ZBA approves laundromat and reduced parking at 629 N. Hickory

The Joliet Zoning Board of Appeals approved petition 202555, granting a variation of use to allow a laundromat at 629 North Hickory Street and a variation to reduce the required off‑street parking from 31 spaces to 19.

Staff told the board the two‑story mixed‑use building dates to 1916 and historically housed grocery and other commercial uses but is currently zoned R‑4 (low‑density multifamily), which prohibits new commercial uses without a variation. Staff concluded the building’s long history of mixed use and the limited site constraints justified recommending the variation of use to the city council and the parking variation for final ZBA action. Staff’s analysis noted the proposed laundromat originally had been described as containing up to 20 washers and 20 dryers; staff calculated parking needs at one space per two washers.

Applicant Jose Rojas corrected the machine count during testimony, saying the layout was likely to contain approximately 11–15 washers and dryers rather than 20. Rojas said he does not currently own the building (his father owns the property), that most prospective customers live within walking distance, and that he had no prior laundromat experience but is working with a sales manager to design the layout. He said tenants in the building currently occupy the other commercial units and that the proposed laundromat would fill the remaining ground‑floor space.

Neighbors and staff discussed on‑street parking availability; staff reported observing available curb parking at several times of day and noted that the existing on‑site configuration accommodates 19 off‑street spaces. After closing testimony the board moved and seconded approval; roll call recorded affirmative votes from members present.

The board made the parking variation decision and recommended the variation of use to the City Council as required by ordinance for use changes. Conditions attached include a prohibition on structural expansion that would add dwelling or commercial units and a provision allowing the city to initiate repeal if conditions are not met.

Next steps: the variation of use proceeds to the mayor and city council for final action; the applicant must comply with the board’s conditions and any building‑permit requirements.