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Lockport outdoor‑storage permit approved; commission grants fence‑height variances
Summary
Will County approved a special‑use permit for outdoor storage for an HVAC/plumbing business on Mandel Street and authorized variances allowing an existing 8‑ft fence within street setbacks, with staff noting the fence had been built without permit and must meet screening and vision‑clearance requirements.
The Will County Planning & Zoning Commission voted April 21 to approve a special‑use permit allowing outdoor storage for an HVAC and plumbing business operating from a site owned by 9955 Mandel LLC in Lockport, and separately approved variances to retain an 8‑foot fence currently encroaching into the street‑setback areas on Wolf's Crossing Road and Mandel Street.
Planning staff described the site as an unimproved I‑1 parcel that had operated as a truck terminal under prior ownership without permits; a site development permit and building permits would be required to bring the parcel into compliance. Staff recommended approval of the special use with two conditions but recommended denial of the fence variances, noting fences within the street‑setback are normally limited to four feet and that the existing chain‑link fence is not currently compliant with screening standards.
Attorney Heather Glackler, representing owners Jeff Cole and Scott Ernstein, said the fence predated the current ownership, was installed around 2020, and that the owners are attempting to bring the site into compliance. She argued the corner‑lot configuration and industrial character of the corridor create a practical hardship, and said the owners will add solid slats to the chain link to meet screening standards.
Commissioners voted to approve the special use with the staff conditions and to allow the two fence‑height variances; votes were recorded by roll call.
