for appeal to the City Council; the Commission will function as a
recommending body to the City Council.
As noted in the previous agenda item, the role of a recommending body is consistent with
the current role of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Again, these procedural changes are not
intended to delay or extend the review process, but to strengthen the City Code with respect
to historic preservation by more closely aligning the Code language with recent judicial
decisions.
A black-line of Chapter 51 is included in the City Council packet reflecting the proposed
changes beginning on page 90, the Ordinance follows. Approval of the Ordinance
amending Chapter 51 is recommended by the Historic Preservation Commission and the
City’s Legal Committee.
Recommended Action: Waive first reading and grant final approval of the Ordinance
amending Chapter 51, Historic Preservation, of the City Code.
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February 6, 2012 Agenda Page 5
NEW BUSINESS 9:00 p.m.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION
ADJOURNMENT 9:10 p.m.
Office of the City Manager
February 3, 2012
The City of Lake Forest is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Individuals with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who require certain accommodations
in order to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting, or who have questions regarding
the accessibility of the meeting or the facilities, are required to contact City Manager Robert R. Kiely,
Jr., at (847) 234-2600 promptly to allow the City to make reasonable accommodations for those
persons.
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RESOLUTION OF SYMPATHY
WHEREAS, on behalf of The City of Lake Forest , the City Council expresses
its sadness at the profound loss of Patricia J. Waldeck on January 23, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Ann Waldeck was a long-time and valued resident of Lake
Forest, volunteering her time to serve the public schools, Northwestern Lake Forest
Hospital, Gorton Community Center, Lake Forest Library and the Church of St.
Mary, to name only a few; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Ann Waldeck was married to former Mayor Frank J.
Waldeck, was loving mother of eight, grandmother of 21 and great-grandmother of
one, raised her family in Lake Forest; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Ann Waldeck and her husband have continued to make
tremendous gifts to the community through their support of the City and other local
institutions; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Ann Waldeck was a kind and gentle woman who deeply
loved her community and fellow residents; her contributions to Lake Forest were
significant and she will truly be missed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, that
its deepest sympathy goes out to her husband Frank and her family.
Dated: February 6, 2012
_______________________________
Mayor
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NORTHWEST MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE
1616 East Golf Road
Des Plaines, Illinois 60016
(847) 296-9200 • Fax (847) 296-9207
www.nwmc-cog.org
A Regional Association of Illinois
Municipalities and Townships
Representing a Population of Over One Million
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 30, 2012
CONTACT: Mark Fowler, (847) 296-9200 ext 25
Larry Bury, (847) 296-9200 ext 26
NORTHWEST MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE INTRODUCES
2012 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Platform to Ensure the Fiscal Stability of Illinois Communities
and Address Labor Related Cost Drivers
With a crowd of federal and state legislators and local government officials in
attendance on Saturday, January 28, the Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC)
introduced a legislative platform to protect Illinois communities that continue to be
battered by the economic downturn. The 2012 NWMC Legislative Program contains
numerous recommendations to both ensure the fiscal stability of struggling
communities and address continuously escalating labor costs.
“Local governments such as ours have led the way in pursuing and implementing
innovative means to reduce the cost of providing services to our residents and
businesses. We have reduced our payrolls, reorganized our services and found ways to
simply do more with less,” stated NWMC President and Village of Wilmette President
Christopher Canning during his opening remarks, “Yet, all of us know that more work
needs to be done.”
The 2012 NWMC Legislative Program outlines solutions to the challenges faced by
local governments. One primary focus of the Legislative Program highlights the need
to ensure the fiscal stability of communities by preventing the loss of local government
revenues.
“Our largest concern, especially in light of the lagging rebound in revenues, is the
continued threat of cuts to the locally generated share of state collected revenue, such
as the recent attempts to divert the Local Government Distributive Fund,” said
Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl, co-chair of the NWMC Legislative Committee,
“Our straightforward message to our state officials is to please work to balance your
budget without diverting this or other critical local government revenue sources.”
The Legislative Program also highlights a number of ways the state could help reduce
the escalating local government labor costs, including public safety pension reform,
preventing abuse in the award of lifetime healthcare benefits to injured workers and
changing the interest arbitration process.
“In Hoffman Estates, after making cuts to all non-public safety employees, we had no
alternative but to try to work with our police and fire employees to implement similar
cuts. The interest arbitration process, which is severely out of balance, made it nearly
MEMBERS
Antioch
Arlington Heights
Barrington
Bartlett
Buffalo Grove
Carpentersville
Cary
Crystal Lake
Deerfield
Des Plaines
Elk Grove Village
Evanston
Fox River Grove
Glencoe
Glenview
Grayslake
Hanover Park
Highland Park
Hoffman Estates
Kenilworth
Lake Forest
Lake Zurich
Libertyville
Lincolnshire
Lincolnwood
Morton Grove
Mount Prospect
Niles
Northbrook
Northfield
Northfield Twp.
Palatine
Park Ridge
Prospect Heights
Rolling Meadows
Schaumburg
Skokie
Streamwood
Vernon Hills
Wheeling
Wilmette
Winnetka
President
Christopher S. Canning
Wilmette
Vice-President
William D. McLeod
Hoffman Estates
Secretary
Sandra E. Frum
Northbrook
Treasurer
Robert R. Kiely, Jr.
Lake Forest
Executive Director
Mark L. Fowler
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impossible to reach a fair agreement during these negotiations,” pointed out Hoffman
Estates Mayor Bill McLeod, co-chair of the NWMC Legislative Committee,
“Arbitrators often ignore the municipality’s fiscal conditions and believe that local
government should simply raise taxes to afford generous arbitration awards.”
Following the presentation of the Legislative Program, legislators in attendance were
invited to address the gathering to share their perspectives on the coming legislative
session. Those who spoke to the attendees included: Congresswoman Jan
Schakowsky; State Treasurer Dan Rutherford; State Senators Susan Garrett, Terry
Link and Matt Murphy; State Representatives Daniel Biss, Robyn Gabel, David
Harris, Lou Lang, Michael McAuliffe, Tom Morrison, Michelle Mussman, Elaine
Nekritz, Carol Sente and Ed Sullivan; Lake County Board Chairman David Stolman;
and Cook County Commissioners Bridget Gainer, Tim Schneider and Larry Suffredin.
The Northwest Municipal Conference will utilize the Legislative Program to guide
their legislative efforts in Washington and Springfield this year.
Copies of the 2012 NWMC Legislative Program can be downloaded at:
http://www.nwmc-cog.org/Legislation/2012-Legislative-Program.aspx.
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RESOLUTION SUPPORTING
THE NORTHWEST MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE
2012 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
2012-___
WHEREAS, The City of Lake Forest is a member of the Northwest Municipal
Conference; and
WHEREAS, the Northwest Municipal Conference works with its members to develop its
annual Legislative Program that serves as a comprehensive platform on legislative issues
in order to protect and benefit the interests of its member municipalities, residents, and
businesses in our communities and the region; and
WHEREAS, the Northwest Municipal Conference’s 2012 Legislative Program focuses
on issues vital to The City of Lake Forest including protecting local government
revenues, online sales tax collection and sales tax sourcing rules as well as addressing
labor related cost drivers such as pension reform, preventing abuse of the Public Safety
Employees Benefit Act and balancing the interest arbitration process; and
WHEREAS, the Northwest Municipal Conference will actively pursue these legislative
priorities to the benefit of The City of Lake Forest and all members of the Northwest
Municipal Conference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The City of Lake Forest hereby
expresses support for the Northwest Municipal Conference’s 2012 Legislative Program;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The City of Lake Forest will actively support the
2012 Legislative Program both locally and in our federal and state capitols; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the
Northwest Municipal Conference, to all state and federal legislators representing The
City of Lake Forest, to the Office of the Governor, and to department heads in The City
of Lake Forest.
_________________________ ________________________
Date Mayor
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The City of Lake Forest
CITY COUNCIL
Proceedings of the January 17, 2012 Regular Meeting
7:30 p.m. – City Hall Council Chambers
MOTION TO APPOINT ALDERMAN DONALD SCHOENHEIDER AS ACTING MAYOR: Alderman Novit
moved, seconded by alderman Pandaleon to appoint Alderman Schoenheider as Acting
Mayor in Mayor Cowhey’s absence. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Acting Mayor Schoenheider called the meeting to order at
7:30 p.m. Deputy City Clerk called the roll of Council members. Present: Aldermen Novit,
Pandaleon, Morsch, Adelman. Absent: Mayor Cowhey, Aldermen Waldeck, Moore, Palmer.
Quorum present. There were approximately 10+ present in the audience.
Also present were: Vic Filippini, City Attorney; Joseph Buerger, Police Chief; Catherine Czerniak,
Director of Community Development; Ramesh Kanapareddy, City Engineer; Mary Van Arsdale,
Director of Parks & Recreation; Carina Walters, Assistant City Manager; Cathryn Buerger, Deputy
City Clerk.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
Reports of City Officers
1. Comments by Mayor
Resolution of Sympathy for retired Public Safety Director, Bernard Prais
Alderman Novit moved, seconded by Alderman Pandaleon to accept the Resolution of
Sympathy. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
150th Book Presentation by Art Miller, Archivist and Librarian for Special
Collections
Art Miller, from Lake Forest College gave a brief presentation on the 150th Book and its
contents to Council. He thanked all those who contributed articles and photos and
encouraged people to continue documenting history.
2. Council Committee Reports
A. Property and Public Lands Committee-Alderman Schoenheider
1. Approval of Revisions to the Park Use Policies and FY13 Park Fees
Each year staff revises the Park Use Policies and seeks Park Board approval to keep current with
changes and fee adjustments to ensure that all costs are recovered for these types of uses in the
parks. The City attorney recommended that this document be re-titled from regulations to
policies, and as such, now is approved by City Council on an annual basis. Since City Council
has not previously approved the document, the City Manager also recommended that for this
first year the policies be shared via the Property and Public Land Committee (PPL) for
educational purposes and prior to staff bringing to the Park Board and City Council for approval
this year. These policies were shared with the PPL Committee on December 15 and approved by
the Park Board on January 10, 2012.
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Proceedings of the January 17, 2012
Regular City Council Meeting
Under the auspices of what is titled Park Use Policies, the Parks and Recreation Department
currently administers three (3) separate policies in regards to park use; 1) Pavilion Rental Policy,
2) Athletic League User Fee Policy and 3) the Movable Goal Safety Policy
1) Pavilion Rental Policy: This policy allows for the rental of our park and beach pavilions by
residents or companies based in Lake Forest when not in conflict with other City
programs. This one time rental is used by individuals or groups that want to hold small
functions in our parks or at the beach. The renter would have personal use of the
pavilion for their event with the understanding that the park could still be used by the
public and that the bathrooms are open for general park use. However, any fundraisers
or large scale events which take city resources away from their daily operations, as well
as events that have a direct impact upon public property, traffic flow in the city or public
health and safety are classified as a special event and will be directed to use the City’s
Special Event Policy administered by City Hall staff.
The content of the Pavilion Rental Policy includes the following sections: Pavilion
Overview, Hours, Rules, Reservation Schedule, Application Process, Fees and Contact
Information; Thorguard Lightning Prediction System Information; and Individual Park
Operational Policies. Only minimal changes are being recommended for this policy and
are outlined below in the recommended changes section of the memorandum.
2) Athletic League User Fee Policy: This policy allows Lake Forest based sports organizations
to rent athletic fields from the City for their league schedules. The athletic league user
fee policy was established by the Parks and Recreation Department and the Parks and
Recreation Board to offset the increasing maintenance costs with user fees. In order to
ensure that City resources are being utilized for the benefit of our taxpaying residents all
organizations must be comprised of at least 67% Lake Forest residency, made up of at
least four teams and not be in conflict with existing City programs to be considered.
The content of the Athletic League User Fee Policy outlines the following: Application
guidelines, priority use criteria, proof of residency/roster policy, baseball diamond and
grid field fees, and City’s ADA requirements.
3) Movable Goal Safety Policy: Staff is recommending that the current Movable Goal
Safety Policy be replaced by the newly drafted Soccer Goal Safety and Education
Policy. This policy was drafted by Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA) in
direct response to Zach’s Law. Zach’s Law was signed into law by Governor Quinn on
August 2, 2011 to ensure that all movable soccer goals are safely anchored and all
organizations using such goals are properly educated on the risks of using these goals.
The current Movable Goal Safety Policy ensures the safety as it is required to anchor all
soccer goals however the educational component is new and must be implemented to
meet all mandated State requirements.
POLICY CHANGES/STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: The majority of the current Park Use Policies are
not in need of any revision. However, in order for our policies to be in compliance with the new
State of Illinois laws and to be consistent with the City’s Special Event Policy staff requests the
following revisions in 2012 to our Park Use Policies:
1) Staff recommended that the fees for the Pavilion Rental Policy and the Athletic
League User Fee policy remain constant with FY12 (no increases). We are able to
continue to provide the service and recover all of our expenses associated with this
type of use under the current fee schedule. The exception to this is listed in number 2
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Proceedings of the January 17, 2012
Regular City Council Meeting
below. Staff is also sensitive to new fees being charged to organizations through our
Sports Field Improvement Fund (SFIF) policy.
2) Staff recommended that we align our Park Pavilion Rental Policy with the Special
Event Policy administered at City Hall in regards to additional fees for picnic tables,
trash barrels and grills. In order to be consistent staff is recommending to leave picnic
tables at $25 per table, raise the price for extra grills to $85 and to eliminate extra
barrel fees from the policy. The request for additional trash barrels has been minimal
over the history of the program therefore Staff will closely monitor the permits when
submitted and provide additional trash barrels for large rentals.
Item Current Policy Recommended Changes
Picnic Tables $25 per table $25 per table
Grills $65 per grill $85 per grill
Trash Barrels $5 per barrel Remove from policy
3) Staff recommended that the current Movable Goal Safety Policy be replaced by the
newly drafted Soccer Goal Safety and Education Policy.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approval of Revisions to the Park Use Policies and FY13 Park
Fees. AldermanNovit moved, seconded by Alderman Pandaleon to approve the
revisions to the Park Use Policies and FY13 Park. The following voted “Aye” Novit,
Pandaleon, Morsch, Schoenheider, and Adelman. The following voted “Nay” None.
Motion carries.
3. Comments by Council Members
None
OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Resident Nancy Vorhees 475 W. Deerpath stood before Council to address her concerns
regarding the coyote population in Lake Forest. She asked the Council to set aside funds to
address this concern. Police Chief, Joe Buerger answered questions the Council had regarding
coyotes in Lake Forest. The Chief also stated his department could look into a way to educate
the residents in how to handle this issue.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval of the Minutes from the January 3, 2012 Regular City Council Meeting
Alderman Morsch moved, seconded by Alderman Novit to approve the consent
agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
ORDINANCES
1. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending the Special Use Permit for Woodlands
Academy of the Sacred Heart to Allow Expansion of the Campus Boundaries to
Incorporate the 23-acre Barat Parcel into the Woodlands Academy Campus. (First
Reading)
This Ordinance has been removed from this agenda and will be addressed at the
February 6, 2012 City Council meeting.
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Proceedings of the January 17, 2012
Regular City Council Meeting
2. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 36 of the City of Lake Forest Code
Regarding Political Campaign and Political Message Signs. (First Reading and, if
Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)
At the direction of the City Attorney, amendments pertaining to political campaign and political
message signs are presented for the Council’s consideration. The changes are proposed to
bring the City Code into compliance with Public Act 96-904 pertaining to election signs.
From a practical perspective, the Code amendments do not change how or when political
signs may be displayed in Lake Forest from what is currently permitted. Staff will provide a brief
review of how and when political signs may be displayed, in accordance with the Code, at the
Council meeting. The City Attorney will be available to respond to any questions.
RECOMMEND ACTION: Waive first reading and grant final approval of the Ordinance amending
Chapter 36 of the City Code as it pertains to political signs.
Alderman Novit moved, seconded by Alderman Morsch to waive first reading of the Ordinance
amending Chapter 36 of the City code as it pertains to political signs. Motion carried
unanimously by voice vote.
Alderman Morsch moved, seconded by Alderman Novit to approve the Ordinance amending
Chapter 36 of the City code as it pertains to political signs. The following voted “Aye” Novit,
Pandaleon, Morsch, Schoenheider, and Adelman. The following voted “Nay” None. Motion
carries.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Authorization to enter into Phase I Preliminary Engineering Agreements with IDOT
and H.W. Lochner, Inc. for the Lake Woodbine Bridge Rehabilitation Project.
Staff requested entering into agreement with IDOT and H.W. Lochner, Inc. towards completion
of Phase I Preliminary Engineering for the Lake- Woodbine Bridge Rehabilitation project.
The Lake-Woodbine Bridge is a 3-span concrete arch bridge over a ravine (60 ft. depth) located
near Lake Rd and Woodbine Rd, adjacent to Lake Michigan. In February 2011, the City
requested grant funds under the Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program
(HBRRP or BRP) to be used toward the reconstruction of the Lake-Woodbine Bridge, IDOT
Structure number 049-6852. This bridge has a current sufficiency rating of 34.2 making it eligible
for the Federal BRP funds. The BRP funds pay for 80%, administered thru IDOT with the City
required to match the remaining 20%.
The Phase I Preliminary Engineering entails performing, at a minimum, the following tasks:
I. Prepare Bridge Condition Report and Preliminary Bridge Design and Hydraulic Report to
include economic analysis of bridge.
II. Prepare the necessary environmental and planning documents including the Project
Development Report, Environmental Class of Action Determination or Environmental
Assessment, State Clearinghouse, and all necessary environmental clearances.
III. Prepare applications for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (US ACOE) permit, Illinois
Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Office of Water Resources (OWR) Permit, Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Section 404 Water Quality Certification, and
other regulatory permits.
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Proceedings of the January 17, 2012
Regular City Council Meeting
IV. Undertake soil surveys or subsurface investigations including borings and soil profiles as
may be required to furnish sufficient data for the design of the proposed improvement.
V. Analyze and evaluate the soil surveys and structure borings to determine the roadway
approach structural design and bridge foundation.
VI. Undertake stream and floodplain hydraulic surveys and gather both existing bridge
upstream and downstream high water data and flood flow histories.
In April 2011, City received authorization from IDOT to proceed with selection of firm for the
Phase I Preliminary Engineering services. City sent request for qualifications to eligible firms and
received statement of Interest proposals from eight (8) firms. The City chose four (4) firms for
interview presentation who were familiar with BRP grant procedures, have worked in the City in
the past, and have demonstrated bridge rehabilitation project experience. Based on the
interview and firm qualifications, City staff selected H.W. Lochner, Inc. (Lochner) to provide the
Phase I Preliminary Engineering services. Upon selection of Lochner, City negotiated a Phase I
Preliminary Engineering contract amount and sent a draft copy of the proposal to IDOT for
approval. IDOT accepted Lochner’s proposal and have recommended City to enter into joint
agreements with IDOT and Lochner.
City will continue to seek BRP funds for the next two phases of the project. A tentative timeline of
the different phases of the project are listed below:
Phase Start Date
(tentative)
Completion Date
(tentative)
IDOT Approval
Date
(tentative)
Ph I Preliminary Engineering Mar 2012 Sept 2013 Dec 2013
* Ph II Design Engineering Mar 2014 Mar 2015 Nov 2015
* Ph III Construction (incl.
Construction Engineering) Mar 2016 Nov 2016 Nov 2018
* - City needs authorization from IDOT regarding availability of grant funds prior to start of Phase II
Engineering and Phase III Construction.
Since this project is being funded through IDOT (80%) as well as the City (20%) it is necessary to
take three actions. The actions involve the execution of the engineering agreement, the
execution of the joint agreement between IDOT and The City of Lake Forest and the
appropriation by resolution in the amount of $156,000.00 in Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds. This
project was approved as part of the Capital Improvement Program budget meeting in Nov 2010
and Nov 2011.
Below is a summary of the project budget:
FY2012-2013 Funding Source Account
Budget
Amount Requested
**
Budgeted?
Y/N
MFT Fund $160,000.00 $156,000.00 Y
** - IDOT will reimburse 80% of funds ($124,800)
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Proceedings of the January 17, 2012
Regular City Council Meeting
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends the City of Lake Forest
1. Enter into a Joint Agreement with IDOT documenting the funding responsibilities towards
the Phase I Preliminary Engineering for the rehabilitation of the Lake-Woodbine Bridge at
80% IDOT and 20% City.
2. Appropriate by resolution an amount of $156,000.00 in MFT funds to be used towards
Phase I Preliminary Engineering for the rehabilitation of the Lake-Woodbine Bridge. The
City will be reimbursed 80% ($124,800.00) of the engineering costs from IDOT resulting in
final cost expenditure from the City of $31,200.00.
3. Enter into an Agreement with H.W. Lochner, Inc. to provide Phase I Preliminary
Engineering for the rehabilitation of the Lake-Woodbine Bridge in an amount not-to-
exceed $156,000.00.
Alderman Pandaleon moved, seconded by Alderman Novit to:
Enter into a Joint Agreement with IDOT documenting the funding responsibilities towards
the Phase I Preliminary Engineering for the rehabilitation of the Lake-Woodbine Bridge at
80% IDOT and 20% City and;
Appropriate by resolution an amount of $156,000.00 in MFT funds to be used towards
Phase I Preliminary Engineering for the rehabilitation of the Lake-Woodbine Bridge. The
City will be reimbursed 80% ($124,800.00) of the engineering costs from IDOT resulting in
final cost expenditure from the City of $31,200.00. and;
Enter into an Agreement with H.W. Lochner, Inc. to provide Phase I Preliminary
Engineering for the rehabilitation of the Lake-Woodbine Bridge in an amount not-to-
exceed $156,000.00.
The following voted “Aye” Novit, Pandaleon, Morsch, Schoenheider, and Adelman. The
following voted “Nay” None. Motion carries.
2. Consideration of a Recommendation to Approve a Lease Assumption from
Lake Forest Bank and Trust to Northern Trust for the space at the west Lake Forest
Train Station.
Staff requested Council to approve the lease assumption from Lake Forest Bank and Trust to
Northern Trust. Lake Forest Bank and Trust has been leasing the west Lake Forest Train Station
including the exterior ATM since the 1990’s. In early December 2011, Lake Forest Bank and Trust
advised the City they were terminating their lease within 30 days pursuant to Section 16 based
on a business decision.
According to Section 21, No Assignment, Lake Forest Bank & Trust may assign the lease to
another lessee pursuant to approval by the City Staff would recommend approval of the lease
assumption as this will allow the City to continue receiving a steady revenue stream and
Northern Trust a banking facility and ATM on the west side of Lake Forest.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: If appropriate and should the City Council desire, approve the lease
assumption from Lake Forest Bank and Trust to Northern Trust at the west Lake Forest Train Station.
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Proceedings of the January 17, 2012
Regular City Council Meeting
Alderman Novit moved, seconded by Alderman Morsch to approve the lease assumption from
the Lake Forest Bank and Trust to Northern Trust at the west Lake Forest Train Station. The
following voted “Aye” Novit, Pandaleon, Morsch, Schoenheider, and Adelman. The following
voted “Nay” None. Motion carries.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION
ADJOURNMENT
8:30 p.m.
There being no further business, Alderman Morsch moved, seconded by Alderman Pandaleon
to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Cathryn H. Buerger
Deputy City Clerk
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Sec. 9-86.AR CHITECTURAL AND SITE DESIGN REVIEW
A.AR CHITECTURAL AND SITE PLANS.
Plans for buildings shall be prepared by or under the direction and supervision of a
person registered to practice architecture in the State of Illinois, under the
provisions of the Illinois Architectural Practice Act (or antany successor act), and
shall bear the stamp of the official seal of such registered architect and certification
to the effect that such plans were prepared by the architect, or under the architect’s
direction and supervision, in conformance with the statutes and ordinances
pertaining thereto; with such exceptions as are provided for u nder Section 3 of said
Illinois Architectural Practice Act.
1.Architectural drawings shall be explicit and complete, accurately indicating
all distances and dimensions including location of all sewers, water and
other services.
2.All construction shall be in accordance with the plans and specifications
reviewed and approved pursuant to this Section. If changes are desired,
architectural drawings or addenda shall be submitted for review and
approval prior to any change being made.
3.Site plans shall be detailed to show all existing buildings and proposed
additions, hardscape areas, existing and proposed utility and service
locations and sizes, existing and proposed easements, required setbacks,
trees and other key features of the site.
4.Two surveys by a Registered Illinois Land Surveyor shall be submitted to
the Community Development Department. The survey shall indicate all
property lines, easements, and all building lines of record. T he survey shall
indicate the legal description of the premises, be drawn on paper not
smaller than 14 inches by 18 inches to a scale of not less than 30 feet to the
inch. T he Director of Community Development may require a title search of
any lot or parcel of land proposed as a construction site.
B.BUILDING REVIEW BOARD
Creation, Composition, Term. There is hereby created the Lake Forest Building
Review Board herein referenced as the Board.
1.The Mayor, with the advice and consent of the City Council, shall appoint
seven residents to serve as Board members with one of the members
appointed as Chairman. Each member may serve a maximum of three
consecutive two-year terms or until a successor is appointed, with said
terms set to expire on a staggered basis.
2.Members serve at the discretion of the Mayor.
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3.In the event of any vacancy on the Board, the Mayor, with the Consent of
the Council, shall appoint a resident to fill the remainder of the term.
4.Four members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
5.The Board shall include persons of diverse background with each member
demonstrating various skills, knowledge and expertise in one or more of
the areas of architectural design, engineering, construction, landscaping,
real estate sales or development or related fields which facilitate the
review of matters that come from the Board.
6.One member of the Board may serve concurrently on the Zoning Board of
Appeals with the terms for each body being distinct and separate.
7.One member of the Board may serve concurrently on the Historic
Preservation Commission with the terms for each body being distinct and
separate.
B(1)Purpose
The Building Review Board is responsible for overseeingevaluating and making
recommendations regarding new construction, demolitions, additions and
alterations to existing buildings and signage for the purpose of ensuring that the
character of the community, the high standards for development, the quality
of life and property values are maintained. T he Building Review Board provides a
forum for public input and deliberation with a focus on architectural design,
building massing, landscaping and overall site design in relation to the individual
site and the neighborhood as a whole.
B(2)Powers and Duties
The Board shall discharge the following duties under this Chapter:
1.Consider and decidemake recommendations regarding applications for
projects requiring architectural review pursuant to Chapter 9, Section 86
this Code except that based on a majority vote of the City Council the
required review of, and recommendations relating to,a City owned project
may be reassigned to another Board, Commission or ad hoc committee,
appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council, if said body
has purview over other aspects of said project and if i ts members are able,
in the determination of the Council, to conduct the required
reviewarchitectural review and make associated recommendations. I n the
case of such reassignment, the selected Board, Commission or ad hoc
committee shall receive a staff report and recommendation and conduct
the architectural review, and make recommendations to the City Council,
based on the standards in this Chapter which would otherwise be used for
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the review of the project by the Building Review Board. The decision of
the assigned body may be appealed to the City Council consistent with the
appeal procedures in this Chapter.
2.Consider and decidemake recommendations regarding applications for
exceptions from the building scale requirements pursuant to Chapter
9, Section 87D of this Code.
3.Consider and decidemake recommendations regarding applications for
exceptions from the demolition permit regulations pursuant to Chapter 9,
Section 87E of the Code.
4.Consider and decidemake recommendations regarding appeals from a
denial of a demolition permit Pursuant to Chapter 9, Section 87F of the
Code.
5.Adopt an annual meeting schedule.
6.Cancel or re-schedule regular meetings or hold special meetings
if a reasonable basis for such action exists as determined by the
Chairman or a majority of the Board.
7.Adopt rules and procedures for public meetings.
8.The Director of Community Development or a designee shall act
as Recording Secretary for the Board.
9.Advise and make recommendations to other City Boards and
Commissions on matters before those bodies as requested by
those Boards and Commissions.
10.Consider and make recommendations to the City Council pertaining to
amendments to Chapter 9, Section 86 thru 87 of the City Code from time
to time as may be deemed appropriate.
11.Undertake such other tasks as the City Council may direct from
time-to-time.
12.Develop recommended guidelines if it deems appropriate to further
explain how the standards set forth in Chapter 9, Section 86 may
appropriately be incorporated into a project, which guidelines shall be
available from the Community Development Department.
2.Authority. The Building Review Board shall have the following authority:
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a.To consider and decide applications for projects requiring
architectural review in pursuant to Subsection 9-86C of this code.
b.To consider and decide applications for exceptions from the building
scale requirements pursuant to Subsection 9-87D of this code.
c.To consider and decide applications for exceptions from the
demolition permit regulations pursuant to Subsection 9-87E of this
code.
d.To consider and decide appeals from a denial of a demolition permit
pursuant to Subsection 9-87F of this code.
e.To undertake such other tasks as the City Council may direct from
time-to-time.
3.Guidelines. The Building Review Board may from time-to-time develop
guidelines if it deems appropriate to further explain how the standards set
forth in Paragraph 9-86C4 may appropriately be incorporated into a project,
which guidelines shall be available from the Community Development
Department.
C.AR CHITECTURAL DESIGN REVIEW
1.Purpose and Goals. The City of Lake Forest, a special charter and home
rule municipality, finds that buildings, landscaping, awnings, signs, fences,
and other structures, when designed within the context of the established
surrounding neighborhood, preserve the distinct and unique architectural
and historic character of the City. It is the goal of the regulations in this
Section that each building in Lake Forest complement and improve upon
the architectural heritage of the City. Specifically, the purposes of the
architectural design review process are:
a.To protect, preserve, and enhance the natural and architectural
environment of the City,
b.To protect and enhance property values,
c.To preserve the overall historic and architectural character of the
community,
d.To preserve the character of the neighborhoods which have a
recognizable historic or architectural theme,
e.To protect the unique aspects that distinguish neighborhoods from
each other,
f.To maintain the diversity of housing stock traditionally found in Lake
Forest including diversity in style, size and price point,
g.To avoid development that is unsightly, unsuitable, or not compatible
with the property or surrounding neighborhood, and
h.To promote the health, safety, and welfare of the City and its
residents.
2.Definitions. For the purposes of this Section 9-86C, the following terms
shall have the following meanings:
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"Project": Project is defined as any activity requiring a building, demolition,
or similar development permit from the City that affects the exterior
appearance of the subject property, including without limitation the erection,
remodeling, or alteration of a building, landscaping, awning, sign, fence, or
other structure, but excluding repairs and maintenance activity that does
not alter the exterior appearance of a building or structure.
"Surrounding neighborhood": The surrounding neighborhood is defined as:
The full block on which the property is located;
The block face opposite the street frontage on which the property is
located; on a corner lot, the block face on both street frontages on
which the property is located shall be considered; and
The adjoining block face to the rear of the property; and
The general character of the larger neighborhood, consisting of two
blocks in each direction of the property.
3.Procedure.
a.Review by the Director of Community Development.
(i)Request for Waiver of Building Review Board Consideration.
An application for waiver of Board review may be submitted
for determination and recommendation on whether the
standards set forth in Paragraph 9-86C4 of this Code are
satisfied. Such application shall be delivered to the Director of
Community Development or the Director's designee.
An application for waiver of Board review must include the
following.
(A)A completed waiver application form.
(B)A legal survey of the property showing existing
buildings and conditions on the property.
(C)A site plan showing all new construction and any
changes proposed for the property including, but not
limited to, changes to buildings, landscaping,
driveways, utility locations, and grading.
(D)Conceptual elevations and information on proposed
exterior materials
(E)A completed building scale calculation on a calculation
sheet provided by the City.
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(ii)Review of Application for Waiver and Recommendation of
Director of Community Development on Whether Building
Review Board Consideration Should be Waived.
Within 35 days following receipt of a complete application for
waiver, the Director may recommend waiver of the
requirement for Building Review Board consideration.
(A)If the Director recommends a waiver of Board
consideration based on a determination that the
project complies with the standards set forth in
Paragraph 9-86C4, then such recommendation for
waiver shall be forwarded to the members of the
Building Review Board for information. Unless a
member of the Building Review Board directs that the
waiver be disallowed and requests that the matter be
referred for a hearing before the Building Review
Board pursuant to Paragraph 9-86C3b within five
business days after the recommendation is forwarded
by the Director of Community Development to the
Board, the waiver shall be deemed granted by the
Board and an application for a building permit may be
applied for without further architectural design review;
or
(B)If the Director does not recommend a waiver of Board
consideration based on a determination that the
project does not comply with the standards set forth in
Paragraph 9-86C4, then the Director shall refer the
application to the Building Review Board for a public
hearing in accordance with Paragraph 9-86C3b of this
Code. The referral to the Building Review Board shall
include a staff report and recommendation on the
application as part of the packet provided to the Board.
In addition, the Director of Community Development
shall deliver a copy of the staff report and
recommendation to the applicant and shall notify the
applicant in writing of the time and place of the public
hearing of the Building Review Board and of the
application submittal requirements for Board review in
accordance with Section C3b(i).
(C)In the event that the Director does not issue a report
and recommendation on an application for waiver
within such 35-day period, the project shall be deemed
eligible for submittal of a complete building permit
application (subject to customary building permit
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review)without further consideration or action by the
Building Review Board.
For purposes of formulating a recommendation on an application
for waiver, unless the Director finds a substantial inconsistency
between a project and the standards in Paragraph 9-86C4, the
Director will recommend a waiver for any project that either; (X) is
not visible from a street; (Y) increases the gross floor area of a
building by the lesser of 100 square feet or 10%; or (Z) is
necessitated by requirements of health or safety.
b.Review by the Building Review Board.
(i)Application for Building Review Board Consideration and
Action. A complete application shall include without limitation
the following plans and information and shall be submitted in
accordance with the schedule adopted on an annual basis by
the Building Review Board.
• Completed Building Scale Calculation Form.
• Impervious Surface Calculation.
• Application Form.
• Description of Exterior Materials Form.
• Statement of Intent.
• Legal Plat of Survey.
• Site Plan of Proposed Improvements.
• Grading Plan (if any grade change is proposed).
• Site Grading Cross Section (if any grade change is
proposed).
•Tree Survey.
• Dimensioned drawings of all new structures or
additions showing exterior materials.
• All Elevations –At least one elevation shall be in color
.
• Floor Plans.
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• Roof Plan.
• Cross Sections.
• Streetscape Elevation. (Required for all new houses
and major additions visible from the street)
• Landscape Plan.
•Photographs of the site and existing buildings.
• All applicable fees.
• Other materials as required by the Director of
Community Development, including, without limitation,
a roof line mock-up.
In addition to the above materials, the following shall be
submitted for all applications for demolition.
•A Written Statement addressing the demolition
criteria.
•Structural Evaluation from an independent structural
engineer.
• Massing Model.
•Site Plan Overlay of existing and proposed structures
and hardscape.
• Elevation Overlays of existing and proposed elevations.
One or more of the required materials may be waived if the
Director of Community Development determines that the
information is not relevant to the project or to the issues that
will be considered by the Board. Detailed information on the
required materials shall be provided in the application packet
available from time-to-time through the Community
Development Department.
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(ii)Site Staked. No less than 14 days prior to the Building
Review Board meeting at which the application is scheduled
to be considered, the foot print of all new residences and all
additions shall be staked.
Application for Building Review Board Consideration and
Action. Unless an application for waiver is granted or deemed
granted by the Building Review Board in accordance with
Paragraph 9-86C3a of this Code, a complete Building Review
Board application shall be submitted to the Community
Development Department. Within 5 days after receipt of the
application, the Director of Community Development shall
issue a written notice to the petitioner identifying deficiencies
in the completeness or correctness of the application.
Public Hearing. After receipt of a complete Building Review
Board application, a public hearing shall be set within 60 days
thereafter, or at the first regularly scheduled Building Review
Board that has not been fully subscribed, but in no event later
than 120 days after receipt of a completed application. If a
hearing is not commenced within said 60-daythe period set
forth in the preceding sentence, the application shall be
deemed approvedrecommended for approval and shall be
presented to the City Council pursuant to 9-86C3(c) for final
determination. A t the hearing, the applicant and any owner of
property within the surrounding neighborhood shall have the
right to submit written and oral testimony.
(iii)Notice of Hearing Not less than ten days before the date of the
public hearing, the Director shall post notice of the time and
place of the hearing and mail notice of the hearing to the
owners of each property within 1,320 feet of the subject
property or within three properties deep, whichever is less.
For purposes of this Paragraph 9-86C3b, an "owner" of a
property shall be either (i) an occupant, (ii) a legal or beneficial
owner, or (iii) the person to whom the most recent real estate
tax bill has been sent. Failure of any owner of a property to
receive notice shall not affect the validity of any action taken
with respect to a petition.
(iv)ActionRecommendation by Building Review Board. At the
conclusion of the public hearing, the Building Review Board
shall vote in public whether to approve, disapprove, or
grantrecommend to the City Council approval, disapproval, or
conditional approval of the application based upon
consideration of the standards set forth in Paragraph 9-86C4.
The Board may continue consideration of an application if the
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Board determines that additional information is required. On
behalf of the Board, the Director of Community Development
shall transmit the written findings and determination of the
Board, in the form of a Meeting Action Summary, within 10
business days after the conclusion of the hearing to: (A)the
applicant; and,(B)any owner of property in the surrounding
neighborhood who delivers a written request for such
determination to the Director of Community Development
within 3 days after the close of the public hearing. I n the event
of disapproval or conditional approval, the failure of the
Director of Community Development to issue a Meeting
Action Summary within 10 business days after the conclusion
of the hearing or such further time to which the applicant may
agree, shall be deemed to be an approval of the application
issued as of the eleventh business day following the public
hearing, and (C) the City Council.
c.Appeal of Board Decision
(i)Action by City Council. If the applicant or any owner in the
surrounding neighborhood of a project seeks to appeal the
determination of the Building Review Board, such appeal
shall be filed with the City Clerk, in the City Manager’s Office,
no later than 15 days after the issuance of the Meeting Action
Summary by the Director of Community Development. W ithin
35 days following the receipt of the appeal, the City Council
shall consider such appeal and either uphold the decision of
the Building Review Board, overturn the decision with or
without modifications or conditions, or remand the application
to the Board for further review.
The failure of the City Council to consider the appeal within
said 35 day period, or such further time to which the applicant
may agree,shall be deemed to be an affirmation of the
determination of the Building Review Board.
(ii)Remand to Board. In the case of a vote by the City Council
for remand of an application, the Chairman of the Building
Review Board shall be so notified and shall schedule the
matter for a new public hearing at the next regularly
scheduled Building Review Board meeting for which
adequate time is available to provide the required public
notice under Paragraph 9-86C3 (v), or such later time to
which the applicant may agree. In all other respects, the
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hearing on remand shall be conducted in the same manner
as any other hearing under Paragraph 9-86C3b. If the
hearing on remand is not commenced within 60 days after
the City Council's decision to remand, however, the
application shall be deemed approved.Following the City
Council's receipt of the Meeting Action Summary, the City
Council shall by ordinance either approve, approve with
conditions, or deny the application. Consideration of such
ordinance shall be placed on the agenda of the City Council
no later than 45 days after the City Council's receipt the
Meeting Action Summary. The City Council may, in its
discretion, seek further review on an application prior to
action.
4.Standards and Considerations for Architectural and Site Design Review.
a.Standards. In evaluating applications for architectural design
review, the Director of Community Development, Building Review
Board, orand the City Council, as the case may be,shall consider
and evaluate the propriety of issuing a building permit in terms of its
effect on the stated purposes and goals of architectural design
review. To that end, the Director of Community Development,
Building Review Board, orand the City Council, as the case may be,
shall consider the appearance of a project in terms of the quality of its
design and the relationship to its surrounding neighborhood. A
project should harmonize with and support Lake Forest's unique
character, with special consideration accorded the preservation and
enhancement of landmarks, the preservation and enhancement of
natural features (including without limitation existing trees and
landscaping), and fostering architectural quality that complements
the architectural and historic heritage of Lake Forest and the
property values within the community. Furthermore, a project must
be consistent with all applicable ordinances and regulations of the
City, including without limitation the Lake Forest Zoning Code,
Comprehensive Plan, and Tree Preservation Regulations,absent a
variance granted consistent with applicable Code requirements.
In addition to the general standards listed above, the Director of
Community Development, Building Review Board, orand the City
Council, as the case may be,shall consider, among other factors, the
following standards:
i.Site plan.
(A)All setbacks shall be met or exceeded and disturbance
to the natural landscaping on the site should be
minimized. Further, the project should be designed to
preserve and enhance natural features on the site,
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including without limitation existing trees, wooded
areas, and landscaping. In addition, the project should
be designed to minimize changes to the natural grade
in order to maintain natural drainage patterns.
(B)Access to the site and circulation thereon should be
safe and convenient for pedestrians, cyclists, and
vehicles.
(C)Driveways should be located to maintain adequate
space between cuts in the streetscape and to provide
space for landscaping and drainage between
driveways and neighboring properties.
(D)Driveway and parking areas should be screened to
reduce visual intrusions into surrounding properties
and to maintain the landscape dominant character of
the City. Projects that materially affect the natural
features of a neighborhood, or that materially alter the
spaces and spatial relationships that characterize a
property or surrounding neighborhood should be
avoided.
(E)Screening, fencing, gates and pillars should be
consistent in design and materials with the principal
buildings on the subject property and with properties in
the surrounding neighborhood.
(F)Compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood
should be achieved; however, repetitive duplication of
building designs within the surrounding neighborhood
should be avoided.
ii.Elevations.
(A)The scale and height of the project should be in
conformance with the code requirements of the City,
and should be visually compatible with the landscaping
and topography of the site and with buildings on the
site and in the surrounding neighborhood.
(B)The relationship of solids to voids in the front facade of
a project should be visually compatible with buildings,
public ways, and places to which it is visually related in
the surrounding neighborhood, and they should add
interest to the elevations and relief from building mass.
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(C)The visual continuity of roofs and their contributing
elements (such as parapet walls, coping, and cornices)
should be maintained in building development or
redevelopment.
(D)To the extent applicable, the project should be
consistent throughout with the elements of the chosen
architectural style (e.g., Colonial, English Tudor,
Contemporary etc.) and such architectural style should
be maintained for all elevations of the building or
structure. Accessory structures should be
architecturally compatible with the principal structure
on the lot.
(E)The elevations of the project should be proportional to
the property on which it is located and to the
surrounding neighborhood.
(F)Compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood
should be achieved however,repetitive duplication of
building designs within the surrounding neighborhood
should be avoided.
iii.Landscaping.
(A)Landscaping plans should be consistent with the
natural environment of the site, adjacent properties,
and the surrounding neighborhood; provided that,
when a site is open, suitable landscaping consistent
with the wooded nature of the City should be provided.
(B)Existing natural features should be appropriately
preserved and integrated into the project. Under
appropriate circumstances, a conservation area
consisting of landscaping and natural growth, but
excluding lawns and any impervious surface between
adjacent properties or along the streetscape, would
promote this objective.
iv.Type, Color and Texture of Materials.
(A)Exterior materials should be of the highest quality,
appropriate for the intended use, and consistent with
the chosen architectural style.
(B)Materials should be selected for both their durability
and usefulness, however, imitation and synthetic
substitutions should be avoided.
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(C)Colors of the materials for the project should be
harmonious with compatible accents. Materials, level
of detail, and ornamentation should be consistent with
the particular architectural type that is proposed.
(D)Design, material, and color scheme should be
compatible with and enhance the character of the
property and the surrounding neighborhood. A project
that is obviously incongruous with its surroundings or
unsightly and grotesque should be avoided.
(E)A project’s design or color should not be distracting to
vehicular traffic so as to cause a safety hazard.
v.Overall Site Layout.
(A)The building layout should maximize the distance
between buildings on the site and buildings on
adjacent properties.
(B)The building layout should maintain appropriate
distances between buildings on the site itself.
(C)The size, scale, and nature of a building or project
should be consistent with the existing streetscape and
character of the neighborhood and should not be
inconsistent with the planned character for the
surrounding neighborhood as expressed in the
Comprehensive Plan.
(D)The project shall not cause a substantial depreciation
in the property values of adjacent buildings, the
surrounding neighborhood, or the City.
(E)The project should not unduly detract from the natural
environment of the site, adjacent properties, or the
surrounding neighborhood.
These standards and the specific residential design guidelines
described in Paragraph 9-86C4b below are intended to encourage
strong design and to provide direction on how to achieve that goal.
These standards are not intended to limit creativity or restrict
imagination, innovations, or variety in architectural styles, but rather
seek to preserve and enhance Lake Forest’s unique historic and
architectural character and surrounding neighborhoods.
b.Specific Residential Design Guidelines. In addition to the standards
set forth above, in reviewing an application for a residential project,
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the Director of Community Development, Building Review Board,
orand the City Council, as the case may be,shall consider whether
the project meets the "City of Lake Forest Residential Design
Guidelines," which guidelines are set forth as Appendix 9-86C of the
City Code and by this reference incorporated herein.
5.Plan Modifications.It shall be unlawful to alter or in any way modify plans
that have been reviewed and approved by the Director of Community
Development, Building Review Board, or City Council,as the case may
be. If during the course of construction, it is desired to deviate from the
application and plans as approved, the owner or contractor shall so notify
the Director of Community Development. Upon such notification, the
Director of Community Development may request additional plans or may
accept a written statement from the Architect indicating the proposed
change. D epending on the nature, significance,and impact of the change,
the Director of Community Development may approve it or refer the matter
back to the Building Review Board for public hearing and action on the
proposed modificationmust obtain a waiver pursuant to Subsection
9-86C3(a) or obtain approval from the City Council for such modifications.
6.Duration of Approvals. No Building Review Board approval or City Council
approval granted on an appeal shall be valid for a period longer than 2
years from the date of such approval unless within such period a building
permit is obtained and all fees are paid. However, the Director of
Community Development is not prohibited from referring back to the
Building Review Board projects for which approval was granted more than
two years previously.If a building permit is not granted and fees are not paid
within such period, the City Council, in its discretion,may extend the
duration of any such approval upon request.
7.Historic Preservation Jurisdiction. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
in this Section 9-86, any matters pertaining to changes to a Landmark or a
District as designated under the Lake Forest Historic Preservation
Ordinance shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the Lake Forest Historic
Preservation Commission, and the Building Review Board shall conduct no
proceedings relating to such Landmark or District.
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Sec. 9-87.BUILDING SCALE AND ENVIRONMENT.
A. FEES. Any required fees shall be in accordance with the most recent fee
schedule, approved by the City Council and on file in the Community Development
Department.
B.PURPOSE. The City of Lake Forest is one of the oldest planned communities in
the State of Illinois and it has grown in essential accord with its Comprehensive
Plan. I n order to preserve and protect the existing developed properties in the City,
to maintain the Comprehensive Plan of the City to regulate development and to
preserve and protect the public health, safety and well-being, it is necessary to
regulate building scale and environment.
The City of Lake Forest is experiencing unprecedented real estate development
pressures. As a result, there is real concern with the scale of some of the new
residences, additions to existing residences, and accessory structures within the
City. In addition, there is concern about the loss of existing affordable housing
stock and the impacts of infill development on the character and infrastructure in
establishing neighborhoods.
It has been determined that the construction of large residences and accessory
buildings that may be appropriate in estate settings are now being constructed on
subdivision lots of inadequate area. T he residences are often out of scale with the
surrounding environment.
It is in the public interest of The City of Lake Forest to maintain an appropriate
balance between building scale and the local environmental setting.
The City of Lake Forest is dedicated to maintaining the existing character and
ambiance of the community. In the past, the City has encouraged a development
pattern characterized as suburban estate wherein the landscape is generally
dominant over the improvements. Now there is a significant trend to increase the
size of residences in relation to the size of the lot. In addition, many sites under
development are located in open spaces. The balance between landscaping and
building scale in relation to space available is causing a noticeable change in the
character of the community.
It is the intent of The City of Lake Forest to develop reasonable performance
standards wherein the essential residential character of the City is maintained and
fostered.
C.DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS.
1.Maximum Building Size.
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The maximum building size is calculated based on the methodology
established in Section 9-87D of this chapter. The Building Scale regulations
apply to all single family homes and duplexes.
The maximum allowable square footage may be disapproved if the Board
finds that the proposed residence or addition(s) violate Section 9-86 of the
Building Code.
a.Maximum Square Footage Allow ance
i.For lots of 18,900 square feet in area or smaller --
The maximum square footage of all structures on a zoning lot
is determined by the following formula:
Single Family and Duplex Dwelling
(Lot area x .14) + 1,300 sq. ft.
ii.For lots of 18,901 square feet to 40,000 square feet --
The maximum square footage of all structures on a zoning lot
is determined by the following formula:
Single Family Dwelling
(Lot area x .05) + 3,000 sq. ft.
Duplex Dwelling
(Lot area x .125) + 2,500 sq. ft.
iii.For lots larger than 40,000 square feet --
The maximum square footage of all structures on a zoning lot
is determined by the following formula:
Single Family Dwelling
(Lot area x .08) + 1,800 sq. ft.
Duplex Dwelling
(Lot area x .125) + 2,500 sq. ft.
b.Basement Area Calculation
i.Basements or portions of basements that extend above the
adjacent ground area to a height of three and a half (3.5) feet
or greater as measured from the top of the finished first floor
to the lowest finished grade of the ground adjacent to the
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building, are included in the building scale calculation;
provided, however, that such basement in dwellings
constructed prior to January 9, 1989 shall be excluded from
the building scale calculation.
EXHIBIT A
ii. Basements located wholly below grade and traditional
window wells with a maximum width of 3 feet (3) are not
included in the building scale calculation.
EXHIBIT B
iii. The portion of the basement included in the calculation shall
be based on the extent of the basement above grade and
shall be calculated as follows:
FINISHED GRADE
TOP OF FOUNDATION WALL TOP OF FIRST FLOOR
BASEMENT
3’-6”
FINISHED GRADE
TOP OF FOUNDATION WALL TOP OF FIRST FLOOR
BASEMENT
3’-6”
COUNTED NOT COUNTED NOT COUNTED
BASEMENT BASEMENT BASEMENT
FIRST FLOOR FIRST FLOOR FIRST FLOORFINISHED
GRADE
FINISHED
GRADE FINISHED
GRADE
3’-0”
MAX.
COUNTED NOT COUNTED NOT COUNTED
BASEMENT BASEMENT BASEMENT
FIRST FLOOR FIRST FLOOR FIRST FLOORFINISHED
GRADE
FINISHED
GRADE FINISHED
GRADE
3’-0”
MAX.
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[TOTAL SQAU RE FOOTAGE OF BASEMENT]
X
{[PERIMETER OF EXPOSED BASEMENT] /
[PERIMETER OF ENTIRE BASEMENT]}
c. Second Floor and Attic Area Calculations
The amount of second floor and third floor attic square footage
included in the building scale calculation is determined by the
second floor plate height and overall height of the residence. Attic
space may be factored into the calculations whether or not truss
construction is used.
i. Second Floor Calculation
Second floor area is included in the building scale calculations
for any selection of the second floor lying beneath the plane
formed by the Second Floor Calculation Line and its
intersection with any exterior portions of the building (see
illustration Exhibit C). The Second Floor Calculation Line is
measured from the top of first floor in accordance with the
following:
For all lot sizes, the Second Floor Calculation Line is 19 feet
above the top of the first floor.
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EXHIBIT C
ii. Third Floor Attic Calculation
Third floor attic area is included in the building scale
calculations for any selection of the attic lying beneath the
plane formed by the Attic Calculation Line and its intersection
with any exterior portion of the building (see illustration Exhibit
D). The Attic Calculation Line is measured from the top of first
floor in accordance with the following:
1.1 For Lots 40,000 square feet or smaller, the Attic
Calculation Line is 26.5 feet above the top of the first
floor.
1.2 For Lots 40,001 square feet or larger, the Attic
Calculation Line is 28 feet above the top of the first
floor.
EXTERIOR PLANE OF ROOF
Second Floor
Area
19 FeetTop of
First Floor
Second Floor
Calculation Line
Second Floor
Area
Second Floor
Area
Second Floor
Area
19 FeetTop of
First Floor
Second Floor
Calculation Line
Second Floor
Area
Second Floor
Area
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EXHIBIT D
d.Elements Exempted from the Above Calculations
i. Garages. In addition to the square footage permitted by the
formulas in Section 9-87C1a above, each zoning lot shall be
entitled to square footage for a garage in accordance with the
following formulas.
1.1 For lots of 18,900 sq. ft. in area or smaller --
Garage Allowances: 576 square feet with a maximum
of width of 24 feet.
1.2 For lots of 18,901 to 40,000 square feet --Garage
Allowances: 600 square feet
1.3 For lots larger than 40,000 square feet --
Garage Allowances: 800 square feet
Top of
First Floor 26.5 Feet or 28 FeetDepending on Lot SizeAttic Calculation Line
Attic Area
EXTERIOR PLANE OF ROOFEXTERIOR PLANE OF ROOF
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1.4 Garages that exceed the allowable square footages
may be constructed, but the square footage in excess
of that allowed under Section 9-87C1a(i) (1.1-1.3) shall
be deducted from the maximum square footage
permitted for the residence. Prior to approval of a
garage in excess of the allowable size, the project must
be found to be conformance with Section 9-86 of the
City Code.
ii. Other Exemptions. The following elements shall be exempted
from the Building Scale calculation if the project is in
conformance with Section 9-86 of the City Code and if the
total square footage of these elements does not exceed 10%
above the maximum allowable square footage for the
residence.
--Front or Side Porch
--Covered Entry
--Portico
--Rear or Side Screen Porch
--Breezeways
--Individual Dormers
--Bay W indows
The Director of Community Development shall be authorized
to develop regulations to define further the foregoing
elements, which regulations shall be set forth in a “Building
Scale Methodology Document” that shall be available to the
public from the Community Development Department.
iii. Storage Sheds. Storage sheds up to a maximum size of 100
square feet may be permitted if all other applicable provisions
of the City Code are satisfied. Storage sheds shall not count
toward 10% overage allowed for the elements listed in
Section 9-89C1d(ii) above.
2.Lot Area Calculation.
a. Lot Area
Lot area shall be determined by calculating the total square footage
within the boundaries of the property lines based on as up-to-date
official plat of survey. The plat survey must be prepared or updated
by an Illinois registered land surveyor and contain, at a minimum, the
following information:
i. Any lot which is not rectangular or which has easements for
ingress and egress, natural and man made storm water
retention ponds, or wetlands, shall have the lot area certified
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by the surveyor, including a detailed breakdown of square
footage of lot area with, and without such easements, ponds,
or wetlands.
ii. Full exterior dimensions of all existing structures on the
property.
b.Building Scale Calculation
For purposes of calculating building scale, the following areas are
not included in determining total lot square footage.
i.The access easement for lots-in-depth shall not be included in
the square footage for either the front or rear lot.
EXHIBIT E
ii.50% of any non-table land on the property as defined in
Section 46-15 of the City Code. Certification of the total
square footage by a Registered Land Surveyor may be
required by the Director of Community Development.
EXHIBIT F
SETBACK LINES
PROPERTY LINES
ACCESS EASEMENT AREA
NOT INCLUDED IN LOT SIZE STREETLOT 2 LOT 1
TABLE LAND (100%)NON TABLE LAND (50%)
LOT SIZE CALCULATION
100% TABLE LAND + 50% NON TABLE LAND
TABLE LAND (100%)NON TABLE LAND (50%)
LOT SIZE CALCULATION
100% TABLE LAND + 50% NON TABLE LAND
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3.Building Height.
The maximum height of a single-family dwelling or two-family dwelling shall
not exceed the following:
Maximum Height, Measured
Lot Size to the Ridge Line
18,900 square feet
or less
30 feet
18,901 to 40,000 sq. ft.35 feet
40,001 sq. ft. or greater 40 feet
For new construction, the top of first floor shall not be more than 1’-6” above
the average finished grade adjacent to the building unless required under
the provisions of the Lake County W atershed Development Ordinance.
Maximum height will be measured from the lowest grade immediately
adjacent to the proposed structure, prior to construction, to the highest roof
ridge line.
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EXHIBIT G
4.Planned Residential Development Provisions.In any subdivision
involving a nonstandard single family development, including, but not
limited to, a Planned Development, as permitted under Section 46-24 of the
Zoning Code, or a Residential Open Space Subdivision, as permitted under
Section 46-46 of the Zoning Code, the City shall, during the subdivision
review process, establish a maximum floor area per lot for such
development, consistent with the intent of this section and reflective of the
uniqueness of the particular subdivision.
D.EXCEPTIONS GRANTED BY BUILDING REVIEW BOARD.The Building
Review Board shall have the authority to recommend that the City Council grant
exceptions to the maximum floor area requirements set forth in Section 9-87C, for
a new residence or an addition to an existing residence if Standard 1 below is
satisfied and at least one of the other Standards set forth in this Section 9-87D is
met.
Standard 1 --The project is consistent with the design standards in Section 9-86
of the City of Lake Forest Code.
Standard 2 --Mature trees and other vegetation on the property effectively
mitigate the appearance of excessive height and mass of the structure and as a
result, the proposed development is in keeping with the streetscape and overall
neighborhood.
Standard 3 --New structures or additions are sited in a manner that minimizes the
appearance of mass from the streetscape. In addition, the proposed structures or
additions will not have a significant negative impact on the light to and views from
neighboring homes.
LOWEST EXISTING GRADE
ADJACENT TO STRUCTURE
PROPOSED NEW GRADE
TOTAL HEIGHT
OF BUILDING
EXISTING GRADE
LOWEST EXISTING GRADE
ADJACENT TO STRUCTURE
PROPOSED NEW GRADE
TOTAL HEIGHT
OF BUILDING
EXISTING GRADE
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Standard 4 --The height and mass of the residence, garage, and accessory
structures will generally be compatible with the height and mass of structures on
adjacent lots, buildings on the street and on adjacent streets, and other residences
and garages in the same subdivision.
Standard 5 –The property is located in a local historic district or is designated as a
Local Landmark and the addition is consistent with the standards in the Historic
Preservation Ordinance and approval of a variance would further the purpose of
the ordinance.
Standard 6 –The property is adjacent to land used and zoned as permanent open
space, a Conservation Easement, or a detention pond and the structures are sited
in a manner that allows the open area to mitigate the appearance of mass of the
buildings from the streetscape and from neighboring properties.
E.AP PLICATION FOR DEMOLITION PERMIT. To permit adequate time for
consideration of alternatives to demolition of an existing building(s), and to ensure
development consistent with the goals of the City, a demolition permit shall be
issued only after two years following an application for demolition unless one of the
following exceptions shall cause said permit to be issued earlier:
1.Fire or other casualty damage or structural deterioration shall have
rendered the structure and/or remains, in the opinion of the Director of
Community Development of The City of Lake Forest, an immediate health
or safety hazard. (Nothing in this section shall be deemed to limit the power
of such official to condemn, and order the demolition of, any structure which
is hazardous or unsafe.)
2.It is determined upon proper application for an exception, and following a
public hearing by the Building Review Board, in consideration of the criteria
and purpose of this section and Section 46-27 (Historic Residential and
Open Space Preservation) of the Zoning Code, that a delay in demolition
would not further the purpose of this section and Section 46-27 of the
Zoning Code, because;:
a.The structure itself, or in relation to its environs, has no significant
historical, architectural, aesthetic or cultural value in its present or
restored condition; or
b.Realistic alternatives (including adaptive uses) are not likely
because of the nature or cost of work necessary to preserve such
structure or realize any appreciable part of such value; or
c.The structure in its present or restored condition is unsuitable for
residential, or a residentially compatible use; or
d.The demolition is consistent with, or materially furthers, the criteria
and purpose of this section and Section 46-27 of the Zoning Code.
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3.It is determined by the City Manager that the issuance of a demolition permit
is clearly consistent with the criteria of this section and Section 46-27 of the
Zoning Code.
In cases where the applicant for demolition permit intends to construct a
replacement building(s), neither the Building Review Board nor the City
Manager shall have authority under paragraphs E(2) or E(3), immediately
above, to exempt any applicant from the two year waiting period imposed by
this sub-section,unless the applicant shall have first obtained approval by
the Building Review BoardCity Council of any such replacement building(s),
in accordance with the criteria set forth in Section 9-86 above. Additionally,
any new building sought to be constructed as a replacement building after
demolition, as permitted under this section, shall require advance approval
by the Building Review Board in accordance with Section 9-86 above, prior
to the issuance of a building permit.
F.DEMOLITION PERMIT RULING. The City Manager may render an opinion that a
demolition permit would be issued for a particular residence, if he or she finds that
such demolition would be clearly consistent with the purpose and criteria of this
section and Section 46-27 of the Zoning Code.
1.The City Manager may refer any or all requests for such decision to the
Building Review Board to allow the Board to make such ruling.
2.Any petitioner who receives a decision from the City Manager that a
residence may not be demolished, may appeal such decision to the
Building Review Board and then to the City Council.
3.The final determination in any such ruling either by the City Manager or the
Building Review Board shall be valid for two years from the date of such
ruling.
4.Regardless of the outcome of a ruling request, no demolition permit shall be
issued, except in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (E) above.
G.NothwithstandingNotwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 9-87, any
matters affecting a Landmark or a District as designated under the Lake Forest
Historic Preservation Ordinance shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the Lake
Forest Historic Preservation Commission, and the Building Review Board shall
conduct no proceedings relating to such Landmark or District.
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THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST
ORDINANCE NO. 2012-__
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 9 OF THE CITY OF LAKE
FOREST CODE REGARDING ARCHITECTURAL AND DESIGN
REVIEW AND BUILDING SCALE AND ENVIRONMENT
WHEREAS, The City of Lake Forest (the "City") is an Illinois special charter and
home rule municipal corporation; and
WHEREAS, the City has a long tradition of careful community planning and
rigorous zoning and development regulations that has resulted in high quality design
and construction of residential and non-residential buildings that are appropriately
scaled for the lot and surrounding neighborhoods in which they are located; and
WHEREAS, the City has a long tradition of valuing and protecting its historic
character and first initiated legislation to preserve its historic visual character over 50
years ago by establishing the Building Review Board and continues to regulate the
quality of buildings through Chapter 9 of the City Code, entitled "Buildings" (the
"Building Code"); and
WHEREAS, construction design and development inconsistent with the City's
historic character adversely impact the landmarks and historic districts within the City
and threaten the long-term value of property within the City; and
WHEREAS, in furtherance of (i) its rich architectural, planning, and zoning
heritage, (ii) the protection and preservation of the historic and architectural character of
the City, and (iii) the City's overall land development regulatory programs and efforts,
the City has implemented through the Building Code architectural guidelines and
building scale regulations to ensure the continued quality of design and construction of
buildings within the City; and
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WHEREAS, the Building Code is essential to supporting the objectives of the
Zoning Code and the Comprehensive Plan, to preserve and enhance the appearance of
the City, and to protect the property values herein; and
WHEREAS, the Building Review Board has reviewed, and recommended
revising, the Building Code in order to conform more closely with recent judicial
interpretations; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council have determined that the best interests
of the City and its residents will be served by amending the City's Building Code as
hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST, COUNTY OF LAKE, STATE OF ILLINOIS, as
follows:
SECTION ONE: Recitals. The foregoing recitals are by this reference
incorporated into and made a part of this Ordinance as if fully set forth.
SECTION TWO: Amendments to Section 9-86 the Building Code. Section
86, entitled "Architectural and Site Design Review" of Chapter 9, entitled "Buildings," of
the City Code of The City of Lake Forest is hereby amended in its entirety, and shall
hereafter be and read as presented in Exhibit A to this Ordinance.
SECTION THREE: Amendments to Section 9-87 the Building Code. Section
87, entitled "Building Scale and Environment" of Chapter 9, entitled "Buildings," of the
City Code of The City of Lake Forest is hereby amended in its entirety, and shall
hereafter be and read as presented in Exhibit B to this Ordinance.
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SECTION FOUR: Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in full force and
effect following its passage, approval, and publication in pamphlet form in the manner
provided by law.
PASSED THIS ___ DAY OF _______, 2012.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
APPROVED THIS ___ DAY OF _______________________, 2012.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
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EXHIBIT A
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EXHIBIT B
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Page 1
Chapter 51 “Historic Preservation”
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Section 51-1.Purpose
Section 51-2. Definitions
Section 51-3.Historic Preservation Commission
Section 51-4.Nomination, Consideration, and Designation of Lo cal Landmarks and
Districts
Section 51-5.Criteria for Designation of Local Landmarks or Districts
Section 51-5A.Criteria for Designation of Interior Landmark
Section 51-6.Certificate of Appropriateness
Section 51-7. Standards for Review of Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness
Section 51-8.Exceptions to Issuance of Certificate of Appropriateness
Section 51-9.Certificate of Economic Hardship
Section 51-10.Appeals
Section 51-11. Amendment and Rescission of Designation
Section 51-12.Designation of Landmarks and Listed in the National Register of
Historic Places
Section 51-13.Penalties
Section 51-14.Severability
Sec. 51-1.PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Chapter is to promote the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare
of The City of Lake Forest by:
(A)Identifying, preserving, protecting, enhancing, and encouraging the continued utilization
and the rehabilitation of such areas, properties, structures, sites, and objects having a
special historical, community, architectural, or aesthetic interest or value to The City of
Lake Forest and its citizens;
(B)Safeguarding The City of Lake Forest's historic and cultural heritage, as embodied and
reflected in such areas, properties, structures, sites, and objects determined eligible for
designation by ordinance as Landmarks and Historic Districts;
(C)Fostering civic pride in the beauty and noble accomplishments of the past as represented in
such Landmarks and Districts;
(D)Protecting and enhancing the value of properties within The City of Lake Forest by
promoting the attractiveness of The City to homeowners, home buyers, tourists, visitors,
businesses, and shoppers, and thereby supporting and promoting business, commerce,
industry, and tourism, and providing economic benefit to The City of Lake Forest;
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(E)Fostering and encouraging preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of areas, properties,
structures, sites, and objects, including entire districts and neighborhoods, and thereby
preventing future blight and deterioration;
(F)Fostering the education, pleasure, and welfare of the people of Lake Forest through the
designation of Landmarks and Districts;
(G)Encouraging orderly and efficient development that recognizes the special value to The
City of Lake Forest of the protection of areas, properties, structures, sites, and objects as
Landmarks and Districts;
(H)Continuing the preparation of surveys and studies of Lake Forest's historical and
architectural resources and maintaining and updating a register of areas, properties,
structures, sites, and objects that may be worthy of landmark designation; and
(I)Encouraging public participation in identifying and preserving historical and architectural
resources through public hearings on proposed designations, applications for changes to
historic structures, applications for economic hardships and special merit applications.
Sec. 51-2.DEFINITIONS.
In the event of a conflict between the following definitions and the definitions included in any
other ordinance of The City of Lake Forest, the following definitions shall control.
(A)ALTERATION: Any act or process requiring a building permit or demolition permit, or
any act or process included in Section 51-6(A), that changes one or more of the historic,
cultural, architectural or archaeological features of an area,or site, or the exterior
architectural appearance of a property, structure,or object, including, but not limited to, the
erection, construction, reconstruction, or relocation of any property, structure or object, or
any part of a property, structure or object, or land altering activities.
(B)APPLICANT: A person who submits an application for issuance of a Certificate of
Appropriateness or Certificate of Economic Hardship.
(C)APPLICATION: A form submitted for approval of alteration, interior alteration,
construction, demolition or relocation that requires issuance of a Certificate of
Appropriateness or Certificate of Economic Hardship.
(D)AREA: A specific geographic division of The City of Lake Forest.
(E)BUILDING REVIEW BOARD: The Building Review Board of The City of Lake Forest.
(F)BUSINESS DAY: A day on which the Community Development Department is open for
business. Sections of this Chapter that refer to time periods in which “business days” are
not specified shall be understood to refer to calendar days.
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(G)CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS: A certificate issued by the Commission
indicating review and authorization of plans for alteration, interior alteration, construction,
demolition or relocation of a Landmark, or property, structure, site or object within a
District.
(H)CERTIFICATE OF ECONOMIC HARDSHIP: A certificate issued by the Commission
after a determination by the Commission that the previous denial of a Certificate of
Appropriateness has resulted in a denial of all reasonable use of and return from the
property.
(I)COMMISSION: The City of Lake Forest Historic Preservation Commission.
(J)COMMISSIONERS: Persons appointed by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the
Council, to the Lake Forest Historic Preservation Commission.
(K)COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT: The Lake Forest Community
Development Department.
(L)CONSTRUCTION: The act of adding to a structure, or the erection of a new principal or
accessory structure on a property or site, in a manner that requires a building permit.
(M)CONTRIBUTING SIGNIFICANCE: A classification applied to an area, property,
structure, site or object within a District signifying that it contributes generally to the
qualities that give the District historic, cultural, architectural or archaeological significance
as embodied in the criteria for designating a District. An area, property, structure, site, or
object can be contributing even if it has been altered, as long as it maintains the character
defined for the District.
(N)COUNCIL: The City Council of The City of Lake Forest.
(O)DEMOLITION: Any act or process that destroys all or any part of an exterior wall,
foundation, interior, roof structure or exterior column or load-bearing wall of a Landmark,
an Interior Landmark,or a property, structure, site, or object within a District.
(P)DESIGN GUIDELINE: Any design standard specified by the Commission for alteration,
interior alteration, construction or relocation that is unique to a particular Landmark or
District to be used in conjunction with other design standards in this Chapter, and the
Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Properties, as amended.
(Q)DISTRICT: An identifiable area with definable boundaries designated as an "Historic
District" by the Council and in which a significant number of the properties, structures,
sites or objects have a high degree of historic, cultural, architectural, or archaeological
significance and integrit y. Many of the properties, structures, sites or objects included in
the District may qualify as Landmarks and may o r may not be contiguous. For purposes of
this Chapter and unless otherwise expressly provided by Council in the ordinance for
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designation, all designations shall presumptively include the lot(s) of record associated
with structures and objects located in the District.
(R)EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL APPEARANCE: The architectural character and
general composition of the exterior of a property, structure or object, visible from a public
street or public way, including but not limited to the kind and texture of the building
material and the type, design and character of all architectural details and elements,
including, but not limited to, windows, doors, light fixtures, trim, and signs.
(S)INTERIOR ALTERATION: Any act or process requiring a building permit or a
demolition permit, or an act or process included in Section 51-6(A) that changes one or
more of the historic, cultural, architectural, or archaeological features of an Interior
Landmark.
(T)INTERIOR LANDMARK: The interior portion of a structure designated as an "Interior
Landmark" by the Council because of its historic, cultural, architectural, or archaeological
significance to The City of Lake Forest. For purposes of this Chapter, any Interior
Landmark designation shall be limited exclusively to those areas and features within a
structure expressly described or depicted in the Council's ordinance for designation, and
may include without limitation the configuration of interior space, the kind, color, and
texture of the building materials and finishes, the type and style of windows, doors, lights,
signs, affixed elements such as columns, cornices, baseboards, fireplaces and mantels,
flooring, paneling, light fixtures, hardware and other fixtures appurtenant to such interior.
(U)LAND ALTERING ACTIVITY: Any act or process requiring a permit that changes one
or more of the historic, cultural, architectural, natural or archaeological features of an area,
property or site, including but not limited to, berming, scraping, leveling, grading, pile
driving, excavating, and compacting.
(V)LANDMARK: A site, property, structure, or object designated as a "Landmark" by the
Council that has a high degree of historic, cultural, architectural or archaeological
significance to The City of Lake Forest. Designation by Council as a Landmark does not
require that the site, property, structure, or object be of higher historic, cultural,
architectural or archaeological significance than a site property, structure, or object
contributing significance in a District. For purposes of this Chapter and unless otherwise
expressly provided by Council in the ordinance for designation, all designations shall
presumptively i nclude the lot(s) of record associated with the structure or object designated
as a Landmark and shall be limited to the exterior of the Landmark.
(W)LOT OF RECORD: A "zoning lot" as defined in the Lake Forest Zoning Code, Section
46-2.B.56 of The Lake Forest City Code.
(X)MEMBERS: Members of the Commission, also referred to throughout this Chapter as
“Commissioners.”
(Y)NOMINATOR: A person or persons who submit a form for the designation of a
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Landmark, Interior Landmark,or District.
(Z) NON-CONTRIBUTING: A designation applied to a property, structure, site or object
within a District indicating that it is not a representation of the qualities that give the
District historic, cultural, architectural or archaeological significance as embodied in the
criteria for designating a District.
(AA)OBJECT: Anything constructed, fabricated, or created, the use of which does not require
permanent or semi-permanent location on or in the ground, and can be moved from one
location to another, including without limitation ships, boats, railroad cars, automobiles,
wagons, tractors, statues and works of art.
(BB)OWNER OF RECORD: For purposes of this Chapter, owner of record shall mean any
person having a legal or equitable interest in a property. The owner of record may be
established by reference to the most current property tax assessment rolls as maintained by
the Assessor of Lake County.
(CC)PERSON: An individual, corporation, governmental agency, business trust, estate, trust,
partnership, association, two (2) or more persons having a joint or common interest, or any
other legal entity.
(DD)PLAN COMMISSION: The Lake Forest Plan Commission.
(EE)PROJECT: Any alteration, construction, demolition or relocation of an area, property,
structure, site or object.
(FF)PROPERTY: Land and structures or land and objects identified as a separate lot for
purposes of the subdivision and zoning regulations of The City of Lake Forest.
(GG)RELOCATION: Any repositioning of a structure or object on its site or to another site.
(HH)RULES: The Rules and Procedures of the Lake Forest Historic Preservation Commission,
as they may exist from time-to-time.
(II)REPAIR: Any change to an area, property, structure, site or object that is not alteration,
construction, relocation or demolition.
(JJ)SITE: The location of an event, activity, structure or object.
(KK)STRUCTURE: Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires, directly or
indirectly, a permanent location on or in the ground, including without limitation buildings,
garages, fences, gazebos, signs, billboards, antennas, satellite sending or receiving dishes,
swimming pools, walks, walls, steps, sidewalks, and works of art.
(LL)ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS: The Lake Forest Zoning Board of Appeals.
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Sec. 51-3.HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION.
(A)Creation, Composition, Term. There is hereby created a Lake Forest Historic Preservation
Commission herein referenced as the Commission.
(1) The Mayor, with the advice and consent of the City Council, shall appoint seven (7)
Commissioners with one of the members appointed as Chairman. Each shall have
demonstrated interest, knowledge, ability, experience or expertise in architectural
restoration, rehabilitation, or neighborhood conservation or revitalization. Each
member may serve a maximum of three consecutive, two (2) year terms on a
staggered basis so that the terms of not more than four (4)Commissioners shall
expire in any calendar year. Every Commissioner shall continue in office after
expiration of the term until a successor shall have been duly appointed.
(2)Notwithstanding the requirements of Section 51-3(A)(1), upon adoption of this
Chapter, the Mayor, with the advice and consent of Council, shall appoint seven
Commissioners. The terms of these Commissioners shall commence upon
appointment.
(3)A chair of the Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor, with the advice and
consent of the Council, prior to May 1 of each year. The chair shall serve a term of
one (1) year and shall be eligible for reappointment. In the absence of the chair,a
designated Commission member shall act as chair and shall have all the powers of
the chair. The acting chair shall have such other powers and duties as may from
time to time be provided by the rules of the Commission.
(4)One of the Commissioners may also serve concurrently as a member of the Plan
Commission.
(5)Permanent vacancies on the Commission shall be filled by the Mayor with the
advice and consent of Council for the unexpired term of the former Commissioner.
(6)Any Commissioner may be removed from office at any time by the Mayor for
failure to regularly attend meetings or inattention to duties or responsibilities.
(7)Commissioners shall be subject to the provisions of all rules, regulations,
ordinances and statutes governing conduct of members of the boards and
commissions of The City of Lake Forest, including but not limited to Chapter 50,
“Governmental Ethics,” of the City Code of The City of Lake Forest, Illinois State
Statutes regarding gifts to public officials, filing of Statements of Economic
Interest, and the like.
(8)Commissioners shall serve without compensation.
(B)Powers and Duties. The Commission shall have the following powers and duties.
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(1)To investigate and make recommendations to the Council or its duly authorized
committee concerning amendments and additions to City ordinances or Codes.
(2)To provide a forum for public discussion of historic preservation issues.
(3)To prepare and distribute application forms for the review of proposed demolitions,
replacement structures,new structures on vacant lots, additions and alterations
within the Historic Districts; to hold meetings and public hearings to review
applications for Certificates of Appropriateness affecting proposed or designated
Landmarks, Interior Landmarks,and Districts; to approve or disapprove the
issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness.
(4)To recommend that the Council grant or deny exceptions to the maximum floor
area (building scale) requirements set forth in Section 9-87C of the City Code, for a
new residence or an addition to an existing residence that is a Landmark or
structure within a District, ifbased on the Standards set forth in this Section 9-87D
of the City Code are met.
(5)To consider applications for Certificates of Economic Hardship; to hold meetings
and public hearings to review applications for Certificates of Economic Hardship
affecting proposed or designated Landmarks, Interior Landmarks,and Districts; to
approve or disapprove the issuance of Certificates of Economic Hardship and to
recommend to the City Council Incentive Plans as provided for in this Chapter.
(6)To advise and make recommendations to other City Boards and Commissions on
matters before those bodies.
(7)To call upon available city staff members as well as other experts for technical
advice.
(8)To adopt its own procedural rules and regulations.
(9)To undertake an y other action or activity necessary or appropriate to the
implementation of its powers and duties or to implementation of the purposes of
this Chapter.
(10)To develop guidelines, if it deems appropriate, to further explain how the standards
set forth in Section 51-7 may appropriately be incorporated into a project. Such
guidelines shall be available from the Community Development Department.
(11)To hold meetings and public hearings to review nominations for Landmark,
Interior Landmarks,and District designations; to make determinations as to
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whether such nominations do or do not meet the criteria for designation and to
forward recommendations for approval of designations to the City Council.
(C) Meetings, Hearings, Procedures, and Decisions.
(1)Regular meetings of the Commission shall be held monthly. Special meetings may
be called, or meetings may be canceled by the chair or any four (4) Commissioners.
All meetings, hearings and deliberations shall be subject to the provisions of the
Illinois Open Meetings Act. Testimony at any hearing may be required by the
Commission to be given under oath.
(2) The meeting minutes and a permanent record of all resolutions, motions,
transactions and determinations of the Commission shall be kept by t he Director of
Community Development or designee. Such records, unless exempt from
disclosure by law, shall be public records open to inspection during working hours
upon reasonable notice.
(3) The Commission shall adopt its own procedural rules for the conduct of its business
not inconsistent with the statutes of the state, this Chapter, and the Council Rules.
Such rules shall be filed with the Commission and with the City Clerk. Any rule so
adopted which relates solely to the conduct of hearings, and which is not required
by the statutes of the state or by the Council or by this Chapter, may be waived by
the chair upon good cause being shown.
(4) The Commission, by its rules, may create a sub-committee structure to enhance
efficiency in consideration of Commission business.
(5)No motion shall be passed by the Commission that could in any manner deprive or
restrict the owner of a property, structure, site or object in its use, alteration,
maintenance, disposition or demolition until such owner shall first have had the
opportunity to be heard at a public meeting of the Commission.
(6)Every determination made by the Commission on an application shall include
written findings of fact, and shall specify the reason or reasons for such
determination.
(7)Notice of any decision of the Commission shall be mailed to the applicant,
ordinarily within ten (10) business days of such decision.
(8)A quorum shall consist of four (4)Commissioners for any regular or special
meeting. A meeting of the Commission cannot be called to order without
establishment of a quorum.
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Sec. 51-4.NOMINATION, CONSIDERATION, AND DESIGNATION OF
LANDMARKS AND DISTRICTS.
(A)Initiation of nomination.
(1)For Landmarks and Districts. Nomination of an area, property, structure, site or
object for consideration and designation as a Landmark or District shall be
submitted to the Commission on a form prepared by the Commission, and may be
initiated by any of the following:
(a)An owner of record of the area, property, structure, site or object being
nominated.
(b)A member of the Commission.
(c)A simple majority of the Council.
(d)A local, State or Federal preservation organization.
(2)For Interior Landmarks. Nomination of an interior space (or portion thereof) of a
structure for consideration and designation as an Interior Landmark shall be
submitted to the Commission on a form prepared by the Commission; and may be
initated by any of the following:
(a)An owner of record of the area, property, structure, site or object being
nominated.
(b)A member of the Commission.
(c)A simple majority of the Council.
(d)A local, State or Federal preservation organization.
Provided that for nomination of an interior space (or portion thereof) of any single
family residential property, such nomination is initiated by, or concurred with in
writing by, the beneficial or legal owner of such interior space.
(B)Notification of nomination and public hearing notice.
(1)Owners of record shall be notified, by regular mail, of the submission of a
nomination form within ten (10) business days of receipt of a complete application.
(2) The Commission shall schedule a public hearing on the nomination within sixty
(60) days following receipt of the completed nomination form. Notice of the time,
place, and purpose of such a hearing shall be given by the Commission not more
thirty (30) days nor less than fifteen (15) days prior thereto by the following
methods:
(a)By mailing of notification to each owner of record of a nominated
Landmark or Interior Landmark or owner of record of each property,
structure, site or object in a nominated District.
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(b)By publishing a notice in a newspaper of general circulation in The City.
(C)Hearing. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the Rules of the Commission.
The Commission shall consider all testimony or evidence relating to the designation
criteria in Section 51-5,from any p erson who makes written submissions or appears at the
public hearing. The owner of any n ominated Landmark, Interior Landmark,or of property,
a structure, site or object within a nominated District, shall be allowed a reasonable
opportunity to present testimony or evidence concerning the applicability of the
designation criteria in Section 51-5.
(D)Recommendation by Commission. Within sixty (60) days of the close of the public
hearing, the Commission shall make a determination upon the evidence as to whether the
nominated Landmark, Interior Landmark,or District does or does not meet the criteria for
designation in Section 51-5. If the Commission determines that the nominated Landmark,
Interior Landmark,or District does meet the criteria for designation, the Commission shall
forward a recommendation of approval to the Council. The recommendation shall be
accompanied by a report detailing the findings of the Commission in support of the
nomination and shall be transmitted to the Council within sixty (60) days.
If the Commission fails to make its recommendation within sixty (60) days of the public
hearing, or if the Commission finds that the nominated Landmark, Interior Landmark,or
District does not meet the criteria for designation, the nomination process shall end.
If the Commission fails to make its recommendation within sixty (60) days of the public
hearing, or if the Commission votes not to recommend a proposed designation to the
Council, the Commission may n ot reconsider the proposed designation, except as provided
in Section 51-4(F), for a period of two (2) years from the date of Commission action or the
close of the public hearing, whichever is applicable.
(E)Designation by Council.
(1) The Council shall not act upon a proposed Landmark, Interior Landmark,or
District until it has received a written report and recommendation of approval from
the Commission.
(2)In reaching its decision, the Council shall review the evidence and testimony
presented to the Commission.
(3) The designation of a nominated Landmark, Interior Landmark,or District shall be
by amendment to this Ordinance and shall require the concurrence of a majority of
the members of the Council.
(4)Notice of the Council’s approval of the designation shall be provided by regular
mail to the nominator and all property owners of record of the Landmark, Interior
Landmark,or properties within the District.
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(5)If the Council does not approve the recommended designation, the Commission
may not reconsider the proposed designation, except as provided in Section
51-4(F), for a period of two (2) years from the date of the Council’s consideration.
(F)Reconsideration of Previously Nominated Landmarks, Interior Landmark,and Districts. The
Commission may reconsider previously nominated Landmarks, Interior Landmark,and
Districts within a period of two (2) years of previous action that occurred in accordance with
Sections 51-4(D)and 51-4(E) only under the following conditions:
(1)Significant new information concerning the previously nominated Landmark,
Interior Landmark,or District relating to the criteria for designation in Section 51-5
is provided, and,
(2) The Commission votes by an affirmative vote of at least four (4) Commissioners to
reconsider the previously nominated Landmark, Interior Landmark, or District.
Sec 51-5.CRITERIA FOR DESIGNATION OF LANDMARKS AND DISTRICTS.
Every nominated Landmark or District must meet one or more of the following criteria for
designation.
(A)Criteria for Landmark Designation. The Commission shall limit its consideration to the
following criteria in making a determination on a nomination of an area, property,
structure, site, or object for designation by ordinance as a Landmark.
(1)Its exemplification of an architectural type, style or design distinguished by
innovation, rarity, uniqueness, or overall quality of design, detail, materials, or
craftsmanship;
(2)Its identification as the work of an architect, designer, engineer, or builder whose
individual work is significant in the history or development of The City of Lake
Forest, the State of Illinois, the Midwest region, or the United States;
(3)Its exemplification of important planning and urban design techniques
distinguished by innovation, rarity, uniqueness or overall quality of design or
detail;
(4)Its representation of an historic, cultural, architectural, archaeological or related
theme expressed through distinctive areas, properties, structures, sites or objects
that may or may not be contiguous;
(5)Its unique location or distinctive physical appearance or presence representing an
established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood, community, of The City
of Lake Forest;
(6)Its exemplification of a pattern of neighborhood development or settlement
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significant to the cultural history or traditions of The City of Lake Forest, whose
components may lack individual distinction.
(7)Its identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the
historic, cultural, architectural, archaeological or related aspect of the development
of The City of Lake Forest, State of Illinois, Midwest region, or the United States;
(8)Its association with important cultural or social aspects or events in the history of
The City of Lake Forest, the State of Il linois, the Midwest region, of the United
States;
(9)Its location as a site of important archaeological or natural significance;
(10)Its location as a site of a significant historic or prehistoric event or activity which
may or may not have taken place within or involved the use of any existing
improvements on the property.
(B)Criteria for Historic District Designation.
(1) Unified Historic Districts. All Historic Districts that contain contiguous Properties,
Structures, Areas, or Objects of Significance must satisfy the following criteria.
(a)At least 50 percent of the Properties, Structures, Areas or Objects of
Significance in the Historic District must satisfy at least one of the criteria
for Landmark designation set forth in Section 51-5(A); and
(b) The Historic District must be geographically definable and reasonably
compact in geographic size; and
(c) The Historic District must satisfy at least one of the following five criteria:
(i)The Properties, Structures, Areas, or Objects of Significance in the
Historic District, taken together, shall convey or represent one or
more architectural, cultural, economic, historic, social or other
aspects particular to the heritage of The City, county, state or
country;
(ii)The Properties, Structures, Areas, or Objects of Significance in the
Historic District shall exhibit consistency or similarity of use,
design, size, scale, style, orientation, materials, detailing, façade
design, ornamentation, color, lighting, technology, and/or
storefronts;
(iii)The Properties, Structures, Areas, or Objects of Significance in the
Historic District must have been built, used, or have been significant
during the same specified time period;
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(iv)The Properties, Structures, Areas, or Objects of Significance in the
Historic District must create, define or enhance the character of the
Area for which Historic District designation is appropriate; and
(v) The Properties, Structures, Areas, or Objects of Significance in the
Historic District must be largely intact, particularly with respect to
those qualities for which designation as a Historic District is sought,
unless such alterations or modifications to those Properties,
Structures, Areas, Objects and landscapes of Significance in the
Area comply with the United States Secretary of the In terior’s
Standards for Rehabilitation.
(2) Non-Contiguous Historic Districts. All Historic Districts that contain
non-contiguous Properties, Structures, Areas, or Objects of Significance must
satisfy the following criteria:
(a) The elements of the Historic District must be thematically related; and
(b) 100 percent of the Properties, Structures, Areas or Objects of Significance
in the Historic District satisfy at least one of the criteria for Landmark
designation set forth in Section 51-5(A) of this Chapter.
(C)Integrity of Landmarks and Districts. Any area, property, structure, site or object that
meets any one or more of the criteria in Section 51-5(A) shall also have sufficient integrity
of location, design, materials and workmanship to make it worthy of preservation or
restoration.
Sec. 51-5A.CRITERIA FOR DESIGNATION OF INTERIOR LANDMARKS.
(A)Every nominated Interior Landmark must meet one or more of the following criteria for
designation:
(1)It exemplifies an architectural type, style or design distinguished by innovation,
rarity, uniqueness, or overall quality of design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship;
(2)It is identified as the work of an architect, designer, engineer, or builder whose
individual work is significant in the history or development of The City of Lake
Forest, the State of Illinois, the Midwest region, or the United States;
(3)It exemplifies important design techniques distinguished by innovation, rarity,
uniqueness or overall quality of design or detail;
(4)It represents an historic, cultural, architectural, archaeological or related theme;
(5)It is identified with a person or persons who significantl y contributed to the
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historic, cultural, architectural, archaeological or related aspect of the development
of The City of Lake Forest, State of Illinois, Midwest region, of the United States;
(6)It is associated with important cultural or social aspects or events in the history of
The City of Lake Forest, the State of Illinois, the Midwest region, of the United
States;
(B)Any nominated Interior Landmark that meets any one or more of the criteria in Section
51-5A(A) shall also have sufficient integrity and distinctiveness of location, design,
materials and remarkable workmanship to make it worthy of preservation or restoration.
Sec. 51-6.CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS.
(A)When Required.
(1)Landmarks; Districts.
A Certificate of Appropriateness shall be required before the following actions may
be undertaken affecting any Landmark or structure within a District:
(a)Any construction of a new residential or commercial building on a vacant
lot.
(b) Any demolition in whole or in part, requiring a permit from The City of
Lake Forest, which affects the exterior architectural appearance of a
structure.
(c) Any replacement structure constructed in conjunction with approval of a
demolition.
(d) Any addition to a structure, as defined in the Commission’s rules and
regulations, which is visible, at any time of the year, in whole or in part,
from any public right-of-way, publicly owned land or adjacent private
property that is not held in common ownership with the subject property.
(e)Any alteration, as defined in the Commission’s rules and regulations, which
affects the exterior architectural appearance of a structure.
(f) Any alterations affecting the interior space of a building that has been
designated an Interior Landmark.
(g)Any request for a variance from the Building Scale Ordinance of The City
of Lake Forest.
(2)Interior Landmark.
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A Certificate of Appropriateness also shall be required before any required permit
for construction, alteration, addition, replacement, or demolition may be issued by
The City that involves or affects any portion of a structure that has been designated
an Interior Landmark.
(B)Applications for Certificate of Appropriateness.
(1)It shall be unlawful to undertake any of the work specified in Section 51-46(A)
without first obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Commission.
Applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness shall be made on a form prepared
by the Commission, and shall be submitted to the Community Development
Department.
(2)Application forms shall be available from the Community Development
Department. Applicants may be required to submit plans, drawings, elevations,
specifications, and other information as may be necessary for the Commission to
adequately review the application. Fees may be required with any application filed
as approved and periodically updated by the Council.
(3) The Community Development Department shall not act upon any permit for work
specified in Section 51-6(A) until the Commission has reviewed the work
application and issued a Certificate of Appropriateness.
(C)Review by Commission.
(1)Application for Commission Consideration and Action. A complete application
shall include without limitation the following plans and information and shall be
submitted in accordance with the schedule adopted on an annual basis by the
Commission.
Completed Building Scale Calculation Form.
Impervious Surface Calculation.
Application Form.
Description of Exterior/Interior Materials Form.
Statement of Intent.
Legal Plat of Survey.
Site Plan of Proposed Improvements.
Grading Plan (if any grade change is proposed).
Site Grading Cross Section (if any grade change is proposed).
Tree Survey.
Dimensioned drawings of all new structures or additions showing exterior
materials.
All Elevations –Including interior if appropriate.
At least one elevation shall be in color.
Floor Plans.
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Roof Plan.
Cross Sections.
Streetscape Elevation. (Required for all new houses and major additions
visible from the street)
Concept studies of alternative options.
Landscape Plan.
Photographs of the site, existing buildings and interior if appropriate.
All applicable fees.
Other materials as required by the Director of Community Development,
including, without limitation, a roof line mock-up.
In addition to the above materials, the following shall be submitted for all
applications for demolition.
A Written Statement addressing the demolition criteria.
Historic Preservation Consultants Report and Assessment.
Structural Evaluation from an independent structural engineer.
Massing Model.
Site Plan Overlay of existing and proposed structures and hardscape.
Elevation Overlays of existing and proposed elevations.
One or more of the required materials may b e waived if the Director of Community
Development determines that the information is not relevant to the project or to the
issues that will be considered by the Commission. Detailed information on the
required materials shall be provided in the application packet available from
time-to-time through the Community Development Department.
Site Staked. No less than 14 days prior to the Commission meeting at which the
application is scheduled to be considered, the footprint of all new buildings and all
additions shall be staked and outlined on site.
(2)Public Hearing. After receipt of a complete Commission application, as
determined by The City, a public hearing shall be set within sixty (60) days
thereafter, or at the first regularly scheduled Historic Preservation Commission
meeting that has not been fully subscribed. The time to consider the application
may be extended with the consent of the applicant.
(a)Notice of Hearing. Not less than ten (10) days before the date of the public
hearing, the Community Development Department shall post notice of the
time and place of the hearing and mail notice of the hearing to the owners of
each property within 1,320 feet of the subject property or within three
properties deep, whichever is less. For purposes of this Section, an "owner"
of a property shall be either (i) an occupant, (ii) a legal or beneficial owner,
or (iii) the person to whom the most recent real estate tax bill has been sent.
Failure of any owner of a property to receive notice shall not affect the
validity of any action taken with respect to a petition.
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(b)Action by Commission. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the
Commission shall vote in public whether to approve, disapprove, or grant
conditional approval of the application based upon consideration of the
standards set forth in Section 51-7. The Commission may continue
consideration of an application if the Commission determines that
additional information is required.
(i)Approval by Commission. If the Commissioners vote to approve
the application, the Certificate of Appropriateness shall be issued to
the applicant and filed with the City Clerk within ten (10) business
days following the decision of the Commission. Upon receipt of the
Certificate of Appropriateness the applicant may submit an
application to the Community Development Department to obtain
necessary permits, if any, which permits may not be issued until the
time for appeal as set forth in Section 51-6(D) and 51-6(E) has
expired. The Certificate of Appropriateness shall be valid for a
period of one (1) year from the date of issuance by the Commission.
Certificates of Appropriateness shall not be transferable from the
applicant to another subsequent owner of the same property without
the consent of the Commission.
(ii)Disapproval by Commission. If the Commissioners vote to
disapprove the application, the applicant shall be notified within ten
(10) business days following the decision of the Commission. The
Commission shall make reasonable efforts to confer with the
applicant, offer technical guidance, and attempt to resolve
differences. The applicant may resubmit an amended application
for consideration by the Commission. At the discretion of the
Commission, additional application fees may be waived.
(iii)Timing. Delays in the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness
or of a notification of denial shall not affect the decision of the
Commission with respect to any application for a Certificate of
Appropriateness.
(D)Appeal of Approvals. Any aggrieved person may appeal to the Council any decision of the
Commission granting a Certificate of Appropriateness. The appeal must be filed within
fourteen (14)calendar days after the date that the Commission's decision is filed with the
City Clerk in the Office of the City Manager.
(E)Appeal of Denials. Following a final decision of the Commission denying a Certificate of
Appropriateness,(or approving such certificate upon conditions unacceptable to the
applicant), an applicant may, within fourteen (14) calendar days of the denial, file an
appeal of such denial with the City Clerk on a form prepared by the Commission and
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available at the Community Development Department. A copy of anything filed with the
City Clerk under this Section shall also be filed with the Community Development
Department.
(F)Effect of Issuance. A ny grant of a Certificate of Appropriateness shall require the owner or
applicant to make any change to the property in accordance with the terms of the certificate
of appropriateness, only as directed by the terms of the Certificate of Appropriateness, and
to refrain from taking any action inconsistent with the Certificate of Appropriateness.
Sec. 51-7.STANDARDS FOR REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES
OF APPROPRIATENESS.
(A)Standards for review of replacement structures, new construction, additions and
alterations. In considering an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for
replacement structures,new construction, additions and alterations,the Commission shall
consider only the following general standards, specific design guidelines, if any,
accompan yi ng the ordinance designating the Landmark, Interior Landmark,or District,
and the standards included in this section, as relevant and applicable.
(1)Height. Height shall be visually compatible with properties, structures, sites, public
ways, objects, and places to which it is visibly related.
(2)Proportion of front facade. The relationship of the width to the height of the front
elevation shall be visually compatible with properties, structures, sites, public
ways, objects, and places to which it is visually related.
(3)Proportion of openings. The relationship of the width to height of windows and
doors shall be visually compatible with properties, structures, sites, public ways,
objects, and places to which the building is visually related.
(4)Rhythm of solids to voids in front facades. T he relationship of solids to voids in the
front facade of a structure shall be visually compatible with properties, structures,
sites, public ways, objects, and places to which it is visually related.
(5)Rhythm of spacing and structures on streets. The relationship of a structure or
object to the open space between it and adjoining structures or objects shall be
visually compatible with the properties, structures, sites, public ways, objects, and
places to which it is visually related.
(6)Rhythm of entrance porches, storefront recesses and other projections. The
relationship of entrances and other projections to sidewalks shall be visually
compatible with the properties, structures, sites, public ways, objects, and places to
which it is visually related.
(7)Relationship of materials and texture. The relationship of the materials and texture
of the facade shall be visually compatible with the predominant materials used in
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the structures to which it is visually related.
(8)Roof shapes. The roof shape of a structure shall be visually compatible with the
structures to which it is visually related.
(9)Walls of continuity. Facades and propert y and site structures, such as masonry
walls, fences, and landscape masses, shall, when it is a characteristic of the area,
form cohesive walls of enclosure along a street, to ensure visual compatibility with
the properties, structures, sites, public ways, objects, and places to which such
elements are visually related.
(10)Scale of a structure. The size and mass of structures in relation to open spaces,
windows, door openings, porches, adjacent structures, and balconies shall be
visually compatible with the properties, structures, sites, public ways, objects, and
places to which they are visually related.
(11)Directional expression of front elevation. A structure shall be visually compatible
with the properties, structures, sites, public ways, objects, and places to which it is
visually related in its directional character, whether this be vertical character,
horizontal character, or nondirectional character.
(12)Preserving distinguishing features. The distinguishing original qualities or
character of a property, structure, site or object and its environment shall not be
destroyed or adversely affected in a material way. The alteration of any historic
material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided when possible.
(13)Protection of resources. Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and
preserve archaeological and natural resources affected by, or adjacent to any
project.
(14)New construction. In considering new construction, the Commission shall not
impose a requirement for the use of a single architectural style or period, though it
may impose a requirement for consistency with the chosen style.
(15)Repair to deteriorated features. Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired
rather than replaced, wherever possible, in accordance with the Secretary of the
Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. In the event
replacement is necessary, the new material need not be identical to but should
match the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture, and other
visual qualities. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be
based on accurate duplications of features, substantiated by historic, physical, or
pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of different
architectural elements from other buildings or structures.
(16)Surface cleaning. The surface cleaning of historic material and distinctive
architectural features shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible.
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Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage the historically, visually,
aesthetically, culturally or archaeologically significant materials shall not be
undertaken.
(17)Reversibility of Additions and Alterations. Wherever possible, additions or
alterations to historic properties shall be done in such manner that if such additions
or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of
the historic property would not be impaired.
(B)Standards for review of demolitions. In considering an application for a Certificate of
Appropriateness for demolition, the Commission shall consider only the following general
standards, the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Properties, as
amended,and the standards included in Section 51-7(A).
(1)Whether the propert y, structure or object is of such historic, cultural, architectural
or archaeological significance that its demolition would be detrimental to the public
interest and contrary to the general welfare of the people of The City and the state.
(2)Whether the propert y, structure or object contributes to the distinctive historic,
cultural, architectural or archeological character of the District as a whole and
should be preserved for the benefit of the people of TheCity and the state.
(3)Whether demolition of the property, structure or object would be contrary to the
purpose and intent of this Chapter and to the objectives of the historic preservation
for the applicable District.
(4)Whether the property, structure or object is of such old, unusual or uncommon
design, texture, and/or material that it could not be reproduced without great
difficulty and/or expense.
(5)Except in cases where the owner has no plans for a period of up to five years to
replace an existing Landmark or propert y, structure or object in a District, no
Certificate of Appropriateness shall be issued until plans for a replacement
structure or object have been reviewed and approved by the Commission.
(C)Building Scale. The maximum allowable square footage, in accordance with Section 9-87
of The City of Lake Forest Code,may be limited if the Lake Forest Historic Preservation
Commission finds that the proposed residence or addition(s) violate the Lake Forest
Historic Preservation Ordinance. In addition, for any addition, alteration, or construction
that satisfies the standards of this Section but does not conform with the building scale
limitations in the City C ode, the Commission may recommend that the Council grant relief
from the building scale limitations of the City Code, but only in accordance withbased on
the standards for variances from the building scale regulations as set forth in the City Code
from time-to-time.Should such relief be required, any C ertificate of Appropriateness shall
be subject to the granting of such relief by the Council.
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Sec. 51-8.EXCEPTIONS TO ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF
APPROPRIATENESS.
(A)The limitations upon the issuance of demolition permits or building permits in any District
or affecting any Landmark or Interior Landmark, shall not apply when alteration,
construction, demolition, or relocation involved in the permit has been ordered by the
Director of Community Development for the preservation of the public health or safety or
involves a temporary use by The City.
(B)If the Director of Community Development has ordered alteration, construction,
demolition, or relocation of a Landmark or a property, structure or object located within a
District, the Commission shall be notified of the proposed alteration, construction,
demolition, or relocation. If the Commission disagrees with the plan, the Commission
shall have the right to delay the proposal sixty (60) days by submitting a delay request.
During the delay period, the Commission may develop alternative plans for consideration.
If after sixty (60) days no such alternative plans can be developed, the proposed alteration,
construction, demolition, or relocation may proceed as ordered.
Sec. 51-9.CERTIFICATE OF ECONOMIC HARDSHIP.
(A)Application. Any applicant, whose application for a Certification of Appropriateness has
been denied by the Commission (and by the Council, after an appeal)may, within sixty
(60) days , after the Council’s denial on appeal make application for a Certificate of
Economic Hardship on a form prepared by the Commission and submitted to the
Commission. Application forms shall be available from the Commission.
(B)Standard to be applied. T he Commission shall only approve an application for a Certificate
of Economic Hardship upon a determination that the denial of the Certificate of
Appropriateness has resulted in the denial of all reasonable use of and return from the
propert y.
(C) Consideration of evidence. In applying this standard, the Commission shall consider
among other things any evidence presented concerning the following:
(1)Any opinions from a licensed structural engineer or licensed architect with
experience in renovation, restoration or rehabilitation as to the structural soundness
of any structures or objects on the property and their suitability for continued use,
renovation, restoration or rehabilitation.
(2)Any estimates prepared by a licensed architect or licensed structural engineer, of
the cost of the proposed alteration, construction, demolition or relocation and an
estimate of any additional cost that would be incurred to comply with the
recommendations of the Commission for changes necessary for it to be approved.
(3)Any estimates prepared by a real estate broker or agent licensed by the State of
Illinois or an appraiser certified by the State of Illinois of the market value of the
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property in its current condition; after completion of the proposed alteration,
construction, demolition, or relocation; after any expenditures necessary to comply
with the recommendations of the Commission for changes necessary for it to
approve a Certificate of Appropriateness; and in the case of a proposed demolition,
after renovation of the existing property for continued use.
(4)In t he case of a proposed demolition, any e stimates, prepared by l icensed architects,
real estate consultants and appraisers or other licensed real estate professionals and
experienced in rehabilitation, as to the economic feasibility of restoration,
renovation or rehabilitation of any existing structures or objects.
(5)Any and all applicable zoning provisions and incentives.
(D)Information to be supplied by applicant. At the discretion of the Commission, the
applicant shall submit by affidavit some or all of the following information:
(1) The assessed value of the property, structure, site or object for the two (2) most
recent assessments.
(2)Real property taxes for the previous two (2) years.
(3)The amount paid for the property, structure, site or object by the owner, the date of
purchase and the party from whom purchased, including a description of the
relationship, if an y, between the owner and the person from whom the property w as
purchased.
(4) The current balance of any mortgages or any other financing secured by the
property, structure, site or object, and the annual debt service, if any, for the
previous two (2) ye ars.
(5)All appraisals obtained within the previous two (2) years by the owner or applicant
in connection with purchase, offerings for sale, financing or ownership of the
propert y, structure, site or object.
(6)All listings of the property, structure, site or object for sale or rent, price asked and
offers received, if any, within the previous four (4) years.
(7)All studies commissioned by t he owner as to profitable renovation, rehabilitation or
utilization of any structures or objects on the property for alternative use.
(8)For income producing propert y or structures, itemized income and expense
statements from the property or structures for the previous two (2) years.
(9)Estimates, prepared by licensed general contractors or licensed architects, of the
cost of the proposed alteration, construction, demolition or relocation and an
estimate of any additional cost that would be incurred to comply with the
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recommendations of the Commission for changes necessary for it to approve a
Certificate of Appropriateness.
(10)Form of beneficial ownership or operation of the property, structure, site or object
whether sole proprietorship, for-profit or not-for-profit corporation, limited
partnership, joint venture or other. All partners and shareholders shall be
identified.
(11)Where applicable, the information, evidence or documentation requested by the
Commission or provided by the applicant shall bear the imprint of the professional
stamp, seal or license number of the individual preparing such information,
evidence or documentation.
(12)Any other information, documentation or evidence as the Commission determines
to be necessary to its consideration of the Application for Certificate of Economic
Hardship.
(E)Failure by applicant to submit requested information. In the event that any of the
information required to be submitted by the applicant is not reasonably available, the
applicant shall file with the affidavit a statement of the information that cannot be obtained
and shall describe the reasons why such information is unavailable.
(F)Public hearing. The Commission shall hold a public hearing on the application for
Certificate of Economic Hardship within sixty (60) days following receipt of the
completed application form and all complete information required to be submitted
therewith, as determined by The City.
(1)Notice of the time and place of the public hearing shall also state the general nature
of the question involved, and shall be given not more than thirty (30) days nor less
than fifteen (15) days prior to the date of such hearing by the following methods:
(a)By mailing of notification to the applicant and the owner of record of the
affected Landmark, Interior Landmark,or property, structure, site or object
in a District; and
(b)By m ailing of notification to the owners of record of all property within two
hundred fifty (250) feet of the property lines of the affected Landmark,
Interior Landmark,or property, structure, site or object in a District; and
(c)By publication in a newspaper of city-wide circulation.
It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to provide to the Commission, by
affidavit, the names and addresses of all owners of record pursuant to Section
51-6(F)(1)(b) of this Chapter.
(2)The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the Rules of the Commission.
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(3)No member of the Commission absent from the entire hearing shall be eligible to
vote on any matter, unless the meeting has been fully transcribed or recorded and
the absent member certifies that he or she has reviewed such transcript or
recording.
(4) The Commission may continue a proceeding for such additional time as it
reasonabl y takes an applicant, any other interested person or the Commission to
comply with a request for additional information, documentation or evidence.
(G)Determination by the Commission. The determination by the Commission of whether the
denial of the Certificate of Appropriateness has or has not resulted in the denial of all
reasonable use of and return from the property shall be made within sixty (60) days
following close of the public hearing and submission of all information, documentation or
evidence requested by the Commission. The determination shall be accompanied by
findings of fact and a report stating the reasons for the decision.
(H)Disapproval by Commission. If the determination of the Commission is to disapprove the
application for a Certificate of Economic Hardship, the applicant shall be notified within
ten (10) business days. The notice shall include a copy of the findings of fact. Any
aggrieved person may appeal a decision of the Commission to the Council. The appeal
must be filed with the City Clerk within 14 days calendar days after the date notice is sent
to the applicant of the Commission's decision.
(I)Determination of economic hardship.
(1)If the determination of the Commission is that the denial of the Certificate of
Appropriateness has resulted in the denial of all reasonable use of and return from
the property, the Commission shall issue a Certificate of Economic Hardship no
later than ninety (90) days following the date of the determination of economic
hardship unless during that time the Council approves an Incentive Plan pursuant to
Sections 51-9(J) and 51-9(K).
(2)A copy of the determination of the Commission together with the findings of fact
shall be mailed to the applicant and transmitted to the Council or its duly authorized
committee within ten (10) business days following the determination of economic
hardship.
(J)Incentive Plan. The purpose of an Incentive Plan is to provide a mechanism to allow a
reasonable use of and return from the property without the complete or partial demolition
of a Landmark, Interior Landmark,or property, structure, site or object in a District. This
Incentive Plan may include, but is not limited to, property tax relief, loans or grants from
The City or other public or private sources, acquisition by purchase or eminent domain,
building and safety code modifications to reduce the cost of maintenance, restoration,
rehabilitation or renovation, changes in applicable zoning regulations including a transfer
of development rights, or relaxation of the provisions of this Chapter sufficient to allow
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reasonable use of and return from the property.
(K)Council consideration of Incentive Plan.
(1)Consideration of an Incentive Plan may b e begun by t he C ommission following the
denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness, and can be considered simultaneously
with any other proceedings that may be occurring under this ordinance.
(2) The Commission shall forward a report recommending an Incentive Plan to the
Council or its duly authorized committee. U pon receipt of the report the Council or
its duly authorized committee shall give prompt consideration to the Incentive
Plan.
(3) The Council shall approve or disapprove the Incentive Plan allowing the reasonable
use of and return from the property within ninety (90) days following determination
by the Commission. Any determination regarding an Incentive Plan shall be by
resolution of the Council.
(4)If the Council does not approve an Incentive Plan within the time specified, the
report and recommendation of the Commission regarding the Incentive Plan shall
be deemed to be denied by the Council.
(5)A copy of the resolution enacted by the Council together with the Incentive Plan, if
any, shall be mailed to the applicant and transmitted to the Commission within five
(5) business days following the enactment of the ordinance.
(L)Issuance of Certificate of Economic Hardship.
(1)If the Commission approves a Certificate of Economic Hardship, the Commission
shall issue a Certificate of Economic Hardship to the applicant within ten (10)
business days after (a)receipt by the Commission of a copy of a resolution of the
Council disapproving an Incentive Plan, or (b)failure of the Council to act to either
approve or disapprove an Incentive Plan pursuant to Sections 51-9(K)(3). . The
Certificate of Economic Hardship for demolition may be subject to conditions for
subsequent construction including compliance with the standards included in
Section 51-7. The Certificate of Economic Hardship shall be valid for a period of
one (1) year from issuance by t he Commission. C ertificates of Economic Hardship
shall not be transferable from the applicant to another subsequent owner of the
same propert y.
(2)A Certificate of Appropriateness shall be issued to the applicant simultaneously
with the delivery of the Certificate of Economic Hardship.
(3)Notwithstanding approval of a Certificate of Economic Hardship, no permit for
demolition of a Landmark or a property, structure or object in a District shall be
issued,except simultaneously with the issuance of a building permit for the
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replacement property, structure or object.
Sec. 51-10.APPEALS
(A)Action by C ouncil. W ithin 35 days following the receipt of any appeal under this Chapter,
or at the first regularl y scheduled Council meeting that has not been fully subscribed or
such further time to which the applicant may agree, the Council shall consider such appeal
and shall hear a report from the Chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission or the
Chairman’s designee. The Council shall either uphold the decision of the Commission,
overturn the decision with or without modifications or conditions, or remand the
application to the Commission for further review. In considering appeals, the Council
shall apply t he same standards as those applied by the Commission, but it is recognized that
the Council shall apply such standards in the context of its broader responsibility in
promoting, and broader perspective of, the public health, safety, welfare and in the context
of its fiduciary responsibility.
The failure of the Council to consider the appeal within the time period prescribed or such
further time period to which the applicant may agree shall be deemed to be an affirmation
of the determination of the Commission.
(B)Appeal Procedures. The Council may establish procedures from time-to-time for the
conduct of any appeal. Such procedures may be modified in the discretion of the Council
in order to foster the gathering of information necessary to ensure that the purposes of this
Chapter are achieved and to provide full and fair hearing and consideration of the issues on
appeal.
(C)Remand to Commission. In t he case of a vote by t he C ouncil for remand of an application,
the Chairman of the Commission shall be so notified and shall schedule the matter for a
new public hearing at the next regularly scheduled Commission meeting for which
adequate time is available to provide the required public notice under Section 51-6(C)2a,
or such later time to which the applicant may agree. In all other respects, the hearing on
remand shall be conducted in the same manner as any o ther hearing under Section 51-6(C).
If the hearing on remand is not commenced within 60 days after the Council's decision to
remand, however, the application shall be deemed approved.
(D)Reversal of Decision. In the case of a vote by the Council to overturn, in whole or in part,
the decision of the Commission, written findings shall be prepared in support of the
Council’s decision and a copy of said findings shall be provided to the Chairman of the
Commission.
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Sec. 51-11.AMENDMENT AND RESCISSION OF DESIGNATION.
(A)Designation may be amended or rescinded only after a period of two (2) years following the
designation, upon the filing of a petition to the Commission and compliance with the same
procedures and according to the same criteria set forth herein for designation as follows:
(1)Petitions for amendment or rescission of a designation may be submitted by the
same persons authorized to submit nominations pursuant to Section 51-4(A).
(2)Properly submitted petitions are referred to the Commission for public hearing as
provided in Section 51-4(B) and Section 51-4(C).
(3)In the case of a rescission of a Landmark designation or part or all of a District
designation, the Commission shall consider whether the Landmark or District no
longer meets the criteria for designation, and make a recommendation to the
Council as provided in Section 51-4(D).
(B)The Council shall rescind or amend a designation only after all of the above procedures
have been followed. The Council shall rescind a designation only by adoption of an
ordinance upon a finding that the designated Landmark or District no longer meets the
criteria for designation in Section 51-5 and 51-5A.
Sec. 51-12.REGISTER OF LANDMARKS AND DISTRICTS.
The following areas, properties, structures, sites or objects are found to meet the criteria for
designation in Section 51-5 or 51-5A of this Chapter based on reports submitted to the Council in
support of said designation and are hereby designated under the provisions of this Chapter:
(1) The area of the 1857 plat of The City of Lake Forest, known as the Lak e Forest Historic
District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and defined by the
boundaries of such listing, is found to meet the criteria for designation in this Chapter and
is hereby designated as a Historic District under the provisions of this Chapter. Listed
9/17/1998.
(2) The Vine-Oakwood-Green Bay Road Historic District, listed in the National Register of
Historic Places in 1980 and defined by the boundaries of such listing, is found to meet the
criteria for designation in this Chapter and is hereby designated as a Historic District under
the provisions of this Chapter. Listed 9/17/1998
(3)The Green Bay Road Historic District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places in
1995 and defined by the boundaries of such listing, is found to meet the criteria for
designation in this Chapter and is hereby designated as a Historic District under the
provisions of this Chapter. Listed 9/17/1998
(4)1230 North Green Bay Road, “Ragdale,” the home of architect Howard Van Doren Shaw,
listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, is found to meet the criteria for
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designation in this Chapter and is hereby designated as a Landmark under the provisions of
this Chapter. Listed 9/17/1998
(5)1500 W. Kennedy Rd, Lake Forest Academy, "Reid Hall"; The J. Ogden Armour House &
Gardens designed by architect Arthur Heun, listed in the National Register of Historic
Places in 1982, is found to meet the criteria for designation in this Chapter and is hereby
designated as a Landmark under the provisions of this Chapter. Listed 9/17/1998
(6)111 West Westminster, The Noble Brandon Judah, Jr. Estate, House and Gate House, built
1925-1928 and designed by architect Philip Lippincott Goodwin, listed in the National
Register of Historic Places in 1990, is found to meet the criteria for designation in this
Chapter and is hereby designated as a Landmark under the provisions of this Chapter.
Listed 9/17/1998
(7)211 West Westminster, The Noble Brandon Judah, Jr. Estate, Pool and Gazebos, built
1925-1928 and designed by architect Philip Lippincott Goodwin, listed in the National
Register of Historic Places in 1990, is found to meet the criteria for designation in this
Chapter and is hereby designated as a Landmark under the provisions of this Chapter.
Listed 9/17/1998
(8)255 East Illinois Road, The Deerpath Inn, built 1928 and designed by architect William C.
Jones with alterations in 1938 designed by architect Stanley D. Anderson, listed in the
National Register of Historic Places in 1992, is found to meet the criteria for designation in
this Chapter and is hereby designated as a Landmark under the provisions of this Chapter.
Listed 9/17/1998
(9)810 South Ridge Road, The Robert P. Lamont House, "West View Farms", built in 1924
and designed by architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, listed in the National Register of
Historic Places in 1993, is found to meet the criteria for designation in this Chapter and is
hereby designated as a Landmark under the provisions of this Chapter. Listed 9/17/1998.
(10)89 East Deerpath, The Edward H. Bennett House and Studio, “Bagatelle,” built in 1915-16
and designed by architect Edward H. Bennett, listed in the National Register of Historic
Places in 1995, is found to meet the criteria for designation in this Chapter and is hereby
designated as a Landmark under the provisions of this Chapter. Listed 9/17/1998.
(11)1190 Inverlieth Terrace, 550, 561, 565, 570, 575 and 579 Hathaway Circle, The Chicken
House, Milk House, South Cottage, Middle Cottage, Main Barn, Carriage Barn, and North
Cottage, respectfully, of the Clifford Milton Leonard Farm, “Meadowood Dairy,” built in
1923-1926 and designed by architect Ralph Varney, listed in the National Register of
Historic Places in 2000, is found to meet the criteria in Section 51-8 of this Chapter and is
hereby designated as a District under the provisions of this Chapter. Listed 8/10/2000.
(12)595 Circle Lane, garden features of The Edith Rockefeller McCormick & Harold McCormick
Estate, “Villa Turicum,” built in 1908-1918 and designed by architect Charles Adam Platt, is
found to meet the criteria for designation in this Chapter and is hereby designated as a
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Landmark under the provisions of this Chapter. Listed 12/18/2000.
(13)1525 North Lake Road, Lake Forest Cemetery Plan designed in 1857 by Landscape Architect
Ossian Cole Simonds and Cemetery Entrance Gate built in 1919, is found to meet the criteria
for designation in this Chapter and is hereby designated as a Landmark under the provisions
of this Chapter. Listed12/18/2000.
(14)188 Foster Place, The garden wall of the Louis Swift Estate, is found to meet the criteria for
designation in this Chapter and is hereby designated as a Landmark under the provisions of
this Chapter. Listed 7/2002.
(15)The Grove Cultural Campus, located at 40 -100 E. Old Mill Road, including Dickinson
Hall and Stirling Hall built in 1929-30 and designed by architect Edwin H. Clark; Bennett
Hall built in 1949 and designed by architect Stanley D. Anderson; and the Lo g Cabin, is
found to meet the criteria for designation in this Chapter and is hereby designated as a
District under the provisions of this Chapter. Listed 8/5/2002.
(16)1203 Griffith Road, a Sears Honor Built Catalogue Home, is found to meet the criteria for
designation in this Chapter and is hereby designated as a Landmark under the provisions of
this Chapter. Listed 10/17/2002.
(17)365 East Westleigh Road, The William E. Clow, Jr. House, "Twin Doors", built in 1939-40
and designed by architect Stanley D. Anderson & James Ticknor, is found to meet the
criteria for designation in this Chapter and is hereby designated as a Landmark under the
provisions of this Chapter. Listed 6/2/2003.
(18)436 East Westleigh Road, The William E. Clow, Jr. House, "Twin Doors", built in 1939-40
and designed by architect Stanley D. Anderson & James Ticknor, is found to meet the
criteria for designation in this Chapter and is hereby designated as a Landmark under the
provisions of this Chapter. Listed 6/2/2003.
(19)251 King Muir Road, The Henry K. Turnbull House, built in 1928 and designed by
architect Howard Irwin, is found to meet the criteria for designation in this Chapter and is
hereby designated as a Landmark under the provisions of this Chapter. Listed 8/2/2004.
(20)1100 Jensen Drive, The Gordon Phelps Kelley House, built in 1938 and designed by
architect Lincoln Norcott Hall, is found to meet the criteria for designation in this Chapter
and is hereby designated as a Landmark under the provisions of this Chapter. Listed
11/18/2004.
(21)955 Mellody Road, built in 1928 and designed by architects William T. Braun & Stanley
D. Anderson, is found to meet the criteria for designation in this Chapter and is hereby
designated as a Landmark under the provisions of this Chapter. Listed 3/7/2005.
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(22)404 N Green Bay Road, The Calvin Fentress, Jr. House, built in 1965 and designed by
architect John Volk is found to meet the criteria for designation in this Chapter and is
hereby designated as a Landmark under the provisions of this Chapter. Listed 3/17/2005.
(23)870 W. Deerpath, Entrance Walls and Gates to the Albert Blake Dick, Sr. Estate
“Westmoreland”, built in 1902 and designed by architect James Gamble Rogers, is found
to meet the criteria for designation in this Chapter and are hereby designated as a Landmark
under the provisions of this Chapter. Listed 7/5/2005.
(24)104 Atteridge Road, The Carl Vogt, Jr. House; built in 1915-1916; is found to meet the
criteria for designation in this Chapter and is hereby designated as a Landmark under the
provisions of this Chapter. 10/16/2005.
(25)1701 Kennedy Road, Baggott House, “Blithefield”; built in 1929 and designed by
architects Oldefest & Williams, is found to meet the criteria for designation in this Chapter
and is hereby designated as a Landmark under the provisions of this Chapter. Listed
4/20/2006.
(26)525 Broadsmoore Drive, The James Ward Thorne House; built in 1911-1913 and designed
by architects William A. Otis & Edwin H. Clark, is found to meet the criteria for
designation in this Chapter and is hereby designated as a Landmark under the provisions of
this Chapter. Listed 4/20/2006.
(27)580 Broadsmoore Drive, The James Ward Thorne Estate Gardener's Cottage and Pump
House, designed by architect William Otis & Edwin H. Clark, is found to meet the criteria
for designation in this Chapter and is hereby designated as a Landmark under the
provisions of this Chapter. Listed 11/6/2006.
(28)1275 N. Waukegan Road, The Clarence W. Hubbard House; built in 1929 and designed by
architect Ralph Varney; is found to meet the criteria for designation in this Chapter and is
hereby designated as a Landmark under the provisions of this Chapter. Listed 10/15/2007.
(29)1536 Estate Lane, The Albert D. Lasker Estate "Milk House"; built in 1926 and designed
by architect David Adler, is found to meet the criteria for designation in this Chapter and is
hereby designated as a Landmark under the provisions of this Chapter. Listed 4/7/08
(30)344 E. Wisconsin Avenue, The George H. Fitzgerald House, built in 1902, is found to meet
the criteria for designation in this Chapter and is hereby designated as a Landmark under
the provisions of this Chapter. Listed 8/4/2008.
(31)721 North Mayflower Road, The Mrs. William E. Clow, Jr. House; built in 1954 and
designed by architect Stanley D. Anderson and Associates is found to meet the criteria for
designation in this Chapter and is hereby designated as a Landmark under the provisions of
this Chapter. Listed 8/4/2008.
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(32)1150 E. Westleigh Road, The Cyrus McCormick, Jr. "Walden" Estate Implements Shed,
built in 1907, is found to meet the criteria for designation in this Chapter and is hereby
designated as a Landmark under the provisions of this Chapter. Listed 8/4/2008.
(33)1522 Estate Lane, The Albert D. Lasker Estate “Dove Cote,” built in 1926 and designed by
architect David Adler, is found to meet the criteria for designation in Section 8 of this
Chapter and is hereby designated as a Landmark under the provisions of this Chapter.
Listed 10/6/2008.
(34)1065 Acorn Trail, The Gate Lodges and coachhouse/garage, built in 1917 and designed by
architect David Adler for A. Watson Armour are found to meet the criteria for designation
in Section 51-8 of this Chapter and are hereby designated as Landmarks under the
provisions of this Chapter. Listed 4/7/2010.
(35)1401 Middlefork Drive, Elawa Farm, a gentleman’s farm comprised of three sturctures
designed by Alfred Hopkins for A. Watson Armour is found to meet the criteria for
designation in Section 8 of this Chapter and is hereby designated as a Landmark under the
provisions of this Chapter. Listed 6/21/2010
Sec. 51-13.PENALTIES.
(A)Fines for violation. Failure to perform any act required by this Chapter or performance of
any act prohibited by this Chapter shall constitute a violation. Any person violating any of
the provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to a fine of up to seven hundred fifty dollars
($750.00) for each day on which a violation exists.
(B)Penalty for willful violation or gross negligence. In addition to the fines authorized by
Section 51-13(A), a person who willfully or through gross negligence violates the
provisions of this Chapter by participating in alteration, construction, demolition or
relocation affecting a property, structure, site or object nominated or designated as a
Landmark, Interior Landmark,or located in a nominated or designated District without
complying with the required procedures in this Chapter for review of such alteration,
construction, demolition and relocation, shall not be issued building permits, Certificates
of Occupancy, licenses and curb cut permits for alteration, construction, demolition or
relocation affecting such property, structure, site or object for a period of five (5) years
following the date of the violation except to correct structural defects affecting the
foundation, roof, walls, partitions, floor supports, ceilings, and chimneys of the nominated
or designated Landmark, Interior Landmark,or property, structure, site or object located in
a nominated or designated District.
(C)Other remedies. In addition to the provisions of Sections 51-13(A) and 51-13(B), The City
may i nstitute appropriate proceedings in law and equity t o prevent or remedy any violation
of the provisions of this Chapter. In t he case of willful violation or gross negligence by a ny
person, The City may seek reversal and removal of the prohibited work and restoration if
appropriate without regard to economic hardship.
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Sec. 51-14.SEVERABILITY.
If any provision or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such
invalidity s hall not affect other provisions or applications of this Chapter which can be given effect
without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions are declared to be
severable.
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1
THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST
ORDINANCE NO. 2012-__
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 51 OF THE
CITY OF LAKE FOREST CODE REGARDING HISTORIC PRESERVATION
WHEREAS, The City of Lake Forest (the "City") is recognized as a community of
distinctive character and is one of the oldest planned communities in the United States;
and
WHEREAS, the City has a long tradition of valuing and protecting its historic
character and first initiated legislation to preserve its historic visual character over 50
years ago by establishing the Building Review Board; and
WHEREAS, in 1998, the City of Lake Forest adopted, and has amended from
time-to time, Chapter 51, “Historic Preservation" (the "Historic Preservation Code"),
which established criteria and processes for establishing historic districts and
designating local landmarks, as well as for rescission of historic designation and
amendment of historic districts; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Code is essential to supporting the
objectives of the Zoning Code and the Comprehensive Plan, to preserve and enhance
the appearance of the City, and to protect the property values herein; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission has reviewed and
recommended revising the Historic Preservation Code in order to conform more closely
with recent judicial interpretations; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council have determined that the best
interests of the City and its residents will be served by amending the City's Historic
Preservation Code as hereinafter set forth;
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST, COUNTY OF LAKE, STATE OF ILLINOIS, as
follows:
SECTION ONE: Recitals. The foregoing recitals are by this reference
incorporated into and made a part of this Ordinance as if fully set forth.
SECTION TWO: Amendments to Chapter 51 of the City Code. Chapter 51,
entitled "Historic Preservation," of the City Code of The City of Lake Forest is hereby
amended in its entirety, and shall hereafter be and read as presented in Exhibit A to this
Ordinance.
SECTION THREE: Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in full force and
effect following its passage, approval, and publication in pamphlet form in the manner
provided by law.
PASSED THIS ___ DAY OF _______, 2012.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
APPROVED THIS ___ DAY OF _______________________, 2012.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
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EXHIBIT A
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