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(A) Construction and erection. The construction and erection of all signs within the city shall conform to the following standards provided that the construction and erection of highway advertising signs shall also conform to the standards set forth in § 156.052 of this code:
(1) All letters, figures, characters or representations in cut-out or irregular form, which are maintained in conjunction with, attached to, or superimposed upon any sign, shall be safely and securely built or attached to the sign structure.
(2) Any sign, other advertising structure, marquee or awning, as defined in this chapter, including the frames, braces and supports thereof, shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than 35 pounds per square foot of net surface area, shall be constructed to receive dead loads as required in the Building Code and other ordinances of the city, and shall be approved by the Director of Community and Economic Development as being in compliance with the Building Code and Electrical Code.
(3) No part of a sign, other than a highway advertising sign, shall extend more than four feet from the building or structure to which it is attached.
(4) Exterior illumination including goose neck reflector lamps and other lights shall be permitted; provided, however, that all such lights, other than a changeable electronic variable message signs as defined in § 156.052 for which a valid permit has been issued, are completely shielded from view beyond the lot line as so to prevent glare upon the street or adjacent property.
(5) Except for a window sign, any glass forming a structural part of any sign shall be safety glass.
(6) All signs shall be properly maintained, including, but not limited to, repair of broken or missing parts, removal of rust or oxidation; restoration of faded or chipped paint; and repair, replacement or restoration of any other similar condition of disrepair. If the Director of Community and Economic Development finds that any sign has not been properly maintained in accordance herewith, written notice shall be given to the owner or occupant of the premises upon which such sign is located, describing the violation and providing a reasonable period of time within which to remedy the deficiency. Failure to remedy the deficiency shall constitute a continuing violation of this requirement, and each day after the expiration of the time period allowed to remedy the deficiency shall be deemed a separate offense.
(B) Maximum gross surface area.
(1) Total area permitted. The total permitted area of all signs for a single building shall not exceed two times in square feet the total building frontage expressed in linear feet, up to a maximum of 300 square feet for a building with one street frontage, 500 square feet for a building with two street frontages, and 600 square feet for a building with three or more street frontages. Not more than one freestanding sign shall be allowed. If a single building is designed for occupancy by more than one business use, the total permitted wall sign area for a single business use will be subject to a pro-rata signage formula such that each new tenant will be allowed only its proportionate share of signage for all new multi-tenant buildings built after August 2020.
(2) Reserved.
(3) Maximum gross surface of a single sign. The following gross sign area limitation pertaining to single signs of the types indicated below.
(a) Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs in the Commercial District, other than highway advertising signs, shall have a gross surface area not in excess of the table below, and shall not obstruct the view of vehicular traffic:
If a wall sign variation has been approved for a Zoning Lot, a freestanding sign is not allowed.
(b) Wall signs. No wall sign shall have a gross surface area in excess of 25% of the wall to which it is applied or over 300 square feet, whichever is smaller, provided that wall signs in residential districts shall be subject to division (B)(3)(c) below.
(c) Residential districts. In residential districts, signage shall be regulated as follows:
1. Single-family detached and detached dwellings. No signs shall be permitted other than an address sign as permitted in division (F)(1)(a) of this section and/or an ornamental entry gate sign, which shall be subject to division (B)(3)(d) of this section.
2. Multiple-family buildings in the R-3 zoning district and nonresidential buildings and developments in all residential districts.
A. For each principal multiple-family building or any nonresidential building, one building identification sign shall be permitted, to be either a freestanding sign in the front yard only or a wall sign, and to depict the name and/or address of the building and other identification information and/or information concerning permitted uses located therein. If such a sign is a wall sign, it shall not exceed four square feet, shall be located on the same side as the principal entrance, and shall be non-illuminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated. If such a sign is a freestanding sign, it shall not exceed 12 square feet per side, shall be located not less than three feet from any lot line, driveway or street pavement, and shall be non-illuminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated.
B. For multiple building developments, one freestanding building identification sign shall be permitted for each frontage in addition to a wall sign for each building.
C. For a residential subdivision or planned unit development, ornamental entry gate signs shall be permitted, subject to divisions (B)(3)(d) and (C)(5) of this section.
D. In parking lots and on driveways, directional signs shall be permitted subject to the restrictions in division (F)(5) of this section.
E. In parking lots and on driveways, standard parking and traffic signs shall be permitted.
F. For each multiple-family or nonresidential building, a resident or occupant directory shall be permitted as a wall sign, at the principal entrance to the building, not to exceed four square feet.
3. Nonresidential buildings or uses accessory to residential buildings or developments.
A. A building identification sign shall be permitted for each building, to depict the name and/or address of the building and other identification information and/or information concerning uses located therein and hours. Such shall be located on the same side of the building or uses as the principal entrance, and shall be non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated.
B. A freestanding building identification sign shall not exceed six square feet per side, shall be located not less than three feet from any lot line or street pavement, and shall not exceed six feet in height.
C. A wall sign for building identification shall not exceed six.
D. Instruction boards, including warning messages, and bulletin boards, not exceeding 20 square feet shall also be permitted.
(d) Ornamental entry gate signs. Permanent ornamental entry gate signs shall be permitted in the front yard in all districts subject to the following restrictions:
1. Only one such sign shall be permitted on each side of each entrance from each street frontage.
2. Such signs shall not exceed 50 square feet per sign, or 25% of the wall area, whichever is less; provided that for purposes of calculating the percentage of the wall area, the columns of the ornamental entry gate shall not be included.
3. Such signs shall be permitted only at the entrances of a subdivision or planned unit development for which the uses are principally residential or office.
4. Such signs shall not be located within the public right-of-way.
(e) Window signs. No window sign shall have a gross surface area in excess of 25% of the window on which it is hung, displayed or painted, behind which it is affixed or from which it is displayed. Window signs shall not be included in calculating the total permitted area of signs allowed upon the Zoning Lot which they are located.
(f) Construction site sign. No construction site sign shall exceed two feet by four feet in area. Such signs shall be aluminum and shall be provided by the city for a fee. Such signs shall not be affixed to any tree, but shall be affixed to a building or fence, or shall be mounted on a post or weighted standard that is no more than six feet in height and is located behind the front lot line of the construction site.
(g) Highway advertising signs. No highway advertising sign shall have a gross surface area in excess of the limits set forth in § 156.052 of this code.
(h) Digital signs. One digital sign will be permitted for each Zoning Lot that contains a restaurant, retail, or hotel use.
(i) Roof signs. The maximum allowable area of roof signs shall not exceed 25% of the wall area on which it faces or 300 square feet, whichever is smaller; and no part of a roof sign shall extend more than four feet from the building or structure to which it is attached.
(C) Additional restrictions, all signs. The following additional restrictions shall apply to all signs:
(1) Unsafe and unlawful signs. If the Director of Community and Economic Development shall find that any sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy or awning as defined in this section is unsafe or insecure,.is a menace to the public, or has subsequent to the effective date of this section been constructed or erected in violation of the, provisions of this section, the Director of Community and Economic Development shall give notice to the permittee thereof in the form of a written report indicating such unsafe conditions or violations of this section. If the permittee fails to remove or alter the structure so as to comply with the standards herein set forth, within three days after such notice, such sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy or awning as defined in this section may be removed by the Director of Community and Economic Development at the expense of the permittee or owner of the property upon which it is located. The Director of Community and Economic Development may cause any sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy or awning as defined in this section, which is an immediate peril to persons or property, to be removed summarily and without notice.
(2) Obstructions. No sign, other advertising structure, canopy or awning as herein defined, shall obstruct any driveway, door, window, fire escape, ladder, or opening intended to provide light, air, access or egress for any building or structure. This provision shall not be construed to prohibit the affixing of temporary window signs on or about any window, glass partition, or any other structure in the interior of any building.
(3) Zoning district. Signs of specified types shall be permitted in the various zoning districts as follows:
A. Residential zoning districts:
Address signs (wall or freestanding) |
Building marker signs, with the name and date of erection of the building, only in multiple-family residential zoning districts or for nonresidential uses in any residential district. |
Bulletin boards only accessory to uses in multiple-family zoning districts or for nonresidential uses in any residential district |
Construction site signs |
Danger and temporary emergency or temporary non-advertising signs |
Directional signs |
Directional signs within an off- street parking area |
Flags |
Freestanding signs accessory to multiple-family residential uses or nonresidential uses in any residential zoning district, but not highway advertising signs |
Garage sale signs |
Legal notice signs |
Monument signs |
Municipal signs, public utility signs, parking and traffic signs and railroad crossing signs |
New development signs identifying the architect, financial institution, engineer or contractor |
Occupant directory, only in multiple-family residential zoning districts or for nonresidential uses in any residential district |
Ornamental entry gate signs |
Pole signs, but not Highway Advertising Signs |
Portable trailer signs for nonresidential uses only |
Real estate signs |
Temporary election signs |
B. Business zoning districts: |
Awning signs |
Banners, flags, pennants, streamers and other similar non-frame temporary advertising signs, but not including balloons to announce a grand opening |
Building identification signs (wall or freestanding) |
Building marker signs with the name and date of erection of the building |
Business address signs (wall or freestanding) |
Canopy signs |
Construction site signs |
Danger and temporary emergency or temporary non-advertising signs |
Directional signs |
Directional signs within an off-street parking area |
Flags |
Freestanding signs, other than highway advertising signs |
Legal notice signs |
Marquee signs |
Monument signs |
Municipal signs and banners, public utility signs, parking and traffic signs and railroad crossing signs |
New development signs identifying the architect, financial institution, engineer or contractor |
Occupant directory as a wall sign, limited to four square feet |
Off-premises signs, other than highway advertising signs, in B-3, B-4 and B- 5 zoning districts only; off-premises signs, other than highway advertising signs, in the M-U zoning district may be allowed at the entryway of Butterfield Road/Trans Am Plaza and the entryway of 18th Street/Meyers Road pursuant to a special use permit and limited to one sign per entryway to be shared by the businesses within the M-U zoning district. |
Ornamental entry gate signs |
Pole signs, other than highway advertising signs |
Portable trailer signs |
Real estate signs |
Temporary election signs |
Temporary window signs |
Wall signs |
(4) Related to premises. Except for off-premises freestanding signs and highway advertising signs, every freestanding sign, ornamental entry gate sign, wall sign, and window sign shall relate directly to the business or enterprise conducted on the premises or to the property on which it is located; provided, however, that noncommercial copy of any nature may be placed on any otherwise permitted sign, whether or not such noncommercial copy relates to the business, enterprise or property on which it is located.
(5) Maximum height of signs. No pole sign or monument sign shall exceed nine feet in height; except on Roosevelt Road and 22nd Street only, no pole sign or monument sign shall exceed 15 feet in height, with a minimum clearance of six feet from the top of grade immediately adjacent to the sign structure to the bottom or lowest point of the gross surface area of the sign; provided that no off-premises freestanding sign shall exceed 20 feet in height, and no freestanding building identification sign in a residential district shall exceed six feet in height for residential uses or nine feet in height for permitted nonresidential uses. The height of a sign shall be measured from the top of the grade immediately adjacent to the sign structure, to the top or highest point of the gross surface area of the sign, as herein defined. This division (C)(6) shall not apply to highway advertising signs the maximum height of which is regulated by § 156.052 of this code.
(6) Financial responsibility. The general contractor for a sign shall provide a certificate of insurance showing the City of Oakbrook Terrace as an additional insured.
(7) Prohibited sign features. To preserve community appearance and avoid traffic hazards, the following shall be prohibited:
(a) Flashing signs, rotating or moving signs, animated signs, signs with moving lights, or creating the illusion of movement, and flashing or moving lights. A sign whereon the time and or temperature is indicated by intermittent lighting shall not be deemed to be a flashing sign if the lighting changes are limited to the numerals indicating the time and or temperature and are not more frequent than every ten seconds.
(b) Signs that imitate or resemble any official traffic control device.
(c) Signs that hide or interfere with the effectiveness of any official traffic control device.
(d) Lights around the perimeter of principal structures and accessory structures, as well as, around features of principal structures and accessory structures, except during the holiday season. This division (d) shall not apply to such lights already in existence on the effective date of this division or to window signs.
(e) This division (C)(7) shall not apply to highway advertising signs which are regulated by § 156.052 of this code.
(8) Location of pole, monument, ornamental entry gate, and off-premises freestanding signs. No part of any pole sign, monument sign or off-premises freestanding sign shall be less than three feet from any property line or driveway, except that on Roosevelt Road and 22nd Street only, no part of any pole sign shall be less than three feet from any property line, and no monument sign shall be less than ten feet from any property line; and except that no part of any ornamental entry gate sign shall be less than five feet from the property line or driveway. No off-premises freestanding sign shall be located less than 100 feet from any other off-premises freestanding sign. On a corner lot, no pole, monument, ornamental entry gate or off-premises freestanding sign shall be located within a triangular area formed by the street property lines and a line connecting points on the street property lines located 25 feet from the intersection of the right-of-way lines. This division (C)(8) shall not apply to highway advertising signs the location of which is regulated by § 156.052 of this code.
(9) Removal of certain signs. Except for off-premises freestanding signs, at the termination of a business, or commercial enterprise, all signs pertaining thereto shall forthwith be removed from public view. Responsibility for removal shall reside with the property owner. Upon failure to comply with removal of all signs within 60 days following termination of a business or commercial enterprise, the Director of Community and Economic Development is hereby authorized to cause removal of all signs pertaining thereto and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the property owner.
(10) Maximum number of off-premises freestanding signs per zoning lot. Except for exempted signs as permitted in division (F) and temporary signs as permitted in division (G), no more than one off-premises freestanding sign shall be located on a single zoning lot.
(11) Restrictions on certain wall signs. Wall signs attached, applied to, painted on, placed flat against, or displayed parallel to, any structure other than a building shall be required to comply with the following restrictions:
(a) Such signs shall be used solely to identify the specific development or building and shall not be used to identify a specific tenant or product;
(b) Such signs shall not be installed so that the sign surface area extends above, below or to either side of the structure on which such signs are attached, applied, painted or placed flat against;
(c) Such signs shall not be internally illuminated.
(D) Required permits. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter, relocate, or maintain within the city any sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy or awning as defined in this section, without first obtaining a sign permit from the Director of Community and Economic Development and making payment of the required fee for such permit or, in the case of off-premises freestanding signs, without also making payment of the annual license fee as provided in division (E)(8). In addition, all illuminated signs shall be subject to the provisions of the Electrical Code. Applications for a sign permit shall be made upon forms provided by the Director of Community and Economic Development, and shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:
(1) Name, address and telephone number of the applicant.
(2) Location of building, structure, or lot to which or upon which the sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy or awning as defined in this chapter, is to be attached or erected.
(3) Position of the sign, advertising structure, marquee, canopy or awning as defined in this chapter, in relation to nearby building or structures.
(4) Two blueprints or ink drawings of the plans and specifications and method of construction and attachment to the buildings or in the ground.
(5) If required by the Director of Community and Economic Development a copy of calculations or other information, including but not limited to manufacturer's specifications, as evidence that the structure is designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction in the amount required by this and all other laws and ordinances of the city.
(6) Name of person, firm, corporation, or association erecting the sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy or awning as defined in this section.
(7) For any multiple-tenant use, consent in writing of the owner of the building, structure, or land to which or on which the sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy or awning as defined in this section is to be erected.
(8) Any electrical permit required and issued for said sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy or awning as defined in this section.
(9) Proof of financial responsibility as required in this section.
(10) Such other information as the Director of Community and Economic Development shall require to show full compliance with this and all other ordinances of the city. Applications for permits for the erection of signs, other advertising structures, marquees, canopies or awnings, as defined in this section, in which electrical wiring and connections are to be used, shall be reviewed by the Director of Community and Economic Development or a duly authorized deputy. The plans and specifications respecting all wiring and connections, shall be examined to determine if they comply with the Electrical Code of the city, and the Director of Community and Economic Development shall recommend approval of the issuance of the permit if the plans and specifications comply with the Electrical Code and shall recommend disapproval of the application if noncompliance with the Electrical Code is found. Such plans and specifications shall be reviewed prior to the consideration of the application by the Director of Community and Economic Development for final approval or disapproval of the sign permit. It shall be the duty of the Director of Community and Economic Development or an authorized deputy upon the filing of all application for a sign permit to examine such plans, specifications, and other data, and the premises upon which it is proposed to erect the sign, canopy, or awning as defined in this section, and if it shall appear that the proposed structure is in compliance with all the requirements of this section, this chapter and all other applicable ordinances of the city, and the appropriate permit fee has been paid, the Administrator shall then issue the sign permit. If the work authorized under a sign permit has not been completed within six months after date of issuance, the permit shall become null and void.
(E) Authority to continue "existing non conforming uses. For the purpose of this chapter, ever sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, or awning, which was erected and in place on the effective date of this chapter, or on the effective date of any amendment hereto, and which does not conform with this chapter or any such amendment, shall be deemed a nonconforming use. Nonconforming uses may be continued only in accordance with the following regulations:
(1) Repairs and alterations. All necessary repairs are made and no structural alterations are made, except those required by law, or except to make the sign conform to the regulations of this chapter.
(2) Additions and enlargements. No additions or enlargements shall be made.
(3) Moving. The sign shall not be moved.
(4) Restoration of damaged signs. If such sign is damaged by fire or other casualty less than 40% of the original cost of the sign, repairs shall be started within 90 days from the date of the damage and such repairs shall be diligently prosecuted to completion.
(5) Discontinuance of use. Except for off- premises freestanding signs, when a business or commercial enterprise has terminated the use of a nonconforming sign for a period of at least 60 days, such sign shall be required to conform to the regulations of this chapter.
(6) Change of use. Except for permitted, off-premises freestanding signs, where the business use or identity associated with a nonconforming sign terminates or changes, the use of said sign thereafter shall conform to the regulations of this chapter.
(7) Any off-premises freestanding sign which does not conform to the provisions of this section, or any amendment thereto, on its effective date, may be continued only in accordance with divisions (E)(1) through (4) of this section.
(8) Amortization of on-premises signs. Any on-premises sign which does not conform to an amendment to this section shall be removed or brought into conformance with the provisions of this section in accordance with divisions (E)(1) through (6) of this section, whenever such divisions become applicable to such sign.
(F) Exempted signs. The provisions and regulations of tins section shall not apply to the following signs; provided, however, that said signs shall be subject to the provisions of division (C)(1) of this section, and, except for the signs permitted in division (F)(6), said signs shall also be subject to the provisions of division (C)(4) of this section.
(1) A sign not exceeding two square feet in area identifying the name and/or address of the building or dwelling, placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. All lots, buildings and structures in the city shall be numbered in accordance with the following plan: north and south numbers shall commence at Madison Street; east and west numbers shall commence at State Street; odd numbers shall be on the east and south sides of the streets; even numbers shall be on the north and west sides of the streets. It shall be the duty of the owners or occupants of any building to display the address of that building. The Director of Community and Economic Development shall keep a chart showing the proper street number of every lot in the city, which chart shall be open to inspection by anybody interested.
(a) Residential address sign. For any building in a residential district, including single-family detached and attached dwellings and multiple-family buildings, the address numbers shall be readable from the street and shall contrasting in color with the background or structure. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals and alphabet letters, and shall be a minimum of four inches high, with a minimum stroke width of one-half inch. A freestanding address sign shall not exceed eighteen inches in height.
(b) Business address sign. For buildings in a business district, the address number shall be readable from the street and contrast in color with the background or structure. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals and alphabet letters, and shall be a minimum of four inches high, with a minimum stroke width of one-half inch. In addition, all shopping centers shall display an address sign on the rear door of each establishment.
(2) A bulletin board or instruction board not exceeding 20 square feet in area for a public, charitable, or religious institution and located on the same premises.
(3) A building marker sign not to exceed 15 square feet, with the name and/or date of erection of the building, which sign may be cut into the masonry surface of the building or depicted on a plaque made of bronze or some other permanent metal.
(4) Traffic and parking regulation signs or other municipal signs and banners, public utility signs, legal notice signs, railroad crossing signs, danger and temporary emergency or temporary non-advertising signs on public rights-of-way if erected by a public body or public utility or with the permission of the city. Traffic and parking signs on private property within driveways and parking lots.
(5) Directional signs which provide instruction or direction within an off-street parking area, to identify entrances, walkways, and features of similar nature. Such signs shall not exceed three square feet in area per side per sign and shall not be more than 30 inches in height above grade, unless special conditions dictate a height which allows visibility of such sign(s) from the street but does not create an obstacle for a motorist. Special conditions and the existence thereof shall be determined by the Director of Community and Economic Development. No more than two double-faced signs shall be allowed at each entrance to or exit from a parking area, with one sign on each side of the driveway. Such signs may be illuminated but only in accordance with the provision of this section. Directional signs may contain the name of a business, and/or logo. Such signs shall be computed in the overall square footage of signage of that parcel, and shall count against the permitted number of freestanding signs.
(6) Temporary election signs not exceeding 16 square feet. No election signs may be erected on any property without the owner's permission. Election signs shall not be placed in any right-of-way. Any election sign placed within the public right-of-way may be confiscated by the city, and will be subject to disposal without return of such sign to the owner or candidate.
(7) Menu boards, which are accessory to a permitted drive-through restaurant, and which shall be oriented so as not to be visible from any street.
(8) Temporary window signs, subject to division (B)(3)(e) of this section.
(9) Window signs identifying hours of operation and/or stating whether the business is open or closed.
(10) Garage sale signs in compliance with § 112.52(E) of this code.
(G) Temporary signs. Temporary signs shall be in accordance with all the provisions of this chapter, except where specifically stated and with the following exceptions: Temporary signs shall not be included in the overall signage for that zoning lot on which it is located, and no temporary sign shall be illuminated. Only one of the following temporary signs is permitted per parcel:
(1) A real estate sign in a single-family residential district which advertises single-family residential property for sale, rent, or lease of the premises on which it is located. Such a sign shall not exceed four square feet in area and shall not exceed five feet in height. Such a sign shall be removed no more than three days after the closing upon the sale, rental or lease of the property.
(2) In the case of a new subdivision, and in place of a single sign per lot, a single non-illuminated sign will be allowed, with an area not to exceed the number of lots in the subdivision, times four square feet, or 200 square feet, whichever is less. Such a sign shall comply with the height and location restrictions for freestanding signs. Such a sign shall be removed no more than three days after the closing upon the sale of the last lot of record in the subdivision.
(3) A temporary sign for an initial period not to exceed 90 days located on a lot in a multi-family or commercial district on which a property, building or portion of a building is for sale, rent or lease. Such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and nine feet in height. No permit fee shall be required for the initial 90-day period. A permit fee of $150 shall be required to be paid by the property owner to the city should the temporary sign remain on the lot following the initial 90-day period. Any temporary sign remaining on the lot after the after the initial 90-day period for which a permit fee has not been paid, shall be immediately removed from the lot by the property owner. It shall be unlawful to permit any temporary sign to remain on the lot after the after the initial 90-day period unless the permit fee has been paid.
(4) Pennants, banners, streamers, flags or any other similar non-framed temporary advertising sign, but not including balloons, used to announce a grand opening of a new business which shall not be located on any roof and shall be removed within 60 days after being displayed.
(5) A sign for a new development, denoting the architect, the financial lending institution, the engineer, or the contractor of a new development not exceeding 16 square feet in area when placed upon work under construction. Such a sign may be located anywhere on the parcel but no closer than three feet from any property line. There shall be no more than one sign per development tract unless the development is abutting two streets; then, two separate signs shall be permitted, one on each frontage. Such a sign(s) shall not exceed nine feet in height, and shall be removed upon the issuance of the occupancy permit.
(6) Portable-type trailer signs shall be permitted in any zoning district for any non-for-profit organization and shall be removed within 15 days. One such sign shall be permitted for each street frontage. Such signs shall be indirectly illuminated and shall not include any flashing lights.
(7) On four occasions during each calendar year, property owners in the B-2, B-3, B-4, and B-5 zoning districts may obtain a permit for the posting of a temporary sign for a period of 96 hours. The sign shall be no larger in area than two times the building frontage or 300 square feet, whichever is less. A temporary banner attached to a building shall not exceed the height of the building structure, excluding rooftop mechanical equipment or antennas. A freestanding temporary banner shall not exceed nine feet in height. Such sign shall be permitted only to identify or advertise a business conducted on the premises on which the sign is located. Further, in order to post said sign, the owner must file for its permit no less than three days prior to the date of display. Such permit shall be reviewed by the Zoning Department for its compliance with ordinances and to protect the public safety and welfare. To the extent this section is more specific, than any other section of this code, this section shall govern.
(H) Purpose of this section. The regulations set forth in this section are established in order to promote and protect the public health, safety, convenience and general welfare of the city, its residents and businesses, and those traveling through the city, and in order to accomplish the following specific purposes:
(1) To enhance the economy of the city by promoting the reasonable, orderly and effective use and display of signs.
(2) To enhance the appearance of the city by recognizing and encouraging a sense of aesthetic appreciation for the visual environment.
(3) To protect the general public from damage and injury that might be caused by the faulty and uncontrolled construction and use of signs within the city.
(4) To protect the public use of streets by reducing sign or advertising distractions that may create traffic hazards.
(5) To preserve the value of private property by assuring the compatibility of signs with surrounding land uses.
(6) To limit and control the pollution of the visual environment.
(Ord. 80-24, passed 12-23-80; Am. Ord. 92-8, passed 8-25-82; Am. Ord. 98-06, passed 6-9-98; Am. Ord. 97-33, passed 2-9-99; Am. Ord. 99-03, passed 6-8-99; Am. Ord. 01-15, passed 8-14-01; Am. Ord. 01-21, passed 9-13-01; Am. Ord. 01-55, passed 3-26-02; Am. Ord. 02-25, passed 8-13-02; Am. Ord. 02-53, passed 12-18-02; Am. Ord. 03-17, passed 8-26-03; Am. Ord. 04-14, passed 6-22-04; Am. Ord. 06-22, passed 11-14-06; Am. Ord. 09-18, passed 10-27-09; Am. Ord. 10-31, passed 12-14-10; Am. Ord. 12-14, passed 3-27-12; Am. Ord. 12-54, passed 12-11-12; Am. Ord. 13-8, passed 2-12-13; Am. Ord. 13-9, passed 2-12-13; Am. Ord. 15-22, passed 3-10-15; Am. Ord. 15-24, passed 3-10-15; Am. Ord. 20-29, passed 8-11-20; Am. Ord. 22-01, passed 1-11-22; Am. Ord. 22-24, passed 8-23-22) Penalty, see § 156.999
(A) Permitted use. Private outdoor swimming pools shall be permitted as an accessory use, provided they conform with the provisions of this and other applicable ordinances of the city.
(B) Protective fence. Every outdoor swimming pool constructed or maintained within the city shall have a protective fence. The requirements for this fence shall be as follows:
(1) All gates or doors providing access to such outdoor pool shall be self-closing and self-latching with latches placed at least 42 inches above the ground.
(2) The fence shall be of at least 11 gauge wire mesh, wrought iron, wood, stone, concrete, brick or other materials, or combination thereof approved by the Director of Community and Economic Development. An accessory building may be employed as part of such enclosure.
(3) There shall be no openings or gaps in such fence larger than six inches, except for doors and gates.
(4) The protective fence shall be no less than four feet in height, no more than six feet in height, and must be located not less than four feet from the pool.
(5) An outdoor pool shall be allowed without a surrounding fence provided that the pool design includes a barrier that is permanently attached around the entire pool as part of the structure of the pool, and provided that said barrier extends 30 inches or more above the top of the pool deck and rim and otherwise meets the specifications of a fence hereinabove described; and further; provided that a fence no less than six feet in height shall be constructed so as to enclose the entrance to such a pool, and that such fence encloses an area at least four feet from any entrance ladder or similar facility used for entrance to such a pool.
(C) Outdoor pool permit. Application for a outdoor pool permit allowing the construction or installation of an outdoor pool shall be made in writing to the Director of Community and Economic Development. No such outdoor pool shall be constructed or installed without the approval of an outdoor pool permit by the Director of Community and Economic Development.
(Ord. 07-13, passed 10-9-07; Am. Ord. 22-24, passed 8-23-22) Penalty, see § 156.999
(A) Requirements.
(1) The following restrictions shall apply to yards in all districts.
(a) The minimum yard space required for one structure shall not again be considered as minimum required yard space for another adjoining structure, except that for unsubdivided property in the R-2 and R-3 zoning districts, the required interval of separation between adjacent buildings shall be considered as the minimum required yard space for both buildings.
(b) No lot shall be reduced in area so that the yards or other open spaces become less than the requirements of this chapter.
(c) On corner lots, no obstruction in a yard, including trees and shrubs, shall be higher than 18 inches above the street level if located in that portion of the yard within 25 feet of the corner formed by the intersection of any two street right- of-way lines; provided that, notwithstanding such height restriction, existing vegetation shall be allowed to remain unless it creates a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic as determined by the Director of Community and Economic Development in consultation with the Chief of Police, the Public Services Director and other consultants as deemed necessary and appropriate.
(2) In Single-Family Residence Districts, the maximum number of buildings accessory to any principal single-family residential building or structure shall be two. Such accessory buildings shall not occupy more than 8% of the lot area or 950 square feet, whichever amount is less, unless otherwise permitted by a planned unit development or a variation.
(3) In Business or Multiple-Family Residence Districts, accessory buildings that are permitted obstructions in the rear yard shall not occupy more than 30% of the required rear yard or 800 square feet, whichever is less, unless otherwise permitted by the planned unit development or a variation.
(B) Permitted obstructions. The following shall be permitted obstructions in minimum required yards:
F denotes Minimum Required Front Yard
R denotes Minimum Required Rear Yard
S denotes Minimum Required Side Yard
A denotes All Minimum Required Yards
1. | Sidewalks | F |
2. | Gutters and Eaves1 | A |
3. | Canopies1 | A |
4. | Awnings1 | A |
5. | Ornamental decorations | A |
6. | Signs (See § 156.043) | A |
7. | Fences (See § 156.039) | |
8. | Landscaping walls2 | A |
9. | Retaining walls3 | A |
10. | Satellite dish antennas (See § 156.047) | |
11. | Driveways | A |
12. | Off-street parking (See § 156.100)4 | |
13. | Garages (detached)6 | S, R |
14. | Sheds6 | R |
15. | Swing sets | R |
16. | Tennis courts5 | R |
17. | Barbecue stoves or grills | R |
18. | Non-mechanical laundry drying equipment | |
19. | Food vegetation | S, R |
20. | Children’s playhouses | R |
21. | Light poles7 | A |
22. | Porch Swings8 | A |
23. | Flags9 | F |
24. | Lawn furniture and benches | A |
25. | Ornamental Entry Gates10 | F |
26. | Garbage Containers11 | S, R |
27. | Off-street loading berths12 | R |
28. | Above ground service facilities13 | A |
29. | Portable toilets at residential construction sites14 | |
1 Eaves, gutters, canopies and awnings shall not extend more than four feet into the minimum required front, side or rear yard, except that eaves and gutters of detached garages and sheds may be located within the required side or rear yard, so long as no portion thereof is located less than three feet from the rear lot line or less than three feet from the side lot line.
2 The height of landscape walls shall not exceed 30 inches above the existing grade. The depth of any level of a landscape terrace, as extended toward the structure, shall be no less than 1.5 times the height of the rise in the terrace that is immediately beneath such level of the landscape terrace. The materials used for the construction of landscape walls shall be limited to landscape materials. On corner lots, no landscape wall shall exceed 18 inches above the grade in any portion of the yard situated within 25 feet of the lot corner formed by the curve of any two street lines.
3 The height of retaining walls shall not exceed the top of the foundation unless approved by the City Engineer for structural purposes. Any retaining wall that is more than three feet in height shall be certified by a structural engineer. On corner lots, no retaining wall shall exceed 18 inches above the grade in any portion of the yard situated within 25 feet of the lot corner formed by the curve of any two street lines.
4 For off-street parking, see regulations in each zoning district in addition to § 156.100.
5 Tennis courts shall be located not less than ten feet from the rear lot line.
6 Detached garages and sheds, including any eaves or gutters, shall be located not less than three feet from the rear lot line and not less than three feet from any side lot line. The vertical wall of any detached garage or shed shall be located not less than ten feet from the vertical wall of a principal building or structure.
7 In single-family detached residential zoning districts, light poles shall not be located in any required yard other than the front yard and shall not exceed eight feet in height; provided that light poles may be located in a rear yard inside the fence required in conjunction with a swimming pool, at a height not to exceed four feet. For off-street parking in business zoning districts, or when accessory to attached residential buildings, multiple-family residential buildings or nonresidential uses in all residential zoning districts, light poles may be located in the front, side or rear yards and shall not exceed 16 feet in height.
8 Porch swings shall not extend more than four feet into the minimum required front, side or rear yard.
9 No more than two flags shall be permitted on any zoning lot used for residential purposes in a residential zoning district, at a maximum height not to exceed the maximum building height permitted in the relevant zoning district. No more than five flags shall be permitted for nonresidential uses in any residential zoning district or for any use in a business district, at a maximum height of 35 feet. No ground-mounted flag shall hang more than one- third of the length of the pole on which it is displayed. Flags on zoning lots on which public buildings are located shall be exempt from these restrictions.
10 No more than one ornamental entry gate shall be permitted on each side of an entrance from a street frontage, not exceeding eight feet in height, and such gates shall be set back not less than five feet from the front lot line, street pavement and driveway. Such gates shall be subject to the approval of the City Engineer and shall be certified by a structural engineer.
11 Dumpsters in commercial districts may be located only in the required side and rear yards. Residential garbage cans may be located only in the required side and rear yards and shall comply with the requirements of § 156.101(A)(1)(h).
13 Above ground service facilities shall comply with the requirements of § 156.051.
14 Portable toilets at residential construction sites shall be located away from any sidewalks, and as close to the front wall of the principal structure as practical, and shall be permitted only until a temporary certificate of occupancy is issued.
(Am. Ord. 92-8, passed 8-25-92; Am. Ord. 80-24, passed 12-23-80; Am. Ord. 98-45, passed 2-9-99; Am. Ord. 01-46, passed 1-22-02; Am. Ord. 01-55, passed 3-26-02; Am. Ord. 02-25, passed 8-13-02; Am. Ord. 03-15, passed 8-26-03; Am. Ord. 06-22, passed 11-14-06; Am. Ord. 06-23, passed 11-14-06; Am. Ord. 07-13, passed 10-9-07; Am. Ord. 07-21, passed 11-27-07; Am. Ord. 07-38, passed 2-26-08; Am. Ord. 08-13, passed 8-12-08; Am. Ord. 09-2, passed 5-26-09; Am. Ord. 19-9, passed 3-12-19; Am. Ord. 22-24, passed 8-23-22) Penalty, see § 156.999
(A) Objectives. The regulations in this section are established to meet the following objectives:
(1) To enhance the aesthetic values in the city by assuring that the appearance, location and height of antennas and satellite dish antennas do not unreasonably interfere with the rights of neighboring property owners to use and enjoy their properties, and by assuring the compatibility of such antennas with surrounding properties.
(2) To enhance public safety in the city by protecting persons and property from injury or damage that might be caused by improper location, installation and grounding of antennas and satellite dish antennas.
(B) Antennas, including satellite dish antennas, shall be permitted uses in all zoning districts, subject to the requirements set forth in this chapter.
(C) Permit required.
(1) No person shall construct, erect or install any antenna or satellite dish antenna without obtaining a building permit therefor, except that no permit shall be required for satellite dish antennas that are less than one meter (approximately 39 inches) in diameter.
(2) Except as provided in division (C)(1) of this section, an application for a permit shall be filed with the Community Development Department for all antennas and satellite dish antennas, and such application shall include the following:
(a) Name, address and telephone number of the person installing the antenna;
(b) Name and address of the owner of the lot on which the antenna will be located;
(c) A description of the antenna, showing its dimensions, structural specifications and location on the lot, including all other surrounding buildings and structures on the lot and the lot lines.
(d) For roof- or wall-mounted satellite dish antennas that are more than two meters (approximately 79 inches) in size, plans shall be certified by a registered engineer as to the structural integrity of the building or structure with respect to the location of the antenna thereon.
(D) General requirements. The following requirements shall apply to all antennas, including satellite dish antennas, which are located, constructed or installed in the city.
(1) Except for antennas and satellite dish antennas attached to single-family residences, all antennas, including satellite dish antennas, shall be constructed of noncombustible materials, and shall be provided with U.L.-approved lightning protection devices.
(2) Color. All antennas, including satellite dish antennas of any size, and the antenna supporting structures on which they are mounted, shall be black, gray, white, silver, tan, beige or other light brown shades of color, to match or blend with the predominant color of the roof or wall surface, if roof- or wall-mounted, or the color of the surroundings if ground-mounted.
(3) Wind loads. All antennas, including satellite dish antennas of any size, and any antenna supporting structures on which they are mounted or installed, shall be designed to withstand a minimum wind velocity of 80 miles per hour (impact pressure of 32 pounds per square foot).
(4) No obstruction of rights-of-way or property. No antenna, including satellite dish antennas of any size, shall extend above, across, over or under any public or private right-of-way, including sidewalks located thereon, or have any wires or metal rods that extend therefrom above, across, over or under any public right-of-way, including sidewalks located thereon.
(5) Burying wires. All wires, rods and other connectors between an antenna, including satellite dish antennas, and the building receiving services from such antenna, shall be located underground if ground-mounted, or securely attached to or located within the building receiving services if roof- or wall-mounted.
(6) Screening. Landscape screening of ground-mounted antennas, including satellite dish antennas as provided herein, shall be required to completely enclose such antennas with non-deciduous landscape materials or fencing having an opacity of at least 75%, at a height not less than the height of the antenna along the antenna's non-reception window axes, with low level screening along the reception window axes of the antenna's supporting structure. Such screening shall be required in the following locations and circumstances:
(a) In single-family and multiple-family residential districts where the use is residential in nature, satellite dish antennas that are one meter (approximately 39 inches) or more in size.
(b) In business districts or in single-family residential districts and multiple-family residential districts on properties where the use is non-residential, satellite dish antennas that are two meters (approximately 79 inches) or more in size.
(c) In all districts for antennas other than satellite dish antennas.
(7) Lighting and advertising. All antennas, including satellite dish antennas, shall comply with all applicable FCC and FAA requirements. No lights, or signs or other advertising, shall be permitted on any antenna or antenna supporting structure unless required by the FCC or the FAA.
(E) Location requirements. Except as otherwise provided in this section, all antennas, including satellite dish antennas, shall comply with all applicable accessory use, yard, height, bulk and setback requirements specified in this chapter. Antennas, including satellite dish antennas, shall be located on a lot in accordance with the following preferred requirements, taking into account the requirements for reasonable reception of signals, including satellite signals:
(1) Detached and attached single-family residential districts for residential uses:
(a) First preference is for roof-, balcony- or wall-mounted antennas, including satellite dish antennas:
1. First preference for such roof-, balcony- or wall-mounted antennas is for mounting such antennas on that portion of a roof, balcony or wall that faces a rear yard; or
2. If the signal, including satellite signals, cannot be reasonably received by mounting such antennas on that portion of a roof or wall that faces a rear yard, second preference for such roof-, balcony- or wall-mounted antennas is for mounting such antennas on that portion of a roof or wall that faces a side yard; provided that such antennas shall be installed so that they are not visible between ground level and ten feet above ground level from any street adjoining the front yard of the lot on which they are located.
3. Such antennas shall be mounted so that they will not extend more than four feet into the minimum required rear or side yard, except that if such antennas are mounted on a detached garage or shed, no portion thereof shall be located less than three feet from the rear or side lot lines.
(b) Second preference is for ground-mounted antennas, including satellite dish antennas:
1. First preference for ground-mounted antennas is for installing such antennas in the rear yard, if at all practicable for purposes of reception of signals, including satellite signals.
2. If signals, including satellite signals, cannot be reasonably received if such antennas are located in the rear yard, second preference for such ground-mounted antennas is for such antennas to be located in a side yard.
3. Such antennas shall be installed so that they will not extend more than four feet into the minimum required rear or side yard.
(2) Business districts, multiple-family residential districts, or multiple-family or single-family residential districts where the use on a lot is nonresidential:
(a) First preference is for roof-mounted antennas, including satellite dish antennas, mounted on the roof of the principal structure on a lot, with effective roof screening so that the antenna is not visible from any adjoining street or abutting residential property.
(b) Second preference for wall- or balcony-mounted antennas, including satellite dish antennas:
1. First preference for such wall- or balcony-mounted antennas is for mounting such antennas on that portion of the wall or balcony of the principal building that faces a rear yard.
2. If the signal, including satellite signals, cannot be reasonably received by mounting such antennas on that portion of a wall or balcony of the principal building that faces a rear yard, second preference for such wall- or balcony-mounted antennas is for mounting such antennas on that portion of a wall or balcony of the principal building that faces a side yard; provided that such antennas shall be installed so that they are not visible between ground level and ten feet above ground level from any street adjoining the front yard of the lot on which they are located.
3. Such antennas shall be mounted on the balcony or wall of the principal building so that they will not extend more than four feet into the minimum required rear or side yard.
4. If the signal, including satellite signals, cannot be reasonably received by mounting such antennas on that portion of a wall or balcony of the principal building that faces a rear or side yard, third preference for such wall- or balcony-mounted antennas is for mounting such antennas on an accessory building or structure on any wall; provided that no portion of such antennas shall be located less than three feet from the rear or side lot lines.
(c) Third preference is for ground-mounted antennas, including satellite dish antennas:
1. First preference is for installing such antennas in the rear yard.
2. If signals, including satellite signals, cannot be reasonably received if such ground mounted antennas, are located in the rear yard, such antennas may be located in a side yard.
3. Such antennas shall be installed so that they will not extend more than four feet into the minimum required rear or side yard.
(F) Size, height and number of antennas, including satellite dish antennas. The size, height and number of antennas on a zoning lot, including satellite dish antennas, shall conform with the following requirements:
(1) In detached or attached single-family residential districts where the use is residential:
(a) The height of antennas, including satellite dish antennas, and including any antenna supporting structure other than the residence structure on which they are mounted, shall not exceed three feet above the peak or highest point of the roof of the residence structure.
(b) The size of satellite dish antennas shall not exceed one meter (approximately 39 inches).
(c) The number of ground-mounted antennas, including satellite dish antennas, shall not exceed one antenna, as an accessory structure only.
(2) In business zoning districts, multiple-family residential districts, or multiple-family residential or single-family residential districts where the use on a lot is nonresidential:
(a) The height of antennas, including satellite dish antennas, and including any antenna supporting structure other than the building on which they are mounted, shall not exceed ten feet above the maximum permitted height for buildings and structures in multiple-family residential districts and for nonresidential uses in single-family residential districts, and 15 feet above the maximum permitted height for buildings or structures in business districts.
(b) The parts of antennas, other than satellite dish antennas, shall not extend more than 15 feet laterally from the antenna supporting structure, and no more than three additional antennas shall be attached to the antenna supporting structure.
(c) Not more than 100 cubic feet of air space shall be occupied.
(G) If the signal, including satellite signals, cannot be reasonably received if an antenna, including a satellite dish antenna, is installed in accordance with the requirements of this section, an administrative variation may be granted by the Zoning Administrator if the owner or permit applicant provides information sufficient to show that such signals cannot be reasonably received. The Zoning Administrator shall evaluate the information provided and shall determine an appropriate alternative location, height, or size of antenna, and shall grant a permit that shall include the specific criteria allowed for reasonable reception.
(Ord. 08-1, passed 5-13-08) Penalty, see § 156.999
(A) Access to public street. Every principal building hereinafter erected shall be on a lot which adjoins a public street or a permanent easement of access to a public street. Where a lot with a business zoning classification is a through lot or a corner lot, and where access from one of the streets would allow ingress and egress into a residential district, said access into the residential district shall be prohibited.
(B) Access to arterial street. A permit from the appropriate jurisdiction controlling an arterial street or a major collector street, as designated in the city’s comprehensive plan, shall be required for any driveway or access road leading onto or from such arterial or major collector street, and a copy of such permit shall be provided to the city’s Director of Community and Economic Development as part of any application for a building permit or zoning relief for which the plans include such a new driveway or access road.
(Ord. 07-13, passed 10-9-07; Am. Ord. 22-24, passed 8-23-22) Penalty, see § 156.999
(A) Scope of regulations. The provisions of this section shall apply to the following:
(1) New construction (attached single-family, multiple-family, and business districts only).
(2) (Reserved).
(3) Remodeling that exceeds 50% of the assessed value of a property located in the B-1 Professional Office District, B-2 Professional Office District, B-3 General Retail District, B-4 Business Park District and B-5 Entertainment District, to the extent that parking variations will not be required.
(4) When screening and/or buffering is required under this chapter.
(B) Definition of terms. In addition to other definitions established in this chapter that are not in conflict with the definitions established in this division (B), the following definitions are applicable to the provisions of this section:
(1) ANNUAL. A plant which completes its life cycle in one year.
(2) BERM. An earthen mound designed to provide screening or a buffer.
(3) BREAST HEIGHT. The location on the outside of the bark of a tree where the measurement of the tree's diameter is taken, usually four and one-half feet above the ground on the uphill side of the tree.
(4) BUFFER. A combination of physical space and vertical elements, such as plants, berms, fences or walls, the purpose of which is to separate and screen inconsistent land uses.
(5) DECIDUOUS. A plant with foliage that is shed annually.
(6) EVERGREEN. A plant with foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year.
(7) GROUND COVER. A plant that grows near the ground densely and spreads. Generally an herbaceous perennial, sometimes a woody shrub or vine.
(8) LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT. A person who, based on education, experience, or both in the field of landscape architecture, is eligible to register and has obtained a certificate to practice landscape architecture under the Illinois Landscape Architecture Act of 1989, as amended (ILCS Ch. 225, Act 315, §§ 1 et seq.).
(9) LANDSCAPE DESIGNER. An individual with experience in landscape design.
(10) LANDSCAPE SCREEN/BUFFER, FULL. The minimum required landscape area between inconsistent land uses.
(11) LANDSCAPE SCREEN/BUFFER, PARTIAL. Selective landscape screening between compatible land uses.
(12) LANDSCAPE YARD. The yard required to be landscaped for the purpose of screening and buffering a development site.
(13) NATIVE PLANT. A plant which is known to have originated in and is characteristic of Illinois.
(14) ORNAMENTAL GRASSES. A group of perennial plants that include true grasses (of the families Proacea and Graminea), sedges (of the family Cyperaceae) and rushes (of the family Juncaceae, including the Juncus and Luzula cultivars). Such grasses are generally planted in groups and may range in size from several inches in height to in excess of six feet. In contrast to turf grasses, which require regular cutting during the growing season, ornamental grasses are typically cut back only once per year, generally in late winter.
(15) ORNAMENTAL TREE. A deciduous tree planted primarily for its ornamental value or for screening. May be any size at maturity but will tend to be smaller than a shade tree.
(16) PARKWAY. That area of land between the property line abutting any public right-of-way, highway or street, and the back of curb, edge of pavement, whether concrete or asphalt, or other improved roadway surface.
(17) PLANT PRESERVATION CREDIT. Credit given for the preservation of existing vegetation meeting the functional requirements of this section, in lieu of required new landscaping.
(18) SCREEN. A method of buffering from or reducing the impact of visual intrusions through the use of plant materials, berms, fences and/or walls or any combination thereof.
(19) SHADE TREE. A tree planted primarily for its high crown of foliage or overhead canopy.
(20) SHRUB. A woody plant, smaller than a tree, which consists of a number of small stems from the ground or small branches near the ground. May be deciduous or evergreen.
(21) SHRUB, LOW. Any shrub which attains a mature height of four feet or less when left unpruned.
(22) SHRUB, TALL. Any shrub which attains a mature height of greater than four feet when left unpruned.
(23) TREE. A large, woody plant having one or several self-supporting stems or trunks and numerous branches. May be deciduous or evergreen.
(24) TURFGRASS. Grasses planted, by seeding or sodding, to establish a lawn that is usually maintained by mowing during the growing season.
(C) Approval process. When a landscape plan is required, the plan shall be submitted to the Director of Community and Economic Development with applications for building permits. The Director of Community and Economic Development will review the plans for compliance no later than 15 working days after receipt of the plans.
(D) Plan preparation. All landscape plans required by this section shall be prepared and signed by a professional landscape architect or landscape designer.
(E) Submittal requirements. The submittal package for a landscape plan shall include planting and site information. The landscape plan may be submitted on a separate sheet or superimposed on a single sheet with the site plan. The submittal package must include the following information:
(1) Site elements.
(a) Title block including the name of the project, designer's name, scale of the plan (no smaller than 1" = 50' for plans with trees only; and no smaller than 1" = 20' for plans with shrubs and smaller plants), north arrow and date of the plan.
(b) Property lines, with dimensions.
(c) Name, location, right-of-way and paving widths of all abutting streets.
(d) Zoning and use of all abutting properties.
(e) Natural features such as ponds, lakes and streams; delineation of 100-year floodplain and wetland boundaries in accordance with Chapter 152 of this Code.
(f) Existing and proposed stormwater management ponds and areas.
(g) Required landscape yard width and width of landscape yard provided.
(h) Location, height, dimensions and use of all existing and proposed buildings and other structures, including parking lots, sidewalks and other paved areas; fences and walls; recreational equipment and underground and overhead utility lines in areas where landscaping is proposed. Existing utility lines shall be permitted to remain in such areas.
(i) Approved grading plan at one foot contour interval, with all slopes labeled.
(2) Planting elements.
(a) Location, general type and quality of existing vegetation, specimen trees and natural areas.
(b) For plant preservation credits, existing vegetation areas to be saved, including accurate locations noted and a list of typical species. Note methods and details for protection of existing vegetation during construction. Plant preservation credits may be applied when plants in the required landscape yards are retained to perform required screening and buffering. The landscape requirements of this section may be waived by the Director of Community and Economic Development to the extent that the existing plants meet the requirements for plant preservation credits.
1. Each tree or mass of trees and shrubs preserved in the areas of a required landscape yard shall meet the following requirements:
A. The tree or masses of trees and shrubs shall be alive and in a healthy condition, and shall not be of prohibited species.
B. Trees that are three inches to five inches in diameter, measured at breast height, shall receive 100 landscape points.
C. Trees that are six inches to eight inches in diameter, measured at breast height, shall receive 150 landscape points.
D. Trees that are nine inches to 11 inches in diameter, measured at breast height, shall receive 200 landscape points.
E. Trees that are 12 inches or larger in diameter, measured at breast height, shall receive 300 landscape points.
F. Masses of trees less than three inches in diameter, measured at breast height, and masses of shrubs in landscape yards, may receive up to 100% of the points required for that portion of the landscape yard.
2. As a condition of being granted plant preservation credits, all plants to be preserved shall be protected during construction.
(c) Location of all proposed landscaping improvements, including all areas proposed to be seeded and/or sodded.
(d) Plant list or schedule, including key symbols, quantity, correct botanical and common names and size of all proposed plants.
1. Plant names used shall be identified in accordance with standard horticultural practices and criteria.
2. All plant sizes and conditions listed shall conform to the "American Standards For Nursery Stock," as published by the American Association of Nurserymen, latest edition.
(e) Location and description of other improvements, such as earth berms, walls, fences, screens, sculptures, fountains, lawn furniture, ornamental decorations, signs, lighting and paved areas.
(f) Planting installation detail as necessary to insure conformance with the "American Standards For Nursery Stock," as published by the American Association of Nurserymen, latest edition, and other standards as specified in this section.
(g) General and specific notes to indicate or explain the design and construction procedures to be used.
(F) Landscape standards.
(1) Appropriateness. The landscape plan shall consider the type of use proposed for the development, and shall use plants which will integrate the development site into the surrounding area. Except for new construction of any detached single-family residence or construction of any addition to an existing detached single family residence that enlarges such residence by more than 50% of its existing floor area in the R-1 Single-Family Detached Zoning District, where screening is not required, the type and extent of screening and buffering required will be determined pursuant to division (H) of this section.
(2) Screening. Materials may consist of evergreen trees and shrubs; ornamental trees and deciduous shrubs with dense branching; shade trees; and fences, walls and berms. Planted screens shall be arranged in clusters of plants to create optimum screening according to site conditions.
(3) Fences and walls. Long stretches of a single wall or fence shall not be continued to the point of visual monotony, but shall be varied by using changes in height, different material combinations, offset angles or other types of articulation in combination with landscaping.
(4) Berms. Screening may be accomplished with the use of berms in combination with plants. Slopes shall not exceed 4:1. Berms shall be designed with gently curving slopes so that they are not susceptible to erosion. Staggering berms shall be encouraged to allow for drainage without providing a drainage barrier, and to provide visual variety. Ground cover plants may be used to reduce mowing on berms.
(G) Plant material standards.
(1) All plants shall conform to the "American Standards for Nursery Stock," latest edition, and shall be installed according to the current standards of the American Association of Nurserymen.
(2) Plant availability and hardiness. All plants used in landscape plans shall be readily available and shall be proven to be reliably hardy in USDA Zone 5A.
(3) Deciduous trees shall be fully branched, have a minimum caliper of three inches for nonresidential development and two and one-half inches for residential development, as measured at breast height. Specimens shall be properly pruned to maintain a natural form.
(4) Evergreen trees shall be a minimum of six feet in height and fully branched to the ground.
(5) Shrubs shall be supplied in one gallon or larger containers or balled and burlapped.
(6) Ground cover plants shall be planted so that an effective covering is obtained within two growing seasons.
(7) No obstruction which exceeds 18 inches above street level shall be permitted in that portion of a yard within 25 feet of the corner formed by the intersection of any two street right-of-way lines or by the intersection of any street with any access driveway (both sides of such access driveway). Such prohibited obstructions include, but are not limited to, buildings, fences and walls, loading and open storage, plant material, play equipment, signs, rocks, boulders, parking, and other structures; provided that, notwithstanding the restrictions set forth herein, existing vegetation shall be allowed to remain unless it creates a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic as determined by the Director of Community and Economic Development in consultation with the Chief of Police, the Public Services Director and other consultants as deemed necessary and appropriate.
(8) Plant materials, including deciduous and evergreen trees, shall not cause a hazard. Landscape plant material overhanging walks, pedestrian or bicycle paths and seating areas shall be pruned to a minimum height of eight feet; to a minimum height of 15 feet over streets and highways; and to a minimum height of 12 feet above parking lot aisles and spaces.
(9) Landscape plant materials shall be selected which do not generally interfere with utilities above or below ground level at maturity.
(10) Parking lot clearance. No shrub or tree shall be planted closer than two feet from any curb face.
(11) Planting space required. Trees planted in cutouts, in walks or in pedestrian areas shall have a minimum area of open soil of four feet by four feet, or a circle of open soil with a minimum diameter of five feet, and all landscape plant materials beyond the open soil area shall be protected from damage due to pedestrian or vehicular traffic by the use of tree grates, pavers, curbs or edging beyond the open soil area, which do not pose any unreasonable hazard to pedestrians or vehicles.
(12) Landscape plant materials shall be properly guyed and staked in accordance with current industry standards, where necessary. Stakes and guy wires shall be placed so as not to interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
(13) Appropriate methods of care and maintenance of the landscaping materials shall be provided by the owner of the property.
(H) Landscape yards. Except for driveway or sidewalk openings and except for the exempted area provided for in division (G)(7) of this section, a continuous perimeter landscape yard shall be provided for the purpose of screening and buffering with landscaping as provided in this division.
(1) Landscape yard screen/buffers. Except for lots on which a single building is used for both residential and nonresidential uses, as provided in § 156.077(B)(5), a 12 foot wide landscaped yard shall be provided, with a full screen/buffer alongside and/or rear lot lines when a nonresidential use is adjacent to any residential use, or when a multiple-family use is adjacent to a detached or attached single-family use.
(2) Landscaping screen/buffer required. A landscape screen/buffer shall be provided for all landscape yards, and may include plant materials, fences, walls and berms; provided that no credit toward the required landscape points shall be given for solid walls or fences or berms less than two and one-half feet in height. The type and number of plants and other features required shall be determined using the following information:
Number of points required for:
A full landscape screen/buffer:
Example: Landscape yard = 100'
Points required = Half the length x 10, or 50' x 10 - 500 points
If the required amount of landscaping points is unable to be met, the City of Oakbrook Terrace may accept a monetary contribution of $ 10.00 per landscaping point in lieu of the required amount of landscaping points for landscaping elsewhere in the City of Oakbrook Terrace.
(3) Perimeter side and rear yard where landscaping screen/buffer not required. Where no landscaping screen/buffer is required, the side and/or rear yard adjacent to a parking lot shall be, at a minimum, sodded, seeded, or planted with another comparable ground cover.
(4) Number of plants required. Trees and shrubs shall generally have the following point values:
(a) Low shrubs (minimum 24" in height at installation): 10 points;
(b) Tall shrubs (minimum 36" in height at installation): 15 points;
(c) Ornamental trees: 50 points;
(d) Evergreen trees: 60 points; and
(e) Shade trees: 100 points.
(5) Continuous or staggered berms of more than five feet in height, which function as screening, may contribute up to 50% of the total landscape points for that portion of a landscape yard. Berm heights of at least two and one-half feet will obtain a credit based on the following:
Berm height x 0.10 = % of points credited (.5' increments)
Example: Landscape yard = 100 feet
100' long berm x 2.5' high x 0.10 = 25% of points credited
(6) The proposed landscaping must function so that maximum effective screening is provided. Both overhead and lower screening and buffering shall be required in order to meet these requirements, unless the Director of Community and Economic Development determines that overhead screening and buffering would unreasonably interfere with overhead utilities. Plant selection should include a variety of plant types. Fences, walls or berms shall be used to increase effective screening, but fences and solid walls shall not provide landscape credits. Trees and shrubs should be used on berms and in front of fences and walls.
Example: 500 landscape points required:
200 points - two shade trees
100 points - two ornamental trees
180 points - three evergreen trees
20 points - two low shrubs
(7) Additional landscape screening/ buffering may be required when a use occurs which may have a high impact on adjacent development, as determined by the Director of Community and Economic Development. A high impact use is one which is expected to have a strong effect on adjacent properties, due to one or more of the following:
(a) Noise;
(b) Outdoor loading spaces;
(c) Exterior storage, attractive nuisances and objectionable views;
(d) Dust, fumes, odors and vibration;
(e) Litter;
(f) Bright lighting during the evening or at night or headlights from vehicles using the development at night;
(g) Height of structures above the maximum permitted building height for the specific zoning district, or adjacent to development in a different zoning district or a zoning district with a lower maximum permitted building height; or
(h) Safety and liability concerns.
(I) Parking lot requirements. The following requirements apply to all parking lot landscaping:
(1) Interior parking lot landscaping. Interior parking lot landscaping shall be required based on total lot area, minus area of the footprint of the building, minus the area of the required yards. If such calculation results in a remaining area of 10,000 square feet or greater, the parking lot must be landscaped as follows:
(a) Area required. Not less than 5% of the interior of a parking lot shall be devoted to landscaping. Landscaping areas located along the perimeter of a parking lot, as required by division (I)(2) of this section, and foundation landscaping areas shall not be included toward satisfying the interior parking lot landscaping requirements.
(b) Landscaping required. The required interior parking lot landscaping areas shall be as follows:
1. Planting islands shall be dispersed throughout the parking lot in a design and configuration satisfactory to the Director of Community and Economic Development.
2. Planting islands shall be a minimum of 120 square feet in area and a minimum of seven feet in width, as measured from back of curb to back of curb.
3. Plant material shall include shade tree species, and although ornamental trees, shrubbery, hedges and other plant materials may be used to supplement shade tree plantings, such plantings shall not be the sole contribution to such landscaping. A minimum of one shade tree shall be provided for every 120 square feet of landscaping area, and a minimum of 50% of every interior parking lot landscaping area shall be improved with approved ground cover, as determined by the Director of Community and Economic Development.
(c) Exception. In the event that the Director of Community and Economic Development determines that the site geometry of the proposed parking lot does not allow strict adherence to the above requirements, the Director of Community and Economic Development may allow and require landscaped islands for at least 10% of the parking lot area using alternate schemes.
(2) Perimeter parking lot landscaping. Perimeter parking lot landscaping shall be required for all parking lots as follows:
(a) Where a parking lot is located within a required yard, or within 20 feet of a lot line, perimeter landscaping shall be required along the corresponding edge of the parking lot. Where required, perimeter landscaping shall be provided within landscape areas five feet in width, as measured from back of curb, excluding any parking space overhang area.
(b) Where a parking lot is located across a dedicated public right-of-way from property zoned or used for residential use, the following perimeter landscaping requirements shall be applicable:
1. Continuous landscaping of evergreen or dense deciduous shrubs shall be provided across 100% of the street frontage to a minimum height of four feet. The height of such shrubs may be reduced if berming is provided so that the combined height of shrubs and berming is not less than four feet. In addition, shade or ornamental trees shall be provided within such landscape area, and the number of trees shall be not less than one tree per 50 feet of frontage, with the number of trees required, rounded to the nearest whole number. Additional plantings may be provided, subject to the approval of the Director of Community and Economic Development.
2. Except where occupied by planting beds, all landscaping areas located in front yards shall be sodded or planted with another comparable ground cover as determined appropriate by the Director of Community and Economic Development.
(c) Where a parking lot is located across a dedicated public right-of-way from property zoned or used for non-residential use, the following perimeter landscaping requirements shall be applicable:
1. Landscaping of evergreen or dense deciduous shrubs shall be provided across 50% of the street frontage to a minimum height of four feet). The height of such shrubs may be reduced if berming is provided so that the combined height of shrubs and berming is not less than four feet. Additional plantings may be provided, subject to the approval of the Director of Community and Economic Development.
2. Except where occupied by planting beds, all landscaping areas located in front yards shall be sodded or planted with another comparable ground cover, as determined by the Director of Community and Economic Development.
(d) For rear and side yards, where a parking lot abuts property zoned and used for non-residential uses, landscaping shall be provided across 50% of that portion of the parking lot abutting the property line to a minimum height of four feet. The height of such shrubs may be reduced if berming is provided so that the combined height of shrubs and berming is not less than four feet. Such plantings shall be concentrated into shrub masses, typically containing seven to nine shrubs per shrub mass. Additional plantings may be provided, subject to the approval of the Director of Community and Economic Development. Except where occupied by planting beds, all side and rear yard perimeter parking lot landscaping shall be sodded, seeded or planted with another comparable ground cover, as determined by the Director of Community and Economic Development.
(J) Prohibited vegetation.
(1) Trees.
Botanical Name | Common Name | Remarks |
Botanical Name | Common Name | Remarks |
Acer negundo | Box Elder | Weak wood; invasive roots; self-seeds; box elder bug |
Acer saccharinum | Silver Maple | Weak wood; invasive roots; self-seeds; disease |
Ailanthus altissima | Tree-of-Heaven | Weak wood; twig litter; self-seeds; invasive roots |
Betula pendula | European Birch | Fatal borer insects; disease |
Catalpa species | Catalpa | Weak wood; leaf and twig litter; disease; self-seeds; invasive |
Eleagnus species | Russian, Autumn Olive | Weak wood, short-lived |
Ginkgo biloba (Female) seeds | Female Ginkgo (Male variety acceptable) | Offensive smelling fruit; seeds |
Gleditsia triacanthos | Thorny Honeylocust | Thorns; seed pods (Thornless and seedless varieties acceptable) |
Juglans species | Butternut, Walnut | Large fruit; difficult to grow plants under |
Maclura pomifera | Osage-orange | Large fruit; thorns |
Malus domesticas | Apple | Large fruit; disease; insects |
Morus species | Mulberry | Weak wood; fruit; self-seeds; invasive |
Populus species | Aspen, Cottonwood, Poplar | Weak wood; short-lived; litter; self-seeds; disease |
Prunus species | Cherry, Peach, Plum | Large fruit; disease; insects; short-lived |
Pyrus communis | Pear | Large fruit; disease; insects |
Rhamnus frangula | Buckthorn | Weak wood; fruit; seeds spread by birds; invasive |
Robinia species | Black Locust | Weak wood; twig litter; self-seeds; invasive roots |
Salix species | Willow | Weak wood; invasive roots; short-lived |
Sorbus aucuparia | European Mountainash | Fatal borers; insects; disease |
Ulmus americana | American Elm | Fatal diseases; insects; self-seeds (Disease resistant varieties acceptable upon prior approval) |
Ulmus pumila | "Chinese" (Siberian) Elm | Weak wood; disease; insects; self-seeds; invasive |
(2) Shrubs and herbaceous plants.
Botanical Name | Common Name | Remarks |
Coronilla varia | Crownvetch | Invasive; intolerant of other plants |
Lonicera japonica | Japanese Honeysuckle | Very invasive; crowds out native understory vegetation |
Lythrum salicaria | Purple Loosestrife | Very invasive; replaces native vegetation in wetlands |
Polygonum cuspidatum (Also known as Follopia japonica) | Japanese Knotwood (also known as False or Mexican Bamboo) | Very invasive; replaces native plants in sun |
Rosa multiflora oints | Multiflora Rose | Very invasive; thorns |
(3) Other invasive species. The following additional invasive species shall be prohibited and, if existing, shall be removed:
Cirsium arvense | Canada thistle |
Dipsacus laciniatus | Cut leafed thistle |
Dipsacus sylvestris | Common teasel |
Lythrum salicaria | Purple loosestrife |
Melilotus alba | White sweet clover |
Phalaris arundinacea | Reed canary grass |
(Ord. 08-1, passed 5-13-08; Am. Ord. 08-13, passed 8-12-08; Am. Ord. 08-38, passed 11-11-08; Am. Ord. 15-19, passed 3-10-15; Am. Ord. 19-9, passed 3-12-19; Am. Ord. 20-29, passed 8-11-20; Am. Ord. 22-24, passed 8-23-22)
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