Commission grants special-use permit for small landscaping business on A1 parcel

The Will County Planning & Zoning Commission voted July 15 to approve a special-use permit allowing a landscaping and lawn-maintenance business to operate from a residence on Stunkle Road in Green Garden Township. Staff presenter Kelly Rosick (listed in the transcript as Kelly Kuzinski/Kelly Rosick) reported the property is zoned A1, is improved with a residence and a large garage, and that staff received 10 letters of support and no objections from notified agencies except a conditional comment from the Village of Frankfort. Staff said the business would not be open to the public, would employ about three people, and would average about one vehicle trip per day. Staff noted the property owner had been cited on May 7 for operating the landscaping business and filed a special-use application on May 19 to bring the site into compliance. The staff recommendation was approval with three conditions, including screening and compliance with county codes; Green Garden Township reported no objection and Frankfort provided suggested conditions that staff included. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the special-use permit and the conditions; the roll call recorded in the transcript shows yes votes by Commissioners John Kiefner, Roger Bettenhausen, Louis Navarette, Matthew Gugala, Karen Warwick and Chairman Huestepin. The owner must comply with the permit conditions and obtain any additional permits required by county code for future development or operational changes. The special-use approval brings the property into compliance with county zoning but does not eliminate requirements for permits related to employees, vehicles, or other regulated activities.