Title
Resolution directing the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals to conduct a public hearing on proposed text amendments to Chapter 151 of the Lake County, Illinois, Code of Ordinances relating to the enhanced planting and protection of native tree and plant species in unincorporated Lake County.
Staff Summary
• Staff previously presented a discussion series on the benefits of various proposed zoning amendments to the Lake County Code of Ordinances focused on the enhanced planting and protection of native tree and plant species.
• The amendments include modifying the Plant Materials list to remove invasive or disease-affected trees; adding trees that are either native or adapted to future climate conditions; reducing required minimum plant caliper width; and increasing species mix limits to ensure more biodiverse and resilient plantings. The final draft, attached as “Exhibit A”, reflects committee feedback and input from subject matter experts.
• A resolution has been prepared for County Board action directing the Zoning Board of Appeals to conduct a public hearing on the proposed amendments.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board adopted the Unified Development Ordinance of Lake County, Illinois on April 11, 2000; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board incorporated the Lake County Unified Development Ordinance into the Lake County, Illinois Code of Ordinances as Chapter 151 of the Lake County, Illinois Code of Ordinances on February 10, 2015; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Code requires periodic review to maintain relevancy and address changing conditions; and
WHEREAS, the Planning, Building and Development Department has prepared draft ordinance text amendments which would enhance the planting and protection of native tree and plant species, and recommends that the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) conduct a public hearing to obtain public input and evaluate the proposed amendments for potential adoption; and
WHEREAS, in order to facilitate such public engagement and policy evaluation, the Planning, Building, Zoning and Environment Committee is of the opinion that necessary steps should be taken by the Lake County Board to initiate the public hearing process; and
WHEREAS, the state law requires a public hearing to amend the text of the Lake County Code of Ordinances.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that the ZBA is hereby directed to conduct a public hearing on the proposed amendments identified in Exhibit A and such other amendments that are directly related thereto; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of the ZBA is hereby directed to notify the ZBA of this action and keep a record of this Resolution; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Clerk of the County Board shall keep a record of this action.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on May 14, 2024.