Village of Shorewood

The notice pertains to hybrid meetings of the Standing Committees and the Regular Village Board scheduled for March 2, 2026. The Public Works Committee agenda includes considering a Traffic and Parking Regulation Request (TAPR) for stop signs controlling N. Murray Avenue at E. Olive Street. The Budget and Finance Committee agenda includes a status update on the Water Utility Rate Case and the financial impact of implementation delays, as well as discussion on implementing a communications plan for a paid mobile parking program, detailing proposed locations, rates, and enforcement hours. The Regular Village Board agenda includes a presentation on critical utility infrastructure evaluation, a consent agenda covering accounts presentation, minutes from the February 16, 2026, meeting, and consideration of outdoor seating special privilege applications for various businesses. New Business for the Village Board includes considering an ordinance to repeal and replace recycling regulations, an update on the Lead Service Replacement Program financial assistance, and a resolution proclaiming World Migratory Bird Day.

The Design Review Board considered several applications. Key discussions included the modification of an existing window into a patio door at 2505 E. Marion Street, which was approved after confirming trim details and screening met requirements. Approval was also granted for the construction of a two-story rear addition with a balcony at 4238 N. Olsen Avenue. An application for exterior lighting replacement at 4433 N. Oakland Avenue was deferred because the applicant was absent and the proposed fixtures were not fully shielded as required. A design adjustment was approved for modifications to previously approved window and façade details at 3624 N. Oakland Avenue due to unforeseen structural elements. Additionally, special exception approval was granted for the installation of monument, canopy, and wall signage at 3624 N. Oakland Avenue, provided the illumination met code intent.

The meeting proceedings included the approval of the consent agenda, with one item removed for separate consideration, specifically the regular Village Board minutes from January 2, 2026, which received an amendment regarding the Long-Term Sustainability Task Force update. New business focused on contract awards, including the 2026 Oakland Avenue Meter Vault reconstruction to UPI Construction LLC, and the 2026 Ash Removal Program to Interstate Clearing and Construction. Additionally, the Board approved the SRC Benjamin Center Initiative and the associated Request for Proposals (RFP) for architectural and construction services. Official reports covered the proclamation honoring African American History Month, updates from Library Board and Conservation Committee liaisons, and discussions concerning the Shorewood Farmers Market extension and the Shorewood School District's sustainability task force meetings. The session concluded with a closed session deliberation regarding the purchasing of public properties for a new Department of Public Works (DPW) site.

The primary focus of the meeting was the update and further discussion on the proposed initiative to increase housing opportunities, specifically regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Key decisions included unanimously agreeing to remove the enclosed parking requirement but maintain existing parking overall, followed by a subsequent vote to exempt lots with ADUs from maintaining minimum parking requirements entirely. Discussions concerning ADU size resulted in a motion to restrict the size to not exceed the gross floor area of the principal dwelling. Consensus was reached on allowing ADUs in R-1 through R-6 districts, allowing internal, attached, or detached types, maintaining existing lot coverage and setbacks, and setting a maximum detached height at 20 feet, consistent with survey results. A consensus was also reached to include a notation prohibiting rentals of less than 7 days, acknowledging future reconciliation with pending state legislation. Separately, the Commission moved to recommend a Zoning Code amendment to clarify office use location restrictions within the MX Districts. Finally, there was a review of the 2025 Annual Report and consideration of future initiatives, including reviewing home occupation regulations.

The Plan Commission meeting focused on several significant ordinance discussions and the review of future initiatives. Key topics included the discussion and recommendation of an ordinance to eliminate the prohibition of bedrooms in basements within the village code. Another major item involved modifying the definition of 'household' in the zoning code, specifically to allow up to four unrelated adults in a dwelling unit and to achieve consistency by replacing the term 'family' with 'household' throughout the code. The commission also discussed and recommended an ordinance to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) across several residential zoning districts, outlining regulations regarding size, height, parking, and short-term rentals. Finally, the commission reviewed Commissioner Pollock's three proposed initiatives for the 2025 annual report and future items, including a five-year review of the comprehensive plan, exploring density changes in existing areas like the R8 district, and creating standards for reviewing zoning petition changes. Two additional items, updating home occupations and reviewing notice requirements, were also noted for potential future consideration.