Addison proposes limits on outdoor auto repairs, allows indoor recreational uses in industrial zones

Village staff told the building/zoning committee they are proposing targeted amendments to the zoning ordinance to address industrial‑park concerns and expand allowable indoor recreational uses.

Staff said industrial property inspections found businesses performing auto body repair and other manufacturing-type work outside their buildings in commercial and B districts. “We see a lot of auto body repair shops, manufacturing uses being performed outside of the building,” staff said, explaining the amendment’s intent to require those services to be conducted indoors except for permitted outside storage tied to manufacturing uses.

The proposal also would allow recreational-type uses — including indoor hitting/practice spaces for baseball/softball, gymnastics and similar activities — to operate in M1, M2 and M3 districts as special uses (they are already allowed in M4). Staff recommended the special‑use route so planning and zoning review can consider adjacent uses and traffic or safety conflicts before final approval.

Staff said the Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the amendments on Aug. 14 and unanimously recommended approval. The committee approved the text amendments and directed staff to return them to the Planning & Zoning Commission and then to the village board for final action.

If approved by the village board after public hearings, the changes will require operators currently performing outdoor repairs to either move activities indoors or relocate to appropriately zoned properties consistent with the village’s land‑use rules.