Lincoln Central Association Zoning and Planning Committee

(ALSO SEE COMMITTEE NOTES )

LCA’s zoning and planning committee was formed in 2003 to ensure an open and fair process for developers and homeowners. We are committed to the conservation of historic buildings, as they contribute to the uniqueness and desirability of our neighborhoods. Builders are urged to preserve facades and/or entire buildings. We look favorably on projects that are comparable in quality, scale, and design with the historic homes and commercial buildings that make up our distinctive streetscapes. We strongly recommend space for mature trees and other greenery in the front and rear of homes. We oppose walled-in breezeways and other elements which adversely affect light, views and access. Beautification has long been a stated part of Lincoln Central’s mission.

We are a volunteer group of residents, approved by the LCA board. Our decisions are presented to the board, which approves them or asks us to reconsider, get more information, hold a public meeting, etc. Recommendations to the Alderman come from the LCA board.

Our meetings are open to the public.

Lincoln Central Association
Zoning & Planning Guidelines (2006)

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We meet mid month, Tuesday evenings, at 6 p.m. Lincoln Park High School, 2001 N. Orchard St., Room 103. See above schedule for exact dates. Typically, we meet 10 days before the Lincoln Central Assoc. monthly board meeting. Our meetings are open to the public.

If you are presenting to the committee, you’ll be given a 30 minute time slot for that evening. Typically we hear no more than four projects per evening. Please call Anne Moore (312) 787-0581 or Craig Saenger 773-401-1600 to be put on the agenda.

You must bring, and leave with us in some form:

1) a site plan
2) elevations indicating heights and materials
3) a list of the variations and/or exceptions you are seeking
4) contact information, including a street address

We would like to see copies of:

1) letters from neighbors indicating they are aware of your requests
2) photographs of the site and renderings of the proposed building; drawings in 11” x 17” format are acceptable
3) a streetscape: how the building sits/fits in with neighboring buildings
4) space indicated for garbage cans

Please note: We strongly oppose breezeways, raised decks, multistory outdoor staircases and masonry walls along property lines that consume rear yards and affect light, views, air and our city’s water system. Permeable green space, at grade, is preferred for rear yards. We feel that Chicago’s backyards and gardens are unique urban spaces that increase property values and foster communication between neighbors.

The zoning and planning committee reports to the Lincoln Central Assoc. board 10 days after our meeting. The board may ask us to call a community meeting, get more information, etc. before making a decision to support or reject an applicant’s proposal. The full LCA board votes on all projects that come before the zoning and planning committee. The property owner, Ald. Vi Daley and City Zoning Administrator Tom Smith are then promptly notified, in writing, of LCA’s decision.

Preservation Objectives:

• Retain historic structures
• Encourage preservation of historic structures while permitting
• compatible     new construction
• As an alternative to the demolition of historic structures, LCA would support     zoning increases
• Rehabilitation of existing structures, especially facades, by owners and/or developers is strongly encouraged, particularly those identified by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development as significant buildings, such as red-, orange- and green-rated buildings.

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