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A Motion by Trustee Taglia and Seconded by Trustee Wesley to Discuss a Referendum on the Elimination of the Single-Family Zoning Classification on the November Ballot
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Introduction
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This is a motion from Trustee Taglia and seconded by Trustee Wesley to discuss a referendum on the elimination of the single-family zoning classification on the November ballot.
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Recommended Action
There is no recommended action associated with this item.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior actions:
• On February 6, 2023, the Village Board approved a Professional Services Agreement between the Village of Oak Park and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to initiate the Strategic Vision for Housing Plan process.
• In December 2023, the Village Board adopted village-wide goals related to missing middle and affordable housing.
• On March 19, 2024, the Village Board adopted the Strategic Vision for Housing Plan
• On August 5, 2025, the Village Board approved a Professional Service Agreement with Opticos Design, Inc. to initiate the Missing Middle Housing Update to the Zoning Ordinance
• On June 16, 2026, the Village Board approved an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement between the Village of Oak Park and Opticos Design, Inc for economic feasibility testing, community outreach and the zoning comparison tool development.
Background
On January 23, 2024, the Village Board adopted a Goals, Priorities, Key Projects, and Initiatives work plan. Within that plan, the chapter on Vibrant, Diverse, Connected Neighborhoods outlines the goal of advancing affordable housing. Key projects and initiatives in achieving that goal include: (c, i) evaluating single-family zoning and missing middle housing opportunities, and (c, iii) considering additional housing types beyond ADUs and ways to allow additional units within the single-family zoning districts. This project directly relates to the adopted Board Goals. This initiative also supports key recommended strategies from the Strategic Vision for Housing plan relative to housing in business districts, missing middle housing, and the relationship between housing and parking.
The Strategic Vision for Housing Plan (“Housing Plan”), which was adopted on April 11, 2024, provides strategies to implement the Village Board’s key projects and initiatives regarding single-family zoning and missing middle. The Village Board approved a Professional Services Agreement between the Village of Oak Park and Opticos Design, Inc., which has conducted a study (Shape Oak Park) on Missing Middle Housing and associated parking regulations as it relates to zoning within the Village as an outcome of the Strategic Vision for Housing Plan.
Timing Considerations
This matter must be determined promptly to satisfy the regulations for inclusion on the November 2026 ballot, as described below under “Anticipated Future Actions.”
Financial Impact
There is no budget impact associated with this item.
Operations Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
There is no staff recommendation associated with this item.
Alternatives
There are no alternatives associated with this item.
Anticipated Future Actions
Should the Village Board elect to place an advisory referendum on the November 2026 ballot, the Board must craft the language of the question, which has to be answered by voters as “yes” or “no” on the ballot. Procedurally, any referendum the Board wishes to place on the November 2026 ballot must be approved by the Village Board by ordinance or resolution on or before August 17, 2026. The July 28 Village Board meeting is the only remaining regularly scheduled meeting before the deadline. If the Village Board has a consensus to move forward with an advisory referendum, and if the Board provides staff with the language of the question to be placed on the ballot, staff will prepare an ordinance or resolution for that purpose for Board action at the July 28 meeting. If the ordinance or resolution is approved, it will be filed with the Cook County Clerk, the election official.
Prepared By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Reviewed By: Ahmad M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Information-Only Memorandum