LCA ZONING & PLANNING COMMITTEE

History

LCA’s Zoning and Planning Committee was formed in 2003 to ensure an open and fair process for developers and homeowners. The Committee is a volunteer group of residents approved by the LCA Board. All recommendations and decisions are presented to LCA’s Board for approval.

LCA’s Zoning Committee meets:

When: Second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m.
Where: 1973 N. Halsted at The Marquee Lounge (in the rear)

ALL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

PRESENTING PROPERTIES/REQUESTS TO THE COMMITTEE

Requirements/Contacts for Presentation:

If you are presenting to the committee, you will be given a 30 minute time slot.
No more than 4 projects are heard per evening.

For a time slot, please contact Zoning Chairs:
Anne Moore: am@annemoore.net 312-787-0581
Craig Sanger:  craigsaenger@hotmail.com

Presenters must bring the following documents:

List of requested Variations and Exceptions
Site Plan
Elevations indicating heights and materials
Contact number including street address
Any official documents from the city zoning department, such as denials.

The Committee also would like to see:

Letters from adjoining neighbors indicating they are aware of your requests.
A streetscape demonstrating how the building sits/fits in with neighboring buildings.
Photographs of the site and renderings of the proposed building including space indicated for garbage cans (11”x17” format is acceptable).

Zoning Committee Preferences: 

LCA’s Zoning and Planning Committee strongly opposes breezeways, raised concrete decks, multi-story staircases, and masonry walls along property lines that reduce and consume rear yards, adversely affecting views, light, air and the city’s water system. LCA strongly recommends space for mature trees and other greenery in the front and rear of homes. The Committee feels Chicago backyards and gardens increase property values while benefiting the entire neighborhood.

LCA Approval Process

The Zoning Committee reports to LCA’s Board on the 4th Thursday of the month at the regularly scheduled LCA Board Meetings. The full Board votes on all submitted projects. The Board may call for a community meeting, more information, etc, before making a decision supporting or rejecting a project. LCA then notifies the property owner and Alderman Michele Smith in writing of their decision.

LCA 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 or developers is strongly encouraged, especially those identified by Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development as significant buildings such as red, orange and green-rated structures.

(ALSO SEE COMMITTEE NOTES )