HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/24/2015 P&Z Minutes 09-15MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
CASE NO. PZ -09-15
PROPERTY ADDRESS:
PETITIONER:
PUBLICATION DATE:
PIN NUMBER:
REQUEST:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
INTERESTED PARTIES:
Hearing Date: April 24, 2015
1331 Business Center Drive
Vincor, Ltd.
April 9, 2015
03-35-201-010-0000
Variation to allow Accessory Structure (geodesic radome)
Measuring fifteen feet (15') in height
Agostino Filippone
Thomas Fitzgerald
Keith Youngquist
Norbert Mizwicki
Joseph Donnelly, Chair
Sharon Otteman
William Beattie
Jeanne Kueter
Consuelo Andrade, Senior Planner
Robert Vinzeano
Chairman Donnelly called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. Commissioner Youngquist made a motion to
approve the minutes of the March 26, 2015 meeting; Commissioner Fitzgerald seconded the motion. The
minutes were approved 5-0. The board approved 5-0 to continue case PZ -05-15, 1050 Mt. Prospect Plaza
to the May meeting. Chairman Donnelly introduced Case PZ -09-15, 1331 Business Center Drive and
stated it was Village Board final.
Ms. Andrade stated the Petitioner for PZ -09-15 is seeking Variation approval to allow an accessory
structure measuring fifteen feet (15') in height for the property located at 1331 Business Center Drive.
Ms. Andrade stated the Subject Property is located on the south side of Business Center Drive and is
zoned I1 Limited Industrial. The Subject Property measures over 3 acres in area and contains a one-story
building with related improvements.
Ms. Andrade explained the Petitioner proposes to construct an accessory structure in the rear yard of the
Subject Property. The accessory structure would shelter test equipment and mini satellite reception
antennas, which would gather data on internet speed and test performance for GoGo Air, which is a tenant
inside the building that provides in-flight internet services to airlines. The structure would function as an
accessory to the primary use, which is the data center inside the building.
Ms. Andrade further explained the site plan indicated the accessory structure would be placed within a
fenced -in area measuring thirty-five feet (35') by thrifty -five feet (35'). The fence line would be setback
Planning and Zoning Commission -April 24, 2015 PZ -09-15
Joseph Donnelly, Chair
over two hundred fifty feet (250') from the west lot line, fifteen feet (15') from the east side lot line and
one hundred fifty-nine feet (159') from the south lot line.
Ms. Andrade stated that the elevation plan indicates the accessory structure would be round in shape and
measure fifteen feet (15') in height, which requires Variation approval. The Zoning Code limits the
height of an accessory structure (that is not a detached garage) to a maximum of ten feet (10') in height.
The accessory structure would measure eighteen feet (18') in diameter at its widest point and would be
manufactured using white fiberglass. She further stated with the exception of the height, the proposed
improvements would comply with the I1 bulk regulations.
Ms. Andrade summarized the standards for a variation as the following:
• A hardship due to the physical surroundings, shape, or topographical conditions of a specific
property not generally applicable to other properties in the same zoning district and not created by
any person presently having an interest in the property;
• Lack of desire to increase financial gain; and
• Protection of the public welfare, other property, and neighborhood character
Ms. Andrade stated, per the Petitioner, the tenant's land use and accessory structure are unique. GoGO, is
in-flight internet provider which will use the accessory structure as a testing facility. The fifteen foot
(15') height is necessary in order to accommodate the testing equipment and personnel accessing the
structure.
She further explained that Staff reviewed the Petitioner's request and is supportive as the accessory
structure is unique. The accessory structure would be a geodesic radome that would serve as a testing
facility. The structure would be located in back of the principal building and would not be obtrusive to
neighboring businesses or impair the supply of light and air to adjacent property. The Village Code's ten
foot (10') height restriction is intended for storage sheds in residentially zoned properties.
Ms. Andrade stated the Subject Property is zoned I1 District and is located in the Kensington Business
Center (KBC). A Variation to allow an accessory structure (freestanding modular data center) measuring
thirteen feet (13') in height was approved for 900 Business Center Drive in 2013.
Ms. Andrade stated based on these findings, Staff recommends that the Planning & Zoning Commission
make a motion to adopt staff's findings as the findings of the Planning and Zoning Commission and
approve the following motion:
A. A variation to allow an accessory structure (geodesic radome) measuring fifteen feet (15') in height,
subject to the conditions listed in the staff report.
She stated the Village Board's decision is final for this case.
Commissioner Filippone asked if the lightening rod on top of the structure is included in the fifteen feet
(15').
Ms. Andrade stated, per the Petitioner, the lightening rod and light fixtures shown in the drawings are
optional and will not be installed; she further stated that the Petitioner could confirm.
Chairman Donnelly swore in Robert Vinezeano, Vincor Ltd. 5652 W. Monee Manhattan Road, Monee,
Illinois.
Mr. Vinezeano gave a brief description of his business and stated that his customer needs an accessory
structure that is capable of being transparent to satellite microwaves. He further explained the structure
Planning and Zoning Commission -April 24, 2015 PZ -09-15
Joseph Donnelly, Chair
will allow his customer the ability to collect data inside the dome without obstruction and in a semi -
environmentally controlled area.
Chairman Donnelly asked if there is a reason the dome can't be in the building.
Mr. Vinezeano stated the equipment can't "see" through the walls in order to obtain the data. He
explained these structures are prominent at airports and other like establishments where the equipment
needs to be protected from the weather.
Chairman Donnelly asked from where the information will be transmitted.
Mr. Vinezeano stated the information will be transmitted through the Clark Belt which is where the
majority of satellite communications are transmitted.
Commissioner Mizwick asked if the Petitioner had other domes in the area.
Mr. Vinzeano stated that his company doesn't have any in the area but there are others which are typically
on top of buildings. He gave an example of one that is located off of I-355.
Commissioner Mizwicki asked the purpose of the dome.
Mr. Vinzeano stated that purpose of the dome is to test satellite communications for specialized antennas
that will be used for onboard online internet.
Commissioner Mizwicki asked the name of the company for the record.
Mr. Vinzeano responded the name of the company is GoGo Air.
Commissioner Filippone asked if the Petitioner has built similar structures that are placed on the ground.
Mr. Vinzeano stated they have and further explained the construction materials needed for the project and
how it is constructed.
Mr. Filippone asked the Petitioner to verify the lightening rod won't be installed or be needed in the
future.
Mr. Vinzeano stated that the lightening rod is not needed and will not be installed.
Commissioner Youngquist asked how the dome is constructed.
Mr. Vinzeano stated that the building will sit on a concreate slab and be semi -temperature controlled. He
further explained that the dome is made up of two (2) layers of plastic with a barrier material.
Commissioner Youngquist stated he was concerned that the plans didn't show any kind of footing for the
foundation and that the concreate slab can crack from inclement weather causing damage to the
equipment.
Mr. Vinzeano stated that the concreate has rebar to help prevent cracking, and further explained the
building only weighs around two -thousand pounds (2,000 lbs.).
Commissioner Youngquist stated he understood but still feels a footing would be needed to help stabilize
the structure. He further stated it would be the building department's decision if they would require the
footing.
Mr. Vizeano also explained that the manufacturer verified the concrete slab was more than enough to
support the dome and also stated the other reason a footing was not included was to prevent moisture
from coming into the structure.
Commissioner Mizwicki asked if there were any wind resistant tests performed.
Mr. Vinzeano stated that the dome is capable of withstanding winds up to one hundred and fifty (150)
miles per hour.
Planning and Zoning Commission -April 24, 2015 PZ -09-15
Joseph Donnelly, Chair
Chairman Donnelly asked if the Petitioner is in agreement with the conditions put forth by staff.
Mr. Vinzeano stated that he agreed with the conditions.
Commissioner Mizwicki asked if there were any security restrictions placed by the government.
Mr. Vinzeano stated there are not any restrictions.
Chairman Donnelly opened the case to the public, hearing no discussion he closed the public portion of
the hearing and brought the discussion back to the board.
Commissioner Youngquist made a motion seconded by Commissioner Mizwicki to approve the following
motion:
"A variation to allow an accessory structure (geodesic radome) measuring fifteen feet (15) in height,
subject to the conditions listed in the staff report."
UPON ROLL CALL: AYES: Filippone, Fitzgerald, Younquist, Mizwicki, Donnelly
NAYS: None
The vote was approved 5-0 with a positive recommendation to Village Board.
Commissioner Youngquist made a motion seconded by Commissioner Filippone to close the hearing and
the meeting was adjourned at 7:54 pm.
_Jenna Moder
Jenna Moder, Administrative Assistant
Community Development Department
Planning and Zoning Commission -April 24, 2015 PZ -09-15
Joseph Donnelly, Chair