Peoria Standard

City of El Paso Zoning Board of Appeals met May 29.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The City of El Paso Zoning Board Meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Chairman, Chris Gentes.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

A roll call was taken with members Renee Donaldson, Mary Wilkey, Johnny Landrus and Chris Gentes present.

Absent was Maureen Drake.

Others present were Director of Public Service, Barry Kauther; Administrative Assistant, Sandee Kessinger; Josh Uphoff, Karen Wilkey, Josh Ragusa, Will Moore, Cris & Deanna Harrell, Jeff & Dianne Hinthorn, Jacon & Crystal Allen, Shannon Neely, Cara & Ron Howard, Thad Mool, Anna Hammond, Michelle Martin, an unidentified female.

A. A variance request and possible recommendation for Jeff Hinthorne who is requesting an area variance for the property at 502 Abby Road, El Paso, Illinois 61738. The request is a 55 feet setback when 63 feet is required by Zoning Ordinance 315-31B for the setback. This property is zoned A-1 (Residential-Single Family-New Development). The variance is for the side street (Molly’s Way).

The requested application is for property at 502 Abby Road, El Paso, IL 61738. The legal description: T26N - R2E - S08 PRAIRIE CROSSING SUBD 1ST ADDN LOT 23 in El Paso, Woodford County, Illinois. Tax Parcel ID 16-08-214-009.

Jeff & Dianne Hinthorn explained that the driveway and garage will be facing Molly’s Way. Wilkey motioned to recommend the city council to approve the variance request and was seconded by Donaldson. A vote was taken of all ayes.

B. A variance request and possible recommendation for Jacon Allen who is requesting two area variances under Chapter 315-43 E (1)(2) for property located at 445 N. Grant Street, El Paso, IL 61738. The first request is to have 1,584 total square feet of combined detached accessary structures. Under Chapter 315-43 E (1) 1,250 square feet shall be the maximum square footage of all combined detached accessary structures. That’s a difference of 334 square feet. This property is zoned A-2 (Residential-Single Family-Older Development). The second request is to have 139.43% of the square footage of the primary structure foundation (footprint) which the footprint shall not include the attached garage of the primary structure foundation. Under Chapter 315-43 E (2) 65% of the square footage of the primary structure foundation (footprint) which footprint shall not include the attached garage of the primary structure foundation. The request is asking for an additional 846 square feet. The property is zoned A-2 (Residential–Single Family–Older Development). The requested application is for property at 445 N. Grant, El Paso, IL 61738. The legal description: T26N - R2E - S05 LOT 7, PT LOT 8 BLK 4 GIBSON ADDN in the City of El Paso, Woodford County, Illinois. Tax Parcel ID 16-05-407-01.

Josh Uphoff was present as the contractor to answer questions. Will Moore was present as a neighbor to the property and had no objections to the building.

Gentes motioned to recommend to the city council to approve the variance request and was seconded by Wilkey. A roll call vote was taken with Wilkey, Gentes & Landrus all ayes and Donaldson ney.

C. A variance request and possible recommendation for Joshua Ragusa who is requesting two area variances under Chapter 315-43 E (1)(2) for property located at 475 S. Elm Street, El Paso, IL 61738. The first request is to have 1,911 total square feet of combined detached accessary structures. Under Chapter 315-43 E (1) 1,250 square feet shall be the maximum square footage of all combined detached accessary structures. That’s a difference of 661 square feet. This property is zoned A-2 (Residential-Single Family-Older Development). The second request is to have 146.38% of the square footage of the primary structure foundation (footprint) which the footprint shall not include the attached garage of the primary structure foundation. Under Chapter 315-43 E (2) 65% of the square footage of the primary structure foundation (footprint) which footprint shall not include the attached garage of the primary structure foundation. The request is asking for an additional 1062.75 square feet (Proposed shed 336 Sq Ft). The property is zoned A-2 (Residential–Single Family–Older Development).

The requested application is for property at 475 S. Elm Street, El Paso, IL 61738. The legal description: T26N - R2E - S08 PAR 114.6' X 190' IN SE1/4 NW in the City of El Paso, Woodford County, Illinois. Tax Parcel ID 16-08-109-003.

Josh Ragusa was present to answer questions. Landrus motioned to recommend to the city council to approve the variance request and was seconded by Gentes. A vote was taken of all ayes. Gentes also suggested that Ragusa bring in samples of the siding material and color since it will not be exactly the same as the house and garage.

D. Rezoning request and possible recommendation for Cris and Deanna Harrell at 199 E. Jefferson Street (address to be assigned), El Paso, IL 61738. Harrell’s are requesting Lot 16 be rezoned to C-2 (Commercial- General Business District) from RC (Residential – Multi Family). The requested application is for property listed below: Property address: 199 E. Jefferson Street, El Paso, Illinois,61738. Legal Description: T26N - R2E - S08 LOT 16 BLK 6 BESTOR & BAYS ADDN In the City of El Paso, County of Woodford, State of Illinois, 61738 Tax Parcel ID 16-08-201-008.

Deanna Harrel was present to answer questions; they are requesting the rezoning to be able to build a storage shed for their building supplies. Kara Howard spoke against rezoning to commercial stating that the roads are narrow in that area and there are no sidewalks. There are delivery trucks that make deliveries to area businesses, and it creates unsafe conditions for pedestrians and bicycles. Anna Hamond spoke against rezoning to commercial stating that there is a lot of traffic in that area and there are many people walking on the street since there are no sidewalks. Deanna Harrell asked if there was another way to get to build their storage building without rezoning it to commercial. Kauther stated that the Harrell’s could combine this lot with the one that they own beside it (197 E. Jefferson St.) then request a variance. Kauther stated that if Harrell’s do come back to the Zoning Board to request a variance for this property, there will not be another charge for the request. Donaldson motioned to not approve the rezoning request and was seconded by Gentes. A vote was taken of all ayes.

E. A petition for annexation and rezoning request for a possible recommendation by Shannon Neely representing American Building Company Illinois LLC. The request to the annexation of 10 acres on Northeast corner of US Highway 24 (Main Street) and N1500 East Road (see below legal description). If annexation is recommended, they would request the property be rezoned to I – Industrial from Agriculture (McLean County). The requested application is for property listed below: Property Address: US Highway 24, Gridley Township, El Paso, IL 61738. Legal Description: 1) (EX BEG SW COR SW SW: N TO A POINT 30' N OF N LN US 24, E1320', S TO S LN SW, W TO POB) SW SW LYG S OF RR ROW 3-26-2E. 2) BEG SW COR SW: N TO A POINT 30' N OF N LN U.S. 24, E 1320', S TO S LN SW, W TO POB PT SW 3-26-2E 2.65 ACRES. Tax Parcel ID: 01-03-300-007 and 01-03-300-007.

Shannon Neely was present to answer questions. Gentes motioned to recommend to the city council to annex in the property requested and was seconded by Donaldson. A vote was taken of all ayes.

Gentes motioned to recommend to the city council to approve the rezoning request to I Industrial from Agriculture and was seconded by Landrus. A vote was taken of all ayes.

Public Comments: None

A motion was made by Gentes to adjourn the meeting and was seconded by Donaldson. The meeting was adjourned at 6:54 PM.

https://www.elpasoil.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05292025-325