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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Planning Commission
DATE: July 14, 2020
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Establishing a Special Sign District on the Property located at 5 S. Lake Street (KSM Properties, LLC - 20-0341 / AU22/3-20.081-V/SD - JM - Ward 6)
PURPOSE:
The Petitioner KSM Properties, LLC is requesting approval of a Special Sign District for 5 S. Lake Street which includes the installation of a mural on the western wall of the building.
BACKGROUND:
The Subject Property is currently a commercial building with B-3 Business and Wholesale District zoning. Additional information on the legislative history of the property can be found in the attached Property Information Sheet.
The Petitioner is requesting approval of a Special Sign District. The details of the request include allowing an approximate 765 square foot mural outside of the downtown. Aurora passed an ordinance in 2016 to allow murals within the FoxWalk Overlay district. Outside of the FoxWalk, murals have to adhere to the Aurora Sign Ordinance. Since the mural is over the size requirements of the Sign Ordinance, a Special Sign District is required.
The proposed mural is designed by local artist Joshua Schultz and is funded by Aurora Downtown. It will decorate the already painted west-facing wall of the building that houses the restaurant Tortas. The mural will be the size of the wall measuring around 45 feet by 17 feet. The location was chosen due to being along the heavily traveled Galena Boulevard and is located right as you begin entering the downtown. The design celebrates Aurora’s architectural history and rich design roots with vibrant colors.
While not officially required for a Special Sign District, staff sought the feedback of the Aurora Public Art Commission on the mural design and location. The Aurora Public Art Commission is not meeting currently but provided positive feedback on the mural digitally.
DISCUSSION:
Staff has reviewed the Special Sign District petition and have sent comments back to the petitioner on those submittals. The petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances.
Staff supports this Special Sign District because it promotes the mural initiative that is occurring in our downtown as this property borders the downtown and is located at a highly visible corner along Galena Boulevard.
Public Input: Due public notice was given for the public hearing on this matter. As of the date of this memo, staff has not received public inquiries regarding this petition.
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES:
The Staff’s Evaluation and Recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies:
11.0 To guide the growth of the City in an orderly and structured manner.
14.1 (5) To provide for the visual enhancement of the City through attractive landscaping, quality signage and diverse building design and arrangement.
93.1 (2) To work toward improved signage and street furniture.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Planning Commission recommended APPROVAL of the An Ordinance Establishing a Special Sign District on the Property located at 5 S. Lake Street.
ATTACHMENTS:
EXHIBITS:
Exhibit "A" Legal Description
Exhibit "B" Special Sign District
Mural
Land Use Petition with Supporting Documents
Property Research Sheet
Legistar Number: 20-0341
cc:
Alderman Michael B. Saville, Chairperson
Alderman Sherman Jenkins, Vice Chairperson
Alderman Carl Franco
Alderman Robert J. O’Connor
Alderman Juany Garza
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
An Ordinance Establishing a Special Sign District on the Property located at 5 S. Lake Street
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, KSM Properties, LLC is the owner of record of the real estate legally described on Exhibit “A”, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth, and hereafter referred to as Exhibit “A”; and
WHEREAS, by petition dated June 18, 2020, KSM Properties, LLC filed with the City of Aurora a petition requesting approval of a Special Sign District for 5 S. Lake Street in the form of Exhibit “B”, attached hereto for the property described in Exhibit “A”; and
WHEREAS, after due notice and publication of said notice, the Aurora Planning and Zoning Commission conducted a public hearing on July 8, 2020, reviewed the petition and recommended APPROVAL of said petition; and
WHEREAS, on July 15, 2020, the Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee of the Aurora City Council reviewed said petition and the before mentioned recommendations and recommended APPROVAL of said petition.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows:
Section One: That the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois finds as fact all of the preamble recitals of this Ordinance.
Section Two: That this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect, and shall be controlling, upon its passage and approval.
Section Three: That all Ordinances or part of Ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed insofar as any conflict exists.
Section Four: That any section, phrase or paragraph of this Ordinance that is construed to be invalid, void or unconstitutional shall not affect the remaining sections, phrases or paragraphs of this Ordinance which shall remain in full force and effect.
Section Five: In accordance with the Aurora Sign Ordinance, Chapter 41 Section 41-14 and Section 41-16(6), a Special Sign District in the form of Exhibit “B” attached hereto and included herein by reference as if fully set forth and incorporated in and made a part of this Ordinance for the real estate property legally described in Exhibit “A” is hereby approved.
Section Six: That all modifications and exceptions under the Aurora Sign Ordinance, as set forth in the Special Sign District, are here by granted and approved.