Illinois Valley Times

Coal City Planning & Zoning Board met July 7

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

At 7:00 p.m., July 7, 2025, in the boardroom of the Village Hall, chairwoman, Maria Lewis called to order the meeting of the Planning & Zoning Board. Roll call-members; Walt Mahaffay, Jill Breneman, Jason Peters, Brad Littleton, Amanda Burns, Cody Krug and Maria Lewis. Also in attendance were, Kyle Watson, building official, Trustee Pamela Noffsinger, Matt Fritz, village administrator, Mayor Dave Spesia, and Erin Monforti, attorney. 

The minutes of the April 21, 2025 meeting were reviewed. Burns moved to approve the minutes as written, second by Krug. Roll call-Ayes; Mahaffay, Breneman, Peters, Littleton, Burns, Krug and Lewis. Nays; none. Absent; none. Motion carried. 

There was no public comment at this meeting. 

PRESENTATION by Erik & Kellie Linsey 

150 E. 1st Street - Variance to the 75' setback from neighboring structures - Chickens 

Mr. Linsey introduced himself along with his wife, Kellie and daughter Emerson. Linsey proceeded to explain he is requesting a variance for the 75' distance from the neighboring properties for a chicken coop in their backyard. Lewis asked if all of the paperwork has been filled out and all notices and mailings have been taken care of. Linsey stated everything has been completed. 

Fritz explained the measurements of the coop to the neighboring structures was provided and confirmed with Watson if the location of the coop was accurate, which Watson indicated it was close. Watson confirmed with Linsey if the measurements were accurate for the distance, which he agreed with. Fritz asked if there was an enclosure or fence for the chickens, which Linsey indicated they have the coop where the chickens sleep, a run on the inside of the coop and they put up a temporary fence for them to run around as well. Fritz also asked if Linsey received the criteria form for variance and asked him to make sure to turn that in prior to the hearing. Linsey indicated the form is filled out and he had some questions, which he would speak to Watson about later. Breneman asked if they spoke with their neighbors regarding the chickens. Linsey said they have spoke to their neighbors and asked them if they had any issues and at present there have been no concerns. Burns asked how many chickens they had and the response was four. Lewis stated the public hearing is set for July 21, 2025 at 7:00pm. 

Lewis explained included in the packet for the board is the draft Ordinance amending portions of the code of ordinances incorporating the IBC, 2021 and amending codes pertaining to signage requirements. 

Fritz explained IBC, 2021 was added to this ordinance as the board decided to wait until there was an additional code amendment to add with it. The public hearing is not scheduled until August 4, 2025, however, Fritz wanted everyone to be able to look the ordinance over with all of the definitions and amendments and make any changes if needed. Fritz went through the changes, which were included in the ordinance. 

There was discussion amongst the board regarding the following: 

-Bulletin Board Signage 

-Occupational Signs -Banner Signage 

-Temporary Signage 

Attorney Monforti was asked by Fritz if there are any restrictions on political signs. Monforti explained the only restrictions would be the size of the signs and recommended to not include political signs in the temporary signage. Monforti explained some of the signage laws and how difficult it is for municipalities to regulate. 

Fritz asked the board if they would like to take time to look at this ordinance and get back to him with changes. Mahaffay indicated he would like the time to review the changes prior to making a decision. 

There was discussion regarding window coverage for establishments and Monforti indicated the coverage is typically between 25 -50 %. 

The board also discussed some other potential text amendment subjects for the zoning code. 

Lewis brought up some items related to the building of homes in a subdivision. Discussion regarding square footage and prior to advertisement of the proposed ordinance other text amendment possibilities may be added. 

Burns moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:19 p.m., second by Breneman. All in favor of adjourning the meeting, no opposed. Motion carried. 

https://coalcity-il.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PZ-Board-Minutes-07-07-2025-Web.pdf