HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket - 03/18/2020 - Planning and Zoning Commission
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PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MEETING NOTICE
DATE: Wednesday, March 18 , 2020
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
PLACE: McHenry Municipal Center
(Council Chambers)
333 South Green Street, McHenry, IL 60050
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. Public Input – (five minutes total on non-agenda items only)
5. Consideration of Approval of Meeting Minutes: February 19, 2020 Regular Meeting
6. Z-960 – Minor Variation - To allow a rear yard setback of 11 feet in lieu of the required
25 feet.
Applicant: Paul Reding (Owner of Record), 5313 W. Shore Drive McHenry, IL 60050
(Subject Property).
Requested Action: Approval of a minor variation to allow a rear yard setback of 11 feet
in lieu of the required 25 feet to accommodate an expansion of the existing attached
garage.
Location of Subject Property: The Subject Property is located at 5313 W. Shore Drive,
McHenry, IL 60050 on the southeast corner of Sherman Drive and W. Shore Drive.
7. Z-961 – Text Amendment(s) to the City of McHenry Zoning Ordinance including but
not limited to Chapter 13: Landscaping and Screening.
8. Staff Report : Next Meeting Date: April 15, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.
9. Adjourn
[PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT Z-960 MINOR VARIATION TO ALLOW A
REAR YARD SETBACK OF 11 FEET IN LIEU OF THE
REQUIRED 25 FEET] March 18, 2020
1
Applicant
Paul Reding
5313 W. Shore Drive
McHenry, IL 60050
Requested Action
The applicant is requesting approval of a minor variation to allow a rear yard setback of 11 feet in lieu of
the required 25 feet to accommodate an expansion of the existing attached garage located at 5313 W.
Shore Drive, McHenry, IL 60050.
Site Information
Location and Size of Property
The site consists of 0.24 acres more or less, and is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of
Sherman Drive and W. Shore Drive, with a common address of 5313 W. Shore Drive, McHenry, IL 60050.
Comprehensive Plan Designation
Medium Density Residential
Existing Zoning and Land Use
The subject property is zoned RS-3 Medium-High Density Single-Family Residential, with single-family
residential land use.
Adjacent Zoning and Land Use
North: RS3-4, Vacant & Single-Family Residential
South: RS-3, Single-Family Residential
East: RS-4, Single-Family Residential
West: RS-3, Single-Family Residential
BACKGROUND
According to aerial imagery, the property contains a tri -level brick and frame residence, frame shed, and
asphalt with an approximate impervious surface foot print of 3,400 square feet (32%). The applicant
currently resides in the property. The applicant i s requesting approval of a minor variation to allow a rear
yard setback of 11 feet in lieu of the required 25 feet to accommodate an 18’x24’ expansion of the existing
attached garage. The Zoning Ordinance defines the front lot line of corner lots as the shortest street line.
The space between the east lot line and house would be considered the subject property’s rear yard as
defined by §11-3-1 of the Zoning Ordinance.
STAFF ANALYSIS
The subject property is located on a corner lot. Section 11-3-1 of the Zoning Ordinance defines the front
lot line of corner lots as the shortest street line. Although the single-family residence fronts to the north,
the Zoning Ordinance defines the subject property’s front yard to be the west property line which is the
shortest length.
[PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT Z-960 MINOR VARIATION TO ALLOW A
REAR YARD SETBACK OF 11 FEET IN LIEU OF THE
REQUIRED 25 FEET] March 18, 2020
2
Property owners of corner lots with houses that front the corner-side street lot line often experience
setback issues during plan review. Property owners assume it is their interior side yard which allows for a
structure within 10 feet of the property line. Staff believes property owners in these situations have an
inherent hardship. Staff does not object to the applicant’s request and recommends approval.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION PRIOR TO PUBLIC HEARING: Approval
If the Planning & Zoning Commission finds the proposal to meet the approval criteria for variances in
the Zoning Ordinance (§11-19-5) and wants to recommend approval, staff recommends:
Approval of a Minor Variation to allow a rear yard setback distance of 11 feet in lieu of the required 25
feet to accommodate the expansion of the existing garage.
Approval Criteria for Variances (§11-19-5): See staff comments below.
A. Special Circumstances Not Found Elsewhere.
Staff believes corner lots with houses fronting along the corner side street lot line face an
inherent hardship with how the Zoning Ordinance designates yards for corner lots. Many
residents assume their rear yard is their side yard which allows for a 10 foot setback.
B. Circumstances Relate to the Property Only.
Staff believes this is a special circumstance due to the configuration of the lot and the house
fronting the corner side-street lot line.
C. Not Resulting From Applicant Action.
The applicant purchased the property in 2007 and did not design the layout of the ex isting lot.
D. Unnecessary Hardship.
Location of garage expansion
[PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT Z-960 MINOR VARIATION TO ALLOW A
REAR YARD SETBACK OF 11 FEET IN LIEU OF THE
REQUIRED 25 FEET] March 18, 2020
3
Staff believes if the city enforces the ordinance that it would cause undue hardship upon the
applicant.
E. Preserves Rights Conferred By District:
Staff believes this does not confer a special privilege for the subject property.
F. Necessary For Use Of Property:
Staff believes that without approval, the petitioner would be denied reasonable use and
enjoyment of the property.
G. Not Alter Local Character:
Staff believes approval of the applicant’s request would not substantially al ter essential
character of the locality nor have any other adverse impacts.
H. Consistent With Title And Plan:
Staff believes the proposed expansion is appropriate for a residential zoning district.
I. Minimum Variance Recommended:
Staff believes the proposed expansion and variance requested is the minimum required to
provide the applicant the space to park an additional car indoors.
Attachments
• Application packet
• Location Map
• Aerial
NARRATIVE
The petitioner is requesting approval of a Minor Variation to allow a rear yard setback of 11 feet in lieu
of the required 25 feet to accommodate an 18’x24’ expansion of the existing attached garage on the
property located at 5313 W. Shore Drive in McHenry, Illinois.
Aerial
Copyright County of McHenry 2020.
All information is provided 'as-is' with no
guarantee of accuracy, completeness, or currency.
Page 1 of 1
[PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT Z-961 TEXT AMENDMENT(S) TO THE CITY
OF MCHENRY ZONING ORDINANCE INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO CHAPTER 13: LANDSCAPING AND
SCREENING] March 18, 2020
1
Applicant
City of McHenry
333 S. Green Street
McHenry, IL 60050
Requested Action
Text Amendments to the City of McHenry Zoning Ordinance including but not limited to Chapter 13:
Landscaping and Screening.
Overview
City Staff are in the process of updating various sections of the City of McHenry’s Zoning Ordinance.
Various text amendments are proposed to the Landscaping and Screening Standards based on feedback
from commercial property owners as well as recent d evelopment projects. Staff researched landscaping
and screening ordinances from surrounding municipalities including Crystal Lake, Woodstock, and
McHenry County. Along with the proposed changes, staff also incorporated best management practices
identified by the American Planning Association (APA). The APA recommends eliminating what’s
commonly known as ‘legal-ese’ to make zoning code reader friendly for residents. Staff ha ve made several
wording and formatting changes to make the Landscaping and Screening chapter reader friendly. Staff
have also included language within the ordinance to allow developers to creatively develop properties to
incorporate best management practices for stormwater drainage and green infrastructure (bioswales,
pervious pavement, etc.).
The City of McHenry has many commercial properties that have aged and require improvements be made
- sometimes at great cost. The City also recognizes the value of our commercial entities and the role they
play in making McHenry a great place to live and work. Additional language has been added to allow the
Zoning Administrator to waive certain landscaping and screening standards if there are unique site specific
circumstances, enforcement would result in extreme financial hardship, or if the intent of the ordinance
has been met. The goal is to address existing legal nonconforming commercial properties and to
encourage compliance without discouraging development . Ultimately, it would allow city staff to provide
[PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT Z-961 TEXT AMENDMENT(S) TO THE CITY
OF MCHENRY ZONING ORDINANCE INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO CHAPTER 13: LANDSCAPING AND
SCREENING] March 18, 2020
2
quality and responsive customer service to our local businesses and residents while encouraging
compliance with our Landscaping and Screening Standards.
Staff Recommendation Prior to Public Hearing: Approval.
Approval of text amendments to the City of McHenry Zoning Ordinance including but not limited to:
Chapter 3: Definitions and Chapter 13: Landscaping and Screening.
Chapter 3: Definitions -
BUILDING PERIMETER LANDSCAPING FOUNDATION BASE: An area designated around the building for
curbing and landscape improvements.
Chapter 13: Landscaping and Screening – See attached Draft Text Amendments.
Attachments:
• Draft Text Amendments to Chapter 13: Landscaping and Screening
• Landscaping and Screening Municipal Comparison
Page 1
VIII. LANDSCAPING & SCREENING
A. PURPOSE. The purpose of the requirements in this section is to provide for landscaping and screening
of parking and other outdoor areas that will:
1. Protect residential environments from effects of more intensive adjacent uses;
2. Protect users of parking areas from excessive wind, glare, and temperature extremes;
3. Reduce the adverse effects on public streets and adjacent properties of noise, blowing dust and
debris, and motor vehicle headlight glare;
4. Discourage unsafe access to and circulation within off-street parking areas;
5. Allow for a degree of flexibility to accommodate property owners based upon unique site
specific circumstances;
6. Contribute to improved community appearance and maintenance of property values;
7. Promote environmental conservation; and
8. Be functional with deciduous trees providing natural shading for windows in the summer and
evergreen trees providing year round screening and protection from the winter wind.
B. LANDSCAPE SCREENING STANDARDS.
1. RESIDENTIAL SCREENING STRIP. The purpose of the residential screening strip is to
provide a healthy buffer between residential uses and more intense commercial or industrial uses.
Table B.1(a): Uses Requiring Residential Screening Strips 1
If the below zoning district
locates adjacent to…
…this zoning district. Screen Strip Area
for Side and Rear
Yards
Minimum Height
O 1-2, C 1-5, I 1-2 E, RS 1 -4, RA-1, RM 1-2 5-foot 15-foot 6-feet 5-feet
RA-1, RM 1-2 E, RS 1 -4 5-foot 10-foot 6-feet 5-feet
1. Applies also when yard is adjacent to an improved or unimproved alley
right -of-way that is adjacent to property in these districts.
Table B.1(b) Residential Screen Strip Design Standards
The Residential Screening Strip shall consist of a privacy fence and a landscaped barrier.
Privacy Fence/Opaque
Screening
1. A 6 -foot high opaque masonry wall (stone, stucco, or brick),
privacy fence, or dense evergreen hedge shall be installed in
addition to the landscaped screening unless adj acent to a public
road right -of-way.
2. Shall be along 100% of the yard length.
3. Shall be located interior to the landscaped screening.
Landscaped Screening 1. A 5 -foot wide landscaped perimeter shall be installed.
2. Shall be along 100% of the yard length.
3. Shall be exterior to the privacy fence.
4. Trees shall be planted to provide a continuous canopy at maturity.
5. Shrubs shall be planted on average of 1 for every 3 feet of yard
length.
The Zoning Administrator has the ability to waive these provisions if the administration of the code is
deemed excessive based on the uniqueness of the site and the intent of the ordinance has been met.
Page 2
2. PARKING LOT PERIMETER LANDSCAPING. The intent of p arking lot perimeter
landscaping is to screen head lights from view from the right -of-way and from other adjoining
properties. The Zoning Administrator has the ability to waive these provisions if the
administration of the code is deemed excessive based on the uniqueness of the site and the intent
of the ordinance has been met.
Table B.2: Parking Lot Perimeter Landscaping Design Standards
Screening
Strip
Width
Landscaped
Screening
Composition
Landscape Base Shade
Tree
Canopy
Height1
Shade Tree
Plantings
Landscape
Screening
Length2
5-feet Contiguous
row/canopy of
evergreen screening.
A minimum of 3-feet
up to a maximum of
4-feet in height/width
at maturity.
Any combination of
two (2) other shrub
species in addition to
the evergreen
screening.
7-feet
minimum
An average of
one (1) shade
tree per thirty
(30) lineal feet of
parking lot
perimeter.
100% of
parking lot
perimeter.
1. At installation in order to prevent sight line obstruction.
2. Excluding ingress/egress points, site triangle, and other areas determined by the Zoning Administrator to
be inappropriate.
3. PARKING ISLANDS. The intent of parking islands is to provide shade trees on hot summer
days, reduce the effects of the urban heat island by reducing paved surfaces and visually
breaking up the expanse of asphalt. All rows of parking spaces shall be terminated by a parking
lot island or landscape area. The Zoning Administrator has the ability to waive the termination
island or parking island design standards based upon the uniqueness of the site.
Table B.3: Parking Island Design Standards
Parking Island Area Spacing 1 Sha de Tree Plantings Shade Tree Canopy
Height
8’x15’ 1 parking island per 20
15 spaces.
1 per island 7-feet minimum
1. For parking lot rows greater than or equal to 40 spaces.
OR
Unique designs that incorporate stormwater and green infrastructure best management practices may substitute
parking island requirements . The Zoning Administrator has the ability to determine if a unique design meets the
intent of the ordinance.
4. SITE LANDSCAPING (Interior site landscape in addition to any screening strips). A
landscaped area equal in size to at least 10% of a parking lot area shall be planted on-site using a
mixture of plants. Building and Parking Lot Perimeter Landscaping can be credited towards the
10% requirement. The Zoning Administrator has the right to reduce this requirement based upon
the uniqueness of the site.
Page 3
5. BUILDING PERIMETER LANDSCAPING FOUNDATION BASE is the combination of
curbing and landscape materials which helps to break up the base of a building. It also
incorporates pedestrian walkways and a safe waiting area outside the main entry doors. Some
examples of how building perimeter landscaping may be incorporated into a site are included
below. Building perimeter landscaping is not required at loading areas.
Typical building perimeter landscaping around a building.
a. Building Perimeter Landscaping Minimum Design Standards.
Table B.5(a): Building Perimeter landscaping M inimum D esign Standards
Building Size Front Side Rear
Building < 10,000 s.f.
5-foot 10-foot wide
landscaped perimeter.
Tree planting
requirement.
30% of total front lineal
feet landscaped.
5-foot 10-foot wide
wide landscaped
perimeter.
25% of total side
lineal
feet landscaped.
5-foot wide
landscaped perimeter.
5% of total lineal feet
landscaped.
Building > 10,000 s.f.
Building > 80,000 s.f.
Building Perimeter Landscape Design
Composed of at least 3 different plant or shrub species. The species of plant shall be proportional. The
remainder of space shall be composed of living plant material.
Trees: Caliper at Maturity Number of Trees Design
Tree Planting
Requirement
3 inches minimum 1 per 30 lineal feet of
building frontage
It is recommended that
trees be grouped in
clusters.
b. Drive -Thru Window Side Landscape Exception. Any building or site which has a drive -
thru or drive -up window shall not be required to meet the above building perimeter
landscaping requirements for that side. The landscape perimeter shall be allowed to taper
down to the window location if a 5-foot perimeter is not feasible. At least one species of
shrub must be used. At the window location a minimum 6 -inch curbing shall be provided to
distinguish the edge of the building from the pavement.
Landscape is placed around
the entire exterior of the
building to break up the wall
planes and to accentuate the
building’s architecture.
Page 4
Examples of building perimeter landscaping:
c. Mechanical Equipment (Rooftop and Ground Equipment). Includes all mechanical
equipment as defined herein. All cooling towers, mechanical equipment or appurtenances,
vents, intakes or stacks or other rooftop structures, shall be screened by a parapet wall, solid
metal sight screening or similar systems designed for use as screening of these types of
devices.
(Continued on next page)
Front entry areas with walkway and
landscape.
Page 5
Table B.5(b): Screening of Mechanical Equipment (Rooftop and Ground Equipment)
Screen Required From Proposed Zoning
(Subject Property)
To Existing Adjacent Zoning 1
75% of height3. of mechanical equipment O-1-2, C 1-5, BP, I 1-2 E, RS 1 -4, RA 1, RM 1-2
50%2. of height3. of mechanical equipment RA-1, RM 1-2 E, RS 1 -4, RA-1, RM 1-2
50%2. of height 3. of mechanical equipment O-1-2, C 1-5, BP, I 1-2 O-1-2, C 1-5, BP, I 1-2
1. Adjacent zoning includes properties with yards abutting or across an improved or unimproved street or
alley from any boundary of the subject property.
2. A minimum of a 48” high screen or 50% of the height of the mechanical equipment, whichever is greater,
shall be required. (ORD-14-1683)
3. Height shall be measured from the base of the equipment or structure to the tallest point including any
antenna or any ancillary appurtenances, whether temporarily and/or permanently affixed/attached.
Additional Mechanical Screening Provisions.
1. All rooftop and ground screening, other than landscaping, shall be of a material and color compatible with
the materials used on the exterior of the building.
2. Ground screening shall consist of a landscaped strip including evergreen trees and shrubs, which may be
combined with a solid fence or wall.
3. Chain link -style fencing is prohibited.
4. A 3-foot clearance shall be provided around all equipment to allow access and maintenance.
5. The Zoning Administrator has the ability to waive or lessen mechanical screening requirements based on
the uniqueness of the site, the intent of the ordinance has been met, or if enforcement of the ordinance would
cause excessive financial hardship.
d. Detention Areas shall be designed per the City’s Subdivision Control and Development
Ordinance in terms of retaining or detaining water and all engineering requirements. However, it
shall be noted that detention areas should be designed to appear as natural as possible.
Landscaping shall be required around the perimeter of all retention and detention basins, which
shall consist of trees, shrubs and emergent plantings in a quantity, species and arrangement that
will create an aesthetically pleasing and ecologically functional environment. All landscaping
shall conform with the approved landscape list. Plantings around basins shall be salt tolerant.
Such landscaping shall be in conformance with Best Management Practices as determined by the
City.
e. Natural Areas shall be maintained and protected by all applicable local, state and federal laws
and requirements.
f. Refuse Enclosures shall be required for all buildings containing three or more dwelling units
and all nonresidential-zoned property. Properties located within Business Park and Health Care
Districts shall comply with refuse enclosure requirements outlined in VI. Office, Industrial,
Business Park, Agricultural & Mining Overlay, and Health Care Districts.
i. All refuse shall be stored within an enclosed building, or if located outside of an enclosed
building all refuse and refuse containers shall be screened on all sides by a solid wall or
fence (chain link fencing is prohibited) a minimum of 6 feet in height. If a solid wall is
utilized the materials of the wall shall be designed of durable materials with finishes and
colors similar to the principal building. Refuse shall not be visible from outside the
Page 6
refuse enclosure. All enclosures shall be accessible by vehicles which will be required to
access the containers. Refuse disposal areas shall not be located between the front or
corner side lot line and the principal building. Cross-reference Chapter 11 of the
municipal code and Article X. Accessory Uses, Yards & Fences.
ii. Any site addition, alternation or modification, which requires the re-location of an
existing refuse disposal area, which does not comply with the provisions of this
ordinance, must be brought into compliance with the new Ordinance provisions outlined
herein. (ORD-14-1683)
6. STREET PLANTINGS must conform to the Subdivision Control Ordinance Section 6.12 Landscaping
and the Technical Specifications Manual Section I. Parkway Trees.
7. BUSINESS PARK and HEALTH CARE DISTRICT LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS. (MC -91-
553; MC-97-672)
a. Curbing in Parking Areas: All parking island strips and parking perimeters shall be separated on
all sides from the parking surface by concrete curbing.
b. Uses Requiring Landscaping or Screening: A minimum of five (5) percent of the parking area in
Industrial Uses and ten (10) percent in all other uses shall consist of landscaping. Any
landscaped strip required hereunder may be credited toward this requirement. A screen for off-
street loading shall be a minimum of six (6) feet high.
c. Sizes of Minimum Plant Materials at Planting:
1. Shade Tree: a deciduous tree with a minimum caliper of three (3) inches.
2. Conifer: a coniferous tree with a minimum six (6) foot height.
3. Ornamental: a deciduous tree or large shrub with a minimum caliper of two (2) inches or
minimum height of six (6) feet.
d. Building Perimeter Landscaping:
1. In addition to any before mentioned building perimeter landscaping requirements for
the building, Health Care Buildings shall provide a minimum 6 -foot walk and 7-foot
wide landscape area for safe drop off for patients.
8. SIGN LANDSCAPING. An effective monument sign not only draws the public’s attention to the
business located at that site, but also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the site. Monument signs attract a
significant amount of attention so the use of strong landscape design princ iples, which incorporate a
variety of plant materials and provide visual interest throughout the year, should be used.
Page 7
a. A sign landscaping plan drawn to scale must be submitted as part of a sign permit application for
all monument signs.
b. For every one (1) square foot of gross sign area, there shall be provided a minimum of two (2)
square feet of landscape planting area including both plant material and grasses and shall be
located within 5-feet of the base of the sign. The base landscaping shall be composed of at least
three different species of plant or shrub .
C. LANDSCAPE PLAN SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
1. A Landscape Plan shall be filed with an application for:
2. Rezoning
3. Conditional Use Permit
4. Any variance from landscaping or screening requirements
5. Integrated Design District Preliminary or Final Plan approval
6. Preliminary or Final Plat approval as provided in t he Subdivision Control Ordinance
7. And Development as defined in the Subdivision Control Ordinance
8. Building Pe rmit or Certificate of Occupancy
9. Use Variance. (MC -94-614)
10. Free-standing Monument Sign application
The City Council may waive or defer this requirement in any instance in which the specific use of the premises,
and therefore the specific landscaping and screening requirements applicable, are not yet determined, such as in
the case of a rezoning for an industrial subdivision.
1. Content of Landscape Plan
a. The location and dimensions of all existing and proposed structures, parking lots and drives,
roadways and right -of-way, sidewalks, bike paths, ground signs, refuse disposal areas, bicycle
parking areas, fences, freestanding electrical equipment, utility easements, conservation
easements, lighting, tot lots and other recreational facilities, proposed locations of storm water
inlets, valve vaults, hose bibs, manholes, hydrants, fire department Siamese connections and
other structural features as determined necessary by the Zoning Administrator;
b. The location, quantity, size, root ball condition and name, both scientific and common of all
proposed plant materials, and existing plant materials to be preserved as well as boundaries of all
planting beds;
c. The location of all proposed berming and drainage swales, indicating contours at one foot (1’)
intervals, percent of slope and the location of all proposed drainage features with natural
vegetation including, but not limited to rain gardens and other storm water detention and
infiltration areas;
d. Specification and boundaries of all natural landscaping areas, including prairie, woodland, and
wetland plant communities, identified by specific community type and by scientific and common
names of all species;
e. Elevations and details of all fences, bridges, retaining walls or other decorative features proposed
for location on site shall be included. The details shall inc lude, but are not limited to materials,
colors, styles and sizes;
f. Landscape data box which shall include the required and proposed calculations for the following:
i. total area in square feet of the lot or tract to be developed;
ii. total square feet and percentage of landscape area between the buildings and any public
or private street;
Page 8
iii. total square feet and percentage of the area being landscaped;
iv. total number of trees required and provided, their common and scientific names and their
type; evergreen, shade or ornamental;
v. total number of shrubs required and proposed, their common and scientific name and
their type; evergreen or deciduous;
vi. total area to be turf;
vii. total area to be non-living material;
viii. Delineate the different landscape and screening areas, i.e.: parking lot screening strip,
residential screening strip and right -of-way landscaping.
D. TREE PRESERVATION
The City has adopted a Tree Preservation Ordinance, Section 24-40 through 24 -50 of the City’s Municipal
Code.
The City Council may reduce the number of new trees required in response to preservation by a developer of
any existing trees on the site as follows:
Trunk Diameter of Existing Tree to Be Preserved *
Reduction in Number of New Trees Required
4-10 inches 1 tree
11-20 inches 2 trees
Over 20 inches 4 trees
*Measured at 54-inches above grade level [(dbh) the diameter at breast height]
To ensure that existing trees are not damaged during development:
1. Protective physical barriers shall be maintained around such trees that prevent the passage of heavy
machinery under the drip line.
2. No equipment, materials, fill, or debris shall be stored under the drip line except as may be necessary for
a reasonable time if no other storage area is available.
E. LANDSCAPE MATERIALS
1. General Standards. The City has compiled a list of recommended, acceptable, and prohibited
landscape. The Plantings List is included as Exhibit A attached to this Code section. Other
a. All on-site required trees must be a minimum of 2” caliper (dbh) or 6’ coniferous unless
specified otherwise.
b. All street planting must conform to the Subdivision Control Ordinance.
c. Living landscape materials used shall be healthy, hardy and drought-resistant; be suitable for the
climate and environmental influences on the site, such a s exposure to sun, wind, water, heat,
automobile exhaust fumes and road salt; be compatible with the slope of the site, existing
vegetation to be preserved and utilities above or below ground level. Where appropriate,
landscape materials shall be protected from damage from pedestrian or vehicular traffic by tree
grates, pavers or other measures. Proposed plant materials shall be compatible with Zone 5
Conditions as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zone
Designations.
d. All “Parking Islands” and “Parking Lot Perimeter Landscaping” shall be separated on all sides
from the parking surface by curbing. The Zoning Administrator has the ability to waive curbing
Page 9
requirements if a development is incorporating best management practices for stormwater
drainage and green infrastructure.
F. INSTALLATION PROCEDURES
All living landscaping materials shall be installed in conformance with the most current procedures established
by the American Association of Nurserymen.
G. MAINTENANCE OF LANDSCAPING
The owner, occupant, tenant and the respective agent of each, if any, shall be responsible for the maintenance,
repair and replacement of all landscaping and screening so as to preserve at least the same quantity and quality
as the remainder of the existing material on-site. If a mature tree is lost a replacement tree of at least ¼” per 1”
of caliper lost, but shall not be less than a 4” minimum. For example, a 20” tree requires a replacement by a 5”
caliper tree.
All livin g and non-living landscaping, including fences, walls, and ornamental lighting, shall be maintained in a
good condition at all times, so as to present a healthy, neat and orderly appearance and shall be kept free from
refuse and debris. Any dead vegetation shall be promptly replaced with healthy living plantings. The developer
shall provide to the City a 2 year guarantee on all landscape materials in the form of a Letter of Credit.
H. CONDITIONAL USES
Certain conditional uses may be required to provide landscaping or screening that exceeds the requirements of
this section. Special screening requirements for surface mining operations shall be as provided in the Surface
Mining se ction of this Zoning Ordinance.
Table 16 (MC-08-960)
Plantings List
This list is not an exhaustive list of all plant materials that will be allowed in the City. A registered Landscape
Architect may propose additional species to staff as long as they detail the plants specific properties. This list is
broken out into three sections; recommended species, approved species and undesirable species. The
recommended species were selected to be used in areas along roadways or detention areas because they are salt
tolerant and root friendly. The approved species were selected because they are native plants which grow well
in the Illinois climate and may also be salt tolerant. The undesirable species are listed because they have
problems such as spines, or are an invasive species.
A. Recommended Street Trees:
Small
Amelanchier x grandiflora (Apple Serviceberry) Malus species:
Ceris Canadensis (Eastern Redbud) Donald wyman
Carnus mas (Cornelian Cherry Dogwood) Adams
Crategus crusgalli var. inermis (Cockspur Hawthorn) Prairiefire
Crategus virdis (Winter King Hawthorn) Suga r Tree
Prunus virginiana ‘Schubert’ (Canada Red Syringa reticulate cv. (Japanese Tree Lilac-Ivory
Page 10
Chokeberry) Silk)
Syringa pekinesis (Peking Lilac)
Medium
Cercidiphyllum jajponicum (Katsuratree) Tilia cordata (Littleaf Linden)
Carylys colorna (Turkish Hazelnut) Tilia cordata cv.
Ostrya virginiana (Hophornbeam) Greenspire
Phellodendron amurense ‘Macho’ (Amur Corktree) Chancellor
Prunus maackii (Amur Cherry) Glenleven
Prunus sargenti (Sargent Cherry) Tures
Tilia Cuchlora (Redmond Linden)
Large
Acer freemanii (Armstrong Maple) Celtis laevigata (Sugar Hackberry)
Acer miyabei (State Street Miyabe Maple) Celtis occidentalis (Hackberry)
Acer nigrum (Black Maple) Ginko biloba cv. (Ginko)
Acer platanoides cv. (Norway Maple) Princeton Sentry
Columnare Autumn gold
Easy Street Gleditsia tricanthos var. inermis cv. (Honey Locust)
Crimson Sentry Moraine
Acer rubrum cv. (Red Maple) Skyline
Autumn Flame Glymnocladus diocicus (Kentucky Coffee Tree)
Bowhall Ulmus Morton (Accolade Elm)
Franks Red Ulmus cv.
October Glory Homestead & New Horizon Elm
Acer saccharum cb. (Sugar Maple) Pioneer & Regal Elm
Green Mountain
Please see the Subdivision Control and Development Ordinance for planting and additional Street Tree
requirements.
B. Tree Species Approved for Planting on Private Property within the boundary of the City of McHenry:
Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) Quercus coccinea (Scarlet Oak)
Aesculus glabra (Ohio Buckeye) Quercus imbricario (Shingle Pear)
Aesculus Hippocastenum (Common Horsechestnut) Pyrus calleryana (Callery Pear)
Betula nigra (Riverbirch) Platanus cerifolia (London Planetree)
Carpus caroliniana (American Hornbeam) Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood)
Carya cordiformis (Bitternut Hickory) Lirio dendram tulipifera (Tulip Tree)
Juglous nigra (Black Walnut) Ze lkova serrata (Japanese Zeklova)
Juniperus virginiana Catalpa speciosa (Catalpa)
Larix lariocina (American Larch) Alnus glutinosa (European Black Alder)
Larix decidas (European Larch) Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo)
Morus rubra (Red Mulberry) Betula platyphylla ‘whitespire’ (Whitespire Birch)
Piceu glance densata (Black Hills Spruce) Cornus alterni folia (Pagoda Dogwood)
Quercus alba (White Oak) Acer ginnala (Amur Maple)
Quercus bicolor (Swamp White Oak) Acer griseum (Paperbank Maple)
Quercus macrocarpa (Burr Oak) Malus supp. (Flowering Crabs)
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Quercus rubra (Rec Oak) Magnolia acuminate (Cucumber Tree Magnolia)
Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress) Magnolia x soulangiana (Saucer Magnolia)
Thuja occidentalis (White Cedar) Magnolia stellata (Star Magnolia)
Tilia Americana (Basswood) Pseudosuga menziesli (Douglas Fir)
Querus velutina (Black Oak) Pin us strobes (Eastern White Pine)
Quercus prinus (Chestnut Oak) Pinus cembr a (Swiss Stone Pine)
Quercus muehlengergii (Chinkapin Oak) Picea ables (Norway Spruce)
Quercus robur (English Oak) Picea glance (White Spruce)
Quercus acutissima (Sawtooth Oak)
C. Approved Recommended Shrubs:
Small – 5’ tall Intermediate – 5’-8’ tall Large – 8’ tall
New Jersey Tea Buttonbush Red Chokeberry
Fragrant Gro-low Sumac Spreading Cotoneaster Silky Ddogwood
Meadowsweet Compact Winged Enonymus Gray Dogwood
Black Chokecherry Meadowlark Forsythia American Hazelnut
Cranberry Cotoneaster Miss Kim Lilac Burning Bush
Rockspray Cotoneaster Koren Spice Virburnum American Witchazel
Slender Dentzia Judd Viburnum Spicebush
St John’s Wart Pink Princess Old -fashioned
Weigela
Pussy Willow
Shrubby Cinquefoil Red Prince Old-fashioned Weigela Elderberry
Alpine Currant Arrowwood Viburnum
Shrub Roses Nannyberry Viburnum
Gold Flame Spirea Highbush Cranberry
Anthony Waterer Spirea Blackhaw Viburnum
Dwarf Weigela American Bladdernut
Dwarf Burning Bush
D. Approved Plants and Grasses:
Sweet Glag (Acorus Calamus) Slender Wheatgrass (Agropyron Trachycaulum)
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) Little Bluestem (Andropogon Scoparius)
Groundnut (Apios Americana) Wild Columbine (Aquilegia Candensis)
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias) Sky Blue (Aster Asureus)
Heath (Aster Ericoides) Smooth (Aster Laevis)
Cream False Indigo (Babtisa Bracteata) Blue False Indigo (Baptisia Australis)
Sideouts Grama Grass (Boutelous Curtipendula) Prairie Brome (Bromus Kalmii)
Woodland Brome (Bromus Pubescens) Buffalograss (Buchlow Dactyloides)
Bluejoint Reedgrass (Calamagrostis) Bebb’s Sedge (Carex Bebbii)
Common Wood Sedge (Carex Blanda) Dark Scaled Sedge (Carex Buxbaumii)
Bottlebrush Sedge (Carex Comosa) Crested Sedge (Carex Cristatella)
Common Bur Sedge (Carex Grayii) Porcupine Sedge (Carex Hystericina)
Lake Sedge (Carex Lacustris) Hop Sedge (Carex Lupulina)
Penn’s Sedge (Carex Pensylvanica) Curly-Styled Wood Sedge (Carex Rosea)
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Awl-Fruited Sedge (Carex Stipata) Tussock Sedge (Carex Stricta)
Fox Sedge (Carex Vulpinoidea) Commo n Wood Reed (Cinna Arundinacea)
Virgin’s Bower (Clematis Virginiana) Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis Lanceloata)
Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea Purpurea) Purple Coneflower (Echincea Purpurea)
Slender Spikerush (Eleocharis Acicularis) Red -Rooted Spikerush (Eleocharis Calva)
Blunt Spikerush (Eleocharis Obtusa) Marsh Spikerush (Eleocharis Palustris)
Creeping Spikerush (Eleocharis Smallii) Canada Wildrye (Elymus Canadensis)
Streambank Rye (Elymus Riparius) Silky Wildrye (Elymus Villosus)
Virginia Wildrye (Elymus Virginicus) Prairie Smoke (Ge um Triflorum)
Fowl Managrass (Glyceris Striata) Bottlebrush Grass (Hystrix Patula)
Soft Rush (Juncus Effusus) Torrey’s Rush (Juncus Torreyi)
Rice Cutgrass (Leersia Orysoides) ough Blazing Star (Liatris Aspera)
Woodland Lily (Lillium) Prairie Hunegrass (Loeleria Cristata)
Showy Penstemon/Beard tongue (Penstemen Grandiflorus) Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa Pratensis)
Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta or Goldstrum) Little Blue Stem (Schizachyrium Scoparium)
Hardstem Bubrush )Scir[us Acutus) Three -Square Bulrush (Scirpus Americanus)
Dark Green Rush (Scirpus Atrovirens) Woolgrass (Scirpus Cyperinus)
River Bulrush (Scirpus Fluviatilis) Softstem Bulrush (Scirpus Va lidus)
Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago Rigida) Showy Goldenrod (Solidago Speciosa)
Indiangrass (Sorghastrum Nutans) Common burred (Sparganium Eurycarpum)
Prairie Cordgrass (Spartina Pectinata) Slender Wedge Grass (Sphenopholis Intermedia)
Prairie Dropseed (sporobolus Heterolepis) Porcupine Grass (Stipa Spartea)
Hoary Vervain (Verbena Stricta) Periwinkle (Vinca Minor)
Riverbank Grape (Vitis Riparia) Heartleaf Golden Alexander (Zizia Aurea)
E. Undesirable Trees and Plants:
Tree of Heaven (Alianthus Altissima) Mimosa (Albizzia Julibrissin)
Garlic Mustard (Alliaria Pertiolata) Smoo th Brome Grass (Bromus Inermis)
Nodding Musk Thistle (Carduus Nutans) Oriental Bitte rsweet (Celastrus Orbiculantus)
Canada Thistle (Cirsium Arvense) Bull Thistle (Cirsium Vulgare)
Crown Vetch (Coronilla Caria) Chinese Yam (Dioscorea Batatas)
Cut-Leafed Teasel (Dipsacus Laciniatus) Common Teasel ( Dipsaucus Sylvestris)
Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus Unbellata) Tall escue (Festuca Arundinacea)
Creeping Charlie (Glechoma Hederacea) English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis Matrionalis) Rose -of-Sharon (Hibiscus Syriacus)
Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza Cuneata) Common Privet (Ligustrum Vulgare)
Japanese Honeysuckle (lonicera Japonica) Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera Maackii)
Morrow’s Honeysuckle (Lonicera Morrowii) Tatarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera Tatarica)
Hybrid Honeysuckle (Lonicera X Bella) Bird’s-Foot Trefoil (Lotus Corniculatas)
Moneywort (Lysimachia Nummularia) Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum Salicaria)
Whit e Sweet Clover (Melilotus Alba) Yellow Sweet Clover (Melilotus Officinalis)
Eulalia, Japanese Grass (Microstegium Vimineum) White Mulberry (Morus Alba)
Eurasian Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum Spicatum) Parsnip (Pastinaca Sativa)
Princess Tree (Paulownia Tomentosa) Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris Arundinacea)
Common Reed (Phragmites Australis) Japanese Knotwood (Polygonum Cuspidatum)
White Poplar (Populus Alba) Kudzu (Pueraria Lobata)
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Sawtooth Oak (Quercus Acutissima) Common Buckt horn (Rhamnus Cathartica)
Smoo th Buckthorn (Rhamnus Frangula) Black Locust (Robinia Pseudo-Acacia)
Multiflora Rose (Rosa Multiflora) Sandbar Willow (Salix Interior)
Bittersweet (Solanum Dulcamara) Johnson Grass (Sorghum Halepense)
Siberia n Elm (Ulmus Pumila) Wayfaring Tree (Viburnum Lantana)
European Highb ush Cranberry (Viburnum Opulus) Chine se Wisteria (Wisteria Sinensis)
Leafy Spurge (Wuphorbia Esula)
This planting list was compiled using information from the Conservation Foundation, McHenry County
Conservation District, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Greenway Project, and the
University of Minnes ota, salt tolerant plant study.
Table 17 Deleted and Reserved MC-06-884
IX. SIGNS
Deleted in its entirety
Relocated to Chapter 7.50 “Signs” of the Municipal Code
Text Amendments - Preliminary Discussion
Page 1 of 5
Crystal Lake Woodstock McHenry County CMAP Recommendations Existing Proposed
Height 6 feet
3 feet with ROW
separation, 6 feet
side/rear yard
6-foot Opaque
Wall/Fence 5 feet
6 foot opaque
wall/fence (not
required if next to
road row)
O1-2,C1-5, I1-2 = 15 Feet
RA-1, RM1-2 = 10 feet
Landscaping
Composition
Berm, fence, or
hedge
1 shade tree per 25ft;
1 shrub per 3-feet Canopy-Canopy Canopy-Canopy, 1
shrub per 3 feet.
Note Administrative
Waiver Provision
Zoning District Residential Use
B2-B4 20
B5, M1-2 30
Residential Landscape Screening Strip
Through setback
requirements. No
specific landscape
width. (See below)
Woodstock Use Setbacks
5-feetWidth 5 feetEncourage the Use of Native
Plants.Variable Use Chart
(See below charts)
Text Amendments - Preliminary Discussion
Page 2 of 5
Crystal Lake Woodstock McHenry County CMAP Recommendations Existing Proposed
Size 8'x19'160 square feet Equal to stall length
and width 8'x15'8'x15'
Spacing per 10 spaces per 20 spaces per 20 spaces per 15 spaces
per 20 spaces for
rows greater than
40.
End Rows Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Landscape
Composition
Per Island
1
ornamental/shade
tree , 5 shrubs
1 shade or
ornamental tree
1 shade tree, 75%
planted Native plantings."intent is to have shade
trees"
1 shade tree per
island
Other
Waiver for
stormwater best
management
practices and green
infrastructure
components.
Administrative
waiver.
Notes Center island rows
eliminated.
Parking Lots - Landscape Islands
Landscaped Island every 10
spaces with 25-30% tree
canopy coverage
N/A
Text Amendments - Preliminary Discussion
Page 3 of 5
Crystal Lake Woodstock McHenry County CMAP Recommendations Existing Proposed
Next to ROW
15 feet wide, one
tree, 10 shrubs (avg
3ft), every 40 lineal
feet
50 percent screened,
3ft height, no width
5 feet in width, 1
shrub 18 inches at
planting and minimum
of 3 feet at maturity
for every 3 feet of
landscape length. Low
3ft pedestrian wall
may be used instead.
10 feet wide, varying
species and size of shrubs
(min. 3-4ft height), trees,
and berming. Trees
minimum 7 feet canopy
height. Densely clustered.
For lots containing more
than 5 spaces.
See Table Below.
Not Next to
ROW
8 feet in width, 1
tree, 5 shrubs (ang
3ft height), every
40 lineal feet
100 percent
screened, 3ft height,
no width
Next to
Residential 6ft solid screen
berm, fence, or
evergreen plantings
100 percent
screened, 6ft height
or 3ft height if ROW
is between parking
lot and residential, no
width
Parking Lot Perimeter Landscaping
Native plantings.
Text Amendments - Preliminary Discussion
Page 4 of 5
Woodstock McHenry County CMAP Recommendations Existing Proposed
Evergreens. All
mechanical
equipment shall be
screened from view.
"softening large
expanses of building
walls" "accenting
entrances and
architectural features
of buildings
None Native plantings.See Below See Below.
* For on-site plantings each building shall include a minimum of one (1) shade tree in frontage areas with a minimum 4”
caliper (at maturity) for each thirty (30) l.f. of building frontage. It is recommended that trees be grouped in clusters. Other
landscape materials such as shrubs, grasses and turf shall make up the remainder of the required area.
5-foot wide, "interesting pattern of
tress and shrubs", exceptions for
drive-thru lanes
Crystal Lake
Existing Proposed
Non-Residential Building Perimeter Landscaping
Text Amendments - Preliminary Discussion
Page 5 of 5
Woodstock McHenry County CMAP Recommendations Existing Proposed
landscape = 20% of
paved parking area
shall be planted.
Landscape area
equal in size to at
least 10% of a
parking lot area
shall be planted on-
site.
60% within parking
lot mixture of plants
40% within Exterior
Parking Lot
Building and
parking landscaping
can be used
towards
requirement.
Purpose
During building permit reviews, staff have encountered many instances where requirements were almost substantially met
but would have required a minor variance. Or in cases with site specific challenges and excessive cost burdens - often on
sites that have commercial or industrial uses that have existed for decades. Staff believes requiring all deviations from the
landscape ordinance to recieve a variance is excessive and prohibitive of new commercial development or remodels. Staff
would still have the ability to require deviations to recieve a variance if deemed appropriate.
Administrative Waivers
N/A N/AAll landscaped areas shall be 90%
living materials.
Crystal Lake
Other Landscaping Ordinance Changes
Site Landscaping
None