Planning Building Zoning and Environment Committee Meeting - September 30, 2026

The Planning Building Zoning and Environment Committee met on September 30, 2026, at 5:00 AM (UTC) to discuss several agenda items including text amendments to subdivision regulations, the annual evaluation of the All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, and a presentation on the results of the ARPA-funded tree planting program. No public comments were made. The meeting was called to order by Chair Altenberg, roll call was taken, and the consent agenda was approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was moved by Member Campos, seconded by Member Kenisneck, and passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were provided.

Discussion Items

8.3 – Text Amendments to Chapter 151 (Subdivisions)

• Krista Brown from Planning, Building and Development explained that the board had previously approved a resolution directing the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to hold a public hearing on draft comprehensive amendments to Chapter 151 (the unified development ordinance). Staff has completed the process, and the public hearing for the full packet is scheduled for that afternoon.
• The committee voted to schedule and conduct the public hearing. Motion by Member Schlick, second by Member Kenisneck, passed unanimously.

8.4 – Annual Evaluation Report of the All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan & CRS Recertification

• Eric Wagner, Director of Planning Building and Development, introduced Joel Crow who presented the 2025 annual evaluation for the 2022 All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. Lake County is a Class 6 community in the Community Rating System (CRS), entitling unincorporated residents to a 20% discount on flood insurance premiums (up to 20% discount). The discount represents approximately $165,000 in annual savings across 660 policies.
• Joel Crow reported that the county maintains a voluntary floodplain property buyout program; currently, a grant is under review for buying out three homes. Since 1997, over 200 properties have been acquired through the program.
• Public outreach to repetitive loss areas is conducted annually, and coordination with the Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) and township highway commissioners continues.
• Member Wasick asked about achieving a higher CRS rating (Class 5). Joel Crow and Sharon Osterby (SMC) explained that moving to Class 5 would require approximately 300 additional points, and many small actions yield only 5–10 points, making it labor-intensive. They continue to evaluate cost-benefit tradeoffs.
• Member Schlick inquired about insurance agent awareness of the discount. Staff noted that many agents are unaware, and education efforts include mailings, website updates, and library brochures. FEMA’s data reporting has become less reliable; the last policy count was received in October 2025. Staff expressed concern about federal funding for the discount but have not seen evidence of interruption.
• Member Frank asked about verification of discount application. Staff explained that the community number triggers the discount, but residents may not be informed directly. The committee discussed additional outreach to lenders and insurance brokers.
• The resolution was moved by Member Frank, second by Member Wasick, and passed unanimously.

8.5 – Director’s Report

• Eric Wagner reported that three zoning amendment packets (ADU-related, sustainable development incentives, and comprehensive amendments) will be heard by the ZBA that afternoon. Anticipated committee review at the October 28 meeting and board action in November.

8.6 – Results of the 2024–2026 Tree Planting Program

• Robin Hallgram, Sustainability Programs Manager, presented outcomes of the first program under the Lake County Tree Initiative, funded by ARPA. The program planted 2,350 trees across 672.42 acres on 38 sites in 19 jurisdictions. Sites included municipalities, park districts, townships, libraries, and other public lands impacted by stormwater.
• Key requirements: high species richness (no more than 20% of any single species to prevent pest vulnerability), minimum caliper size of 1.25 inches, spacing of 15–20 feet (larger for oaks/hickories), and maintenance agreements for three years.
• Estimated benefits at full maturity (20 years): 289,800 lbs CO2 sequestered, 278,300 gallons stormwater absorbed, and 1,000 lbs of air pollutants filtered annually.
• Outreach kits with branded materials were provided to each site. The program aligns with the recently adopted Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Plan. Next steps include continued planting with Delta Institute (25 trees this fall in Winthrop Harbor and North Chicago), collaboration with other county departments, and pursuit of additional grants.
• Member Wasick requested a district-level breakdown of planting locations for newsletters. Robin agreed to provide the data.
• Member Frank asked about future replication. Robin noted that the program was limited by ARPA funds, but other grants and partnerships are being pursued.
• Member Campos asked about the acreage calculation; the 672 acres was based on spacing requirements provided in applications.
• Member Wasick inquired about partnerships with Chicago Regional Tree Initiative and Morton Arboretum; Robin confirmed ongoing communication and use of their priority maps.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to schedule public hearing on amendments to Chapter 151 (subdivisions) passed unanimously.
• Resolution accepting the 2025 annual evaluation report of the All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan and directing posting and press release for CRS recertification passed unanimously.
• The tree planting program presentation was received with appreciation; staff will provide district-level planting data to committee members.
• No other actions were taken.