Review Of Elmhurst Code Enforcement Practices Sought

ELMHURST, IL — Heightened interest in recent zoning cases has prompted three Elmhurst alderwomen to ask for a review of code enforcement practices.

In a memo this week, alderwomen Marti Deuter, Dannee Polomsky and Tina Park said they wanted the matter to be sent to one of the City Council's committees to identify best practices.

"In many cases, requests for code enforcement may be a resident's only non-customary experience with the City of Elmhurst, and the outcomes have a lasting impact," they said in the memo.

They also said turnover in staffing in the community development department may present an ideal time to evaluate the processes.

They did not identify the recent zoning cases that have attracted heightened public interest, but a number have in recent months.

One case is Roberto's Ristorante and Pizzeria's request for permission to build parking lots. A lawyer for opposing neighbors pointed to what he considered code violations behind the popular restaurant.

Also, a Larch Avenue sober home's request for having additional unrelated people has drawn neighbors' objections. The neighbors identified issues on that property from years ago, blaming an absentee landlord.

In still another case, residents on Aberdeen Court are upset with a years-long home renovation project that they say has disturbed their lives.

As part of the review, the alderwomen want to evaluate the methods of contact, response by code enforcement, issues that arise during construction, the documentation process, and the assessment of fines and other penalties.