Park Ridge's City Council gave final approval Monday, Aug. 3, to two zoning changes: a first-ever mural definition in the city's code and an oversized wall-sign variance for a business in Uptown.

Both passed at the regular meeting at City Hall, 505 Butler Place.

Mural definition enters the code

Alderperson Steinfels, reporting for the Planning & Zoning Commission, brought Ordinance ZA-26-03 for its final vote. The measure adds a formal definition of murals to the Park Ridge Zoning Ordinance, clearing the way for the city's new mural program.

The program is limited to city-owned buildings and Park Ridge Park District facilities. The Journal & Topics reported that the Procedures & Regulations Committee advanced the proposal unanimously at the July 20 Committee of the Whole meeting, with members raising concerns about allowable imagery and maintenance responsibilities.

The exact language of the new definition was not released in the meeting agenda.

Oversized wall sign at 140 N. Northwest Highway

Alderperson Lawrence, representing the Zoning Board of Appeals, presented Ordinance VA-26-12 for final reading. The variance allows a business at 140 N. Northwest Highway, in the Shops at Uptown, to install an additional wall sign facing a rear parking lot that exceeds the city's 16-square-foot maximum for such signs.

The Zoning Board of Appeals classified the request as a "major" variance and held a public hearing on it July 23 before sending it to the full council.

City finances: $1M warrant report, fiscal year 2025 audit

The Finance Director presented Warrant Report C073026, covering $1,004,024.10 in city expenditures for the two-week period ending July 30. Alderperson Moran, who chairs the Finance & Budget Committee, reviewed the report.

The Finance Director also delivered the city's fiscal year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. No summary of fund balances or audit findings was available from the meeting agenda.

Other business

Mayor Marty Maloney reported on the addition of live entertainment endorsements to existing liquor licenses and presented the Youth Services Commission Golden Award.

Vote tallies for the two ordinances were not available from the agenda record. Residents can view the full meeting recording on the city's Granicus page or check parkridge.us for the upcoming council schedule.