President Cecola Shares Village Position on the BUILD Act

BUILD Proposal Imposes State-Controlled Zoning Rules on Barrington Hills

The Illinois General Assembly is considering a proposal from Governor Pritzker designed to increase affordable housing stock in Illinois.  While we agree Illinois could benefit from more housing, the proposed BUILD Act (Building Up Illinois Developments) aggressively removes local municipal authority over land use and zoning, and the enforcement of safety-related building requirements.

Village President Brian D. Cecola has been actively working with area municipal leaders and other stakeholders in opposition to the proposed BUILD Act.  

“We are a rural community, committed to conservation, green spaces and protecting the environment.  This has been the longstanding practice of the Village since its incorporation.  State-controlled zoning and development would significantly limit this established practice, compromise our rural infrastructure and water sources, and fundamentally destroy our Village,” said President Cecola.  “Barrington Hills will continue to oppose the proposed legislation and do everything we can to fight it and we need everyone’s help.”

• The Governor’s proposal could:
  • Allow multi-family housing in areas currently zoned exclusively for single-family homes.  This includes duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, cottage clusters, courtyard housing, stacked-flat plexes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).Create statewide rules on density tied to lot size:
    • up to 4 units permitted as of right for lots that are 2,500–5,000 sq ft,up to 6 units permitted as of right for lots that are 5,000–7,500 sq ft,up to 8 units permitted as of right for lots that are >7,500 sq ft
  • Allow property owners to build affordable Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by right in every residential zoning district across Illinois, regardless of local preferences

The very aspects and characteristics that attracted residents to purchasing their homes in Barrington Hills are now threatened by this potential state-wide takeover. Barrington Hills could be forever changed.

If these regulations are passed, nearly all lots in Barrington Hills would be allowed to build 8 units per lot. This could be either 8 homes or an 8-unit apartment building. All properties would be allowed to build and rent ADUs.

State-mandated density will strain local schools, water systems, roads, and emergency services without providing the necessary funding to support the new population.

The BUILD Act proposal could significantly change aspects of our local zoning and planning processes and severely limit the voice communities have in their decision-making.

If this concerns you, TAKE ACTION. YOUR VOICE MATTERS.

Contact your State Legislators. Contact the Governor. Spread the word.
Their contact information is below.

Let them know:

• Planning and Zoning decisions need to include the people who live in the communities.
• Local zoning hearings, plan commissions, and municipal boards give residents a voice.
• Municipalities need to continue to make the decisions for their own communities.
• State-mandated density will strain local schools, water systems, roads, and emergency services without providing the necessary funding to support the new population.

What’s Next

Barrington Hills, through its partner council of Governments, such as BACOG (Barrington Area Council of Governments), is committed to addressing housing availability. We urge the Governor and General Assembly to work closely together with municipal leaders to pursue strategies that increase available housing while respecting local autonomy and existing community planning, and avoiding statewide one-size-fits-all mandates.

We are stronger and more effective when we work together and harness the power of the state and local governments in coordinated efforts. Together, we can reduce barriers to housing development and provide the suite of infrastructure and services that must accompany its development.

The most important thing you can do today is contact your State Representatives, State Senators and the Governor to share your concerns.

BACOG AREA State Legislators:

STATE SENATORS
Senator Cristina Castro (D)
22nd District
164 Division Street
Suite 102
Elgin, IL 60120
(847) 214-8864
(814) 214-8867 FAX
senatorcastro@gmail.com

Senator Darby Hills (R)
26th District
795 Ela Road
Suite 208
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
(224) 662-4544
www.senatordarbyhills.com/contact

STATE REPRESENTATIVES
Representative Anna Moeller (D)
43rd District
164 Division Street
Suite #103
Elgin, Illinois 60120
(847) 841-7130
StateRepMoeller@gmail.com

Representative Nabeela Syed (D)
51st District
1252 West Northwest Highway
Palatine, IL 60067
(773) 916-6553
info@repsyed.com

Representative Martin McLaughlin (R)
52nd District
28662 W. Northwest Highway
Suite A
Lake Barrington, IL 60010
(224) 634-8300
RepMcLaughlin@gmail.com