Park Ridge Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting - July 28, 2026

The Planning and Zoning Commission met on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered approval of previous minutes, withdrawal of a major development application, a continuance for a site plan review, and a public hearing on a zoning text amendment to define murals. The City Council Liaison provided updates on recent council actions. The meeting adjourned after approximately one hour.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes – June 23, 2026: The minutes were approved unanimously by voice vote after a motion and second, with no corrections. Commissioner Schubert was exempt as a new member.

Development Cases

• MA-26-04 and PUD-26-02 (809 W Touhy Ave and adjacent properties): This application for a hotel and multi-family development was withdrawn by the applicant. Staff noted the applicant intends to reapply with substantially different changes, requiring a new case number and public notice.
• ZPR-26-10 – Site Plan Review at 245 Vine Avenue: The applicant requested a continuance. The item had previously gone to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), which recommended approval of a parking variance but denial of an additional townhome. Staff advised the applicant to first seek City Council action on the variances. The commission voted unanimously to continue the case to September 15, 2026 (the August 11, 2026 meeting was cancelled).

Public Hearing & Action

• ZA-26-01 – Zoning Text Amendment for Mural Definition: The commission held a public hearing. Staff planner Claudia Hampel and summer intern Sarah explained that City Council is advancing a mural program limited to publicly owned buildings. The text amendment (red-lined version provided) only adds a definition of "mural" to the zoning ordinance to distinguish murals from signs. A mural is defined as an image on the exterior of a building that does not depict letters, products, logos, or similar elements related to the business on the property. The program itself is a separate resolution. During discussion, commissioners raised concerns that the definition does not explicitly limit murals to publicly owned buildings and that it could be interpreted to allow murals on private structures (e.g., retaining walls, underpasses). Staff offered to forward a recommendation to include "other suitable structures" but noted the program already restricts locations. After public comment (none offered), the commission voted unanimously (6-0) to recommend approval of the amendment as drafted, with no modifications. The motion stated the amendment clarifies the definition and serves the current program.

City Council Liaison Report

• Joseph Steinfelds reported on City Council and Committee of the Whole meetings from July 6 and July 20, 2026. Key items included:
  • Passage of a school zone speed limit adjustment on Talcott near Roosevelt Elementary.
  • A decision not to create a parking permit area for the Morris Meacham area.
  • Updates to weed ordinances to align with state law.
  • Discussion on flock camera systems.
  • The mural discussion at the July 20 Committee of the Whole meeting, which led to the text amendment before the commission.
  • An update on the city’s eminent domain action (ongoing negotiations; a brief report expected at the August 3 City Council meeting).

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved (unanimous).
• Continuance granted for ZPR-26-10 to September 15, 2026 (unanimous).
• Mural definition amendment recommended for approval (unanimous, 6-0 vote). The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council.
• Next meeting: August 11, 2026 was cancelled; the next regular meeting is August 25, 2026 (subject to change).