Monee Planning Commission Backs Special Use Permit for Chestnut Road Rental

Monee Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting | February 18, 2026

Article Summary: The Monee Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to recommend a special use permit for a residential rental property located in a commercial zone. The property owner, who transitioned to real estate after the pandemic, seeks to continue operating the existing two-flat building as a rental.

Chestnut Road Rental Key Points:

• Property Location: 25830 South Chestnut Road.

• Applicant: Rich Dramato of Enhanced Life Homes LLC.

• Zoning Issue: The property is zoned C-1 (Commercial) but functions as a residential multi-family rental.

• Outcome: The Board voted 7-0 to issue a favorable recommendation to the Village Board of Trustees.

The Monee Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, issued a favorable recommendation for a special use permit that would allow a two-unit building to continue operating as a residential rental despite being located in a commercial zone.

The property, located at 25830 South Chestnut Road, is currently zoned C-1. Applicant Rich Dramato, owner of Enhanced Life Homes LLC, appeared before the board during a public hearing to explain his request. Dramato stated that the building has historically been used as a rental property and is situated among other residential homes, despite the commercial zoning designation.

“I purchased a two-flat… that I’d like to continue using as a rental property,” Dramato told the Board. “It’s amongst other homes. There’s all homes on the street… everything is residential. So, I’d like to keep using it as that.”

Dramato shared his personal background with the commissioners, explaining his shift into the real estate market.

“Unfortunately, I lost a business during COVID and, you know, I had to reinvent myself and got a real estate license,” Dramato said. “I plan to make it very nice and, you know, attract families as rentals to the unit.”

Following the public hearing, the commissioners voted unanimously to recommend approval of the special use permit. The recommendation will now move to the Monee Village Board of Trustees for final action.