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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Tracey M. Vacek, Zoning and Planning Director
John P. Curley, Chief Development Services Officer
DATE: August 7, 2026
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 49 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora, by modifying Section 49-103.3 Definitions, 49-107.3 Residential District Specific Regulations, and Table One: Use Categories (City of Aurora - 26-0409 / KDWK-26.047-TXT/AZO - TV
PURPOSE:
The purpose of Ordinance is to add certain definitions, clarify certain uses under home occupations, and to update the Use Table.
BACKGROUND:
The Zoning and Planning Division has been working to expand and update the Definitions section of the Zoning Ordinance. Staff has identified that several use categories and other key terms are either undefined or lack sufficient clarity and we have been working on adding or updating these definitions.
In addition, this text amendment also includes some minor revisions to the Use Table to correct inconsistencies and ensure it accurately reflects the intended permitted uses within the zoning districts.
DISCUSSION:
Specifically, this text amendment defines the differences between manufactured homes and modular homes. It also defines direct sales and mail order as a home occupation.
Lastly, this text amendment clarifies that single-family dwellings and two-family dwellings are allowed in multiple family dwelling districts.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This text amendment is part of an ongoing effort to update the Aurora Zoning Ordinance to clarify existing provisions, eliminate ambiguities, and improve the administration of the Ordinance.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends CONDITIONAL APPROVAL of the Ordinance Amending Chapter 49 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora, by modifying Section 49-103.3 Definitions, 49-107.3 Residential District Specific Regulations, and Table One: Use Categories with the following conditions:
1. Approval is conditioned upon City providing written notice of these text amendments to any known business that the amendments will affect within the City within 30 days of the passage of these text amendments.
2. Staff will post notice of these text amendment changes on the City’s development website.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit "A" Text Amendment
cc:
Alderman Edward J. Bugg, Chairperson
Alderman Daniel Barreiro, Vice Chairperson
Alderman Javier Bañuelos
Alderman Shweta Baid
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 Section 49-103.3 Definitions, 49-107.3 Residential District Specific Regulations, and Table One: Use Categories
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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, the City Council of the City of Aurora has determined that it is necessary and desirable to amend Chapter 49 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora, being the Zoning Ordinance, in order to update and improve certain Sections of said Ordinance to better carry out the purpose and intent of said Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, on July 22, 2026 the Planning and Zoning Commission, after publication of notice, held a public hearing on the amendments to said Ordinance and recommended approval of the amendment attached hereto and incorporated herein and hereinafter referred to as Exhibit “A”.
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 the amendments to Chapter 49 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora, being the Zoning Ordinance, are hereby adopted as set forth in said Exhibit “A”.