SECTION 6-213. OPEN SPACE DISTRICT.

(Entire Section Ord. 4217 - 2/5/07)

   A.   Purpose. The purpose of the Open Space District is to protect the Village's parks, natural areas, retention ponds, detention basins, civic and fraternal non-profit organizations, and open space corridor connections. It is also to ensure permanent access to outdoor recreation, natural areas, and other recreational opportunities for residents in all neighborhoods and to enhance the value of nearby properties.

   B.   Permitted Uses. The following uses may be established as permitted uses in the Open Space District, in accordance with the procedures established in Sections 5-101 through 5-104:

      1.   Public recreational facilities including playgrounds, public swimming pools, playing fields, trails, sports activities, outdoor amphitheaters, camping areas, picnicking areas, boating areas, fishing activities, golf courses, civic and fraternal non-profit organizations, and accessory uses such as related parking, washrooms, storage, etc. (Amd. Ord. 5855 - 12/18/23)

       2.   Natural areas and passive parks for the purpose of preservation of native flora and fauna and establishing wildlife corridors

      3.   Agricultural uses including cropfields, orchards, vineyards, grazing and community gardens

      4.   Retention ponds and detention basins

      5.   ComEd transmission towers and lines, substations and related facilities (including co-located wireless communication facilities) within established easements on privately and publicly owned land. (Ord. 4574 - 7/6/10)

      6.   Cemeteries including mausoleums, sepulchers, and related structures on privately owned land only

      7.   Commuter rail stations including accessory restaurant/retail uses within the station. (Ord. 5389 – 3/4/19; Amd. Ord. 5822 - 7/17/23)

   C.   Prohibited Uses. The following uses are prohibited as they would conflict with the purpose of protecting parks and natural areas:

      1.   Any private development of structures or facilities; the exception is cemetery and ComEd facilities as stated above;

      2.   Any public facilities unrelated to the operation or protection of parks, natural areas, civic and fraternal non-profit organizations for the benefit of the public, and retention/detention facilities. (Amd. Ord. 5855 - 12/18/23)

   D.   Minimum Lot Size. There is no minimum lot size.

   E.   Setbacks. Accessory buildings and structures cannot be placed closer than five (5) feet from an adjacent property line.