Westmont board approves emergency generator at 801 N. Cass; staff says zoning rewrite will allow administrative approvals

The Village of Westmont Board of Trustees on June 26 approved a site and landscape plan to install an emergency generator behind the commercial building at 801 North Cass Avenue; the work includes an enclosure, fence and plantings to screen the unit, Director Hennerfein said.

Hennerfein said the generator is located behind the building (the primary tenant identified as Dooley) and that the installation requires site and landscape approval because it changes exterior features of a commercial property. He added that the village is rewriting its zoning ordinance to create administrative approval processes that will allow staff to approve routine, small exterior changes without scheduling them for public meetings.

Trustee Perrelli asked whether a business could be denied a generator. A staff member identified as Joe said a generator could be denied for specific reasons, for example if it violated setback rules, was not properly screened, or reduced required parking; he said most modern generators meet the village’s noise performance standards because they are used intermittently and are quieter than older models. A motion to approve the site and landscape plan was moved by Trustee Little, seconded by Trustee Plowman, and approved by roll call with all trustees voting yes.