Politics & Government

Frankfort Plan Commission Modifies Home Building Standards

Anti-monotony and architectural design elements were fine-tuned for incoming housing construction developments.

 

The Frankfort Plan Commission approved modifications to the village's zoning ordinance concerning single-family residential development standards. In an effort to ensure the integrity of existing homes in subdivisions with a substantial number of vacant lots, the board revamped its ordinance. Specifically, the anti-monotony rule and building materials standards were evaluated.

The proposed changes come on the heels of an uptick in housing construction; however, current construction does not necessarily mirror the level of upscale designs that dominated the scene between 2000-2008. Planning and Building Supervisor Zach Brown was tasked with identifying areas that potentially could pose a problem, if left alone.

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Brown noted that these proposed changes would not impact subdivisions with stricter covenants regarding design and square footage.   

Particularly the plan commission voted to:

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  • Modified the anti-monotony clause from a seven-lot separation to three-lot separation on either side of the street.
  • Reduced from three to two the number of second or third-floor masonry elements, such as gable ends, turrets and projected or recessed entrances.

At the regular April 11 plan commission meeting, commissioners responded to lengthy input from a few regular custom home builders in Frankfort and gathered input from residents before agreeing to proposed changes in the ordinance. A handful of regular custom homebuilders in Frankfort, including Mike and Brian Flaherty and Pat McMahon along with Al Tabron, the lot owner for Elite Builders and Tucker Homes Builder.   

While McMahon said he didn't think the village ordinance was strict enough, Flaherty and Tabron said the current market is not as robust as it once was. About 75 home permits were issued in Frankfort in 2012 compared to some 200 annually at the turn of the century, said Mayor Jim Holland, who attended the meeting.

Commenting on the anti-monotony clause after the meeting, Brian Flaherty said, "It's a step in the right direction. All intentions are positive."

The masonry elements though remain to be a point of contention for Mike Flaherty. The stipulations regarding the number of architectural design elements "hinder creativity." The homeowner may not want three design elements, but that doesn't mean the home is any less attractive, he said.

Tabron, who took an opportunity to buy up as many as 90 lots Frankfort last year, said he was annoyed with the sudden changes to the proposed ordinance. "You don't just buy 90 lots." The purchase is made with known village and homeowners association restrictions in mind, according to Tabron.

"Now they go and change the rules." 

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