The purpose and intent of this article
is described below.
A.
Provide a clear and comprehensible development
review process that is fair and equitable to all interests including
applicants, effected neighbors, and the City;
B.
Establish an orderly review process for
all proposed projects involving construction of a building or other
structure, any site improvements or alterations or a modification
in the use of land within the City that is consistent with this chapter;
C.
Ensure that land, parcels, and lots are
appropriately developed so that their use and operation comply with
all applicable requirements of this chapter;
D.
Ensure that development complies with the
Comprehensive Plan and allow for processes and procedures that support
creative and innovative proposals to enhancing the benefits of development
to the Bloomington community.
A.
General.
(1)
Terms. A person appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission or Planning Commission shall serve a term of three years. This term may be extended after the three years for no more than two additional three-year terms. Members of the Board shall serve no more than three consecutive three-year terms (a total of nine years). Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term only. Members may be recalled for cause as provided by Chapter 2, § 2-350, of the Bloomington City Code, 1960 as amended.
[Amended 10-24-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-99]
(2)
Officers.
(a)
Officers of the Zoning Board of Appeals,
Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Commission shall consist
of a chairperson and a vice-chairperson elected by the Board or commission,
who shall each serve a term of one year and shall be eligible for
reelection; but no member shall serve as chairperson for more than
two consecutive years.
[Amended 10-24-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-99]
(b)
The chairperson shall preside over
meetings. In the absence of the chairperson, the vice-chairperson
shall perform the duties of the chairperson.
(c)
If both the chairperson and vice-chairperson
are absent, a temporary chairperson shall be elected by those present.
(3)
Meetings.
(a)
A quorum shall consist of a majority
of the members currently serving. All decisions or actions of the
Board or commission shall be made by a majority vote of those members
present and voting at any meeting where a quorum exists.
[Amended 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
(b)
Meetings shall be held at regularly
scheduled times established herein or at any time upon the call of
the chairperson.
(c)
No member of the Board or commission
shall vote on any matter that may materially or apparently affect
the property, income, or business interest of that member.
(d)
The chairperson, and in his or her
absence the acting chairperson, may administer oaths and compel the
attendance of witnesses.
(e)
All meetings shall be conducted in
accordance with the Open meetings Act, 5 Illinois Compiled Statutes
120/1, et seq.
B.
Zoning Board of Appeals.
[Amended 10-24-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-99]
(1)
Creation. The Zoning Board of Appeals
of the City of Bloomington, Illinois, which has been duly created
by the City Council, is the Zoning Board of Appeals referred to in
this Code.
(2)
Composition. The Zoning Board of
Appeals shall consist of seven members who are residents of the City
of Bloomington, Illinois, and all of whom shall be appointed by the
Mayor and approved by the City Council.
(3)
Powers and duties.
(a)
To conduct administrative public hearings, make findings of fact, and recommend approval or disapproval to the City Council of applications for special uses (§ 44-1707);
(b)
To conduct administrative public
hearings, make findings of fact, and decide duly initiated appeals
from any administrative order, requirement, decision, or determination
made by the Director of Economic and Community Development or his
or her deputies or assistants in the enforcement of this Zoning Code;
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
(c)
To conduct administrative public
hearings, make findings of fact and grant or deny variations in the
manner provided herein;
(d)
To hear appeals of decisions made pursuant to the Sign Code relating to the denial of permits, the removal of illegal signs or the granting of variances, except when said appeal is related to construction specifications of signs, in which case said appeal shall be heard by the Construction Board of Appeals pursuant to Chapter 10 of this Code; and
(e)
To give advice to the Sign Code Administrator
when requested.
(f)
To establish or amend its procedural
rules as necessary to facilitate the performance of its duties;
(g)
To recommend to the City Council
amendments to this Zoning Ordinance;
(4)
Meetings. Meetings shall be held
on the third Wednesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. or at any time upon
the call of the chairperson at such times and place as the Board may
determine.
C.
Historic Preservation Commission.
(1)
Composition. The Bloomington Historic
Preservation Commission ("Preservation Commission") shall consist
of seven members, all of whom shall be appointed by the Mayor and
approved by the City Council. Members shall be residents of the City
or owners of taxable real estate located within the corporate limits
of the City and whose place of residence is located not more than
five miles from said corporate limits. The Mayor shall make every
reasonable effort to try to appoint persons with a demonstrated interest
in the history or architecture of the City, and at least one member
of the Preservation Commission should, if possible, be an Illinois
registered architect, one an attorney and one a person experienced
in real estate.
(2)
Powers and duties. The Preservation
Commission shall have the following powers and duties:
(a)
To adopt its own procedural regulations;
(b)
To conduct surveys to identify historically
and architecturally significant properties, structures, and areas
that exemplify the cultural, social, economic, political, or architectural
history of the United States of America, the State of Illinois, or
the City of Bloomington;
(c)
To investigate and recommend to the
Planning Commission and to the City Council the adoption of ordinances
designating properties or structures having special historic, community
or architectural values as "landmarks";
(d)
To investigate and recommend to the
Planning Commission and to the City Council the adoption of ordinances
designating areas as having special historic, community or architectural
value as "historic districts";
(e)
To keep a register of all properties
and structures that have been designated as landmarks or historic
districts, including all information required for each designation;
(f)
To determine an appropriate system
of markers and make recommendations for the design and implementation
of specific markings of the streets and routes leading from one landmark
or historic district to another;
(g)
To advise and assist owners of landmarks
and property or structures within historic districts on physical and
financial aspects of preservation, renovation, rehabilitation, and
reuse, and on procedures for inclusion on the National Register of
Historic Places;
(h)
To nominate landmarks and historic
districts to the National Register of Historic Places, and to review
and comment on any National Register Nominations submitted to the
Preservation Commission upon request of the Mayor or City Council;
(i)
To inform and educate the citizens
of the City concerning the historic and architectural heritage of
the City by publishing appropriate maps, newsletters, brochures, and
pamphlets, and by holding programs and seminars;
(j)
To hold public hearings and to review
applications for construction, alteration, removal, or demolition
affecting proposed or designated landmarks or structures within historic
districts and issue or deny certificates of appropriateness for such
actions;
(k)
To consider applications for certificates
of economic hardship that would allow the performance of work for
which a certificate of appropriateness would otherwise be denied;
(l)
To develop specific design guidelines
for the alteration, construction, or removal of landmarks or property
and structures within historic districts;
(m)
To review proposed zoning amendments,
applications for special use permits, or applications for zoning variations
that affect proposed or designated landmarks and historic districts.
The Director of Economic and Community Development shall send applications
for special use or zoning variations to the Preservation Commission
for comment prior to the date of the hearing by the Planning Commission
or Board of Zoning Appeals;
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
(n)
To administer through the City Parks
and Recreation Department any property or full or partial interest
in real property, including easements, that the City may have or accept
as a gift or otherwise, upon authorization and approval by the City
Council;
(o)
To accept and administer through
the Office of the Director of Finance on behalf of the City such gifts,
grants, and money as may be appropriate. Such money may be expended
for publishing maps and brochures or for hiring staff persons or consultants
or performing other appropriate functions for the purpose of carrying
out the duties and powers of the Preservation Commission;
(p)
To call upon available City staff
members as well as other experts for technical advice;
(q)
To retain such specialists or consultants
with the permission of the City Council or to appoint such citizen
advisory committees as may be required from time to time;
(r)
To testify before all boards and
commissions, including the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning
Appeals, on any matter affecting historically and architecturally
significant property, structures, and areas;
(s)
To confer recognition upon the owners
of landmarks or property or structures within historic districts by
means of certificates, plaques, or markers;
(t)
To develop a preservation component
in the official Comprehensive Plan and to recommend it to the Planning
Commission and to the City Council;
(u)
To periodically review the Bloomington
Zoning Code and to recommend to the Planning Commission and the City
Council any amendments appropriate for the protection and continued
use of landmarks or property and structures within historic districts;
and
(v)
To undertake any other action or
activity necessary or appropriate to the implementation of its powers
and duties or to implementation of the purpose of this Code.
(3)
Surveys and research. The Preservation
Commission may undertake survey and research efforts in the City to
identify neighborhoods, areas, sites, structures, and objects that
have historic, community, architectural, or aesthetic importance,
interest, or value. As part of a survey, the Preservation Commission
may review and evaluate any prior surveys and studies by any unit
of government or private organization and compile appropriate descriptions,
facts, and photographs. Before the Preservation Commission may on
its own initiative nominate any landmark for designation, it shall
first develop a plan and schedule for landmarks and adopt procedures
to nominate them in groups based upon the following criteria:
(a)
The potential landmarks in one identifiable
neighborhood or distinct geographical area of the City;
(b)
The potential landmarks associated
with a particular person, event, or historical period;
(c)
The potential landmarks of a particular
architectural style or school, or of a particular architect, engineer,
builder, designer, or craftsman;
(d)
Such other criteria as may be adopted
by the Preservation Commission to assure systematic survey and nomination
of potential landmarks within the City.
(4)
Meetings.
(a)
Meetings shall be held on the third
Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m. or at any time upon the call of
the chairperson at such times and place as the Commission may determine.
(b)
No action shall be taken by the Preservation
Commission that could in any manner deprive or restrict the owner
of a property in its use, modification, maintenance, disposition,
or demolition until such owner shall first have had the opportunity
to be heard at a public meeting of the Preservation Commission, as
provided herein.
D.
Planning Commission.
(1)
Creation. The Planning Commission
of the City of Bloomington, Illinois, which has been duly created
by the City Council is the Planning Commission referred to in this
Code.
(2)
Composition. The Planning Commission
shall consist of 10 members who are residents of the City of Bloomington,
Illinois, and all of whom shall be appointed by the Mayor and approved
by the City Council.
(3)
Powers and duties.
(a)
To conduct public hearings and submit
reports and recommendations to the City Council on applications or
proposals to amend the boundaries of the zoning districts created
by this Code;
[Amended 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
(b)
To conduct public hearings and submit
reports and recommendations to the City Council on proposed amendments
to the regulations imposed by this Code, that is, zoning text amendments;
(c)
To conduct public hearings and recommend approval or disapproval of preliminary plans for subdivisions and, if directed by the City Council, to report on final subdivision plats in the manner provided in Chapter 24 of the Bloomington City Code, 1960, as heretofore or hereafter amended;
(d)
To conduct public hearings and recommend approval or disapproval of preliminary development plans for planned unit developments and, if directed by the City Council, to report on final development plans in the manner provided in Article XV of this Zoning Ordinance and Chapter 24 of the Bloomington City Code, 1960, as heretofore or hereafter amended;
(e)
When required by this Code or the
City Council to conduct public hearings and recommend approval or
disapproval of site plans as required by provisions of this Code;
(f)
To recommend to the City Council amendments to this Zoning Code and Chapter 24 of the Bloomington City Code, 1960, as amended;
(g)
To carry out and perform such additional
duties as are assigned to them by the City Council.
(4)
Meetings. Meetings shall be held
on the first Wednesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. or at any time upon
the call of the chairperson at such times and place as the Commission
may determine.
[Amended 12-6-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-89]
A.
Forms. Applications for the procedures
established under this section shall be submitted on application forms
and in such numbers as required by the applicable review official
or review body. The application form for each development review procedure
shall establish the minimum information required for that procedure.
B.
Proof of ownership or sufficient proprietary
interest. All applications required under this section shall include
proof of ownership satisfactory to the applicable review official
or decision-making body. Such proof may include a preliminary title
report from a licensed title company or attorney listing the name
of the property owner(s) and all liens, easements and judgments of
record affecting the subject property.
(1)
Where the owner is not the applicant,
the applicable review official shall require an applicant to present
evidence that the applicant is a duly authorized agent of the owner
or has sufficient proprietary interest, such as a contract to purchase.
C.
Property owner endorsement. All applications
shall include the name and signature of the current property owner(s)
of all property within the boundaries; or
D.
Filing fees.
(2)
Each application shall be accompanied
by payment to cover the cost of publication, posting, and hearings.
Each application shall also be accompanied by a payment to cover the
cost of publishing any public notices and recording any required documents.
[Amended 10-24-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-99; 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
(3)
Filing fees are not refundable except
where an application was accepted in error or the fee paid exceeded
the amount due. Fees may be refunded or partially refunded, where
applications are withdrawn prior to publication of any notices. Under
no condition shall said sum or any part thereof be refunded for failure
of said application to be approved. No fee shall be required from
any governmental or public agency.
A.
Completeness review. An application shall
not be considered by any decision-making body unless such application
is complete, as described herein.
(1)
A determination of application completeness
shall be made by the review official within seven days of application
filing.
(2)
An application is considered complete
only if it is provided in the required form, includes all mandatory
information as may be required by the review official, and is accompanied
by the applicable fee.
(3)
If an application is determined to
be incomplete, the review official shall contact the applicant in
writing to explain the application's deficiencies. No further processing
of the application shall occur until the deficiencies are corrected.
(4)
If the deficiencies of an incomplete
application are not corrected by the applicant within 30 days, the
application shall be considered withdrawn and returned to the applicant.
(5)
All applications must be deemed complete
at least 21 days prior to a meeting or public hearing, unless otherwise
allowed by the review official.
B.
Referrals. The review official may forward
complete applications submitted under this article to such other public
officials and agencies as required by law or as deemed appropriate
for further review.
C.
Staff reports. The Director of Economic
and Community Development shall submit a written report containing
a summary of the land use application, its compliance with the Zoning
Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, and/or any other relevant official
document, and recommendations on the basis thereof, at least seven
days prior to the meeting or hearing of the review- and/or decision-making
body before which the application is to be heard.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
D.
Concurrent applications.
(1)
If approved by the Director of Economic
and Community Development, applications for development approvals
may be filed and reviewed concurrently; provided, however:
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
(2)
Applications submitted concurrently
are subject to approval of all other related applications; denial
or disapproval of any concurrently submitted application shall stop
consideration of any related applications until the denied or disapproved
application is resolved.
E.
Successive applications. A successive application
for an application that has been denied shall not be reviewed or heard
within one year after the date of denial, except if the Director of
Economic and Community Development determines that substantial new
information has become known since the denial. A successive application
filed within one year of the date of denial shall include detailed
information that justifies its consideration.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
A.
Required legal notice. After an application has been certified complete as required by § 44-1704, the applicable review or decision-making body shall fix a reasonable time for the required hearing of the application or appeal. Notice of the time and place of a hearing shall be given in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois.
[Amended 8-24-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-55; 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
(1)
The Zoning Administrator or designee
shall publish notice of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation
in the City of Bloomington at least 15 days, but no more than 30 days
before the date of the public hearing.
(2)
If the name of the occupant is not
known, the term "occupant" may be used in making notification under
this subsection. The notice shall include all of the following:
(a)
The name and address of the applicant
and property owner;
(b)
The common address or location of
the subject property;
(c)
A description of the nature and purpose
of the requested action;
(d)
The location, date and time of the
public hearing or meeting; and
(e)
The office address and telephone
number of the City office where information concerning the application
may be obtained.
B.
Courtesy notice. In addition to any required
legal notice as provided herein, courtesy notice may be given at the
direction of the Director of Economic and Community Development.
[Amended 8-24-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-55; 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
(1)
Notice
shall also be sent by mail or personal delivery to the property owner
as shown on the records of the Local Tax Assessor's Office of record
of all parcels, lying in whole or in part within 500 feet, inclusive
of public right-of-way, of the property lines of the property for
which the action is requested before the date of the public hearing.
(2)
By
posting the property affected with a sign indicating that zoning action
affecting the property is pending and that additional information
may be obtained from the Director of Economic and Community Development.
Distribution of courtesy notice shall not constitute a precedent for
future notice on the subject application or on any future application.
C.
Public hearing procedures.
[Amended 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
(1)
Parties. The applicant, the City
and persons filing a written entry of appearance may all be parties
to a public hearing;
(2)
Testimony. Any person may appear
and testify at a public hearing, either in person or by a duly authorized
agent or attorney;
(3)
Oaths or affirmation. The chairperson
or in his or her absence, the acting chairperson, may administer oaths
or affirmations;
(4)
Compelling the attendance of witnesses.
The chairperson or in his or her absence, the acting chairperson,
may compel the attendance of witnesses by mailing to such persons
a notice compelling attendance, not less than five calendar days before
the public hearing. Failure of a person to appear in response to such
a notice shall constitute a violation of this Code.
(5)
Hearing procedures. All public hearings
shall be conducted in a manner that provides for both substantive
and procedural due process. In order that the Board or commission
may efficiently transact the business before it and provide an opportunity
for all interested parties to be heard, the following rules and procedures
shall be followed:
(a)
The chairperson shall provide a short
description of the application, the relief requested, and the procedures
governing the public hearing;
(b)
The secretary or City staff shall
report whether notice of the public hearing was given as required
by this Code;
(c)
City staff shall summarize basic
facts and relief requested in the application, and may provide a recommendation
to the Board or commission;
(d)
The chairperson shall invite persons
at the public hearing to speak in favor of the application;
(e)
The chairperson shall invite persons
at the public hearing to speak against the application;
(f)
The chairperson shall open the floor
for cross-examination by those interested parties who request the
right to cross-examination. Questions must be relevant, as determined
by the chairperson, to the application before the Board or commission;
(g)
The chairperson shall allow the applicant
reasonable time to respond, to the public testimony, evidence, and
comments presented;
(h)
The chairperson shall close the public
hearing and allow time for members of the Board or commission to discuss
the application. The Board or commission shall make findings, applying
the standards and factors set forth in this Code;
(i)
At the end of such discussion the
chairperson shall invite a motion of approval. After the motion of
approval is seconded, those members who are in favor of approving
the application shall vote "Yes," those in favor of denying the application
shall vote "No," and those wishing to abstain from voting on the application
shall vote "Present." Board members shall cast their votes on roll
call by the Secretary or City staff;
(j)
The chairperson shall then review
the decision of the Board or commission and discuss the procedures
to be followed for the benefit of the applicant.
(6)
Record keeping:
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69; 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
(a)
The Board or commission shall make
a sound recording of all public hearings and shall retain such recording
for not less than six months following the closing of the hearing;
(b)
Verbatim transcripts. In the event
that any party desires a verbatim transcript of the public hearing,
a written request therefor shall be filed with the chairperson not
less than three weeks before the hearing date. Any party desiring
a transcript of the proceedings shall pay any transcription or copying
costs;
(c)
Decisions and orders. The Board or
commission shall retain in the Office of the Economic and Community
Development Department a copy of every ruling, decision, recommendation
and/or determination.
(7)
Notification of decision. Copies
of findings of fact and decisions or recommendations of the Board
or commission shall be served by mailing a copy thereof to all parties
within five business days of such decision.
(8)
Legislative public hearings. The public hearing rules for public
hearings on purely legislative matters may be less formal, although
shall still comply with the requirements of substantive and procedural
due process.
[Added 2-27-2023 by Ord.
No. 2023-19]
(9)
Procedural rules. The board or commission may adopt rules of
procedures not inconsistent with this section.[1]
[Added 2-27-2023 by Ord.
No. 2023-19]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection D, Legislative hearing procedure,
amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69, which followed this subsection,
was repealed 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19.
A.
Purpose. Recognizing that conditions may
change subsequent to the adoption of the City's Zoning Map and Zoning
Ordinance, and/or that amendments may be necessary to clarify or correct
the zoning regulations, the amendment process is hereby established.
For this purpose and for the purpose of promoting the public health,
safety, morals, comfort and general welfare, conserving the value
of property throughout the City and lessening and avoiding congestion
of the public streets and highways, City Council may, from time to
time, in the manner hereinafter set forth, amend the regulations imposed
in this Code and the districts provided hereby, provided that in all
amendments adopted under the authority of this section, due allowance
shall be given for the existing condition, the conservation of property
values, the direction of building development to the best advantages
of the entire City and the use to which the property is devoted at
the time of adoption of such amendment.
B.
Initiation of amendment. Amendments to
the Zoning Map may be proposed by the City Council (by motion or resolution),
property owners or parties to a valid and enforceable purchase option
contract for the subject property. Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance,
that is, zoning text amendments, may be proposed by City Council (by
motion or resolution). Text amendments may also be proposed by City
staff, or by motion of the Zoning Board of Appeals or Planning Commission.
[Amended 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
C.
Application.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
(1)
An application for a map or text
amendment shall be submitted on the form provided by the Office of
the Economic and Community Development Department.
[Amended 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
D.
Action by Director of Economic and Community Development. Upon submission of a complete application, the Director of Economic and Community Development shall review the application for compliance with § 44-1703 of this article and other applicable requirements and prepare a written report.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
E.
Action by Planning Commission.
[Amended 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
(1)
Hearing. The Planning Commission
shall give notice and hold a public hearing on each application for
a Zoning Map or zoning text amendment.
(2)
Recommendation. At the close of the
public hearing, the Planning Commission shall make findings of fact
and prepare a recommendation to the City Council. In making its recommendation,
the Planning Commission shall be guided by those purposes, standards,
and objectives of this Code and shall not recommend the adoption of
any amendment unless it finds that such amendment is in the public
interest and not solely for the benefit of the applicant. In making
such a finding, the Commission may consider:
(a)
For map amendments:
[1]
The suitability of the subject property
for uses authorized by the existing zoning;
[2]
The length of time the property has
remained vacant as zoned considered in the context of land development
in the area;
[3]
The suitability of the subject property
for uses authorized by the proposed zoning;
[4]
The existing land uses and zoning
of nearby property;
[5]
Relative gain or hardship to the
public as contrasted and compared to the hardship or gain of the individual
property owner resulting from the approval or denial of the zoning
amendment application;
[6]
The extent to which adequate streets
are connected to the arterial street system and are available or can
be reasonably supplied to serve the uses permitted in the proposed
zoning classification;
[7]
The extent to which the proposed
amendment is inconsistent with the need to minimize flood damage and
that the development of the subject property for the uses permitted
in the proposed zoning classification will not have a substantial
detrimental effect on the drainage patterns in the area;
[8]
The extent to which adequate services
(including but not limited to fire and police protection, schools,
water supply, and sewage disposal facilities) are available or can
be reasonably supplied to serve the uses permitted in the proposed
zoning classification;
[9]
The extent to which property values
are diminished by the restrictions of the proposed zoning;
[10]
Whether a Comprehensive
Plan for land use and development exists, and whether the amendment
is in harmony with it;
[11]
Whether the City needs
more of the types of uses allowed in the proposed district.
(b)
For text amendments.
[1]
The extent to which the proposed amendment is consistent with the public interest, giving due consideration for the purpose and intent of this code as set forth in § 44-1701 herein;
[2]
The extent to which property values are diminished by the proposed
particular zoning restriction;
[3]
The extent to which the destruction of property values promotes
the health, safety, morals, or general welfare of the public;
[4]
Whether a Comprehensive Plan for land use and development exists,
and whether the amendment is in harmony with it;
[5]
Whether the City needs the additional types of uses or development
allowed by the proposed amendment.
F.
Action by the City Council.
(1)
The City Council upon receiving the
report and recommendation of the Planning Commission, as an exercise
of the legislative discretion vested in the corporate authority of
the City of Bloomington, Illinois, may grant or deny the proposal.
(2)
If an application for a proposed
amendment is not acted upon finally by the City Council within three
months of the date upon which such application is received by the
City Council, it shall be deemed to have been denied unless extended
by agreement of the applicant and the City Council.
(3)
In case a written protest against
any proposed amendment of the zoning districts created under this
Code, signed and acknowledged by owners of 20% of the frontage proposed
to be altered, or by the owners of 20% of the frontage directly opposite
the frontage proposed to be altered or by the owners of 20% of the
immediately adjoining or across the alley therefrom is filed with
the Economic and Community Development Department, the amendment cannot
be passed except on the favorable vote of 2/3 of the Aldermen of the
City then holding office.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69; 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
(4)
No application for a map amendment
which has been denied wholly or in part by the City Council shall
be resubmitted for a period of one year from the date of said order
of denial, except on the grounds of new evidence or proof of change
of conditions found to be valid by the City Council.
A.
Purpose. The development and execution
of this Code is based upon the division of the City into districts,
within which districts the use of land and buildings and the bulk
and location of buildings and structures in relation to the land are
substantially uniform. It is recognized, however, that there are certain
uses which, by their very nature and their unique characteristics
cannot be permitted in a particular district or districts without
special consideration being given to the characteristics of surrounding
property, as well as the site itself and the impact such a use would
have on adjoining or nearby property. The purpose of this section
is to specify standards that shall be required to be met before the
issuance of a special use permit. In addition to the underlying zoning
district regulations and the general standards applicable to all special
use requests, each special use shall meet any applicable specific
standards set forth for that use and any conditions imposed by the
City Council in the ordinance granting the special use permit. Special
uses fall into two categories:
B.
Existing special uses. Where a building
or structure and the use thereof, or the use of land lawfully exists
on the effective date of this Code, including amendments thereafter
as an allowable special use in the zoning district in which it is
located, the existing building or structure and its use thereof, or
the use of land where no building, or structure is involved, comprising
such a special use shall be considered a lawful existing special use.
C.
Initiation of application. The City Council
or the City Manager at the direction of the City Council or any person
having a freehold interest in land, or a possessory interest entitled
to exclusive possession, or a contractual interest which may become
a freehold interest, or an exclusive possessory interest, and which
is specifically enforceable, may file an application to use such land
for one or more of the special uses provided for in this Code in the
zoning district in which the land is located.
D.
Application requirements.
(1)
An application for a special use
permit shall be submitted on the form provided by the Office of the
Economic and Community Development Department.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
(2)
The application shall include a statement
describing the nature of the proposed use and a full-size, legible
site plan.
(3)
Applications shall conform to the requirements of § 44-1703. The information requested on the application is deemed to be a minimum, and the applicant may be required to supply additional information prior to the public hearing on their requests.
(4)
The site plan shall provide the following
information on one or more sheets:
(a)
Location by Section, Town and Range
or other legal description;
(b)
Names and addresses of the persons
having proprietary interest over the property;
(c)
Graphic (engineering) scale;
(d)
North-points;
(e)
Date of preparation;
(f)
The boundary lines of the property
in question;
(g)
Location of all survey monuments
and their descriptions;
(h)
Proposed location, width, and type
of surface material of all proposed sidewalks, pedestrian ways, driveways,
parking areas, service areas, and recreation areas;
(i)
Size, location, height, number of
stories, building design, and arrangement of proposed buildings and
structures and existing buildings and structures;
(j)
Size and location of proposed parking
areas with arrangement of bays and aisles and curb cuts, and with
indication of the total number of spaces;
(k)
Size, location, and composition of
all proposed fencing, refuse enclosures and landscaped screening material;
E.
Action by Director of Economic and Community Development. Upon submission of a complete application, the Director of Economic and Community Development shall review the application for compliance with Subsection H of this section and other applicable requirements and prepare a written report.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
F.
Action by Zoning Board of Appeals.
[Amended 10-24-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-99]
(1)
Hearing. Upon receipt in proper form of the application and supporting material referred to above, the Zoning Board of Appeals shall hold a least one public hearing on the proposed Special Use in the manner provided in § 44-1705. If any variations to the regulations of this code would otherwise be necessary for the development proposal, such review procedure shall be deemed to occur simultaneously with the Zoning Board of Appeals' public hearing and recommendation on the special use permit application.
[Amended 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
(2)
Recommendation. For each special
use application, the Zoning Board of Appeals shall report to the Council
its findings of fact and recommendations, including the stipulations
of additional conditions and guarantees, when they are deemed necessary
for the protection of the public interest or to meet the standards
as specified herein.
G.
Action by the City Council. The City Council
shall either deny the application or shall grant the special use permit,
with or without modifications or conditions.
H.
Standards of approval. No special use application
shall be recommended by the Zoning Board of Appeals or approved by
the City Council unless all of the following factors are found:
[Amended 10-24-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-99]
(1)
That the establishment, maintenance,
or operation of the special use will not be detrimental to or endanger
the public health, safety, comfort, or general welfare;
(2)
That the special use will not be
injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate
vicinity for the purposes already permitted, nor substantially diminish
and impair property values within the neighborhood;
(3)
That the establishment of the special
use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement
of the surrounding property for uses permitted in the zoning district;
(4)
That adequate utilities, access roads,
drainage and/or necessary facilities have been or will be provided;
(5)
That adequate measures have been
or will be taken to provide ingress and egress so designed as to minimize
traffic congestion in the public streets; and
(6)
That the special use shall, in all
other respects, conform to the applicable regulations of the district
in which it is located, except as such regulations may be modified
by the Council pursuant to the recommendations of the Board of Zoning
Appeals.
I.
Conditions and guarantees. Prior to the
granting of any special use application, the Zoning Board of Appeals
may recommend, and the Council may require, such conditions and restrictions
upon the establishment, location, construction, maintenance, and operation
of the special use as deemed necessary for the protection of the public
interest and to secure compliance with the standards and requirements
specified herein. The Council may require such evidence and guarantees
as it may deem necessary as proof of compliance with the conditions
of approval.
[Amended 10-24-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-99]
J.
Expiration and revocation of special use
permits and existing special use. The revocation or expiration of
a special use permit issued pursuant to this Code or of an existing
special use shall cause the use to become an illegal use for the property
in question and shall be subject to the enforcement procedures under
this Code.
[Amended 8-24-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-55]
K.
Revocation of special use permits. In any
case where a special use has not been physically undertaken within
one year after the date of granting thereof, or if conditions or guarantees
remain unmet for a period of one year following a prescribed date
of completion, then without further action by the Council, the special
use or authorization thereof shall null and void.
[Amended 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
L.
Change of use. In any case where a special
use permit has been granted or where existing special use status has
been granted, and the special use has been established, a change in
use, from the approved or authorized special use to another use, shall
cause the special use permit or existing special use status authorized
by this Code to expire.
[Amended 8-24-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-55]
M.
Discontinuance of special use. When a special
use or an existing special use is discontinued for six consecutive
months, or for 18 months during a three-year period, the special use
permit or existing special use status shall expire.
N.
Destruction of structure. The removal or
destruction of a structure containing a Special Use shall cause the
special use permit or the existing special use status to expire. Destruction,
for the purpose of this subsection, is defined as damage to an extent
of more than 50% of its fair market value prior to the time of destruction.
O.
Expansion of use. Expansion of the special
use beyond the level of activity stated in the special use permit
or beyond the level of activity of the existing special use shall
cause the special use permit or such existing special use status to
be revoked.
A.
Applicability.
[Amended 10-24-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-99]
(1)
The Zoning Board of Appeals shall
have the power to authorize, upon application, variations to this
Code-except where in conflict with other provisions of this section,
and to allow the enlargement and structural alterations of nonconforming
structures. Such variations shall only be granted when the variation
would be in harmony with this Code's general purpose and intent.
(2)
The Zoning Board of Appeals may grant
variations only in specific instances where there would be practical
difficulties or particular hardships in carrying out the strict letter
of those sections of this Code stated herein.
(3)
The Zoning Board of Appeals may grant variances from the provisions or requirements of the Sign Code only where the Standards for Variations (§ 44-1708F) are met.
(4)
Any and all variations to this Code
granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals prior to January 9, 1996 are
hereby authorized and validated.
(5)
Under no circumstances shall the
Zoning Board of Appeals grant a variation to allow a use of land not
permissible under the terms of the Code in the zoning district involved
or any use of land expressly or by implication prohibited by the terms
of this Code in said zoning district.
B.
Initiation of application. An application
for a variation may be made by any person, firm or corporation, or
by any office, department, board, bureau or Commission requesting
or intending to request application for a building permit or by the
City Council or the City staff at the direction of the City Council.
C.
Application requirements.
(1)
An application for a variation shall
be submitted on the form provided by the Office of the Economic and
Community Development Department. The application shall specify the
grounds for the variation.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
(2)
Before the application is filed,
a pre-application review by the Economic and Community Development
Department is required.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
D.
Action by Director of Economic and Community Development. Upon submission of a complete application, the Director of Economic and Community Development shall review the application for compliance with Subsection G of this section and other applicable requirements and prepare a written report.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
E.
Action by Zoning Board of Appeals. Upon receipt in proper form of the application and supporting material referred to above, the Zoning Board of Appeals shall hold a least one administrative public hearing on the proposed variation in the manner provided in § 44-1705.
[Amended 10-24-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-99]
F.
Standards for variations. A variation from
the terms of this Code shall not be granted by the Zoning Board of
Appeals unless and until findings of fact are submitted demonstrating
all the following factors are met:
[Amended 10-24-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-99]
(1)
That the property has physical characteristics
that pose unreasonable challenges which make strict adherence to the
Code difficult; and
(2)
That the variance would be the minimum
action necessary to afford relief to the applicant; and
(3)
That the special conditions and circumstances
were not created by any action of the applicant; and
(4)
That granting the variation requested
will not give the applicant any special privilege that is denied to
others by the Code; and
(5)
That the granting of the variation
will not be detrimental to the public welfare, alter the essential
character of the neighborhood, nor unreasonable impair the use or
development of adjoining properties.
G.
Approval. An affirmative vote of four members
is required to approve the variance.
H.
Conditions of approval. The Zoning Board
of Appeals may impose such conditions and restrictions upon the premises
benefited by a variation as may be necessary to comply with the standards
established in this section, to reduce or minimize the effect of such
variation upon other property in the neighborhood, and to better carry
out the general intent of this ordinance.
I.
Decisions. All decisions of the Zoning
Board of Appeals on variations initiated hereunder shall be final
and reviewable only in the Court in accordance with the applicable
Statutes of the State of Illinois. (735 ILCS 5/3-101, et seq.) However,
the aggrieved party may appeal to the City Council if a variation
is rejected by the vote of less than five members of the Zoning Board
of Appeals; the Director of Economic and Community Development may
appeal to the City Council if he or she believes the Board's decision
allowing the variations violate the intent of this Code. To receive
consideration by the City Council the aggrieved party or the Director
of Economic and Community Development must file with the City Clerk
a "Notice of Appeal" which shall be substantially in one of the following
forms:
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69; 10-24-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-99]
Notice of Appeal
|
I, the undersigned, have requested
and made application for a variation. Less than five members of the
Zoning Board of Appeals concurred in the action which rejected may
application.
|
I, therefore, request that the City
Council review the record of the administrative hearing conducted
by the Zoning Board of Appeals and make a final administrative determination
thereon.
|
(Signature)__________
|
Notice of Appeal
|
The City of Bloomington, McLean County,
Illinois, a Municipal Corporation, requests that the City Council
review the record of the Zoning Board of Appeals' administrative public
hearing and make a final administrative determination thereon. This
request is based on my belief that the decision made by the Zoning
Board of Appeals granting the variation is invalid.
|
(Signature)__________
|
(1)
No application for variation which
has been denied wholly or in part by the Zoning Board ofAppeals or
Council shall be submitted for a period of one year from the date
of said order of denial except on grounds of new evidence or proof
of change of conditions found to be valid by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
[Amended 10-24-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-99]
J.
Expiration. No order granting a variation
shall be valid for a period longer than one year from the effective
date of such order, unless a building permit for the building or structure
for which such variation was granted is obtained from the Director
of Economic and Community Development within such one-year period
and unless construction of such building or structure is started and
completed in accordance with the terms of such permit. No order granting
a temporary use variation shall be valid for a period longer than
one year from the effective date of such order.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
A.
Purpose. It is the intent of the Site Plan
Review procedure to facilitate the creative and coherent development
of the community through the review of specific and detailed plans
for parcels of land to stimulate creative approaches to commercial
development of land, to provide more efficient use of land, to develop
new approaches to the living environment through variety in type,
design, and layout of buildings, transportation systems, and public
facilities, to unify building and structures through design, to promote
long term planning pursuant to the Bloomington Comprehensive Plan
as adopted in 2015 and amended from time to time, and to find creative
solutions to stormwater and sustainability related issues.
B.
Initiation of site plan review. An application
for a site plan review may be made by any person, firm, or corporation,
or by any office, department, board, bureau, or Commission requesting
or intending to request application for a building permit or by the
City Council or the City staff at the direction of the City Council.
C.
Application requirements.
(1)
An application for a site plan review
shall be submitted on the form provided by the Office of the Economic
and Community Development Department.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
(2)
Applications shall conform to the requirements of § 44-1703. The information requested on the application is deemed to be a minimum, and the applicant may be required to supply additional information.
(3)
The site plan shall provide the following
information on one or more sheets:
(a)
Location by Section, Town and Range
or other legal description;
(b)
Names and addresses of the persons
having proprietary interest over the property;
(c)
Graphic (engineering) scale;
(d)
North-points;
(e)
Date of preparation;
(f)
The boundary lines of the property
in question;
(g)
Size, location, height, number of
stories, building design, and arrangement of proposed buildings and
structures and existing buildings and structures;
(h)
Schematic drawings illustrating the
locations and dimensions of proposed buildings and structures, the
design and character of the building, elevations, exterior building
materials and types of construction of all proposed buildings and
structures;
(i)
A scaled site plan showing the existing
buildings and land uses, contiguous land uses, natural topographic
features, zoning districts, public thoroughfares, transportation,
and utilities.
(j)
A scaled site plan of the proposed
development showing lot area, the required yards and setbacks, contour
lines, common space, and the location, floor area ratio, lot area
coverage and heights of buildings and structures, size, and location
of proposed parking areas with arrangement of bays and aisles and
curb cuts, and with indication of the total number of spaces;
(k)
Schematic drawings illustrating the
design and character of the building elevations, types of construction,
and floor plans of all proposed buildings and structures. The drawings
shall also include a schedule showing the number, type, and floor
area of all uses or combinations of uses, and the floor area of the
entire development.
(l)
Size, location, and composition of
all proposed fencing, refuse enclosures, and landscaped screening
material;
(m)
Landscaping plan indicating size, location, and general characteristics of plant materials as specified in Article XIII of this Zoning Ordinance if the project would result in new landscaping or landscape changes.
(n)
A site drainage plan for the proposed
project if required.
(o)
A photometric/lighting plan for the
proposed project if the project would result in new exterior lighting
or changes to exterior lighting.
D.
Concurrent applications. Land uses proposed
to be included in a development requiring a public hearing site plan
review which would otherwise be allowed by special use permit only
are exempted from the public hearing normally required for such special
use permit applications and the Planning Commission shall consider
the standards for granting a special use and make a recommendation
to the City Council on the granting of such site plan approval and
special use at the public hearing.
[Amended 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
E.
Public hearing for site plan review. Applications for site plan review required pursuant to § 44-505 that require a public hearing.
[Amended 8-24-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-55; 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69; 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
(2)
Recommendation and decision on site
plan. In making its recommendation, the City staff, the Planning Commission
and, in making its legislative determination, the City Council shall
be guided by those purposes for which this Code was adopted and shall
endeavor to accomplish those standards and objectives for which this
Code is designed and may consider:
(a)
The extent to which potential incompatibilities
between the proposed development and surrounding existing development
and/or zoning is minimized by such design features as placement of
buildings, parking areas, access driveways and existing or proposed
topography.
(b)
The extent to which the proposal
minimizes any adverse impact of the development upon adjoining land.
(c)
The extent to which adequately improved
streets connected to the improved arterial street system are available
or can be reasonably supplied to serve the uses proposed in the development.
(d)
The extent to which the proposed
development will favorably or adversely affect other persons or property
and, if so, whether because of circumstances peculiar to the location
the effect is likely to be greater than is ordinarily associated with
the development of the type proposed.
(3)
General conditions.
(a)
Approval of a site plan by the City
Council is required before a building permit is issued. Construction
and use of the premises must be in accordance with the approved site
plan and no occupancy permit shall be issued for any building or structure
that is not in conformance with an approved site plan.
(b)
Minor changes to an approved site plan are those that do not change the intent or character of development or modify the conditions of approval. Examples of minor changes are slight adjustments to the location, siting, and height of structures, the location of parking stalls and loading areas, and the location and species of landscaping. Minor changes may be authorized by the Director of Economic and Community Development pursuant to the administrative procedures in § 44-1709F.
(c)
All other changes to an approved
site plan shall be made by the City Council. The Council may require
the Planning Commission to conduct an additional legislative public
hearing and submit a recommendation on such proposed changes or deviations.
F.
Administrative site plan review. The Director of Economic and Community Development shall be authorized to conduct site plan review for off-street parking and loading facilities or landscaping as required pursuant to Articles XII and XIII, and any site plan reviews that do not require a public hearing.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69; 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
(1)
The Director may refer any application
to the Planning Commission and City Council pursuant to legislative
public hearing procedures.
(2)
In approving a site plan, the Director
of Economic and Community Development shall consider the following:
(a)
Consistency with the intent and purpose
of this Code and the Comprehensive Plan;
(b)
The quality of site design and appropriateness
of development intensity;
(c)
Adequacy and location of parking
areas and pedestrian and vehicular access points;
(d)
Compliance with requirements for
easements or dedications;
(e)
Compliance with any applicable subdivision
improvements; and
(f)
If applicable, compliance with any
development conditions.
G.
Exemptions. The following construction
activities shall be exempt from site plan review:
A.
Applicability.
(1)
A certificate of appropriateness
shall be required before the following actions affecting the exterior
architectural appearance of any landmark or property within a historic
district may be undertaken:
(a)
Any construction, alteration, or
removal requiring a building permit from the City;
(b)
Any demolition in whole or in part
requiring a permit from the City;
(c)
Any construction, alteration, demolition,
or removal affecting a significant exterior architectural feature
as specified in a historic resource survey or in the ordinance designating
the landmark or historic district.
(2)
Actions that do not alter the exterior
architectural appearance of a landmark or property within a historic
district, regardless of whether such actions require a building or
demolition permit, are exempt from the requirement for a certificate
of appropriateness.
(3)
Initiation of application. An application
for a certificate of appropriateness may be made by any person, firm,
or corporation, or by any office, department, board, bureau or Commission
requesting or intending to request application for a building or demolition
permit or by the City Council or the City staff at the direction of
the City Council.
B.
Application requirements.
(1)
The application for a certificate
of appropriateness shall be submitted on a form provided by the Office
of the Economic and Community Development Department.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
(2)
Applications shall conform to the requirements of § 44-1703. The information requested on the application is deemed to be a minimum, and the applicant may be required to supply additional information.
(3)
The following information shall be
provided on one more sheets.
(a)
Street address of the property involved.
(b)
Applicant and/or owner's name and
address.
(c)
Architect's name if one is utilized.
(d)
Brief description of the present
improvements situated on the property and photographs of existing
conditions.
(e)
A detailed description of the construction,
alteration or demolition proposed, together with any architectural
drawings or sketches if those services have been utilized by the applicant
and, if not, a description of the construction, alteration, or demolition,
sufficient to enable anyone to determine what the final appearance
of the improvement will be.
C.
Action by Historic Preservation Commission.
(1)
Every application for a certificate
of appropriateness, including the accompanying plans and specifications,
shall be transmitted to the Preservation Commission within 20 days
after the application is deemed complete, unless such time frame is
extended in writing by mutual agreement of the City and applicant.
[Amended 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
(2)
The Economic and Community Development
Department shall not issue the building or demolition permit for a
designated landmark or a property within a designated historic district
until a certificate of appropriateness has been issued by the Preservation
Commission.
D.
Standards for review. In considering an application for a building or demolition permit or for a certificate of appropriateness, the Preservation Commission shall be guided by the design guidelines in Subsection E and any guidelines established in the ordinance designating the landmark or historic district, as well as the following general standards:
(1)
Every reasonable effort shall be
made to provide a compatible use for a property that requires minimal
alteration of the building, structure, or site and its environment,
or to use a property for its originally intended purpose;
(2)
The distinguishing original qualities
or character of a building, structure, or site and its environment
shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic
material or distinctive architectural feature should be avoided when
possible;
(3)
All buildings, structures, and sites
shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that
have no historical basis and that seek to create an earlier appearance
shall be discouraged;
(4)
Changes that may have taken place
in the course of time are evidence of the history and development
of a building, structure, or site and its environment. These changes
may have acquired significance in their own right, and this significance
shall be recognized and respected;
(5)
Distinctive stylistic features or
examples of skilled craftsmanship that characterize a building, structure,
or site shall be treated with sensitivity;
(6)
Deteriorated architectural features
shall be repaired rather than replaced, wherever possible. In the
event replacement is necessary, the new material 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 duplication 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;
(7)
The surface cleaning of structures
shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible. Sandblasting
and other cleaning methods that will damage the historic building
materials shall not be undertaken;
(8)
Every reasonable effort shall be
made to protect and preserve archeological resources affected by,
or adjacent to, any project;
(9)
Contemporary design for alteration
and additions to existing properties shall not be discouraged when
such alterations and additions do not destroy significant historical,
architectural, or cultural material, and such design is compatible
with the size, scale, color, material, and character of the property,
neighborhood, or environment.
(10)
For landmarks, the Commission shall
ensure consistency with the Secretary of Interior's Guidelines for
the Treatment of Historic Properties and the Bloomington Architectural
Review Guidelines.
E.
Design guidelines. Design guidelines for
applying the criteria for review of certificates of appropriateness
shall, at a minimum, consider the following architectural criteria:
(1)
Height. The height of any proposed
alteration or construction should be compatible with the style and
character of the landmark and with surrounding structures in a historic
district;
(2)
Proportions of windows and doors.
The proportions and relationships between doors and windows should
be compatible with the architectural style and character of the landmark
and with surrounding structures within a historic district;
(3)
Relationship of building masses and
spaces. The relationship of a structure within a historic district
to the open space between it and adjoining structures should be compatible;
(4)
Roof shape. The design of the roof
should be compatible with the architectural style and character of
the landmark and of surrounding structures and landscapes in historic
districts;
(5)
Landscaping. Landscaping should be
compatible with the architectural character and appearance of the
landmark and of surrounding structures and landscapes in historic
districts;
(6)
Scale. The scale of the structure
after alteration, construction, or partial demolition should be compatible
with its architectural style and character and with surrounding structures
in a historic district;
(7)
Directional expression. Facades in
historic districts should blend with other structures with regard
to directional expression. Structures in a district should be compatible
with the dominant horizontal or vertical expression of surrounding
structures. The directional expression of a landmark after alteration,
construction, or partial demolition should be compatible with its
original architectural style and character;
(8)
Architectural details. Architectural
details including materials, colors, and textures should be treated
so as to make a landmark compatible with its original architectural
style and character and to preserve and enhance the architectural
style or character of a landmark or historic district.
F.
Conditions of approval. The Preservation
Commission may impose such conditions and restrictions upon the certificate
of appropriateness as may be necessary to comply with the standards
established in this section, to reduce or minimize the effect of such
upon a landmark or historic district, and to better carry out the
general intent of this ordinance.
G.
Certificate of economic hardship.
(1)
A certificate of economic hardship may be granted by the Preservation Commission when an applicant presents evidence clearly demonstrating that failure to approve a certificate of appropriateness will cause an immediate extreme financial hardship because of conditions specific to the particular structure that is the subject of the application. Upon granting a certificate of economic hardship, the commission may approve or conditionally approve a certificate of appropriateness even though it does not meet the standards set forth in Subsection D.
(2)
An application for a certificate
of economic hardship shall be made on a form prepared by the Economic
and Community Development Department. The applicant shall supply the
following minimum information in support of an application for a certificate
of economic hardship:
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
(a)
Estimate of the cost of the proposed
construction, alteration, demolition, or removal and an estimate of
any additional cost that would be incurred to comply with the recommendations
of the Preservation Commission for changes necessary for the issuance
of a certificate of appropriateness;
(b)
A report from a licensed engineer
or architect with experience in rehabilitation as to the structural
soundness of any structures on the property and their suitability
for rehabilitation;
(c)
Estimated market value of the property
in its current condition; after completion of the proposed construction,
alteration, demolition, or removal; after any changes recommended
by the Preservation Commission; and, in the case of a proposed demolition,
after renovation of the existing property for continued use;
(d)
In the case of a proposed demolition,
an estimate from an architect, developer, real estate consultant,
appraiser, or other real estate professional experienced in rehabilitation
as to the economic feasibility of rehabilitation or reuse of the existing
structure on the property;
(e)
Amount paid for the property, the
date of purchase, and the party from whom purchased, including a description
of the relationship, if any, between the owner of record or applicant
and the person from whom the property was purchased, and any terms
of financing between the seller and buyer;
(f)
If the property is income producing,
the annual gross income from the property for the previous two years;
itemized operating and maintenance expenses for the previous two years;
and depreciation deduction and annual cash flow before and after debt
service, if any, during the same period;
(g)
All appraisals obtained within the
previous two years by the owner or applicant in connection with the
purchase, financing, or ownership of the property;
(h)
Any listing of the property for sale
or rent, price asked and offers received, if any, within the previous
two years;
(i)
Assessed value of the property according
to the two most recent assessments;
(j)
Real estate taxes for the previous
two years;
(k)
Form of ownership or operation of
the property, whether sole proprietorship, for-profit or not-for-profit
corporation, limited partnership, joint venture, or other;
(l)
Any other information, including
the income tax brackets of the owner, applicant, or principal investors
in the property considered necessary by the Preservation Commission
to a determination as to whether the property does yield or may yield
a reasonable return to the owners.
(3)
The Preservation Commission shall
review all required evidence and information, conduct a public hearing,
and make a determination on the application within 45 days of receipt
of the completed application unless such time frame is extended in
writing by mutual agreement of the City and applicant.
[Amended 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
(4)
In order to grant a certificate of
economic hardship, the Preservation Commission must find that denial
of the proposed certificate of appropriateness would deprive a designated
landmark or property within a Historic District of all reasonable
use of or return.
(a)
In the case of a proposed removal,
relocation or demolition, the Preservation Commission must find that
the designated landmark cannot be remodeled or rehabilitated in a
manner that would allow a reasonable use of or return from such landmark
or property to a property owner.
(b)
The Preservation Commission or Director
of Economic and Community Development may order that the issuance
of a permit for removal, relocation, or demolition be delayed for
a period of up to 180 days in order that such steps may be taken as
are reasonably likely to result in the preservation of the building
or structure involved. These efforts may include consultation with
civic groups, public agencies, and interested citizens, and the exploration
of possible acquisition.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
H.
Decision of Preservation Commission.
(1)
The Preservation Commission shall
review the application for a certificate of appropriateness and issue
or deny the certificate of appropriateness within 45 days following
transmission of the completed application, unless such time frame
is extended in writing by mutual agreement of the City and applicant.
(2)
The Preservation Commission may establish a subcommittee of three of its members to review applications for a certificate of appropriateness when delay to the next regular meeting would create an unnecessary inconvenience to the applicant. A certificate of appropriateness may be issued with full authority of the Commission prior to the next regular meeting upon the signature of the Chairperson of the subcommittee or upon the signature of the review official with his or her written finding that the application is consistent with the standards described in this section. The Commission may further designate staff support responsible for reviewing routine applications for certificates of appropriateness when the proposed work is clearly appropriate and in accordance with the criteria set forth in Subsection D of this section.
(3)
Written notice of the approval or
denial of the application for a certificate of appropriateness shall
be provided to the applicant within seven days following the determination.
(4)
A denial of a certificate of appropriateness
shall be accompanied by a statement of the reasons for the denial.
The Preservation Commission shall make recommendations to the applicant
concerning changes, if any, in the proposed action that would cause
the Preservation Commission to reconsider its denial and shall confer
with the applicant and attempt to resolve as quickly as possible the
differences between the owner and the Preservation Commission. The
applicant may resubmit an amended application or reapply for a building
or demolition permit that takes into consideration the recommendations
of the Preservation Commission.
I.
Appeals.
(1)
Decisions of the Preservation Commission
on certificates of appropriateness and certificates of economic hardship
shall be final and reviewable only in the Court in accordance with
the applicable Statutes of the State of Illinois. (735 ILCS 5/3-101,
et seq.), However, the Preservation Commission's determination may
be appealed to the City Council if such application is rejected by
the vote of fewer than five members.
(2)
An applicant may appeal such decision
to the City Council by filing notice of intent to do so with the Economic
and Community Development Department within 30 days after receiving
notice of the decision of the Commission.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
(3)
An appeal from a final administrative
decision as defined herein shall be to the Circuit Court as provided
in the Administrative Review Act (735 ILCS 5/3-101 et seq.) For purposes
of the Illinois Administrative Review Act any of the following shall
constitute a final administrative decision:
(a)
A decision of the Bloomington City
Council finally disposing of the matter;
(b)
A decision of the Historic Preservation
Commission that is not subject to appeal under this section;
(c)
An appealable decision of the Historic
Preservation Commission that has not been appealed to the City Council
at the end of the time for appeal to the City Council.
A.
Applicability. Except for historic landmarks
and buildings located in a historic district, buildings shall be subject
to the requirements of this section where:
B.
Administrative review of demolition. Upon receipt of an application for a demolition permit, or a building permit involving demolition, the Director of Economic and Community Development shall review the application to determine if the building meets the criteria of Subsection A. If it does, the Director of Economic and Community Development shall:
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69; 10-24-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-99]
(1)
Notify the applicant in writing within
10 business days that the application for demolition must be reviewed
before proceeding.
(2)
Within 10 business days, forward
a copy of the application to the Preservation Commission chairperson
and any standing committee of the Preservation Commission that is
empowered to review demolition permits.
(a)
Within five days of a receipt of the copy of the application, the chairperson or duly authorized committee shall issue a preliminary recommendation regarding the granting of the demolition permit. If a favorable recommendation is issued, the demolition permit shall be issued. If the chairperson or committee determines that the building is potentially significant pursuant to the standards of § 44-804B, a recommendation may be made in opposition to granting the demolition permit.
(b)
If the chairperson or committee determines that the building is potentially significant, it shall schedule a public hearing before the Preservation Commission to consider the building's historical or architectural significance. Said hearing shall be conducted within 45 days of initial submittal of the permit application. The City shall give notice in the manner prescribed by § 44-1705.
[Amended 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
C.
Public hearing. The public hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures of § 44-1705.
[Amended 2-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
D.
Decision.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
(1)
If the building is determined to
be not significant, the Director of Economic and Community Development
shall cause such demolition or building permit to be issued, provided
that it complies with all other requirements of the Code.
(2)
If the building is significant, Director
of Economic and Community Development shall conduct a meeting between
the chairperson or committee and the owner (or his or her representative),
within 10 days of the public hearing, to discuss alternatives to demolition.
E.
Demolition.
(1)
The demolition review process shall
not delay the issuance of a demolition or building permit by more
than 60 days.
(2)
If no alternatives to demolition
have been identified and agreed to by the applicant within said sixty-day
period, the Director of Economic and Community Development shall cause
the demolition or building permit to be issued provided that it complies
with all other requirements of this Code.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
(3)
Nothing in this section shall be
construed to prevent immediate demolition or partial demolition where
public safety is at risk and where the building has been determined
by the Building Official to be a public hazard and demolition is the
only viable recourse.
[Amended 8-24-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-55; 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69; 10-24-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-99]
A.
Authority. The Zoning Board of Appeals
shall hear and decide appeals from an administrative order, requirement,
or determination made by the Director of Economic and Community Development.
B.
Initiation. An administrative appeal may
be taken to the Zoning Board of Appeals by any property owner, the
City Council, or parties to an enforceable purchase option contract
aggrieved by an administrative order, requirement decision, or determination
under this Code by the Director of Economic and Community Development,
provided the terms "any property owner" and "parties to an enforceable
purchase option contract" refer to persons with an ownership or contractual
interest in the parcel which is the subject of the administrative
order, requirement, decision or determination made by the Director
of Economic and Community Development.
C.
Application requirements. An administrative
appeal shall be filed made by filing a written notice of appeal, specifying
the grounds of the appeal, in the Economic and Community Development
Department. The appeal shall thereafter be forwarded to the Zoning
Board of Appeals within 20 days.
D.
Administrative public hearing. The Zoning
Board of Appeals shall conduct an administrative public hearing on
all appeals duly initiated hereunder.
(1)
In appeals to the Board from decisions
of the administrator denying a permit or declaring a structure to
be illegal, the Board's scope of review shall be limited to determining
whether or not the Administrator's decision is in accordance with
the requirements of this Code and applicable law and accordingly affirm
or reverse the appealed decision. The Board may direct the Administrator
to issue the permit or statement permitting the structure in accordance
with its decision or may remand the matter for further consideration
and investigation consistent with the Board's ruling.
E.
Decisions. All decisions of the Board of
Zoning Appeals on appeals initiated hereunder shall be final and reviewable
only in the Courts in accordance with the applicable Statutes of the
State of Illinois. However, the aggrieved party may appeal to the
City Council if his or her appeal is rejected by the vote of less
than five members of the Board of Zoning Appeals; the Director of
Economic and Community Development may appeal to the City Council
if he or she believes the Board's decision reversing his action violates
the intent of this Code. To receive consideration by the City Council,
the aggrieved party or the Director of Economic and Community Development
must file with the City Clerk a "Notice of Appeal" which shall be
substantially in one of the following forms:
Notice of Appeal of Zoning
Administration Interpretation
|
I, the undersigned, appealed an order,
requirement, decision or determination of the Director of Economic
and Community Development. Less than five members of the Zoning Board
of Appeals concurred in the action which rejected my appeal. I, therefore,
request that the City Council review the record of the Zoning Board
of Appeals' administrative public hearing and make a final administrative
determination thereon.
|
(Signature) __________
|
Notice of Appeal of Zoning
Board of Appeals Administrative Interpretation
|
The City of Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois Municipal Corporation, requests that the City Council review the record of the Zoning Board of Appeals' administrative public hearing and made a final administrative determination thereon. This request is based on my belief that the decision made by the Zoning Board of Appeals reversing my action violates the intent of Bloomington City Code Chapter 44.
|
(Signature)__________
|
(1)
If a Notice of Appeal is filed with
the aggrieved party or by the Director of Economic and Community Development
within 10 working days from the date on which the Zoning Board of
Appeals' decision, rule or order was served, the appeal shall be considered
by the City Council and the determination of the Council on the matter
shall be final. If no such Notice of Appeal is filed with the City
Clerk within said period, the action of the Zoning Board of Appeals
shall be final, even if taken by less than five concurring votes.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
A.
Duties. The Director of Economic and Community
Development shall administer and enforce this Code. He or she may
be provided with assistance of such other persons as the City Manager
may direct. In furtherance of such authority the Director of Economic
and Community Development, or his or her designee, shall:
(1)
Notify in writing any person responsible
for violating any of the provisions of this Code, indicating the nature
of the violation and ordering the action necessary to correct it;
(2)
Order discontinuance of illegal use
of land, buildings, or structures; removal of illegal buildings or
structures or of illegal additions, alterations, or structural changes;
discontinuance of any illegal work being done; or shall take any other
action authorized by this Code to ensure compliance with or to prevent
violation of its provisions;
(3)
Issue all building permits, and make
and maintain records thereof;
(4)
Issue all zoning compliance certificates
and make and maintain records thereof;
(5)
Issue all special use permits after
they are approved by the Council in accordance with 10 of this Code;
(6)
Issue all zoning verification letters
and maintain records thereof;
(7)
Conduct inspections of buildings,
structures, and use of land to determine compliance with this Code;
(8)
Maintain permanent and current records
pertaining to this Code, including but not limited to, maps, amendments,
plans, special uses, variations, appeals, and applications therefor;
and designate on the Official Zoning Map each amendment;
(9)
Provide and maintain a public information
bureau relative to all matters arising out of this Code;
(10)
Receive, file and forward to the
Zoning Board of Appeals all applications for appeals, special uses,
authorized variations, or other matters on which the Zoning Board
of Appeals is required to pass under this Code;
[Amended 10-24-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-99]
(11)
Forward to the Economic and Community
Development Department all applications for special use permits, amendments,
and other matters which are to be referred to the Zoning Board of
Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, or the Planning Commission.
[Amended 10-24-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-99]
B.
Building permit requirements. No building or other structure shall be erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered without a permit therefor issued by the Director of Economic and Community Development. No building permit shall be issued by the Director of Economic and Community Development except in conformity with the provisions of this Code and Chapters 10 and 24 of the Bloomington City Code, 1960, as amended, unless he or she receives a written order from the Zoning Board of Appeals in the form of an administrative review or variation or from the City Council in the form of a special use permit or amendment as provided by this Code.
[Amended 10-24-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-99]
A.
Purpose. A zoning verification letter may
be requested from the Economic and Community Development Department
by any individual seeking information about the zoning status of a
specific parcel of land.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
B.
Request.
(1)
The request for a zoning verification
shall be submitted in writing, and shall include the following:
(2)
If the request covers multiple parcels,
the Director of Economic and Community Development may determine that
each parcel is a separate request and assess additional fees.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
C.
Content. A zoning verification letter shall
be prepared based upon information on file in the Economic and Community
Development Department, and shall be limited to the following:
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
(1)
The future land use designation of
the property;
(2)
The current zoning district of the
property;
(3)
Verification that a particular use
is permitted within the property's current zoning district;
(4)
Information about special uses, variations,
planned unit developments or other parcel-specific regulations that
pertain to the site;
(5)
Zoning action, if any, that is needed
to permit a particular use;
(6)
Any current, outstanding violations
that are the subject of code enforcement action.
D.
Errors, inaccuracies or omissions. If the
Director of Economic and Community Development determines that a zoning
verification letter was based on inaccurate or misleading information
or if the zoning verification letter does not comply with this Code,
then, at any time, the Director may issue a modified letter that complies
with the Code or revoke the zoning verification letter. No refunds
will be provided.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
E.
Effect.
(1)
The zoning verification letter shall
not be construed to verify compliance of a parcel with development
regulations, parking, or landscaping requirements, or to certify legal
nonconforming status.
(2)
A zoning verification letter does
not authorize any development activity or use.
(3)
The determinations made within a
zoning verification letter are not subject to appeal.
A.
Compliance required. All land developed
or redeveloped, all buildings and structures erected, converted, enlarged,
reconstructed, moved, or structurally altered, and all land, buildings,
structures, and uses must comply with all applicable provisions of
this Code. Failure to comply with applicable provisions constitutes
a violation of this Code. The following list of violations is intended
to be illustrative, and not limited to the specific items.
(1)
Development or redevelopment violations.
(a)
Engaging in the development or redevelopment
of land in any way not consistent with the requirements of this Code.
(b)
Erecting a building or other structure
in any way not consistent with the requirements of this Code.
(c)
Failure to comply with any condition
or stipulation imposed on a permit or approval, including conditions
of approval for a map amendment, special use, site plan review, variation,
certificate of appropriateness, planned unit development, or other
approval.
(2)
Alterations to existing land, buildings
or structures violations.
(a)
Modifying, converting, filling, excavating,
removing, enlarging, reconstructing, moving or structurally altering
land, vegetation, fences, and other site features in any way except
as permitted by or pursuant to this Code.
(b)
Modifying, converting, enlarging,
reconstructing, demolishing, moving or structurally altering an existing
building or structure except as permitted by or pursuant to this Code.
(3)
Use violations.
(a)
Using land, buildings, or structures
in any way except as permitted by or pursuant to this Code.
(b)
Engaging in the use of a building
or land or any other activity requiring one or more permits, variance,
or other approval under this Code without obtaining all such permits,
variances, or approvals.
(4)
Compliance violations.
(a)
Failure to comply with any lawful
order issued by the Director of Economic and Community Development.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
(b)
Failure to arrange for an initial
inspection or a re-inspection to determine compliance with notices
issued under this Code.
(c)
Failure to comply with any permit,
variance, special use, planned development, or approval granted under
this Code.
(5)
Separate violation. Each act of violation
and each day upon which a violation occurs or remains shall constitute
a separate violation.
B.
Complaints. In case any building or structure
is constructed, reconstructed, altered, repaired, converted, or maintained,
or any building, structure or land is used in violation of this Code,
any person may file a written complaint. Such complaint stating fully
the causes and basis thereof shall be filed with the Director of Economic
and Community Development. The Director shall properly record such
complaint, immediately investigate and may, if a violation exists,
institute any appropriate action or proceeding to:
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
(1)
Prevent the unlawful construction,
reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance, or use;
(2)
Prevent the occupancy of the building,
structure, or land;
(3)
Prevent any illegal act, conduct,
business, or use in or about the premises;
(4)
Restrain, correct, or abate the violation;
or
(5)
Seek fines, court costs, and attorney
fees in administrative or circuit court.
C.
Enforcement process.
(1)
Basis of inspections. Inspections
shall be made to obtain and maintain compliance with the provision
of this Code based upon one or more of the following:
(a)
To determine conformity with a permit,
variation, special use or other approval, as well as any special conditions
imposed at any time.
(b)
The need to determine compliance
with a notice or an order issued by the City.
(c)
A complaint is received by the City,
indicating that there is a violation of the provisions of this chapter.
(d)
An observation by the City of a violation
of the provisions of this Code.
(e)
An emergency is observed or reasonably
believed to exist.
(f)
A request for an inspection is made
by the owner or responsible person.
(g)
Designation of an area where all
dwelling units, accessory building, yards, and/or signs are to be
inspected uniformly or intensively or for specific violations.
(2)
Content of violation notices. Violation
notices authorized by this chapter shall:
(a)
Be in writing.
(b)
Include a description of the real
estate and/or project name sufficient for identification.
(c)
Include a statement of the violation
or violations.
(d)
Include a correction order allowing
a reasonable time to correct the violation and bring the property
into compliance. If a Notice to Abate, the notice shall indicate that
the City may obtain a court order to abate the violation if not brought
into compliance, may charge the owner for the cost of abatement, and
may place a lien against the property for said costs until paid.
(e)
State that failure to comply with
the Notice may result in further enforcement action which may include
prosecution in administrative or circuit court to obtain fines and
court costs and/or injunctive relief.
(f)
Include a description of the right
to appeal, if applicable.
(3)
Method of service. A written notice
shall be deemed to be properly served in one of the following ways:
(4)
Posting. After issuing a written
notice, the City may, but is not required to, post a copy of the written
notice and/or a placard on the property.
(5)
Reasonable entry. If needed, inspections
inside a structure, building, dwelling, dwelling unit, or accessory
building shall be made during reasonable hours. Entry without consent
of an owner or an occupant shall require an administrative warrant,
or an order of the court as provided by State law.
D.
Penalties. The City may use any lawful
remedy or enforcement powers against the owner or responsible person
for any violation of this Zoning Ordinance. Remedies may be pursued
simultaneously or sequentially and the pursuit of one remedy does
not foreclose the simultaneous or subsequent pursuit of other remedies.
The remedies are cumulative, and the City shall have all power granted
from time to time under all applicable federal, state, and local laws,
rules, and regulations. Such remedies include, without limitation,
one or more of the following:
(1)
Fines, court order. The City may
bring and prosecute an action in administrative or circuit court to:
(a)
Obtain fines of from $100 to $750
per violation per day, plus court costs and attorney fees; and/or
(b)
Enjoin the owner or responsible person
from continuing such violation, use, erection, construction, moving
or alteration, which may include demolition, removal, or abatement
of the violation; and/or
(c)
Comply with the requirements of this
Code.
(2)
Withhold permit. The City may deny
or withhold any and all permits or other forms of authorization from
an applicant on any property where there is an uncorrected violation
of a provision of this Code or of a condition or stipulation of approval
for a permit or other authorization previously granted by the City.
(3)
Permit approved with conditions.
In addition to denying or withholding a permit or other authorization,
the City may grant such permit or other authorization subject to the
condition that the violation be corrected.
(4)
Temporarily suspend permit. A permit
or other form of authorization under this Code may be temporarily
suspended until the violation is corrected.
(5)
Revoke permit. A permit or other
form of authorization authorized under this Code may be revoked when
the Zoning Administrator determines that: a) there is departure from
the plans, specifications, or conditions required under the permit;
b) the permit or other form of authorization was procured by false
representation or was issued in error; or c) any of the provisions
of this Code are being violated. Any permit or other authorization
revoked under this procedure shall become null and void.
(6)
Cease and desist order. With or without
revoking a permit, the Director of Economic and Community Development
may issue a cease and desist order on any land, building or structure
for which there is an uncorrected violation of a provision of this
Code. The cease and desist order must be in writing and must state
the work in violation that is to be stopped, the reasons for the stoppage,
and the conditions under which the work may be resumed.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69]
(7)
Declaration of nuisance. A violation
of this chapter is a nuisance per se and the City may institute appropriate
actions or court proceedings to correct or abate any violation of
the provisions of this chapter. If the owner or responsible person
fails to abate a violation, the City may take action to abate the
violation. The abatement may be performed by the City, by a contract
vendor, or by other means determined by the City. The cost of such
action, plus an administrative fee, shall be a personal debt of the
owner, and may be assessed as a lien against the property until paid.
(8)
Performance guarantee or surety.
If a performance guarantee or surety was previously required as a
special condition by the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals,
City Council, or Zoning Administrator, the City may seek forfeiture
of the performance guarantee or surety.