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Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC) 2010 W. Fulton Suite 280 Chicago, IL 60612 Phone: 312-421-3941 Fax: 312-421-1871 |
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FENCING AND LANDSCAPING
ICNC'S Role ICNC is working on two levels regarding the City of Chicago's fencing and landscape ordinance:
Why Now? The deadline for compliance with the fencing ordinance for parking lots of 8000 square feet or more is January 1, 2007. ICNC wants to clarify the requirements, work with members on possible funding options, provide a forum for businesses to exchange information and assist companies in avoiding costly fines and penalties.
ICNC has made every attempt to verify the information provided below. However, decisions regarding interpretation and enforcement of the fencing and/or landscape ordinances are ultimately the responsibility of the City of Chicago. Business owners may contact Noah Szafraniec of the Department of Zoning at 312-744-6481 with questions.
FAQ - Fencing
What does the fencing ordinance require?
I don't use my lot for parking, do I still have to put up a fence?
What is the deadline for complying with the fencing ordinance?
What is the city's definition of "Ornamental Fencing"?
Is there a height restriction for the fencing?
Do I have to install landscaping and trees when I fence my lot?
What kinds of documents or permits do I need?
What happens if I don't comply with the fencing ordinance?
Are there funds available to help me pay for this fencing?
Where can I get more information about the ordinance?
FAQ-Landscaping
What "triggers" compliance with the landscape ordinance?
Is there a deadline for complying with the landscape ordinance?
If I'm making the changes that require landscaping, in general what will I need to do?
What kinds of documents or permits will I need for this landscaping?
Where can I get more information about the ordinance?
News Archives
November 2002 - Crain's Chicago Business
Wrought iron fence legislation creates controversy October 2003 - Gazette
April 2004 - Chicago Journal
April 2004 -Chicago Journal
Resources
ICNC Forum ICNC's new Web Forum enables companies to communicate with each other about their experience with the city, comment on contractors, or generally voice their opinions on the ordinance. http://industrialcouncilforum.com/
City of Chicago: Department of Zoning Noah Szafraniec Supervising Landscape Plan Examiner 121 N. LaSalle St. - Room 905 Chicago, IL 60612 Telephone: (312) 744-6481 General Webpage: www.cityofchicago.org Zoning Ordinance: http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/zoning/default.jsp
Landscape Architects:
BauerLatoza Studio
Fax: 312-337-9146
401 N. Oakley Blvd. Chicago, IL 60612 Phone: 312-243-8036
Christy Webber Landscapes * ICNC Member
4525 W. Grenshaw
Chicago, Illinois 60624
Fax: 773-722-6626
Other:
SomerCor 504, Inc. *ICNC Member 2 E. 8th St. - Suite 2M Chicago, IL 60605 Telephone: 312-360-3163 Fax: 312-360-9171 Hopepage: www.somercor.com Link to SBIF application: www.somercor.com/sbif.htm
What does the fencing ordinance require? Companies with vehicular use lots 8000 square feet or larger must install ornamental fencing around any perimeter of said lot that abuts a public way. Deadlines for compliance vary depending upon the size of your lot, and lots smaller than 8000 square feet will be required to comply at some future date.
I don't use my lot for parking, do I still have to put up a fence? Parking or "Vehicular Use Lots" are those that are used for parking as well as those that are used for vehicle traffic or storage.
What is the deadline for complying with the fencing ordinance? Businesses with vehicular use lots of 8000 square feet or greater will be expected to be in compliance no later than January 1, 2007. For lots of 2000 - 8000 square feet the compliance deadline is expected to be January 1, 2008.
What is the city's definition or "Ornamental Fencing"? Ornamental fencing is decorative and includes wrought iron or its aesthetic equivalent, such as lower-cost steel fencing.
Is there a height restriction for the fencing? The ordinance limits fence height to no less than 4 feet and no greater than 6 feet. A special permit is required for fencing that exceeds 4 feet.
ICNC has on file a letter from former Zoning Administrator Ed Kus recommending that fences in industrial areas be approved at heights up to 10 feet. Copies of the letter are available to companies seeking the special permit, click here to see a copy.
Do I have to install landscaping and trees when I fence my lot? You are not required to install landscaping or trees if you are fencing an existing paved lot and making no other changes to the lot or to your building. If you are paving a previously unpaved lot, or making certain other changes or additions to your building, you may be required to adhere to the additional provisions of the landscape ordinance as well as the fencing ordinance.
What kinds of documents or permits do I need? Depending on what you will do to your lot, the city will require various documents from you:
What happens if I don't comply with the fencing ordinance? Businesses who don't comply are subject to ticketing and fines of $200 to $1000 per day.
Are there funds available to help me pay for this fencing? Funds may be available to businesses to pay a portion of the cost of installing fencing. Call Steve DeBretto at ICNC, 312-421-3941 for more information.
Where can I get more information about the ordinance? Please call ICNC for more information or to obtain a hardcopy of the Guide to Chicago's Landscape Ordinance published by the City of Chicago. In addition, you may visit the city's online zoning website at http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/zoning/default.jsp
What "triggers" compliance with the landscape ordinance? Businesses will be expected to comply with the landscape ordinance if they take one of the ACTIONS below:
Is there a deadline for complying with the landscape ordinance? No, a company must take action to change their buildings or parking lots before they will be required o comply with the terms of the landscape ordinance. Installation of a fence around an existing lot, without other changes to the lot does not trigger compliance to the landscape ordinance.
If I'm making the changes that require landscaping, in general what will I need to do? The three areas of the landscaping ordinance that are required of businesses are:
What kinds of documents or permits will I need for this landscaping? A site plan prepared by a professional landscape architect will be required when seeking a permit for landscaping work. A permit is required before work can commence.
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