2026-25 Ordinance Rezoning Properties from R-3 Single Family Residence District and M-2 Heavy Industrial District - 271 South 26th Street and 601 South 27th Street and Lot to the Immediate West of 601 South 27th Street to a PD

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Page 2 of 3 Cal. No. 25-09 September 4, 2025 STAFF ANALYSIS The City of Decatur Zoning Ordinance provides standards for reviewing applications for planned developments. An analysis of the review standards is discussed herein: 1. Compatibility with the character of the surrounding neighborhood and general area. The proposed development is compatible with the character of the surrounding area, which features a mix of land uses, including single-family residences, Galloway Park, Sky's the Limit Tree Service, Illinois Power's training facility, GT Church and Decatur Park Districts Splash Cove. Additionally, the site is located just off US-36, a major highway that serves as one of the city's main arterial routes. 2. Effect on area. The expansion of this existing tree service business with the planned landscaping and screening is not expected to have any adverse effects on the surrounding area or the City as a whole. 3. Design and amenities. A six-foot (6') high site-break decorative fence will be installed to screen the storage area from adjacent residential and park uses. All required buffer yard and landscaping will be provided through Alternative Compliance, in accordance with the City of Decatur Zoning Ordinance, to ensure appropriate screening from nearby residential properties. No site lighting is proposed as part of this development. 4. Consistency with comprehensive plan. The proposed rezoning is consistent with the Future Land Use Plan designation for the area, which identifies Transportation/Utility, Open Space, Employment, and Residential—Low Density uses. This classification supports a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial uses, aligning with the petitioner's request. 5. Traffic capacity. South 27th Street and U.S. Route 36 have sufficient capacity to accommodate the traffic anticipated from the proposed expansion. In addition, the City Engineering Division has reviewed the project and determined that a Traffic Impact Report is not required. 6. Adequacy of utilities. Existing utilities and infrastructure are adequate to serve the proposed land use. 7. Integration. The proposed development will be developed in accordance with an overall design plan. 8. Adequacy of parking facilities. The proposed development will provide off-street parking. The preliminary site plan indicates a total of six (6) parking spaces, including one handicap- accessible space, for the proposed site. The PD plan has been reviewed and approved by the City's Technical Review Committee, Planning and Engineering. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Based on the analysis, staff recommends approval of the proposed PD Planned Development District petition with the following conditions: 1. Final site, landscaping and lighting plans shall be submitted to and approved by the Economic and Community Development Department, Public Works Department and Fire Department prior to building permits being released. 2. The site will be developed in accordance with the approved Site Plan.