St. Charles Approves Multiple Development Plans

On August 12, 2024, the St. Charles Planning & Development Committee convened a ~22-minute meeting addressing multiple development projects and a comprehensive zoning ordinance update.

Key Development Approvals

1. SE Parcels LLC (Charlestown Mall PUD & Minor Subdivision):

   • Proposal: 2,350 sq ft single-story building with a mobile order-only drive-thru on a 1-acre outlot.

   • Staff noted potential initial customer confusion, mitigated by clear signage.

   • Decision: Unanimous approval following Plan Commission recommendation.

2. Audi Parking Expansion (Pine Ridge PUD):

   • Proposal: 64-stall parking expansion for inventory storage.

   • Decision: Unanimous approval.

3. The Oaks Townhomes (Fox Plain PUD):

   • Proposal: Six townhomes in two buildings on a long-vacant lot.

   • Project supported by the Homeowners Association; design compatible with existing community architecture.

   • Decision: Unanimous approval.

   
   

General Amendment to Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance)

The committee considered miscellaneous updates to the zoning ordinance, including:

• New Use Classifications:

  • Art Studio: Better classification for creative businesses.

  • Event Venue: Clarification for downtown locations, particularly parking requirements.

  • Cafe: Broader scope from previous “coffee and tea room” definition.

• Structural Clarifications:

  • Carports: Not permitted to encroach; count toward lot coverage.

  • Detached Garages on Through Lots: Setback flexibility while maintaining front yard alignment.

  • Breezeways: Must remain fully open.

• Food Truck Regulations:

  • Hosting businesses initially responsible for verifying health department licenses.

  • Committee directed staff to require submission of health documentation for special events only, ensuring public safety.

• Off-Street Parking & Fees:

  • Clarifications on gravel parking and landscaping requirements.

  • Proposed planning application fee increases (~$1,000) to offset rising administrative costs.

• Decision: General amendment approved unanimously with directive for staff to revise food truck permit language.

Action Items

• Staff: Update food truck permit language for special events to require submission of health department documents.

Meeting Highlights

• Committee ensured public safety for food trucks at special events.

• Drive-thru at Charlestown Mall limited to mobile orders only.

• Minor fee increases introduced to cover administrative costs.

• All proposed development plans received unanimous approval.