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Commission grants frontage variances for two former Caterpillar parcels near Joliet
Summary
Will County staff said Joliet’s 2012 annexation left two industrial parcels with no direct street frontage; the Planning and Zoning Commission approved minimum‑frontage variances for both ZC‑25‑135 parcels to bring the properties into compliance with I‑3 zoning rules.
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved two minimum‑lot‑frontage variances for ZC‑25‑135 on Feb. 3, 2025, affecting parcels formerly used by Caterpillar near Shanahan Road (U.S. Route 6).
Brian Radner, staff presenter, said the parcels are zoned I‑3 (heavy industrial) and that historical lot divisions (created in 1981 and 2004) did not meet frontage rules. He explained that a Joliet annexation in 2012 cut off the parcels’ direct public street frontage, leaving them effectively with zero frontage. Radner said this prior annexation created the hardship and recommended approval of both variances, noting the land has supported industrial uses for more than 70 years.
No public objections were recorded. Staff asked commissioners to weigh whether granting the variances would alter the district’s character; Radner said the surrounding uses are similar industrial operations and that the variances would not change the essential character. The commission moved and approved both variance requests by roll‑call vote.
The approvals regularize the parcels’ status under county zoning and allow the owners to pursue development or reuse constrained by the existing access arrangement. Any building or site work will remain subject to county review and applicable permits.
