Vernon Hills updates zoning code: temporary lighting limited, tobacco/vape retail clarified, EV provisions maintained

The village board adopted an amendment to Appendix C of the zoning code on March 3 that clarifies several land-use definitions and tightens controls on lighting displays while preserving municipal authority on EV-parking reductions.

Director Jennings summarized changes recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission and reviewed a corrected draft that addressed earlier typos. The ordinance now treats tobacco and vape retail as a primary use that requires a special-use permit. It also distinguishes permanent versus temporary lighting displays and references the electrical code's 90-day limit for temporary lighting. Jennings said the draft separates permanent and temporary lighting to close a potential loophole allowing permanently installed holiday-style displays to evade limits that apply to temporary exhibits.

Trustees expressed concerns about enforcement mechanics and the ambiguity of holiday durations; staff said enforcement will be complaint-driven and that the code added specific features to prohibit flashing, trailing or strobes as nuisance behavior. Trustees discussed perimeter/outlining lighting on houses, the distinction between decorative or landscape lighting and displays that function as additional features, and the midnight-to-7 a.m. turn-off requirement for lighting displays in residential areas. The draft retains EV-parking minimums but allows a reduction when a shared-usage policy is provided and permitted by the village attorney; staff said this use of Home Rule authority is appropriate.

The ordinance was approved by roll call vote; all members present voted aye.

What to expect: staff said they will monitor enforcement and return to the board with clarifications if repeat abuses arise; penalties for violations were discussed as a potential daily general-code fine (staff referenced a potential per-day penalty of about $100 once enforcement escalates).