Planning & Zoning Commission

On December 2, 2025, the City of Harvard Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing to consider a petition from Cunat Inc. The petition sought a zoning map amendment for a property on Lonesome Road (PIN 01-27-400-010), requesting a change from its current RA (Residential Agricultural) classification to R-6 (Multi-Family Residential). The stated purpose of the rezoning is to construct a 330-unit, Class A apartment complex.

The petitioner, Cunat, Inc., presented the project as a high-quality, non-subsidized development that would address a local need for upscale housing, generate substantial new property tax revenue for schools (an estimated increase from about $400 to $426,000 annually), and support Harvard's industrial base by providing workforce housing. An economic impact analysis from the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation projected the development would add 231 new households, significantly increase local consumer spending, and generate an estimated $79,302 in new annual municipal sales tax revenue.

The proposal faced opposition from the public in attendance, primarily residents of the adjacent Oak Grove Crossing subdivision. Opponents argued that the high-density R-6 zoning is fundamentally incompatible with the surrounding single-family and two-family residential areas. Key concerns included severe strain on public infrastructure, including traffic congestion on Northfield and Old Lonesome Roads, and pushing already high-capacity schools beyond their limits. Speakers also raised issues of public safety, environmental impacts like flooding, a potential decrease in property values, and the concentration of rental properties in one area of the city. 

Following extensive public testimony and a brief rebuttal from the petitioner, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend to the city council that it deny the request to amend the zoning designation.  The City Council will make the final determination on the zoning amendment at a later date.

Click on the "Audio Debate" button for a comprhensive AI generated debate covering all the arguments presented at the hearing.

The Harvard Planning and Zoning Commission convened on October 7, 2025, confirming a quorum was present.

The Commission first approved a conditional use permit for Octavio Salinas to relocate his Body Modification Establishment (Tattoo) to the second floor of 36 North Ayer Street. Salinas indicated he intends to include a second station for a guest artist in the new space.

The primary hearing addressed Harvard Nutrition Incorporated, which plans a large-scale, dedicated toll manufacturing facility for US infant formula at 100 Potawatomi Way. This $100 million project is expected to create about 130 full-time, highly skilled jobs. The company stated the facility will address the critical lack of US production capacity and plans to process both fresh cow and goat milk locally.

To accommodate the necessary spray dryer tower, Harvard Nutrition requested a variance for a building height up to 130 feet. They also asked that the property be reclassified from R-6 and B-2 to a consistent M-1 Use District. Both the height variance and the rezoning amendment passed unanimously.

Both approved petitions are scheduled to come before the City Council for final approval on October 28th.

If you would like more details, please click 'Briefing Doc' to the right.

The Harvard Planning & Zoning Commission held a meeting on August 5, 2025, addressing three key hearings.

First, Angelica Esquivel and Francisco Trejo sought a Conditional Use Permit to allow two apartments above their ground-floor business at 708 W. Brink St. Despite remodeling without permits, creating life safety concerns, the Commission approved the license on the condition that the units are brought up to code, including installing windows and a fire sprinkler system. The petitioners stated the units were for family, not rentals, but for zoning, they are considered apartments. The petition will proceed to the City Council for final approval, and no one can reside there until the petition is approved and all of the conditions are met.

Second, Luis Castaneda and Castcarr Properties, LLC requested a Conditional Use Permit for a reception/banquet facility at 201-205 W. Front St. This proposal, replacing an earlier microbrewery plan, was extensively reviewed previously. The Commission approved the permit, noting that all events would be subject to relevant regulations. This petition also moves to the City Council.

Finally, the City of Harvard proposed a text amendment to regulate intermodal containers, addressing the current lack of enforcement. Key recommendations for legal review included defining "stable surface" (paved/concrete for permanent use, compacted gravel for temporary), prohibiting permanent containers in residential areas, allowing permanent placement only in M1, BP, and TC districts, and setting a 90-day limit for temporary use, with an exemption for moving containers for 15 days without a permit. A $30 permit fee per container was proposed, and existing non-conforming structures would have 90 days to comply or obtain an exemption. The Commission recommended that staff make changes and refer the amendment for legal review. 

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The Harvard Planning and Zoning Commission met on June 3, 2025, to address several key land-use issues. They unanimously recommended approval for Ducky's Car & Bike Wash to add a new wash bay and obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to comply with current zoning regulations, highlighting the concept of a legal nonconforming use. The commission then split its decision on Rusky Enterprises' request, recommending rezoning a vacant lot from Business Park to General Business but tabling the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for outdoor storage using shipping containers and asphalt millings, pending further evaluation due to the novelty of the proposal. Finally, the City of Harvard presented proposed changes to its Unified Development Ordinance regarding wireless telecommunication towers, aiming to reduce visual impact, encourage collocation, and protect residential areas; these revisions were unanimously approved to be forwarded for legal review and then to the city council.