Cook County Zoning and Building Committee Meeting - March 11, 2026

The Cook County Zoning and Building Committee met on March 11, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. with Chairman presiding. Roll call was taken, establishing a quorum with 14 members present, three absent (Commissioners Britton, Moore, and Kevin Morrison excused), and one participating remotely (Commissioner Marita). A motion to allow remote participation passed 14-3.

Public Comments & Testimony

• George Blake Moore, a public speaker, criticized zoning practices, alleging that zoning decisions negatively impact the black community and that any zoning can be obtained in Chicago and Cook County through a "pay to play" system. He expressed concerns about corruption and lack of checks and balances, urging the chair to enforce professional conduct among committee members.

Discussion Items

• Item 26-0971 – Approval of Minutes (February 4, 2026): A motion to approve the minutes was made by Vice Chair Sean Morrison and seconded by Commissioner Britton. The motion passed via voice vote with no objections.
• Item 26-0734 – Special Use (SU 25002) for a Dunkin’ Donuts Drive-Through: Located at the southwest corner of Grand Avenue and Marion Avenue in unincorporated Franklin Park (Section 30). The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) recommended approval, and Township Supervisor Rocco Pascalio stated the business would be an asset to the area. A motion to approve was made by Vice Chair Sean Morrison and seconded by Commissioner Scott. The roll call vote resulted in 14 ayes and 3 absences (Commissioners Moore, Kevin Morrison excused, and Vasquez). Motion passed.
• Item 26-0735 – Variance (V 250056) for a Single-Family Residence: At 690 Echo Drive / Echo Lane, Palatine, Illinois. The applicant sought to reduce the minimum required lot width from 150 feet to the existing 100 feet to construct a new single-family home on a well and septic system. The ZBA recommended the variance. A motion to approve was made by Vice Chair Sean Morrison and seconded by Commissioner McCaskill. The roll call vote was 14 ayes and 3 absent (Commissioners Moore, Kevin Morrison excused, and Vasquez). Motion passed.

Key Outcomes

• All three agenda items were approved: minutes from February 4, 2026, special use for a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-through, and a variance for a residential lot in Palatine.
• The meeting adjourned without further discussion, upon a motion by Vice Chair Morrison, seconded by Commissioner Scott.