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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Planning and Zoning Commission
DATE: July 24, 2026
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance amending Chapter 49 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora, by modifying the zoning map attached thereto to rezone Property located at 134 S. Glenwood Place from R-1 One-Family Dwelling District to P Park and Recreational District (West Aurora School District #129 - Freeman Elementary School / 26-0448 - AU20/3-26.195 - RZ/CU - KP - Ward 5)
PURPOSE:
The Petitioner, West Aurora School District #129, is requesting to rezone the property at 134 S. Glenwood Place from R-1 One-Family Dwelling District to P Park and Recreational District to match the existing Freeman Elementary School property.
BACKGROUND:
The Subject property is located at 134 S. Glenwood Place. The property abuts Freeman Elementary School. The School District acquired this property with the intention of creating additional parking. To proceed, the property is being rezoned to match the current zoning of the Freeman Elementary School which is P(C) Park and Recreation with a Conditional Use for Education Services.
The Petitioner is requesting to rezone the property from R-1 One-Family Dwelling District to P Park and Recreation District. This zoning will match the zoning of the other parcel of Freeman Elementary School.
Concurrently with this proposal, the Petitioner is requesting approval of a Conditional Use for Educational Services to allow for a parking lot expansion. Freeman Elementary School currently has 39 onsite parking spaces to accommodate a staff of 65 in addition to visitors. In February 2026, the School District acquired the property at 134 S. Glenwood Place, just north of the school's existing parking lot. The lot was improved with residential structures (a house and garage) that the School District is demolishing in anticipation of increasing onsite parking.
The new parking lot will create 25 additional parking spaces. It will have a new entrance from Glenwood Place and will be designed to connect to the existing parking lot with cross-access to the same general traffic pattern exiting to Randall Rd. The Petitioner is also proposing to install a 6-foot high board on board white composite fence along the new parking lot for the adjacent neighbor to match that neighbor's existing fence. Additionally, a Landscape Plan was provided which illustrates that upright Junipers and Boxwood shrubs will be provided along the perimeter of the parking lot for additional screening.
DISCUSSION:
Staff has reviewed the Rezoning Ordinance petition and has determined that it meets the applicable codes and ordinances. 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.
Findings of Fact required for Zoning Petitions:
Pursuant to Section 34-909 of Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances, “In considering a proposed amendment to chapter 49 or to the zoning map, the commission shall consider whether the proposed amendment.”
Evaluate the proposal with respect to the property in question as following:
1. Is the proposal in accordance with all applicable official physical development policies and other related official plans and policies of the City of Aurora?
Staff believe that the proposal is in accordance with all applicable official physical development policies and other plans and policies of the City of Aurora.
2. Does the proposal represent the logical establishment and/or consistent extension of the requested classification in consideration of the existing land uses, existing zoning classifications, and essential character of the general area of the property in question?
The primary purpose of the rezoning request is to be consistent with the existing land uses, zoning classifications and character of the established school property.
3. Is the proposal consistent with a desirable trend of development in the general area of the property in question, occurring since the property in question was placed in its present zoning classification, desirability being defined as the trend's consistency with applicable official physical development policies and other related official plans and policies of the City of Aurora?
The rezoning is consistent with the general area. The area has already been developed and there is not new development occurring in this location. The proposed parking lot is consistent with development policies.
4. Will the rezoning allow uses which are more suitable than uses permitted under the existing zoning classification?
The rezoning would allow uses that are more consistent with the school use such as a park or recreational area.
5. Is the rezoning a consistent extension of the existing land uses, existing zoning classifications, and essential character of the general area?
The rezoning is for the purpose of expanding the existing land uses. The essential character will remain the same. There will not be any new uses.
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES:
The Staff’s Evaluation and Recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies:
10.0 To provide for the orderly, balanced and efficient growth and redevelopment of the City through the positive integration of land use patterns, functions, and circulation systems. To protect and enhance those assets and values that establishes the desirable quality and general livability of the City. To promote the City’s position as a regional center
11.0 11.1(5) To guide the growth of the City in an orderly and structured manner. To guide and promote development to areas where public utilities, public roads and municipal services are either available or planned.
12.0 To plan and provide for the growth of the city through the integration of land use patterns and functions that promote complementary interactions between different land use components.
14.1(4) To encourage quality site design throughout the City.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended APPROVAL of An Ordinance amending Chapter 49 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora, by modifying the zoning map attached thereto to rezone Property located at 134 S. Glenwood Place from R-1 One-Family Dwelling District to P Park and Recreational District.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit "A" Legal Description
Site Plan
Landscape Plan
Land Use Petition with Supporting Documents
Plat of Survey
Maps
Legistar #26-0448
cc:
Alderman Michael Saville, Chairperson
Alderwoman Patty Smith, Vice Chairperson
Alderman Javier Bañuelos
Alderwoman Juany Garza
Alderman Will White
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
An Ordinance amending Chapter 49 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora, by modifying the zoning map attached thereto to rezone Property located at 134 S. Glenwood Place from R-1 One-Family Dwelling District to P Park and Recreational District
body
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, West Aurora School District #129 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 Wednesday, June 24, 2026, West Aurora School District #129 filed with the City of Aurora a petition Requesting to rezone the property at 134 S. Glenwood Place from R-1 One-Family Dwelling District to P Park and Recreational District; and
WHEREAS, after due notice and publication of said notice, the Planning and Zoning Commission conducted a public hearing on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, reviewed the petition and recommended APPROVAL of said petition; and
WHEREAS, on July 29, 2026, 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; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, based upon the recommendation and the stated standards of the Planning and Zoning Commission, finds that the proposed Rezoning is not contrary to the purpose and intent of Chapter 49 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora.
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: That Chapter 49 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora, being the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map attached thereto be, and the same are, hereby amended to rezone the real estate property described in Exhibit “A”, from R-1 One Family Dwelling District to P(C) Park and Recreation District with a Conditional Use.