Will County Gazette

City of Joliet Zoning Board of Appeals met Sept. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

Present

Ed Hennessy, Bob Nachtrieb, Debbie Radakovich and Jesse Stiff

Absent Ralph Bias, Brigette Roehr and Jane McGrath Schmig

Planning Director Jayne Bernhard explained that with only four Board members present, petitions for variances and special use permits (not requiring City Council approval) needed three affirmative votes to pass and noted that petitioners may request to table their petition to the next Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes 8-21-25

A motion was made by Bob Nachtrieb, seconded by Jesse Stiff, to approve Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes 8-21-25. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Hennessy, Nachtrieb, Radakovich and Stiff

Absent: Bias, Roehr and McGrath Schmig

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS

Anthony Raminak, Rebecca Studer, and Toni Raminak spoke in opposition to Petition 2025-36. Ms. Berhard addressed sign regulations, public notices, and public comment procedures.

OLD BUSINESS: PUBLIC HEARING

None

NEW BUSINESS: PUBLIC HEARING

PETITION 2025-35: A Variation of Use to allow a mixed-use structure, located at 616 Williamson Avenue. (COUNCIL DISTRICT #4)

Ms. Bernhard read the staff report into the record. Dennis Karr appeared on behalf of the petition. In response to Ms. Radakovich’s question about what would be stored on the main level, Mr. Karr stated personal items such as files and tools. No one from the public spoke in favor of the petition. Rebecca Studer spoke again regarding the petition. Ms. Bernhard explained the subject site was zoned R-3 (residential use).

A motion was made by Bob Nachtrieb, seconded by Jesse Stiff, to approve PETITION 2025-35: A Variation of Use to allow a mixed-use structure, located at 616 Williamson Avenue. (COUNCIL DISTRICT #4). The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Hennessy, Nachtrieb, Radakovich and Stiff

Absent: Bias, Roehr and McGrath Schmig

PETITION 2025-36: A Variation on signage to allow a wall sign that does not face a public way, located at 480 Houbolt Road. (COUNCIL DISTRICT #5)

Ms. Bernhard read the staff report into the record. Austin Davis of Integrity Sign Company appeared on behalf of the petition. In response to the Board’s questions about sign lighting, Mr. Davis mentioned the possible use of a timer or dimmer switch, and Ms. Bernhard explained that the Building Division evaluates lumens through the electrical permit and that any conditions would need to be included in a motion. No one from the public spoke in favor of the petition. Anthony Raminak and Mary Adams spoke in opposition.

A motion was made by Bob Nachtrieb, seconded by Jesse Stiff, to approve PETITION 2025-36: A Variation on signage to allow a wall sign that does not face a public way, located at 480 Houbolt Road. (COUNCIL DISTRICT #5). The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Hennessy, Nachtrieb, Radakovich and Stiff

Absent: Bias, Roehr and McGrath Schmig

PETITION 2025-37: A Variation to increase maximum fence height in a residential zoning district from 6 feet to 7 and 8 feet, located at 18 Woodlawn Avenue. (COUNCIL DISTRICT #2)

Ms. Bernhard read the staff report into the record. Michael Marchio of Marchio Fence Company appeared on behalf of the petition. In response to Ms. Radakovich’s question, Mr. Marchio confirmed the fence on the McDonald’s side would be placed behind the existing cement wall. No one from the public spoke in favor of the petition. Mary Brown spoke in opposition. A discussion was held regarding the fence material.

A motion was made by Debbie Radakovich, seconded by Bob Nachtrieb, to approve PETITION 2025-37: A Variation to increase maximum fence height in a residential zoning district from 6 feet to 7 and 8 feet, located at 18 Woodlawn Avenue. (COUNCIL DISTRICT #2). The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Hennessy, Nachtrieb, Radakovich and Stiff

Absent: Bias, Roehr and McGrath Schmig

PETITION 2025-38: A Variation to reduce the corner side yard setback to allow installation of a shed, located at 501 Stockton Drive. (COUNCIL DISTRICT #5)

Ms. Bernhard read the staff report into the record. Efrain Maldonado appeared on behalf of the petition. In response to Ms. Radakovich’s question, Mr. Maldonado confirmed the shed already existed. Mr. Hennessey provided comments regarding the shed’s requirements and hardship. Ms. Bradley spoke in favor of the petition. No one from the public spoke in opposition.

A motion was made by Bob Nachtrieb, seconded by Jesse Stiff, to approve PETITION 2025-38: A Variation to reduce the corner side yard setback to allow installation of a shed, located at 501 Stockton Drive. (COUNCIL DISTRICT #5). The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Hennessy, Nachtrieb, Radakovich and Stiff

Absent: Bias, Roehr and McGrath Schmig

PETITION 2025-39: A Variation to allow 9 feet by 18 feet parking spaces, located at NEC of Gateway Boulevard and Sandstone Drive.

Ms. Bernhard read the staff report into the record. Jack Shelton of Drury Development Corporation appeared on behalf of the petition. In response to Ms. Radakovich’s question, Mr. Shelton discussed parking space size. No one from the public spoke in favor of or in opposition to the petition.

A motion was made by Jesse Stiff, seconded by Debbie Radakovich, to approve PETITION 2025-39: A Variation to allow 9 feet by 18 feet parking spaces, located at NEC of Gateway Boulevard and Sandstone Drive. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Hennessy, Nachtrieb, Radakovich and Stiff

Absent: Bias, Roehr and McGrath Schmig

OLD/NEW BUSINESS—NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION None

PUBLIC COMMENT

With no public comments, Ms. Bernhard introduced City Planner Francisco Jimenez to the Board.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Ed Hennessy to approve adjournment. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Hennessy, Nachtrieb, Radakovich and Stiff

Absent: Bias, Roehr and McGrath Schmig

https://joliet.legistar1.com/joliet/meetings/2025/9/2458_M_Zoning_Board_of_Appeals_25-09-18_Meeting_Minutes.pdf