Westmont planners debate broad rewrite of 'accessory and temporary uses' — ADUs, sheds, fences and lighting draw the most comment

On June 11 the Village of Westmont Planning and Zoning Commission reopened a public hearing on proposed comprehensive zoning text amendments and spent the evening on Article 7, which addresses accessory and temporary uses. The discussion ranged across small shed exemptions, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), fences on corner lots, donation drop boxes, outdoor kitchens and lighting rules; staff said it will prepare amended language reflecting the commission's direction and public comments.

Why it matters: Article 7 contains rules homeowners and small businesses use every day—what kind of sheds can be installed without permits, how ADUs can be configured, whether generators and solar panels may encroach into setbacks, and how fences work on busy streets. Changes to these rules affect property rights, neighborhood character, enforcement burdens and, in some cases, stormwater/lot‑coverage limits.

Small building exemption and sheds: Commissioners questioned the draft's proposed 12‑square‑foot exemption for small prefab sheds. Commissioner Sharp urged raising the exemption to something more practical, such as 50 square feet, noting many consumer sheds sold at big‑box stores are larger than 12 square feet. Staff explained the exemption aims to avoid requiring permits for very small, non‑permanent units; larger or permanent foundations would still be regulated for lot coverage. Commissioners…