OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting – June 18, 2026: Approval of Duplex at 1216 Fairview Avenue

Meeting PortalThursday, June 18, 2026
BodyJoliet, Illinois
SessionMeeting Portal
DateThursday, June 18, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 17:39
Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Okay.

0:02

I'm gonna kick I'll kick this off.

0:04

So welcome to the zoning board of appeals meeting for Thursday, June 18th of 2026.

0:12

Um first we will have a call to order roll call.

0:18

Yes.

0:20

Mr.

0:20

Bias.

0:22

Mr.

0:22

Leon.

0:24

Mr.

0:25

Noctree?

0:26

Here.

0:27

Ms.

0:27

Radokovich.

0:28

Ms.

0:29

Schmig?

0:30

Here.

0:30

Mr.

0:31

Stiff.

0:31

Here.

0:33

All right, we have quorum.

0:35

Um before we proceed tonight or today, uh, it's not evening yet.

0:40

Um, we do need to take a vote among the ZBA members who are present today for a chair for this meeting.

0:49

I'd like to nominate Bob Knacktree.

0:52

I second.

0:54

Okay, we have a motion and a second for Mr.

0:57

Bob Noctriebe to serve as chair for this meeting today.

1:02

Any discussion?

1:05

All right, please pull the board.

1:07

Mr.

1:08

Leon.

1:10

Mr.

1:11

Noctreet.

1:12

I abstain.

1:14

Ms.

1:15

Radakovich.

1:16

Aye.

1:17

Ms.

1:17

Schmeg.

1:18

Aye.

1:19

Mr.

1:19

Stiff.

1:20

Aye.

1:21

Okay.

1:24

Next on the agenda is the approval of the minutes for the May 21st, 2026 Zoning Board of Appeals.

1:35

Motion to approve.

1:36

Second.

1:40

Mr.

1:41

Leon.

1:42

Hi.

1:43

Ms.

1:43

Radakovich.

1:44

Aye.

1:44

Ms.

1:45

Schmeg.

1:45

Aye.

1:46

Mr.

1:46

Stiff.

1:47

Aye.

1:47

Chairman Noctrie.

1:49

Aye.

1:52

So that was.

1:54

Minutes have been approved.

1:57

What do I do next?

1:58

Call the roll, right?

2:00

No.

2:00

We did the roll, so I can next is citizens to be heard on agenda items.

2:05

I can read this off if you'd like.

2:07

So this section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding items listed on the agenda except for items listed under public hearing.

2:15

Everything we have on the agenda today is a public hearing, so if you're here for one of those items, you can speak during that time.

2:27

Staff in the zoning board of appeals do not generally respond to public comments.

2:38

Okay.

2:40

With that, we can move to old business public hearing.

3:00

So we have these are petitions 2026-7, 2026-8, and 2026-9.

3:08

The applicant and owner of the property is Mr.

3:11

Robert Casey.

3:12

The location is 1216 Fairview Avenue, and this is council district number four.

3:19

The requests.

4:38

A variation to reduce the required side yard setback on the north side from eight feet to six feet.

4:45

A variation to reduce the required lot width from 60 feet to 50 feet wide.

4:52

A variation to reduce the required lot area from 7,500 square feet to 6,565 square feet.

5:00

A variation to reduce the required lot area from 7,500 square feet to 6,565 square feet, and a variation to reduce the required lot area per family from 7,500 square feet to 3,282.5 square feet per family.

5:14

The variation of use request and special use permit requests must be considered by the city council following the recommendation of the zoning board of appeals.

5:23

The zoning board of appeals makes the final decision on these variation requests.

5:30

For site specific information, the subject property is a vacant lot within the Forest Park neighborhood.

5:36

The property previously had a single family house but has been vacant but has been a vacant lot for the past few decades.

5:44

The property is zoned R2 single family residential, as are the surrounding properties.

5:51

The vacant lot is approximately 6,565 square feet in size and has a 50-foot lot width.

5:59

It is therefore a non-conforming lot in the R2 zoned and as R2 zoned lots require a minimum lot area of 7,500 square feet as well as a lot width of 60 feet.

6:12

For surrounding zoning land use and character, all nearby properties are zoned R2 single family residential zoning.

6:19

The property directly across from the subject site is zoned R3 1 and 2 family residential.

6:26

For applicable regulations, we have Section 47-6, R2 single family residential district, Section 47-7, which is R3 1 and 2 family residential district, Section 47-1728, and that is for variation of use.

6:46

For discussion, the petitioner wishes to construct a two-story duplex on the existing vacant lot.

6:52

The proposed structure would have a front yard setback of 12 feet, which is subject to this variation request, and a 50-foot rear yard setback, which exceeds the 25-foot rear yard setback requirement, or in other words, it meets our requirement.

7:09

The proposed structure would have a side yard setback of six feet, which is subject to this variation request, as the minimum required side yard setback is eight feet for a two-story structure.

7:20

His proposal includes four off-street tenant parking spaces at the rear of the property.

7:27

Each unit in the proposed duplex will be 1,100 square feet in size.

7:32

Each unit will maintain a separate entrance with unit one's entrance at the front and unit two at the rear.

7:38

Each unit will have living space, including a half bath on the first floor and three bedrooms and full bath on the second floor.

7:47

The petitioner intends for the units to be renter occupied and both units will be enrolled in the rental inspection program.

7:54

The site plan, building renderings along with elevations are included in the staff report packet.

8:01

For recommended action, staff recommends considering the variation of use, special use and variation requests separately in voting on these requests as separate items.

8:12

Staff does not find that the variation of use request for a two-unit in a single family zoning district meets the criteria for hardship or practical difficulties.

8:21

However, the proposed two unit or however the proposed two-story duplex would not alter the essential character of the area as the area has a mix of one and two-story buildings.

8:34

The property will also accommodate the required number of off-street parking spaces.

8:39

Staff finds that the proposal meets the criteria for a special use permit.

8:44

The establishment of a two-story structure would not be detrimental to the health or general welfare of the public, nor will it impede the use and enjoyment of neighboring properties.

8:57

The approval of the variation of use, special use, and variation on lot area per family would allow one additional dwelling unit within the neighborhood.

9:07

Staff supports the variation request to reduce the required front yard setback of the proposed structure from 30 feet to 12 feet as it would enable the proposed structure to better align with the existing setbacks of the adjacent properties, and it would allow more usable rear lot space for off-street parking and tenant enjoyment.

9:28

Staff also supports the variation request for lot width reduction and lot area reduction as it enables the possibility for a future residential structure on this lot.

9:38

While staff does not find a hardship for the variation to reduce the side yard setback from eight feet to six feet, staff does not find that it would alter the essential character of the area as there are other examples of this side yard setback in the neighborhood.

10:00

If the zoning board of appeals desires to approve the special use permit and variation of use to allow a duplex in R3, one and two family residential use in the R2 single family residential zoning district.

10:09

Staff recommends that the following conditions would be included.

10:13

One that a building permit shall be applied for and approved prior to any construction commencing.

10:21

Two, that the property shall be enrolled in and comply with the city's rental inspection program, and three that the use of the property shall not be expanded in the future.

10:35

And before I conclude staff's report, I I did start off the conclusion by stating that we would recommend taking separate votes.

10:42

Um my recommendation would be to consider the the variation of use, special use permit, and then the variation on lot area per family as kind of one vote.

10:56

Um you could vote on all of those at the same time because they are about whether or not a two-unit would be allowed at this location, and then the other variances you can think of could go together, so that could be a second vote.

11:09

So those are about the placement of a structure.

11:12

So what you know, outside of the use would a structure regardless of the use and side, would that meet um what you feel like that would be appropriate at this location?

11:23

So that would be our recommendation is to think about um the variances and and special use and variation of use in that way.

11:30

And we I can help with that when the time comes too.

11:33

Okay.

11:34

And that concludes staff's report.

11:36

Okay.

11:37

Is the petitioner here for this item?

11:40

You step forward, please.

11:46

Do you swear that any statements you make will be true?

11:50

I do.

11:51

Okay.

11:52

Please state your name and address for the record.

11:55

Robert Casey, owner of 1216, Fairview Adam.

11:58

Can you touch the microphone to make sure?

12:01

Okay.

12:02

We can't hear you.

12:03

You may put a little bit closer to you, yeah.

12:05

Can you hear it?

12:05

Yeah, that's better.

12:06

That's better.

12:07

Um, any questions for us or comments which you'd like to make?

12:12

Uh not really.

12:14

I I think uh think you guys did a did a great job cover covering everything.

12:20

Is more is more or less do you have questions for me?

12:25

Um, I think everything was was covered you know pretty well.

12:29

Okay.

12:30

Oh, do we have any comments or questions for this petitioner?

12:35

The question I have, I didn't hear what uh your address.

12:38

Are you a neighbor of this uh proposed new home or new homes?

12:43

Well I I yeah, I I live here here in Juliet.

12:46

Okay, yes, right next door.

12:47

Did you see no uh no?

12:50

I have a property next door as well.

12:52

Okay, yeah.

12:54

Okay.

12:55

Any comments or questions from the audience?

13:02

Okay, hearing none.

13:04

How about a motion for this petition?

13:09

Would you like to which um what what's like again?

13:13

What's that would you like to tackle first?

13:16

If you could read those again, uh or just suggest which ones we should couple and which one is alone.

13:22

Sure.

13:23

I guess we I would recommend starting with the variation requests, so um, and those would be the and the you could refer to the first part of your staff report packet under purpose, so that would be a variation to reduce the front yard setback from 30 to 12 feet, a variation to reduce the side yard setback from eight feet to six feet, a variation to reduce the required lot width from sixty feet to fifty feet, and a variation to reduce the required lot area from seven thousand five hundred square feet to six thousand five hundred and sixty-five square feet.

14:02

So that would I would recommend taking that vote first.

14:06

Okay.

14:07

Um questions from anybody.

14:12

Is there a motion to in order for this petition?

14:16

I motion to approve.

14:19

Second.

14:21

We have a motion that's been seconded, call the roll, please.

14:25

Ms.

14:25

Radakovich.

14:26

I miss Schmidt?

14:27

Aye.

14:28

Mr.

14:28

Staff.

14:29

I.

14:30

Mr.

14:30

Leon.

14:31

I'm Chairman Dr.

14:34

You.

14:35

Aye.

14:36

Okay, so those those set of variances passed.

14:40

Um, I would recommend taking actually this will be three votes.

14:44

The second variation request is to reduce, and this goes with the use, but since it is a variation, we should take that separately.

14:52

So the second vote would be a variation to reduce the required lot area per family from 7,500 square feet to 3,282.5 square feet from fam per family.

15:06

So it gets back to a two-unit use.

15:09

Okay.

15:09

Any comments or questions from board members or from the audience?

15:16

If not, um how about a motion in order for this petition?

15:20

Motion to approve.

15:21

Second.

15:22

It's been motioned and seconded.

15:25

Call the roll, please.

15:26

Ms.

15:26

Schmig.

15:27

Aye.

15:28

Mr.

15:28

Stiff.

15:29

Aye.

15:30

Mr.

15:30

Leone.

15:31

Aye.

15:33

Ms.

15:33

Rudakovich.

15:34

Aye.

15:34

Chairman Noctreed?

15:36

Aye.

15:37

Okay.

15:39

All right.

15:39

The third set of votes would be for a variation of use for an R31 and two family residential use and in the R2 single family residential zoning district, as well as a special use permit to allow a duplex.

15:58

Motion to approve.

15:59

Second.

16:01

Call the roll, please.

16:03

Mr.

16:03

Stiff?

16:04

Aye.

16:05

Mr.

16:05

Leone?

16:06

Aye.

16:07

Ms.

16:07

Radakovich.

16:08

Aye.

16:08

Ms.

16:09

Schmig?

16:09

Aye.

16:10

Chairman Noctreed?

16:11

Aye.

16:12

Okay.

16:14

So the variances are approved here at the zoning board of appeal level.

16:18

And then this request for a variation of use and special use permit will move on to the city council with a recommendation of approval from the zoning board of appeals.

16:30

The date of the the city council meeting, um, we will keep you updated, but they do meet the first and um third Tuesdays of the month.

16:38

So July would be your your dates that you were looking at, but we will let you know which one it gets scheduled for.

16:44

Okay.

16:45

Thank you.

16:46

Thank you.

16:51

Do we have any other business to consider?

16:56

No.

16:56

So we have nothing under new business public hearing.

17:00

Nothing under old new business, not for final action or recommendation, which brings us to public comments.

17:08

Is there anyone here wishing to speak regarding non-agenda items?

17:16

Okay, which brings us to adjournment.

17:19

Is there a motion, please for adjournment?

17:21

So moved.

17:22

Second.

17:23

Call the roll.

17:25

Mr.

17:25

Leon.

17:26

Aye.

17:27

Ms.

17:27

Radakovich.

17:28

Aye.

17:29

Ms.

17:29

Schmid.

17:30

Aye.

17:30

Mr.

17:30

Stiff?

17:31

Aye.

17:32

Chairman Noctreed.

17:33

Aye.

17:36

All right, meeting adjourned.

17:37

Thank you.

17:38

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning And Land Use█████████████████████████████████████████████82%
Procedural██████████18%
Summary of Proceedings

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting – June 18, 2026

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) met on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers to consider three petitions (2026-07, 2026-08, 2026-09) for a proposed duplex at 1216 Fairview Avenue. The board unanimously approved all petitions, including a series of variations to zoning standards, a variation of use, and a special use permit. The variation of use and special use permit will be forwarded to the Joliet City Council with a recommendation of approval.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of May 21, 2026 Minutes: A motion was made by Jane McGrath Schmig, seconded by Jesse Stiff, and carried unanimously (5-0, with Ralph Bias absent) to approve the minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • No members of the public spoke in favor of or in opposition to the petitions. The petitioner, Robert Casey, appeared and stated that the staff report covered everything; he had no additional comments. No questions were raised by the audience.

Discussion Items

  • Staff Report: Staff Planning Manager Jayne Bernhard read the report into the record. The requests for 1216 Fairview Avenue, a vacant non-conforming lot in an R-2 (single-family residential) district, included:
    • Variations to reduce the front yard setback from 30 to 12 feet, side yard setback from 8 to 6 feet, lot width from 60 to 50 feet, lot area from 7,500 to 6,565 square feet, and lot area per family from 7,500 to 3,282.5 square feet.
    • A variation of use to allow an R-3 (one- and two-family residential) use in the R-2 district.
    • A special use permit to allow a duplex. Staff recommended separate votes: (1) variations for lot dimensions and setbacks, (2) variation for lot area per family, and (3) variation of use and special use permit together. Staff noted that the variation of use did not meet the criteria for hardship or practical difficulties but supported the special use permit and other variations, stating the proposal would not alter the essential character of the area.
  • Board Deliberation: The board followed staff's recommendation for three separate votes. Board members had no further questions for the petitioner. The board unanimously approved each item.

Key Outcomes

  • Variations (setbacks, lot width, lot area): Motion by Jane McGrath Schmig, seconded by Debbie Radakovich, to approve the four variations. Passed 5-0 (Nachtrieb, Radakovich, McGrath Schmig, Stiff, Leon aye; Bias absent). These are final at the ZBA level.
  • Variation to reduce lot area per family (from 7,500 to 3,282.5 sq ft per family): Motion by Debbie Radakovich, seconded by Jesse Stiff, to approve. Passed 5-0.
  • Variation of Use and Special Use Permit: Motion by Debbie Radakovich, seconded by Jane McGrath Schmig, to approve. Passed 5-0. These two items will be forwarded to the Joliet City Council with a recommendation of approval. The petitioner was informed that the City Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, with a possible scheduling in July 2026.

Note: The meeting began with a vote to elect Bob Nachtrieb as temporary chairman due to the vacant chairman position and the absence of Vice Chairman Ralph Bias.

Meeting Transcript

Okay. I'm gonna kick I'll kick this off. So welcome to the zoning board of appeals meeting for Thursday, June 18th of 2026. Um first we will have a call to order roll call. Yes. Mr. Bias. Mr. Leon. Mr. Noctree? Here. Ms. Radokovich. Ms. Schmig? Here. Mr. Stiff. Here. All right, we have quorum. Um before we proceed tonight or today, uh, it's not evening yet. Um, we do need to take a vote among the ZBA members who are present today for a chair for this meeting. I'd like to nominate Bob Knacktree. I second. Okay, we have a motion and a second for Mr. Bob Noctriebe to serve as chair for this meeting today. Any discussion? All right, please pull the board. Mr. Leon. Mr. Noctreet. I abstain. Ms. Radakovich. Aye. Ms. Schmeg. Aye. Mr. Stiff. Aye. Okay. Next on the agenda is the approval of the minutes for the May 21st, 2026 Zoning Board of Appeals. Motion to approve. Second. Mr. Leon. Hi.

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