Heartland Animal Center granted fence-height variation and lot consolidation with limits on outdoor kenneling

The Village of Wheeling approved a zoning variation and final plat Thursday that will let Heartland Animal Center consolidate a neighboring vacant lot and increase the permitted perimeter fence height to 8 feet to secure an outdoor play area.

Planning and zoning staff told trustees the items were recommended unanimously at the Aug. 13 Planning Commission meeting with six conditions. One condition prohibits overnight outdoor kenneling or boarding in the new outdoor area (per Docket PSMIN25-0017). The organization asked to substitute the originally specified fence manufacturer — an Omega product made in Canada — with a “like-kind” U.S.-made fence after tariffs raised costs by an estimated $30,000–$40,000; village staff indicated minor substitutions that match appearance and function would be acceptable and handled administratively.

Scott Hargadon, an attorney representing Heartland and vice chairman of its board, said the tariff-driven price increase prompted the proposed manufacturer change and that the organization is seeking comparable fencing from U.S. suppliers. Jennifer Schluter, Heartland’s executive director, provided the facility’s public hours for adoptions (Thursdays 4–7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 12–6 p.m.). Trustees also asked for assurances about the appearance and functionality of any substituted fence.

The board voted to approve the fence-height variation and the lot consolidation on roll-call votes after motions from trustees; both motions passed unanimously among the trustees present. The approvals carry the Planning Commission’s conditions, and the village will require a building permit and other administrative compliance before any new outdoor amenities open.

Why it matters: The approvals allow Heartland to expand and add a dedicated outdoor play area for animals while restricting overnight outdoor boarding to limit neighborhood impacts. The board’s acceptance of a like-kind fence substitution was driven by unexpected tariff-related cost increases.

Next steps: Heartland will obtain building permits, finalize fence bids from U.S. manufacturers and comply with the Planning Commission’s conditions before implementing the outdoor play area.

Speakers listed in the transcript who participated in this item include: Scott Hargadon (attorney for Heartland), Jennifer Schluter (Heartland executive director), Community Development staff (Clicker) and trustees including Trustee Krueger and Trustee Papantos.