Oswego Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting - March 13, 2026

The Oswego Planning and Zoning Commission met on March 13, 2026, to consider a text amendment to subdivision regulations, a special use permit for a motor vehicle rental, and a concept plan for the Parksmith Run residential development. The meeting also included a public forum and an economic development presentation.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (February 5, 2026): Motion carried with one abstention (Terry Anderson). All other members voted yes.

Public Hearings

Subdivision and Development Control Regulations Text Amendment (Project 1304)

• Staff proposed clarifying changes to the watershed development permit requirements, stormwater drainage calculation details, and updated construction details. No public comments. Commission unanimously approved staff's recommendation.

Special Use Permit for Motor Vehicle Rental (Project 1301.26) – The Motor House

• Petitioner Vaco Motor Sports LLC requested a special use permit to add motor vehicle rentals at 4100 Route 71, with a maximum of three rental vehicles on site. Staff recommended approval. No public comments. Commission unanimously approved.

Discussion Items

Concept Plan for Parksmith Run (Project 1306.26)

• Petitioner D.R. Horton presented a revised concept plan for the 107.5-acre site north of Route 34, west of Orchard Road. The original 2007 approval allowed 154 single-family homes, 88 townhomes, and 7 acres of park. The new proposal increases single-family homes to 210 (on 80-foot and 65-foot lots) and reduces townhomes to 76, with a 4.9-acre park (reduced from 7 acres) and 7.5 acres of commercial. The plan includes connections to existing streets (Lewis, Edith, Heatherwood) and a trail connection to Gates Creek West.
• Commission discussion: Several commissioners expressed concerns:
  • David Roode suggested removing homes around the park to increase park size and reduce density.
  • Rick Coon opposed connectivity to the unincorporated Linwood subdivision, citing narrow roads and potential cut-through traffic.
  • Tom Collins recommended increasing the minimum lot width from 65 feet to 70 feet to reduce density.
  • Charlie Pager supported connectivity and noted that traffic engineers advise against stop signs for speed control.
  • Other commissioners appreciated the buffering of larger lots along the north and west boundaries.
• A motion was made to recommend approval of the concept plan with a condition that the smaller lot sizes be increased to a minimum 70-foot width. The motion was seconded, but before a vote could be taken, the meeting proceeded to public forum. No vote was recorded on the concept plan.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A resident of the Linwood subdivision (unincorporated) expressed concerns about connectivity, traffic, tree removal, fencing continuity, and school overcrowding (Yorkville schools). She noted that the park west of Orchard is underserved and urged the commission to consider the impact on existing residents.
• John (last name not given) spoke about a conservation easement proposal along the Fox River, suggesting a purchase of riverfront footage for a bike path and water gardens. He also raised concerns about soil and water table conditions given the high water table in the area and referenced past flooding.

Key Outcomes

• Approved text amendment to subdivision regulations (unanimous).
• Approved special use permit for motor vehicle rental at 4100 Route 71 (unanimous).
• Concept plan for Parksmith Run: A motion to recommend approval with a condition to increase lot widths to 70 feet was made and seconded, but no vote was taken. The item may be continued to a future meeting.

Other Business

• Economic Development Director Kevin Lighty presented an overview of the department, site selection process, current priorities, and upcoming projects (Trader Joe's, Dutch Bros Coffee, HomeGoods, etc.). He answered questions about restrictive covenants and downtown development.

Adjournment

• Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00 PM. Next meeting scheduled for April 9, 2026.