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Committee member raises concern over 'pole barn' projects; staff says applicants may label them 'warehouses'
Summary
A committee member asked why barn-style 'pole barn' projects are appearing in Kankakee City despite an ordinance that bars pole-barn construction; staff said applicants may be describing the same buildings as 'warehouses' and recommended planning review and possible code changes.
A committee member at the Kankakee City code meeting questioned how multiple barn-type buildings were being proposed when the city code does not permit pole-barn construction.
“The ordinances for the city of Kankakee, whole barn building construction is not allowed in any type of construction in the city,” the Committee member said, urging staff to follow up.
The Director responded that applicants sometimes classify those structures as warehouses to fit code categories. “I think they're just calling it that — it's a warehouse,” the Director said, and suggested consulting planning staff (referred to in the discussion as Melissa) and, if needed, the planning board. The member recommended the city review its code language if the classification creates an unintended loophole.
Why it matters: the classification affects whether a project complies with zoning and construction rules and could alter fire-safety expectations; members noted pole-barn construction can carry different fire-risk profiles than conventional structures and may be restricted by multiple zoning designations.
No ordinance change or vote occurred during the meeting; staff and the member agreed to follow up with planning staff for clarification and, if necessary, pursue a code amendment through the planning process.
