Committee considers formal revocation process and stricter zoning‑sign posting for special‑use hearings

LaSalle County staff proposed ordinance changes to strengthen the county’s ability to enforce special‑use conditions and to improve public notice signage for zoning hearings.

Revocation process: Staff presented draft language allowing the department to initiate a special‑use revocation process when conditions are violated. Brian said revocations would be completed by ordinance: "The special uses are granted through ordinance in the first place. Yep. So you have to have an ordinance to revoke. Okay. You can't revoke an ordinance with a resolution," he said. Committee members supported adding clear revocation procedures to give the department enforcement tools before pursuing county‑board action.

Zoning signage: Staff asked whether applicants should be responsible for posting durable metal zoning signs and whether the county should require a deposit. The committee discussed options including applicant pickup of signs from the county office with a deposit and conspicuous posting requirements (for example, within a set distance of the road). Brian said signs currently blow away and that the county will look into metal signs. "I'll probably just I mean, we have some office supply budget. I'll probably just buy some signs anyway," he said.

Vacant building registration: Committee members noted the City of Ottawa has adopted a vacant‑property registration ordinance and discussed whether a countywide registration would be feasible; staff said enforcement countywide would be challenging without administrative adjudication and that the county’s current vacant‑property ordinance relies on civil processes.

Next steps: Staff will prepare ordinance language for revocation and for requiring or enabling more durable, applicant‑posted zoning signs and return with proposed fee/deposit language for committee consideration.