St. Charles Approves Harley-Davidson Test Area, Codes

The St. Charles Planning & Development Committee met on May 11, 2022, addressing several key items, including a special use application for Box River Harley-Davidson, adoption of updated building and fire codes, discussions on merging the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) with the Plan Commission, and the formal vacation of a North 8th Avenue right-of-way.

Omnibus Vote Approval

The meeting opened with an Omnibus Vote, approving routine items unanimously and allowing the committee to focus on substantive matters.

Box River Harley-Davidson Special Use Application

• The dealership sought approval for an unpaved motorcycle test area at 131 South Randall Road (Item 0:59).

• Classes would operate weekends, 10 AM – 4 PM, from April to October.

• Bikes used are quieter adventure bikes, not dirt bikes, with only a portion of the lot designated for riding and remaining space left for runoff and landscaping.

• Resident concerns about noise were addressed, and the Plan Commission recommended approval.

• The committee approved the special use application with conditions at 3:20.

Adoption of 2021 Building and Fire Codes & 2020 National Electric Code

• Allen from the Building Division presented updates to align with latest national standards (Item 4:08).

• Updates reduce local amendments by 25% for building codes and 10% for fire codes.

• The most significant change is the deletion of mandatory fire sprinklers in single-family detached dwellings, a requirement deferred since 2009.

• Existing homes are only affected in “touched” areas during remodels, except life-safety requirements like smoke detectors (state law).

• The committee recommended adoption of the updated codes at 12:48.

Discussion on Shifting BZA Function to Plan Commission

• The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), a rare independent body in the Chicago region, has met infrequently due to few variance applications (Item 12:49).

• Consolidation with the Plan Commission was proposed to ensure consistent membership and expertise.

• Concerns included potential political influence and whether the Plan Commission could manage added workload.

• Staff will consult with BZA and Plan Commission chairmen before any formal changes.

Vacating Right-of-Way on North 8th Avenue

• The committee approved the formal vacation of a right-of-way between Cedar and State on North 8th Avenue (Item 30:49).

• The area has not been used as a street since the late 1800s due to railroad construction.

• Formal city documentation was needed for upcoming property transactions.

• Motion passed 32:31, officially recording the vacation.

Action Items

• BZA-Plan Commission Consultation: Staff to gather perspectives from both boards regarding potential merger.

• Documentation: Staff to formally record the North 8th Avenue right-of-way vacation through an ordinance.

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Conclusion

The May 11, 2022 meeting reflects St. Charles’ commitment to balancing community needs with modern standards. From allowing a Harley-Davidson test area to adopting updated building and fire codes, and ensuring formal documentation for property rights, the committee continues to facilitate responsible development, safety, and property management for the city.