Illinois Valley Times

Village of Coal City Planning and Zoning Board met July 21

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Call Meeting to Order 

The Planning and Zoning Board meeting was called to order by Chairwoman Maria Lewis on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Roll call was taken, noting the presence of Board Members Walt Mahaffay, Jill Breneman, Brad Littleton, Amanda Burns, Cody Krug and Chairwoman Maria Lewis. Absent; Jason Peters. Also in attendance were, Kyle Watson, building official, Trustees Pamela Noffsinger and Bill Mincey and Matt Fritz, village administrator. 

Approval of Minutes 

Chairwoman Lewis asked if there were any corrections, deletions, or additions to the minutes from July 7, 2025. Hearing none, she requested a motion to approve. 

Motion to approve the minutes of July 7, 2025, was made by Burns and seconded by Littleton. Ayes; Mahaffay, Breneman, Littleton, Burns, Krug and Lewis. Nays none. Absent; Peters. Motion carried.

Public Comment 

Chairwoman Lewis opened the floor for public comment. Lawrence Young of 155 E. 2nd Street, Coal City, introduced himself and stated he was attending to observe and learn about the proceedings. Chairwoman Lewis thanked him for his attendance. 

Public Hearing - Erik and Kellie Linsey 

Chairwoman Lewis opened the public hearing regarding the petition from Erik and Kellie Linsey for a variance to the 75-foot setback requirement from neighboring structures for keeping chickens at their property at 150 E. 1st Street. 

Fritz provided background on the petition, explaining that the chicken coop currently exists in the rear yard, with the closest structure being approximately 33 feet away, which is a detached garage. The variance request would allow a reduction from the 75-foot standard to a minimum of 45 feet, which would accommodate the current 33-foot distance. 

Fritz explained the standard was adopted in 2022 to regulate poultry yards and chicken coops, which is why this variance was needed. 

Erik Linsey was sworn in by Linda Sula, Deputy Clerk. Linsey confirmed he had maintained chickens since fall 2021, with the current coop being built in early 2022. Linsey noted they had discussed the chickens with their neighbors, who had no objections. The neighbors were familiar with chickens and only asked that there be no roosters and no issues with noise or odor. 

Board members confirmed with Linsey that he had no roosters on the property. Fritz clarified that the variance request was for 45 feet from the required 75-foot setback to provide adequate buffer for the actual 33-foot measurement. 

Motion to allow a 45' variance for four different structures at 150 East First Street for the location of the chicken coop was madeby Mahaffay and seconded by Krug. Roll call vote: Mahaffay - Yes, Brennaman - Yes, Littleton - Yes, Burns - Yes, Krug - Yes, Lewis - Yes. Peters - Absent. Motion carried unanimously. 

Chairwoman Lewis informed Linsey that the positive recommendation would be forwarded to the Village Board meeting on Wednesday at 7 PM. Fritz noted that Linsey did not need to attend the Village Board meeting, though he was welcome to do so. 

Discussion of Signage Ordinance 

The Board engaged in an extensive discussion regarding potential updates to the village's signage ordinance. Fritz provided additional documentation for the Board's consideration. 

Chairwoman Lewis raised concerns about language in the proposed ordinance that appeared to link political signs and temporary signs together, suggesting they should be treated as separate categories. She also questioned the proposed 32 square feet maximum size for temporary signs in residential areas, stating that such a large sign would be inappropriate for residential neighborhoods. 

The discussion covered several key points: 

Sign Size Limitations: 

● The Board debated appropriate size restrictions for temporary signs in residential areas 

● Members agreed that 32 square feet (approximately 4' x 8') was too large for residential neighborhoods 

● After discussing common sign sizes for athletic booster signs and similar temporary displays, the Board tentatively agreed on a 3' x 4' (12 square feet) maximum size 

Enforcement Challenges: 

● Watson expressed concerns about enforcement of temporary sign regulations, noting the administrative burden of tracking 90-day limits 

● The Board discussed potential alternatives, including limiting the number of signs per linear frontage 

● Members considered approaching the issue differently by specifying how long signs must be removed rather than how long they can be displayed 

● Business Advertising in Residential Areas: 

● Chairwoman Lewis emphasized that a primary concern was business advertising in residential areas, especially when businesses in commercial districts must follow strict permitting processes 

● The Board discussed the fairness issue of requiring commercial businesses to pay permit fees while allowing residential businesses to advertise without similar requirements 

● Members expressed frustration with unauthorized feather signs and other business advertising appearing in residential areas 

● Window Coverage Regulations: 

● Fritz presented information on window coverage restrictions, noting Morris uses a 40% standard 

● The Board discussed concerns about businesses completely covering their windows, comparing examples such as window treatments versus businesses using "garbage bags" as window coverings 

● Members acknowledged legitimate reasons for window coverings, including sun control and energy efficiency 

Comparison with Other Communities: 

● Fritz shared that Morris allows 300 square feet for wall signs in their commercial district and 225 square feet in manufacturing districts 

● For business districts, Morris uses a formula of 1.5 times the linear front footage to determine maximum sign size 

● The Board considered reducing Coal City's current 250 square foot maximum to 120 square feet, with variances available for businesses needing larger signs 

Mahaffay left the meeting at 7:59 p.m.

After extensive discussion, no formal action was taken on the signage ordinance. The Board will continue to refine the proposed changes at future meetings. 

Adjourn 

Motion to adjourn was made by Burns and seconded by Breneman. Motion carried unanimously.

https://coalcity-il.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PZ-Board-Minutes-07-21-2025-Web.pdf