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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Planning and Zoning Commission
DATE: August 20, 2026
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use Permit for an Above Ground Communication and Electric Utility Facility (4210) Use on the Property located at 10 N. Edgelawn Drive (Metronet - 26-0496 / AU19/2-26.190 - CU - AM - Ward 5)
PURPOSE:
The Petitioner, Metronet, is requesting Approval of a Conditional Use for an Above Ground Communication and Electric Utility Facility (4210) Use on Property Located at 10 N. Edgelawn Drive which includes installing a public utility cabinet measuring 121"L x 42"W x 62.5"H within a newly acquired 30-foot by 36-foot perpetual easement.
BACKGROUND:
The subject property, classified under the R-2 Residential Property zoning district and located at 10 N. Edgelawn Drive, encompasses a 6.30-acre site owned by the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Aurora. The parcel sits at the intersection of Galena Boulevard and Edgelawn Drive. To facilitate localized network improvements, the church authorized Metronet Infrastructure Group, LLC to act as its agent for the development process. Metronet subsequently secured a 30-foot by 36-foot perpetual easement containing 1,080 square feet along the southwest corner of the property along Galena Boulevard; however, the cabinet is setback far enough that it will not interfere with sightline. To maintain local neighborhood aesthetics, as depicted in the attached final plan and landscape plan, the utility cabinet has been screened with decorative fencing and landscaping material to ensure it does not detract from the surrounding community's quality of life.
DISCUSSION:
Staff have reviewed the Conditional Use 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.
The proposed utility cabinet installation represents a minimal impact that aligns with the public interest. Situated entirely within a dedicated 1,080-square-foot easement, the 121"L x 42"W x 62.5"H structure is designed to integrate with the existing local aesthetic. Because all electrical and fiber utilities will enter and exit strictly through this designated easement, the project avoids encroaching on the surrounding church grounds or neighboring properties.
Furthermore, operations will not disrupt local traffic or infrastructure as this will only require routine maintenance once construction is completed. By expanding fiber optic availability, this development supports the general welfare, comfort, and property values of the neighborhood without creating any adverse impacts on public health, safety, or morals.
Due public notice was given for the public hearing on this matter. As of the date of this memo, staff has received public inquiries requesting additional information on this petition.
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES:
The Staff’s Evaluation and Recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies
10.0 To provide for 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.
11.1 (5) To guide and promote development to areas where public utilities, public roads and municipal services are either available or planned.
11.1 (3) To encourage new development contiguous to existing development.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended CONDITIONAL APPROVAL of the Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use Permit for an Above Ground Communication and Electric Utility Facility (4210) Use on the Property located at 10 N. Edgelawn Drive with the following condition:
1) That the installation of the Above Ground Communication and Electric Utility Facility be in accordance to the Final Plan dated July 23, 2026, and the Landscape Plan dated July 23, 2026.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit "A" Legal Description
Exhibit "B" Memorandum of Agreement
Final Plan dated July 23, 2026
Landscape Plan dated July 23, 2026
Land Use Petition with Supporting Documents
Maps
Plat of Survey
Legistar: 26-0496
cc: Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee:
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 Granting a Conditional Use Permit for an Above Ground Communication and Electric Utility Facility (4210) Use on the Property located at 10 N. Edgelawn Drive.
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, Westminster Presbyterian Church Of Aurora, 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 17, 2026, Metronet filed with the City of Aurora a petition Requesting Approval of a Conditional Use for an Above Ground Communication and Electric Utility Facility (4210) Use on Property Located at 10 N. Edgelawn Drive for the property described in Exhibit “A”; and
WHEREAS, after due notice and publication of said notice, the Planning and Zoning Commission conducted a public hearing on August 19, 2026, reviewed the petition and recommended CONDITIONAL APPROVAL of said petition; and
WHEREAS, on August 26, 2026, the Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee of the Aurora City Council reviewed said petition and the before mentioned recommendations and recommended CONDITIONAL 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 Conditional Use 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: In accordance with Sec. 104.3 of Chapter 49 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora, being the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map attached thereto, and Article V of Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora, a Conditional Use permit is hereby granted for an Above Ground Communication and Electric Utility Facility (4210) for the real estate property legally described in Exhibit “A”.
Section Six: That this Conditional Use permit hereby granted is solely for the purpose of an Above Ground Communication and Electric Utility Facility (4210) and is subject to all of the conditions set forth herein which shall be binding and remain in full force and effect upon the property, the petitioner and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, assigns and devisees for the duration of said Conditional Use.
Section Seven: That the petitioner agrees to sign the Memorandum of Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit “B” within fourteen (14) days from the date of passage of this Ordinance and that said Conditional Use permit is granted with the following condition:
1) That the installation of the Above Ground Communication and Electric Utility Facility be in accordance to the Final Plan dated July 23, 2026 and the Landscape Plan dated July 23, 2026
Section Eight: That should any of the above-stated conditions not be met or that the property described in Exhibit “A” is not developed in accordance with the Conditional Use the City Council shall take the necessary steps to repeal this Ordinance.
Section Nine: That future proposals for expansion or intensification of whatever kind for the property legally described in said Exhibit “A”, except as provided for herein, shall be considered only upon proper application, notice and hearing as provided by Article V of Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora.
Section Ten: That the property legally described in Exhibit “A” shall remain in the underlying zoning classification of R-2 One Family Dwelling District and upon termination of the use of said property for an Above Ground Communication and Electric Utility Facility (4210), this Conditional Use permit shall terminate and the classification of R-2 One Family Dwelling District shall be in full force and effect.
Section Eleven: That this Above Ground Communication and Electric Utility Facility (4210) use shall remain subject to compliance, except as herein modified, with the minimum standards of all applicable City Ordinances.