Bartlett planning commission recommends approval for Axiom chiller and taller screening fence

The Village of Bartlett Planning & Zoning Commission on Monday unanimously recommended that the Village Board approve a site-plan amendment and two zoning variations for Axiom’s Phase 4 tenant improvements at 41201 Hambrach Circle.

Petitioner Chad Moorhead, sworn for testimony, told the commission the company is asking to place a screened chiller at the front corner of the building rather than on the roof. “The chiller will be screened,” Moorhead said, adding that rooftop placement would make winter maintenance and access more difficult and that the ground-mounted location keeps the unit close enough to a production line the equipment serves.

Commissioners asked whether alternatives were explored and whether underground easements or utilities would be affected. Moorhead and staff said no easement or buried utilities exist at the proposed location and confirmed an existing transformer nearby; Moorhead said the proposed fence could screen the transformer and that cleanup around the transformer should be addressed.

Staff noted the building was constructed as a speculative shell and that Axiom has phased its interior build-out; that phased approach, the commission was told, left limited options to place the chiller within the required pumping distance to the production equipment. The commission also discussed the planned 8.5-foot screening fence’s appearance; one member observed that a tall screen can look like an added story if seen from certain angles, while staff said rooftop mechanicals are typically screened and that additional landscaping will be placed around the fence to soften its visual impact.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to forward a positive recommendation to the Village Board for a site-plan amendment and variations permitting a chiller in a corner side yard and an 8.5-foot fence, “based on the conditions and findings of fact from the staff.” The motion was seconded and approved on a roll-call vote with all voting members recorded as yes. The chair told the petitioner to stay in touch with staff to learn when the item will appear on the Village Board agenda.

Votes at a glance: • Approval of April 23 minutes — motion passed (one abstention recorded). • Case No. 2610, Axiom tenant improvements, Phase 4 — positive recommendation to Village Board for site-plan amendment; variation for chiller location in corner side yard; variation for fence height to 8.5 feet — unanimous recommendation.

The commission adjourned at the close of the meeting. The Village Board will consider the commission’s recommendation at a future agenda; staff will notify the petitioner about scheduling.