[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6185128,"mediaKeyId","5083436-85168539cc9cd3a851599109526f20d6","parentId",5083436,"title","Draft zoning shifts tree and landscape rules into zoning code; forester role emphasized","audioSeconds",1093,"startMs",5021000,"endMs",6114000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083436-85168539cc9cd3a851599109526f20d6&start=5021&end=6114","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083436-85168539cc9cd3a851599109526f20d6/thumbnail_5021000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6185128/Westmont/DuPage-County/Illinois/Draft-zoning-shifts-tree-and-landscape-rules-into-zoning-code-forester-role-emphasized","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185128-20e67d278fa4649d0c0464d14779421b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167802&Signature=kBqGePqXYGDpquM1cNRDiOcxCN4FX2166T25o2GzBISiA5fc~gDdovIwtx2rhfnJFHw9iRbECiCio~Jp9qF4gesKA3rl1JpqM3Tn35E33LsulO6mRRbSbPZyj4R~O446JXocXWu1OQeG8ojq6b5akJ782krtYzUF1~eG3jCS-6pfxZVppjBT1QrMq0asdnKrY3b6XOAQ7BysmrFOA7jir6FMweg4azqJGh2fYIlfnaEM0XKL0y5uOMk-YUedYZL9X--NB4v4TSsAwUePoG5bMxkHb9v7MlsH-PvkbedsTOkIdOXMle68rhr5MLkH81nV3ztfC2UKvp5cZok8~5hZjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Village of Westmont, IL","date","2025-06-26T19:01:52Z","article","At the June 25 Westmont Planning and Zoning Commission special meeting staff presented proposed Article 10 language that moves several tree‑preservation and landscape standards into the zoning ordinance and clarifies replacement and administrative procedures.

Senior Planner Scott Williams said the draft transfers provisions previously in Chapter 80 (trees and landscaping) into the zoning code “to fit better in the zoning code, especially when talking to developers.” He listed new and revised requirements: a portion of proposed open space must be landscaped, parking‑lot landscaping islands are required for lots larger than 20 spaces, enhanced street‑facing landscaping and visual screening standards are proposed, and staff would have limited administrative authority to permit alternative compliance if the measures use noninvasive species.

Commissioners noted a new planting recommendation list would be included in the draft appendix. Williams said the village forester had provided tree lists and that the draft updates intended to balance environmental protection with Westmont’s smaller lot sizes. \"We transferred a lot of the tree preservation tree stuff that the forester had worked really hard to get put in place, and, without trying to go over the top, because Westmont does have a lot of small sites,\" Williams said.

The commission discussed replacement requirements and the payment‑in‑lieu option. Williams described the existing administrative practice: if a development cannot physically accommodate the required replacement trees because of site constraints, the village may accept payment in lieu and remit funds for planting elsewhere in Westmont. He said a village forester typically determines whether a site can accommodate required replacements. \"If the property cannot accommodate the replacement trees, the village may allow payment in lieu,\" Williams said.

Commissioners also raised questions about homeowner rights and penalties in the separate tree ordinance. Commissioner Lynn asked whether a homeowner could remove trees; staff clarified that the standalone tree ordinance (not the zoning rewrite) contains “heritage tree” protections and penalties. \"If you take down a big oak tree ... your option is to plant 40 trees or pay a monetary penalty,\" a commissioner summarized of prior practice. Staff noted the board can grant waivers in some cases for development projects the board favors.

The draft replaces some measurement units (DBH to caliper) and proposes minor language cleanups and clarifications (for example, removing snow fence as acceptable tree protection in the current text). Williams said staff plans additional edits before returning draft language for the next hearing. No formal action was taken at the June 25 meeting.

Commissioners concluded by asking staff to clarify which landscape requirements apply to which residential forms (detached vs. multiunit) and to bring corrected cross‑references; staff agreed to revise the text for the July 23 continuation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-06-25 Village of Westmont Planning and Zoning Special Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At its June 25 special meeting the Westmont Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed proposed Article 10 changes that move tree preservation and landscaping provisions into the zoning ordinance and add new landscape and replacement rules.","taxTitle","Westmont, DuPage County, Illinois","taxId",52068,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6185124,"Westmont updates sign rules; commission limits bright LED window borders and adds grand‑opening allowances",858,6216000,7074000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083436-85168539cc9cd3a851599109526f20d6&start=6216&end=7074","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083436-85168539cc9cd3a851599109526f20d6/thumbnail_6216000.jpg","/articles/6185124/Westmont/DuPage-County/Illinois/Westmont-updates-sign-rules-commission-limits-bright-LED-window-borders-and-adds-grandopening-allowances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185124-746e6a3d532e835be371aba676232f6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167802&Signature=OR8sXqZgk-hv6SCPno4wMrC1wLVu15uInVwtv34NI9oNfH0NjyadXi8klyY83NKAHWG0E~HRjmwsgDcbeJWYAjY7Ouk2YI85GkWhoxguekEB57kiPgStsU8KFHxTc5~m2uk6HpY~CHl3dB-88Yw1HiT61zyuZdjPy2DjxTs3IW0MBBiER5vqlzNFklhdsZy~SX3lYHwpyNOD6OX~4c67q2iX4TArvly3gZNsO8DfXBTrp7X0yuljD6qO4-5ZBA68ebpJH2om-aw-3qoQvgLNzyTUOjt6mScT0RzH7LPSYJd6aQ6XWdjAgpTIpL2yWVkAOxUIdGgrxLuV7xPovOFo4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Article 11 (signs) drew detailed comment and technical edits during the June 25 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting as staff walked commissioners through proposed clarifications and a few new restrictions.

Scott Williams summarized the goals: preserve the village’s relatively permissive sign allowances while fixing specific issues and legal vulnerabilities. \"We've expanded the list of prohibited signs, to include flashing LED window borders,\" Williams said. He described measurement changes intended to benefit businesses that use individual‑letter signage: instead of drawing a single bounding rectangle around a group of letters, the new method permits a tighter polygon that does not penalize empty space between letters.

Commissioners discussed lighting‑and‑display specifics. Several commissioners and staff said very bright LED borders or flashing borders — the kind of bright strips visible from blocks away — are intended to be prohibited as signage because they operate as attention‑seeking advertising. Commissioners asked staff to refine the lighting rule to avoid unintentionally banning legitimate architectural or accent lighting. \"I don't think that's meant to disallow that type of lighting,\" Williams said of downcast façade lighting; commissioners asked for clearer language that distinguishes acceptable accent illumination from visible, flashing window borders.

The draft also creates allowances for businesses to use temporary feather banners and other materials for grand openings without a permit, within a defined calendar window. Commissioner Sharp suggested more flexibility for pre‑opening promotional signage; staff said standard banner permits remain an available option and that the proposed grand‑opening allowance is intended to avoid forcing small businesses into last‑minute permitting.

Commissioners asked for clarity on alley‑ and rear‑facing signage in the downtown: staff explained the draft permits an additional, smaller alley‑facing sign when the rear façade is finished with the same architectural materials as the front, but that rear signage is measured as an allotment from the overall permitted sign allowance rather than as a separate full allowance.

Williams said staff will correct grammar and cross‑reference errors and return refined language at the July 23 meeting. There was no vote on the sign text at this session.","At the June 25 special meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed proposed revisions to Article 11 (signs), including a prohibition on flashing LED window borders, updated measurement rules that favor individual‑letter signs, and short grand‑opening allowances for businesses.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6185136,"Westmont planners propose lower minimums, new design standards in parking rewrite",4757,275000,5032000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083436-85168539cc9cd3a851599109526f20d6&start=275&end=5032","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083436-85168539cc9cd3a851599109526f20d6/thumbnail_275000.jpg","/articles/6185136/Westmont/DuPage-County/Illinois/Westmont-planners-propose-lower-minimums-new-design-standards-in-parking-rewrite","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185136-031d55f8233b5f2c40154058708593a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167802&Signature=ZOFZucQRutxlTlXT8UMMoW3AbYw1y0OoVPfYaOMstQtY1mMis4bA5HBw1OaujY-~s3IAlUZ8RvXR3iPPstL~lAHfw7dj0HAJXOJfukbpBwQzwyzdcdmzn8Yw0ZMU3EAf0-RNqHyGIzBP9cGqShHXHia7OZ5LJC5Eu9P8uCQTMX7UlJmCr-GXF8VysLo2pkya-gZkICxehpLJnp5SqybNtXrwoy2Hx34B788sGCPVt-yJjS26dC95jGnGKJXvBQ~Kg4e2-H6AHMyAs0-lpFsG5tp5-9VvpQTdSwjq-c~1CPDX9~7Idvu28cRVMjexBTEzlO-UtwYboaWak-7Wd7IAcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Westmont planning staff and commissioners spent the bulk of the June 25 Planning and Zoning Commission special meeting reviewing proposed changes to Article 9 (parking regulations) in the village’s draft zoning ordinance.

The discussion focused on three headline changes: reduced minimum stall dimensions, recalculated minimum parking requirements for some uses, and new parking‑lot design and landscaping standards. \"We have reduced the parking requirements for... multiunit residential properties,\" Senior Planner Scott Williams said, and staff proposed changing the minimum stall size \"from 10 by 20 feet and reduced it to 9 by 18 feet as the minimum.\" Williams also said the draft integrates parking‑lot design standards from engineering specifications and adds stacking requirements for drive‑throughs.

The commissioners and staff explained why several calculation methods are under review. Williams said staff is reconsidering how to measure requirements for large warehouses and manufacturing: \"we are looking at reexamining some of those numbers, likely to be less, not hinging directly on employee count and more on overall space.\" Commissioners noted a tension between designing for the first user versus the long life of a building: Commissioner Donahue observed that buildings often outlast tenants and that undersized parking can make buildings difficult to reuse. The commission discussed using square footage for warehouse calculations but acknowledged tradeoffs because some warehouse space is non‑occupiable storage.

On rounding and fractional requirements, Williams confirmed staff would round up when the calculation results in a fraction. Commissioners raised use‑specific concerns: \"I think there should be more parking required for health and fitness centers,\" Commissioner Peterson said, citing crowding at class‑oriented studios such as Orangetheory. Commissioners discussed separating fitness “studios” (higher, class‑peak demand) from larger gyms for parking calculations.

Staff signaled several near‑term policy clarifications: exemptions for older multi‑tenant centers will remain, parking islands will be required for lots larger than 20 spaces, and staff plans to rework how change‑of‑use and small shortfalls are handled. Williams described a proposed tolerance so that a use within 20% of the on‑site requirement could proceed without a variance request. \"We're implementing language ... if you're within 20% of what the requirement is on‑site, we can allow the use without them coming in for a variance,\" he said.

Public comments and commissioner examples framed the tradeoffs. Commissioners cited local sites (Ogden Avenue shopping centers, the Market Center at \"60 Third and Cass\") to show how initial design assumptions — for example, designing for a movie theater — produce oversupply, while other conversions (restaurants in small strip centers) can create localized spillover to adjacent neighborhoods. The commission emphasized that variances and the special‑use process would remain an available remedy: \"We're trying to give the building longevity over the life of the building,\" Commissioner Donahue said, \"but if it is a very different use than was there before, we can rescrutinize the parking.\"

Next steps: staff will revise Article 9 and present updated numbers at the July 23 continuation of the public hearing. Williams told the commission he expects \"significant revisions to that section coming in July.\" No formal action on Article 9 was taken at the June 25 meeting.

The discussion highlighted persistent tensions between business‑friendliness, long‑term building flexibility, and neighborhood spillover. Commissioners repeatedly asked staff to compare Westmont’s new figures with neighboring communities, and staff agreed to prepare those comparisons and to return with revised language and tables at the next hearing.","Staff and commissioners discussed major revisions to Article 9 of Westmont’s draft zoning ordinance — reducing stall size from 10x20 to 9x18, reworking minimums for multi‑unit housing and some industrial uses, adding landscaping and stacking standards, and creating a 20% tolerance before a variance is required.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6185114,"Staff proposes more administrative site‑plan approvals, clarified nonconforming rules and new development plan pathway",1141,11318000,12459000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083436-85168539cc9cd3a851599109526f20d6&start=11318&end=12459","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083436-85168539cc9cd3a851599109526f20d6/thumbnail_11318000.jpg","/articles/6185114/Westmont/DuPage-County/Illinois/Staff-proposes-more-administrative-siteplan-approvals-clarified-nonconforming-rules-and-new-development-plan-pathway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185114-09424c36f559379cd7f2eaa57e833a43/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167802&Signature=eJAO3O9YnY1GIHJXiplx0xzeOPW-6yN3pxummVt7B~5CzBgl7GwBIyLKqTiWBf1HGYrXgCZgFxzHbUiNEnyh9MlF5L03qkfFFyycH-B9MatQ3YqV0-qUK0UiA9-FSINngBVi7xrrbWSL1H3O3NwcsCHwasN-7qGHF6T8gKZ607bQcXgKSpyKOt1nat4~43NkjaQu3RS89Z9w7LQvFyyZabxYpHAjp1hR~1SXbe0NDFWNsuEI4npaTY5wBPJK49P-KBHVbKMF~oQW82mCNw1JAFfd7YOJdNAurHDV3M7u5I~vgxEaSYzfj94X~wkX9b1R7Wo1vUKtQMK0ND2aWyfDTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The commission reviewed proposed procedural changes (Article 14) that would reorganize review paths for development applications and expand administrative approval authority for routine matters.

Scott Williams explained that the draft separates site plans into categories: some site plans—such as any building over 10,000 square feet—would still require Planning and Zoning Commission review, while many others would be eligible for administrative approval by staff. \"The other option is that staff has the ability for any site plan to suggest and require it to come to the commission or a village board for approval,\" Williams said, adding that the intent is to speed straightforward approvals while preserving commission oversight when warranted.

The draft also clarifies how site‑plan amendments will be categorized as major or minor, updates nonconforming structure and use language that was rewritten in 2023, and consolidates nonconforming sign rules. Commissioners asked for a visible table or flow chart in the ordinance that makes pre‑application and submittal timing clearer to applicants; staff agreed to add an explanatory table listing when pre‑application meetings are recommended or required.

On enforcement and administrative discretion, commissioners discussed language that would allow the zoning administrator to withhold permits on other properties owned by the same party in limited circumstances (for example, chronic, unresolved violations). Staff indicated this is consistent with practices in some municipalities; the commission asked staff to clarify the standard and limit the circumstances in which the power could be used.

Finally, commissioners asked staff to make schedule and packet timing improvements for commission members and to clarify cross‑references and definitions in the draft. No adoption occurred; staff will return revised procedural text at the continuation.

During the meeting the commission voted to continue the public hearing on the entire draft zoning ordinance to July 23, 2025. Motion to continue by Commissioner Simpson, second by Commissioner Sharp, passed unanimously (yes votes recorded from Simpson, Peterson, Sharp, Lynn, Donahue, Chairperson Carmichael).","Commissioners reviewed proposed changes to review and approval procedures (Article 14) and nonconforming rules (Article 13/16): major site plans over certain thresholds would require commission review, many routine site plans could be handled administratively, and nonconforming structure/use language was consolidated and clarified.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6185119,"Commission debates dark‑sky style photometric rules, enforcement and grandfathering for new lighting",2206,8590000,10796000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083436-85168539cc9cd3a851599109526f20d6&start=8590&end=10796","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083436-85168539cc9cd3a851599109526f20d6/thumbnail_8590000.jpg","/articles/6185119/Westmont/DuPage-County/Illinois/Commission-debates-darksky-style-photometric-rules-enforcement-and-grandfathering-for-new-lighting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185119-a41791656be49f5001b161ba4c64d076/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167802&Signature=iFuBTeOCN3b~1hSWm~lz8kobbwCRSR9JI0jyYChoVdQNlGc7QU50zSCp-527LSoWAuv~sTHG3WOs-QcHAQ50JaI8YB0t-RDa-~IoZFx9AFUh5Rs62GhiN0p8vtc0m8KGe6fe5E8suFSU1Z~Jd4ITgkwc7BFkxVcCOm0NWFKTcmcWtiSk2AcGZTw6HJ9yiAacTgzBSlrBoWIaQmemWd80y1lWnzisC4MOG1X6nBJ-x6B8xLHQwTwZcRYG1t1isnNUnCQWWyUutizNlVS6jEvwr1kM2~rBXPpCro4Q~ZrWDqyjofAAslUCNajdSLAZ7D7j2dZcLTy66BfGHTV1Czno6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The commission devoted a lengthy discussion to Article 12, a new, more comprehensive outdoor‑lighting chapter proposed for Westmont’s zoning code. The draft introduces photometric requirements for new development, light‑trespass limits at lot lines (stricter next to residential zones), recommended fixture types (shielded, downcast), and exemptions for detached single‑family homes.

Senior Planner Scott Williams described the change from the existing practice — which in many cases required \"0 foot candles at the property line\" — to a more nuanced two‑option compliance approach (prescriptive and performance/photometric). He said staff included recommended and not‑recommended fixture graphics to guide applicants. \"We're trying to balance introducing regulations, some goals, that the environmental improvement committee has to move towards dark sky,\" Williams said, while also noting Westmont is not a rural dark‑sky community.

Commissioners raised practical enforcement concerns. Commissioner Peterson and others asked how ambient light would be accounted for in measurements; staff said the draft includes measurement procedures (taking baseline readings with fixtures off to isolate ambient light) and would require calibrated light meters. Commissioners also debated whether to apply the standards to existing lighting and to what extent replacements or retrofits would trigger full compliance. Staff said new fixtures should meet the standard, while replacement of a single head on an existing pole should not necessarily force complete reconfiguration; nonconforming fixture rules and variance options would remain available.

Several commissioners asked for transitional language to avoid immediate hardship for large, established commercial uses — for example, car dealerships with very bright lot lighting. \"If a new lamppost in the area didn't have 1 before, yes [staff will require the new code],\" Williams said; for replacement of a head, he said, \"if they're switching out a picture or something, no.\" Commissioners pushed staff to define “new” and to include clear provisions for nonconforming existing fixtures, including possible staged compliance timelines.

Public comments that the commission reviewed included a resident recommendation to lower a proposed lumen threshold (from 1,500 lumens to 1,000 lumens) in some contexts. Commissioners asked staff to research other suburban municipal approaches, identify photometric cost/complexity for applicants, and consider a nuisance‑driven enforcement option for resident complaints rather than routine inspections.

Staff agreed to revisit the lighting section with the consultant and return with clarified draft language at the July 23 continuation; no enforcement changes were adopted at the June 25 meeting.","Article 12 draft would add comprehensive outdoor‑lighting standards: photometric plans, light‑trespass limits (stricter adjacent to residential), recommended fixture types, and exemptions for single‑family detached homes. Commissioners discussed enforcement practicality, legacy nonconforming fixtures, and staged compliance or grandfathering for","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Draft zoning shifts tree and landscape rules into zoning code; forester role emphasized

Westmont updates sign rules; commission limits bright LED window borders and adds grand‑opening allowances

Westmont planners propose lower minimums, new design standards in parking rewrite

Staff proposes more administrative site‑plan approvals, clarified nonconforming rules and new development plan pathway

Commission debates dark‑sky style photometric rules, enforcement and grandfathering for new lighting