Planning and Development Updates

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Review the information below to learn about upcoming public hearings for planning and development cases in Champaign.

Review the information below to learn about upcoming public hearings for planning and development cases in Champaign.

  • Rezoning at 501 and 503 East Columbia Avenue

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    Zoning map of surrounding area

    Subject property and surrounding area zoning designation.

    City of Champaign’s Planning Director has requested a zoning map amendment (commonly referred to as a rezoning) to rezone the subject property from SF1, Single-Family zoning district to MF1, Multifamily Low Density zoning district. The property was last rezoned in 1961 to “R-4, Multifamily” and then readjusted in a zoning ordinance overhaul in 1965 to R-2, Single-Family zoning district. The building was built under that multi-family zoning in 1963. The SF1, Single-Family zoning district became of the modern designation in the 1996 Zoning Ordinance. These two apartment buildings were purpose-built under multi-family zoning as 8-unit buildings for low-income seniors by the Housing Authority of Champaign County.

    Today, the Housing Authority of Champaign County would like to repair the western building and make all units livable after a fire in 2024. The City of Champaign is proposing this rezoning to allow repairs to the multifamily buildings and is proposing the zoning district change is in accordance with future land use and all applicable criteria, as it was decided in 1961. The current zoning permits uses such as single-unit houses, accessory dwelling units, institutional uses, and parks. The proposed rezoning would allow all of those uses and additional uses such as apartments, townhomes, and senior housing.



    Photo of burnt out western building on the property.Photo of the 501 E. Columbia Avenue property after the fire.



  • 702 N. Edwin Special Use Permit

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    supporting image

    On November 5, 2025, at 4 pm, the City of Champaign Plan Commission will hear a proposed Special Use Permit for 702 N Edwin. The proposed Special Use Permit is to allow a solar panels in a I2, Heavy Industrial Zoning District. The site will also consist of industrial storage in existing buildings with data centers.

    View the Proposed Site Plan

    View the Report to Plan Commission

    The Plan Commission will hear this case in the Champaign City Council Chambers (102 N Neil St., Champaign). Plan Commission meetings are open to the public. If you have any questions, please contact City staff at planning@champaignil.gov or 217-403-8800.


  • Historic Landmark Nomination - University Place Christian Church

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    The City of Champaign has received an application from Leslie Colbert Baker to designate the University Place Christian Church located at 403 South Wright Street as a Local Landmark.

    HISTORIC PRESERVATION MEETING

    The Historic Preservation Commission will review the application to nominate the property as a Local Landmark on Thursday September 4, 2025 at 4 p.m. in the City Council Chambers (102 North Neil St, Champaign) to review the application and hear public input. Meeting materials will be posted below when they become available on August 29, 2025. At the conclusion of this meeting, the Historic Preservation Commission will determine whether to nominate the property as a Local Landmark based on the architectural or historic significance of the property and forward the nomination to Plan Commission for a public hearing.

    PLAN COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING

    Following the Historic Preservation Commission meeting, the Plan Commission will hold a public hearing to consider the Landmark Designation application on Wednesday September 17, 2025 at 4 p.m. in the City Council Chambers (102 North Neil St, Champaign) to review the application and hear public input. The Plan Commission will consider the historic and architectural significance of the property, whether the owner can obtain a reasonable economic return, or whether the property owner objects to the nomination. At the conclusion of this public hearing, the Plan Commission will forward the nomination to City Council with a recommendation to approve or deny.

    CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION

    City Council makes the final determination as to whether to approve or deny the Landmark Nomination. City Council will consider the case on October 14, 2025 at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. (102 North Neil St, Champaign)

    QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS

    If you have any questions, or prefer to provide comments on the proposed Landmark Nomination in writing, please reach out to:

    Eric Van Buskirk, AICP
    Senior Planner
    eric.vanbuskirk@champaignil.gov
    (217) 403-8800

  • Special Use Permit Application for 402 E Church St

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    On August 20, 2025, at 4 pm, the City of Champaign Plan Commission will hear a proposed Special Use Permit for 402 East Church Street. The application was submitted by Joe Villanti on behalf of Truc Pham. The proposed Special Use Permit is to allow a three-unit multifamily complex in the SF1, Single-Family Zoning District. The complex is a converted single-family home with three units that have existed since 1962. The basement unit lost its legal nonconforming status after it remained vacant for over 6 months.

    View the Location Map here : Location Map.pdf

    View the Plan Commission Report here: PL-25-33 Proposed Special Use Permit at 402 E. Church.pdf

    The Plan Commission will hear this case in the Champaign City Council Chambers (102 N Neil St., Champaign). Plan Commission meetings are open to the public.

    If you have any questions, please contact City staff at planning@champaignil.gov or 217-403-8800.

  • 919 W Hill St - Approved Special Use Permit

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    On June 10, 2025, City Council approved a Special Use Permit to allow continued multifamily use at 919 W Hill St, a property in the SF2, Single- and Two-Family Zoning District. Property owners may now conduct repairs to address pending property maintenance code and building safety code issues at the vacant property.


    An aerial image of streets and tax parcels highlighting the location of 919 W Hill Street at the southeast corner of Hill Street and Willis Avenue. Hill Street runs east-west between Washington Street and Church Street, Willis Avenue runs north-south and is one block west of Prospect Avenue.


    CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6/10/25)

    On June 10, 2025 at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers (102 N. Neil St.), City Council unanimously approved the Special Use Permit at 919 West Hill Street. Meeting materials are linked below.

    CB 2025-080 An Ordinance Approving a Special Use Permit to Allow a Multifamily Residential Building in the SF2, Single- and Two-Family Zoning District

    CGTV Online Recordings - City Council


    PLAN COMMISSION MEETING (5/21/25)

    On May 21, 2025 at 4 p.m. in City Council Chambers (102 N. Neil St.), Plan Commission reopened the public hearing. City staff summarized the case, the applicant presented their plans for the site and property owners within 250 feet of the site asked clarifying questions of staff and the applicant. A general public comment period followed. Plan Commission voted 4-3 to recommend approval to City Council. Council will consider this case at their June 10 meeting at 7pm in Council Chambers at 102 N Neil St. Meeting materials are linked below.

    2025-05-21 Plan Commission Meeting Agenda

    2025-05-21 Plan Commission Staff Report

    CGTV Online Recordings - Board and Commission Meetings


    PLAN COMMISSION MEETING (4/16/25)

    On April 16, 2025, at 4 p.m. in City Council Chambers (102 N. Neil St.), Plan Commission approved an applicant petition to continue this case to May 21, 2025. The applicant requested this continuation so they could attend in person on May 21 and address questions from Plan Commissioners and nearby residents. Meeting materials for the April 16 meeting are linked below.

    Plan Commission Agenda for April 16th, 2025

    Requested Continuation of Case No. PL-25-7 to May 21, 2025

    CGTV Online Recordings - Board and Commission Meetings

    April 16th, 2025 Plan Commission Meeting Minutes


    PLAN COMMISSION MEETING (3/5/25)

    On March 5, 2025, at 4 p.m. in City Council Chambers (102 N. Neil St.), Plan Commissioners approved a petition from the applicant to continue this case to a later meeting so the applicant could attend in person. Plan Commissioners approved a continuation to the April 16, 2025 Plan Commission meeting. At the April 16 meeting, Plan Commission will consider the applicant's petition to continue this case a second and final time to a May meeting so the applicant may attend and answer questions from Plan Commission and nearby residents.

    Meeting materials for the March 5th meeting are linked below.

    Plan Commission Agenda for March 5th, 2025

    CGTV Online Recordings - Board and Commission Meetings

    March 5th, 2025 Plan Commission Meeting Minutes


    PLAN COMMISSION MEETING (2/19/25)

    On February 19, 2025, the Plan Commission held a public hearing to review a Special Use Permit application for 919 W. Hill St. Staff presented the case, answered technical questions, and the applicant addressed commissioners and residents. After discussion and a split vote (3-3), the Commission voted to reopen the public hearing and continue the case at its March 5, 2025, meeting.

    Planning staff recommended approval, citing that allowing multifamily use would support property renovations, occupancy, and prevent further deterioration. The Neighborhood Services Department is working with the property owner on an improvement plan, with ongoing property maintenance enforcement separate from the Special Use Permit process.

    Meeting materials and a recording are linked below.

    Report to Plan Commission for PL-25-7: A Proposed Special Use Permit for 919 West Hill Street

    CGTV Online Recordings - Board and Commission Meetings

    February 19th, 2025 Plan Commission Meeting Minutes


    QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS

    If you have any questions, or prefer to provide comments on the proposed Special Use Permit in writing, please reach out to:

    Daniel Saphiere, AICP
    Associate Planner
    daniel.saphiere@champaignil.gov
    (217) 403-8800