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Council advances major-variation ordinance for new Fire Station 62 to second reading
Summary
The council moved an ordinance (Z‑6‑26) approving major variations for a replacement Fire Station 62 on East Oakton — including reduced front-yard setback, building‑lot coverage and parking‑landscaping modifications — to a second reading after the Planning & Zoning Board recommended approval 7‑0.
The Des Plaines City Council on March 16 advanced a first‑reading ordinance (Z‑6‑26) to second reading that would allow major zoning variations necessary for the city’s replacement Fire Station 62 on the 1300 block of East Oakton.
Assistant CED Director Jonathan Mendel (S22) presented the site and architectural plans and explained requested variations: a reduced front‑yard setback (10.9 feet instead of 25), building lot coverage slightly under 40% (vs. 35% allowed), a reduced parking‑lot setback and fewer shade trees and foundation landscaping than the code ordinarily requires, and lower lighting levels on the corner closest to single‑family residences. Mendel said the Planning & Zoning Board reviewed the application on Feb. 10 and voted 7‑0 to recommend approval with no specific conditions.
Councilors asked follow‑up questions about parking‑lot lighting near residences; staff said the lower light standard would reduce impacts on neighboring homes. Chairman Moylan and other aldermen remarked that the project replaces a station that has served the community for decades and applauded staff for coordinating the design without incurring new debt.
Action: Alderman Merlin moved to advance Z‑6‑26 to second reading; the motion carried on roll call.
What’s next: The ordinance will return for second reading and final council action. If adopted after second reading, the project would proceed to detailed permitting and construction steps overseen by public‑works and fire‑department staff.
