Park Ridge Appearance Commission Meeting - October 28, 2026

The Appearance Commission of Park Ridge, Illinois, met on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Commissioners Manningley, Stewart, Druco, and Lingan were present; Commissioner Kelly was absent. The meeting began with roll call and approval of the September 30, 2026 minutes as edited (one correction adding a vote tally to the consent agenda motion).

Consent Calendar

• The following cases were placed on the consent agenda and approved unanimously: GA-26-04 (New Garage at 421 Leonard), SF-25-10 REVISION (Single-Family Residence at 215 Stanley), SF-26-11 REVISION (Single-Family Residence at 13 N Merrill), SF-26-13 (Single-Family Residence at 829 Hastings – note: the application incorrectly listed 839, corrected during the meeting), CI-26-13 REVISION (Commercial Project at 42 Main St, Signage), and CI-26-15 (Commercial Project at 112 Main St, Signage).

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Sandrick, a 54-year resident at 409 S Clifton, expressed strong disapproval of the proposed homes at 525 and 529 S Clifton. He stated the two designs are “practically identical” and “cookie cutter,” calling it “shameful” for the block, which otherwise features a variety of new and remodeled homes. He urged the commission to exert more authority to prevent such lack of variety.

Discussion Items

• SA-26-13: Single-Family Alteration at 638 Ottawa – Commissioner questions about the proposed addition’s flat roof and visibility were clarified by the applicant: the addition is in the rear, not visible from the street, and is designed to accommodate a bathroom and laundry for elderly owners. Motion to approve as presented passed unanimously.
• SF-26-09: Single-Family Residence at 421 Leonard – Commissioners raised concerns about excessive verticality due to uniform board-and-batten siding, the trending white-and-black color scheme, and lack of side windows. Applicant agreed to two revisions: add horizontal lap siding on the gable roofs and widen the board-and-batten spacing on the front bays, and increase transom window height. Motion to approve with those revisions passed unanimously.
• SF-26-12: Single-Family Residence at 1306 Grove – Concerns were raised that the bright white exterior would not be compatible with the neighborhood’s warmer tones (browns, yellows, reds). The owner, who initially wanted white, agreed to choose a warmer, non-white color. Also noted that the garage is side-loaded due to an oddly shaped lot. Motion to approve subject to changing the exterior color to a warmer tone (not bright white) passed unanimously.
• SF-26-14 (525 S Clifton) and SF-26-15 (529 S Clifton) – Both cases were pulled from the consent agenda in response to public comment. The applicant highlighted differences: 525 is all brick with cream tones and metal roof, while 529 is siding with a wraparound porch and different window colors. Commissioners felt the designs were sufficiently distinct. Motions to approve each as presented passed separately, both unanimously.

Other Business

• The commission discussed the growing trend of white-and-black modern farmhouse designs, noting that many new homes presented are of this style, leading to a lack of architectural variety. Commissioners acknowledged the difficulty of enforcing color/material preferences under current guidelines, which lack “teeth.” They agreed to continue raising the issue but recognized limited ability to reject projects if applicants insist.
• Discussion also covered an earlier case where a front “exercise room” with a garage door was approved to circumvent guidelines about garage dominance. Commissioners expressed concern about such loopholes and the need to update guidelines.
• Staff provided an update on mural guidelines: the appearance commission will serve as a recommending body for murals on public buildings only (city, parks, schools). No applications are expected soon.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda (6 items) approved unanimously.
• SA-26-13 approved as presented (unanimous).
• SF-26-09 approved with revisions (unanimous).
• SF-26-12 approved with condition to change exterior color to a warmer, non-white tone (unanimous).
• SF-26-14 approved as presented (unanimous).
• SF-26-15 approved as presented (unanimous).
• Meeting adjourned.