Hinsdale amends landscaping code: baseline buffers raised to 8 feet, tree caliper and screening guidelines tightened

The Board of Trustees on Jan. 21 adopted an amendment to the Hinsdale zoning code (Section 9‑107) to strengthen landscaping, screening and buffer requirements for new development and redevelopment.

Under the amendment, baseline buffer heights for screening adjacent residential properties start at 8 feet, with a formal ability to reduce to 6 feet where site constraints or greater setbacks make that appropriate. The code clarifies acceptable parking‑lot screening solutions — including knee walls — and raises the minimum caliper for newly planted trees from 2.5 to 3 inches. Staff said the changes respond to repeated Plan Commission and board concerns that prior landscaping standards were insufficient for commercial developments next to residential areas.

Teska Associates prepared a landscape screening and buffer design guideline that staff will post on the village website and distribute to developers to reduce review time and raise the overall quality of plantings and screening. Staff emphasized the ordinance remains the code; the guidelines are advisory and not codified but will be used during site plan review.

Why it matters: Trustees said landscaping has been a recurring source of contention in development cases; the changes aim to reduce conflicts by setting higher minimum standards and providing clearer guidance to applicants.

Outcome: The ordinance passed on a unanimous roll call. Staff expects to follow with a separate text amendment on lighting in the coming months and said it will post the new guidelines online.