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Gurnee planners begin discussion on tougher rules for 25‑foot landscape buffers along main corridors
Summary
Planning staff asked the board to consider increasing planting quantities or density requirements in the 25‑foot enhanced landscape buffer used along major roads after finding developers sometimes cluster plantings and leave gaps; commissioners raised sightline, maintenance and safety concerns and requested a measured approach.
Planning staff opened a discussion on June 17 about possible amendments to the village zoning code’s landscape‑buffer requirements, which currently set an 8‑foot standard and a 25‑foot enhanced buffer on designated highways. Staff said developers have often concentrated plantings at buffer ends, producing gaps that fail to soften pavement as intended.
The board debated tradeoffs between visibility for retail businesses and the buffer’s intent to soften the roadway. Some commissioners recommended keeping planting closer to the road (front third) or requiring a minimum planting density per linear foot; others warned that mature growth and maintenance are as important as initial planting quantities. One commissioner noted safety concerns where overgrown plantings block sightlines at curving exits.
Staff suggested treating certain roads consistently (for example, limiting enhanced buffers to county/state highways) and returning a draft ordinance that balances designer flexibility with minimum density standards. The board did not take action but asked staff to prepare draft text options and examples for a future meeting.
Board members emphasized that any change should avoid unintended consequences—such as creating a continuous visual barrier that hides businesses—or degrading sightlines at driveways and intersections.
Staff will return with specific amendment language and examples for the board to consider.
