St. Charles Reviews Construction and Code Updates

On October 15, 2024, the St. Charles Planning & Development Committee met for approximately 21 minutes to discuss updates to the Property Maintenance Code, review construction hours in residential areas, and consider a partnership for erosion control services.

Approval of Routine Items and Property Maintenance Code Updates

• Omnibus Vote: Four routine agenda items were swiftly approved.

• Property Maintenance Code Amendments: Staff presented clarifications and gap-filling updates to make the code more effective for enforcement and property owners.

  • Changes are not significant new regulations but aim to simplify the code.

  • Applicable to all property types, including multi-family and rental homes.

• Committee Decision: The recommendation to approve the Property Maintenance Code amendments was passed.

Discussion on Construction Hours

The committee focused on residential construction hours, particularly weekend start times:

• Current Regulation: Construction permitted from 7:00 AM daily, including weekends.

• Trigger for Discussion: Complaints arose from a complex residential demolition, including an underground concrete shelter.

• Committee Concerns:

  • Early weekend construction may disrupt residents’ quality of life.

  • Noise from construction differs from other activities like lawn care.

  • Need to balance efficiency for contractors with community comfort.

• Next Steps:

  • Staff to gather detailed data on complaints, including contractor/project specifics.

  • Staff to develop a formal proposal to consider later weekend start times for residential areas.

Committee members discussed neighboring community standards (often 8:00 AM weekend starts) and the potential benefits of a “courtesy” adjustment. No immediate changes were made.

Erosion Control Agreement

• Memorandum of Agreement (MOA): Approved with K DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District for erosion control inspections.

• Details:

  • Costs covered by existing site development application fees.

  • City retains enforcement authority.

  • 30-day termination clause included.

• Committee Decision: Motion to approve the MOA passed with minimal discussion.

Conclusion

The October 15 meeting addressed community-focused code updates and operational agreements. While the Property Maintenance Code amendments were approved, the committee requested further research on weekend construction hours to ensure residential quality of life is considered. The approved MOA with K DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District strengthens the city’s erosion control oversight.