Rockford Sun

City of Rockford Code & Regulation Committee met April 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

I. CALL TO ORDER 

Attendee Name	Organization	Title	Status	Arrived
Gabrielle Torina	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Janessa Wilkins	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Mark Bonne	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Isidro Barrios	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Jeffrey Bailey	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present

II. COMMITTEE REPORTS 

1. 2025-77-CR - Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval to establish a “No Parking Any Time” restriction on the south side of Broadway from 13th Street to 15th Street, thus repealing the "2-Hour Parking” restriction on the south side of Broadway from 13th Street (north leg) to 15th Street. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

Ald. Barrios wanted to know who made this request. Jeremy Carter, Traffic Engineer for the City of Rockford stated that the request came from the

Engineering Staff. He stated that this part of the city is included within the ten (10) year bike plan, which consists of adding bike lanes along Broadway. Therefore, the parking would have to be removed to add the bike lanes.

Ald. Bonne asked about the timeframe. Mr. Carter stated that this bike plan is slated to take place this summer.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [4 TO 1]  MOVER: Janessa Wilkins, Alderman SECONDER: Mark Bonne, Alderman AYES: Gabrielle Torina, Janessa Wilkins, Mark Bonne, Isidro Barrios NAYS: Jeffrey Bailey

2. 2025-78-CR - Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval to establish a “No Parking Any Time” restriction on the north side of Broadway from 11th Street to 160 feet east of 13th Street, thus repealing the “2- Hour Parking” restriction on the north side of Broadway from 12th Street to 13th Street (south leg). The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

There was no discussion on this item.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]  MOVER: Janessa Wilkins, Alderman SECONDER: Mark Bonne, Alderman AYES: Torina, Wilkins, Bonne, Barrios, Bailey

3. 2025-79-CR - Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval to establish a “No Parking Any Time” restriction on the north side of Broadway from Woodruff Avenue to 18th Street. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

There was no discussion on this item.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]  MOVER: Janessa Wilkins, Alderman SECONDER: Mark Bonne, Alderman AYES: Torina, Wilkins, Bonne, Barrios, Bailey

4. 2025-80-CR - Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval that traffic on Oaklawn Avenue be required to yield prior to entering the intersection with North Rockford Avenue. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

There was no discussion on this item.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]  MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Janessa Wilkins, Alderman AYES: Torina, Wilkins, Bonne, Barrios, Bailey

5. 2025-81-CR - Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval that traffic on Princeton Avenue be required to yield prior to entering the intersection with North Rockford Avenue. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

There was no discussion on this item.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]  MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Janessa Wilkins, Alderman AYES: Torina, Wilkins, Bonne, Barrios, Bailey

6. 2025-82-CR - Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's recommendation of "No Action" be taken on the following items:

a. A request to establish a “No Parking Any Time” restriction on both sides of 23rd Avenue from 11th Street to 20th Street;

b. A request to establish a “No Parking Any Time” restriction on both sides of Cedar Street from Avon Street to Winnebago Street, thus repealing the "2-Hour Parking" restriction on the south side of Cedar Street from Rockton Avenue to 150' east and west of Rockton Avenue; and

c. A request to establish traffic control at the intersection of Creek Bend and Bend Trail.

Ald. Barrios wanted to know why the recommendation for no parking was made. Mr. Carter stated that this is another part of town that bike lanes will be installed.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]  MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Janessa Wilkins, Alderman AYES: Torina, Wilkins, Bonne, Barrios, Bailey

7. 2025-83-CR - Committee recommends approval of the Final Plat of Linden Alpine Commercial Subdivision (4725 South Alpine Road).

There was no discussion on this item.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]  MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Janessa Wilkins, Alderman AYES: Torina, Wilkins, Bonne, Barrios, Bailey

8. 2025-84-CR - Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for the Modification of an existing Liquor License to allow for the sale of full liquor by the drink and to modify the hours of operation on Friday and Saturday to 11:00 p.m. in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 641 South Perryville Road (Camelia D. Padilla/The Spider Sushi Bar, Inc. dba Spider Sushi Bar/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

A MOTION was made by Ald. Bonne to SUSTAIN LTAB. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Barrios. Approval is subject to the following conditions:

Approval is subject to the following conditions:

1. Meet all applicable Building and Fire Codes

2. Compliance with all City of Rockford Code of Ordinances including Liquor Codes

3. Window display signage is limited to 20% of window area

4. The windows shall not be covered with bars or other devices that block the windows

5. The subject property must be in compliance with the approved interior floor plan, Exhibit F

6. The hours of operation shall be limited to Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday Noon to 6 p.m.

7. The sale of liquor by the drink shall be in conjunction with a restaurant and limited to the revised interior floor plan approved by Staff

8. The proposed use shall not have a cover charge, dance floor, DJs or live entertainment

9. The proposed use shall not operate as a nightclub

10. Any pending general ordinance case(s) must be resolved prior to issuance of the license

11. All outstanding general ordinance fines must be paid prior to the issuance of the license

12. All conditions must be met prior to issuance of license and establishment of use

RESULT: SUSTAINED

9. 2025-85-CR - Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a:

a. Variation to increase the maximum allowed square footage of a drive-thru menu board from 36 square feet to 46.29 square feet; and

b. Variation to increase the maximum allowed height of drive-thru menu board from 6 feet to 6 feet and 3.75 inches in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 1224 Benington Road (Springfield Sign for DJ Properties, LLC/Applicant).

Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

A MOTION was made by Ald. Wilkins, and SECONDED by Ald. Torina. Ald. Bonne voted "No."

RESULT: SUSTAINED

10. 5866, 5884, and 5936 Columbia Parkway

Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval for a Special Use Permit for residential self-storage warehouses in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 5866, 5884, and 5936 Columbia Parkway (Barefoot Land Company/Applicant) A MOTION was made by Ald. Bonne to have this item LAYOVER. The motion was SECONDED by Chairman Torina, and CARRIED by a vote of 5-0.

RESULT: LAID OVER Next: 5/12/2025 5:30 PM

11. 2025-86-CR - Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a Variation to increase the maximum permitted number of business identification wall signs from two (2) to four (4) business identification wall signs in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 3155 McFarland Road (Woodman’s Food Market, Inc./Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

A MOTION was made by Ald. Wilkins to SUSTAIN ZBA. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Bailey.

Approval is subject to the following conditions:

1. Submittal of sign permits with sign elevations

2. The four wall signs are permitted in lieu of having any freestanding signs

RESULT: SUSTAINED

12. 2025-87-CR - Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a:

a. Special Use Permit for outdoor storage of contractor equipment and material; and

b. Variation to allow a gravel storage lot in an I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District at 2612 Pamela Avenue and 2760 22nd Street (DPI Construction, Inc./Applicant).

Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

A MOTION was made by Ald. Wilkins to SUSTAIN ZBA. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Bailey. Ald. Meeks asked about the operation of the business. Scott Capovilla Zoning Manager for the City of Rockford explained that the business will be storing heavy equipment. He also noted that the company will be constructing sight-obscuring fences on the property.

Ald. Bonne asked if gravel drive-ways are allowed in the City of Rockford. Mr. Capovilla stated that they are not.

Ald. Frost asked if an exception is being made for this business. Mr. Capovilla stated yes, due to the nature of the business.

Approval is subject to the following conditions:

1. Submittal of a detailed landscaping plan for Staff’s review and approval 

2. Submittal of a Parking Lot Permit for site improvements for Staff’s review and approval

3. Submittal of a Fence Permit for Staff’ review and approval

4. Signage must comply with the current Sign Ordinance and may not be placed on the proposed fencing

5. Submittal of a Stormwater Management Plan and Erosion Control Plan to the Public Works Department prior to site development

6. If lighting is proposed, an illumination plan will be required including a cutoff sheet for light fixtures

7. No outside storage of inoperable vehicles

8. These lots will need to be combined through the Winnebago County Real Estate combination form

RESULT: SUSTAINED

13. 2025-88-CR - Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval of the following Text Amendment for Article 50-003, Off-Street Parking Ratios and Article 91-002 Accessory Use:

50-003-G. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS)

Parking spaces that are specifically designated for EVCS shall be counted towards the minimum number of off street parking space requirements.

91-002-I. Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations

a. Single Family Residential – Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) are permitted as an accessory use. EVCS shall be located within a garage or on the interior side of the rear elevation of the structure

b. Multi-Family Residential – Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) are permitted as an accessory use

c. All other Zoning Districts – Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) are permitted as an accessory use within any parking structure in all zoning districts

The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

A MOTION was made by Ald. Bonne to SUSTAIN ZBA. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Bailey.

RESULT: SUSTAINED

III. RESOLUTION 

1. Committee recommends approval of the authorization to allow the Zoning Officer to file a Text Amendment to amend Zoning Ordinance 55-001-C to regulate Hedges.

A MOTION was made by Ald. Bailey to have this item LAYOVER. The motion was SECONDED by Chairman Torina, and CARRIED by a vote of 5-0.

RESULT: LAID OVER Next: 5/12/2025 5:30 PM

IV. ADJOURN 

With no further business that was before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 7:03 p.m.

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