Plan Commission — Skokie, IL
Date: 2018-08-02

STAFF REPORT 2018-21P: Site Plan Approval
Community Development Department Council Chambers, 7:30 PM, August 2, 2018


To: Paul Luke, Plan Commission Chairperson
From: Carrie Haberstich, Planner/CDBG Administrator
Re: 2018-21P: Site Plan Approval
 9300, 9310, 9440 Kenton Avenue


General Information
Location 9300, 9310, 9440 Kenton Avenue

Purpose To obtain site plan approval for 2 lots over 1 acre in size in an R1
 Single-Family zoning district, as required by §118-58 of the
 Skokie Village Code, and any other relief discovered during the
 review of this request.
 PINs: 10-15-116-014-0000 and 10-15-116-015-0000
Petitioner Trustees of Schools Township 41 North Range 13, on behalf of
 School District #68
Size of Site 799,467 ft2 (18.35 acres) with frontage on Kenton Avenue, Gross
 Point Road, and Niles Center Road
Existing Zoning & R1 Single-Family – office and administrative services, and middle
Land Use and junior high school
Adjacent Zoning & North B3 Business – limited service restaurant with drive-
Land Use through, grocery store
 B4 Regional Shopping – professional services,
 administrative services
 South R3 Combined Housing – multifamily residential
 R4 Multifamily Housing – multifamily residential
 East R1 Single-Family – single family residential
 R4 Multifamily Housing – multifamily residential
 West R1 Single-Family – single family residential, grade school
Comprehensive Plan The site is designated as single family detached residential.


SITE INFORMATION
 General
 The subject site includes the Skokie School District 68 administration and the Old
 Orchard Junior High school buildings and grounds.

VOSDOCS-#540677-v2-Staff_Report_-_2018-21P_-_Site_Plan_Approval_-_9300_9310_9440_Kenton
 1 of 8
 Complete Streets
  Public sidewalks run along Kenton Avenue, Gross Point Road, and Niles Center
 Road
  ADA-accessible ramps are available at nearby intersections; however, only 1
 contrasting color tactile pad is available. Any future improvements will
 necessitate bringing the ramps into compliance with current ADA standards.
  Bike routes run along Niles Center/Kenton Avenue and Gross Point Road.
  Bike lanes are expected to be available on Church Street to the south of the site
 in 2019.
  Currently, nearby bus routes are the 54A, 97, and 205 CTA bus routes, and the
 208 and 215 Pace Bus routes. These routes may be realigned and/or eliminated
 in the future, potentially impacting future destinations.
  The Oakton-Skokie CTA Station is 0.8-mile away.
  Shops, restaurants, parks, employment, religious institutions, and other schools
 are within walking distance of the subject site.


STAFF ANALYSIS
Skokie School District 68 is requesting a new 48 ft2 ground sign with changeable copy,
and the retention of other existing ground and wall signs, located on its administration
and Old Orchard Junior High School campus. The new ground sign is proposed to be
installed near the intersection of Kenton Avenue and Gross Point Road. Since the
campus is >1 acre in area, improvements to the site necessitate a site plan approval for
the sign package.


Petitioners’ Submittal
 Skokie School District 68 agrees to comply with the Villages code to not change the
 message on the Electronic Message Center and to also have the Message Center dim with
 the outside weather conditions as to not affect the flow of traffic, civilians, and residential
 homes in the area. Skokie School District agrees to have messages that will not flash as to
 distract civilians, traffic, or residents within the signs visual area.

 Correct Digital Display (installing party) agrees that the sign will have no nails, tacks, wires
 or other projections, except illuminating devices, which may extend from the sign. Correct
 Digital Display agrees to comply with the Villages code to ensure that the ground sign is

VOSDOCS-#540677-v2-Staff_Report_-_2018-21P_-_Site_Plan_Approval_-_9300_9310_9440_Kenton
 2 of 8
 securing mounted with steel beams installed three (3) below ground level to confirm public
 safety. Correct Digital Displays agrees to have all wiring contained within rigid conduit to
 keep public safe from exposure.



Comments
Staff Comment and Review requests were sent to all pertinent departments and were
received from Forestry, Traffic Engineering, and Planning. All other departments did
not submit comments regarding the subject case.


 Forestry
 Tree protection fencing will be required for several site trees near the construction of
 the sign at the north end of the property. Also there is one parkway tree on Gross
 Point Road just south of the intersection that will require tree protection fencing.


 Traffic Engineering
 Proposed signs should not be within a 10' sight distance triangle in R1, R2, R3, and
 R4 districts, or within a 15' sight distance triangle in all other districts, between 30"
 and 84" in height from grade except traffic control devices listed in the Manual on
 Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Site plan does not show exact location. Applicant
 to insure correct placement outside of sight distance triangle at intersections and
 near driveways.


 Planning Division
 The Planning Division is supportive of the petitioners’ request.
 This is the first formal Village of Skokie review of the school district and junior high
 school property since the Illinois Supreme Court decision requiring school districts to
 meet municipal zoning regulations. The campus includes Old Orchard Junior High
 School educational and Skokie School District 68 administrative activities.
 Although the proposed new sign is on the Skokie District 68 administration property
 (greater than 1 acre in area by itself), the Old Orchard Junior High School signage is
 included in the package to minimize the need to return for future sign-only
 improvements for the campus.
 Per §82-26 of the Signs chapter of the Village Code, government signs are allowed
 in residential districts, subject to the regulations of §82-7. In this instance, the signs
 were deemed by the Village Manager’s designee as noncommercial (not-for-profit

VOSDOCS-#540677-v2-Staff_Report_-_2018-21P_-_Site_Plan_Approval_-_9300_9310_9440_Kenton
 3 of 8
 entity) signage requiring Appearance Commission approval prior to the Site Plan
 Approval process.
 The proposed changeable copy sign at Gross Point Road and Kenton Avenue, and
 the existing Old Orchard Junior High sign, are the primary ground signs for their
 respective buildings.
 Some of the existing signs do not comply with the sign regulations of the Village
 Code. Should any of them be damaged or replaced in the future, they must be
 brought into compliance with the Village Code. Any changes in sign design must be
 approved by the Appearance Commission and the Village Board via a modified
 review process.


APPEARANCE COMMISSION
At its June 13, 2018, meeting, the Appearance Commission approved the proposed sign
package and landscaping (case 2018-037A) as presented.


STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the petitioner’s request for site plan approval for a school district
administration property at 9440 Kenton Avenue and a junior high school property at
9300-9310 Kenton Avenue in an R1 Single-Family zoning district be APPROVED, based
upon the Proposed Positive Findings of Fact and subject to the recommended site plan
approval conditions below.


RECOMMENDED SITE PLAN APPROVAL CONDITIONS
1. Prior to the hearing of this case before the Board of Trustees, the petitioners must
 submit to the Planning Division:
 a. A current Plat of Survey.
 b. A site plan with the exact location of the proposed ground sign, ensuring the
 location meets Village Code requirements.


Site and Use
2. The petitioner shall develop the Subject Property in substantial conformance with
 the final Village approved site plans dated <insert date of final approved plan>,
 landscape plan dated <insert date of final approved plan>, and sign package dated
 <insert date of final approved plan>.
3. Any new or replacement exterior signs shall first be reviewed and approved by the
 Appearance Commission, and sign permits shall first be issued, prior to their
VOSDOCS-#540677-v2-Staff_Report_-_2018-21P_-_Site_Plan_Approval_-_9300_9310_9440_Kenton
 4 of 8
 manufacture and installation.
4. Any new parking lot and exterior lighting shall meet Illuminating Engineering Society
 of North America (IES) standards, be full cut-off design, and be directed away from
 adjacent properties, subject to the approval of the Engineering Division.
5. Any outdoor sound systems shall at all times maintain audio levels that are
 compliant with the Skokie Village Code. (Standard)
6. All existing damaged public sidewalks or public sidewalks damaged due to the
 implementation of this plan shall be replaced. (Standard)
7. No objects are allowed within a 10' sight distance triangle in R1, R2, R3, and R4
 districts, or within a 15' sight distance triangle in all other districts, between 30"
 and 84" in height from grade except traffic control devices listed in the Manual on
 Uniform Traffic Control Devices. (Standard)
8. Prior to the issuance of building permits, the petitioner shall submit a temporary
 pedestrian and bicycle circulation plan, including routing, signage, and barriers, to
 be in place prior to the commencement of construction, subject to the approval of
 the Engineering Division. (Standard)


Maintenance
9. All fencing, walls, sidewalks, driveways, curbs, wheel stops, parking areas, signage,
 landscaping, structures, and any other facilities or infrastructure on the Subject
 Property shall be maintained in a good state of repair, and when needed, be
 repaired or replaced in a timely manner. (Standard)
10. All private and public sidewalks shall be maintained free of snow, ice, sleet, or other
 objects that may impede travel. (Standard)
11. Trash shall only be allowed within a designated trash enclosure and shall be
 screened from public view in an enclosure approved by the Appearance Commission.
 All trash shall be contained in such a way as to remain out of sight at all times.
 (Standard)




Parking
12. All off-street parking spaces shall be legibly striped and maintained. (Standard)
13. Any plan to modify parking lot striping must be approved by the Director of
 Engineering. (Standard)
14. The handicapped parking spaces shall be installed and maintained in compliance with
 State of Illinois Accessibility Standards and the Skokie Village Code, including required
 signage. (Standard)
15. Vehicles shall not be allowed to be parked in or otherwise block common driveways,
 sidewalks, aisles, or other points of access at any time, shall only be parked in

VOSDOCS-#540677-v2-Staff_Report_-_2018-21P_-_Site_Plan_Approval_-_9300_9310_9440_Kenton
 5 of 8
 designated parking spaces, and shall not overlap the striped lines of designated
 parking spaces. (Standard)
16. The owner of the Subject Property shall ensure that employees park on the Subject
 Property. (Standard)


Utilities
17. All utility replacements shall be located underground.


Landscaping
18. The petitioner shall sign an "Agreement for Installation and Maintenance of
 Landscaping" to assure that the Subject Property and parkway landscaping is
 completed and maintained, including trimming, watering, and replacing of dead
 plant materials in a timely manner in accordance with the final approved landscape
 plan. A copy of said Agreement is attached hereto, marked Exhibit “A” and hereby
 made part of this Ordinance. This “Agreement for Installation and Maintenance of
 Landscaping" shall be recorded at the petitioner’s expense. (Standard)
19. Tree protection fencing shall be installed as part of any building or site improvement
 activities.


Governance
20. All new and future construction, alterations, and remodeling shall meet current
 International Building and NFPA Life Safety Codes as amended.
21. The petitioner shall obtain all required permits and approvals for improvements to
 County, State, or Federal rights-of-way from the governing jurisdiction. (Standard)
22. The Subject Property must conform to the Village's storm water control requirements
 as contained in the Skokie Village Code, including the disconnection of any
 downspouts. (Standard)
23. All signage shall conform to the Skokie Village Code, except as provided in this
 ordinance. Any legal nonconforming sign on the Subject Property that shall conform
 with the Village Code when it is damaged >50%, modified, or replaced in the future.
24. All modifications to building elevations, signage, and landscaping shall be subject to
 the review and approval of the Skokie Appearance Commission. (Standard)
25. The petitioner shall submit to the Planning Division electronic files of the plat of
 survey, site plan, and landscape plan in their approved and finalized form. The files
 shall be scaled 2-dimensional drawing files on non-compressed, non-read only CD-
 ROM *.dwg AutoCAD format. (Standard)
26. Prior to the issuance of building permits, the petitioner shall submit to the Planning

VOSDOCS-#540677-v2-Staff_Report_-_2018-21P_-_Site_Plan_Approval_-_9300_9310_9440_Kenton
 6 of 8
 Division of the Community Development Department the name, property address,
 email address, and telephone number of the company and contact person
 responsible for site maintenance in compliance with this site plan approval. (Standard)
27. If work is to be performed on public property or if public property is utilized or
 impacted during construction and/or development, the owner shall provide, or shall
 cause the developer and/or contractor to provide, the Village of Skokie with a
 certificate of insurance naming the Village of Skokie as additionally insured for any
 and all claims related to any and all work. The owner shall hold, and shall cause the
 developer and/or contractor to hold, the Village of Skokie harmless and indemnify
 the Village for any and all claims for property damage or personal injury related to
 work on or use of public property. (Standard)
28. The petitioner shall comply with all Federal and State statutes, laws, rules and
 regulations and all Village codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations. (Standard)
29. Failure to abide by any and all terms of this Ordinance shall be cause for the Village
 to initiate hearings to determine whether the subject Ordinance, as well as any
 applicable business licenses, should be revised or revoked. The petitioner shall pay
 all costs related to any hearings conducted as a result of non-compliance with any of
 the provisions of the enabling ordinance. The costs shall include but not be limited
 to court reporter fees, attorney fees, and staff time required researching and
 conducting said hearing. (Standard)


ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Positive Findings of Fact
2. Detailed Site Plan and Overall Campus Site Plan, dated July 3, 2018
3. School District 68 Resubdivision, dated Revised July 8, 2013
4. Ground sign and landscape plan rendering, system dated July 3, 2018
5. Skokie School District Roadway Sign Plant Species List, system dated July 3, 2018
6. Ground Sign, Version 2, system dated July 3, 2018
7. Existing signs, system dated June 25, 2018 (attached to case 2018-037A)
8. Zoning Map




VOSDOCS-#540677-v2-Staff_Report_-_2018-21P_-_Site_Plan_Approval_-_9300_9310_9440_Kenton
 7 of 8
Proposed Positive Findings of Fact 2018-21P: Site Plan Approval
Community Development Department Council Chambers, 7:30 PM, August 2, 2018


Consideration Finding
The request is harmonious with and does The request will not adversely affect
not adversely affect adjacent properties. adjacent properties.
The request can demonstrate that Adequate public facilities, including roads,
adequate public facilities, including roads, drainage, utilities, and police and fire
drainage, utilities, and police and fire protection exist or will exist to serve this
protection exist or will exist to serve the request.
requested use at the time such facilities are
needed.
The request demonstrates adequate The request demonstrates adequate
provision for maintenance of the associated provision for maintenance of the
structures. associated structures.
The request has considered and, to the No adverse effects of the natural
degree possible, addressed the adverse environment are expected.
effects on the natural environment.
The request will not create undue traffic The request will not create undue traffic
congestion. congestion.
The request will not adversely affect public The public health, safety, morals and
health, safety, and welfare. general welfare will not be unduly
 burdened by this request.
The request conforms to all applicable The request conforms to all applicable
provisions of this code, except where relief provisions of this code.
is granted with the request.




VOSDOCS-#540677-v2-Staff_Report_-_2018-21P_-_Site_Plan_Approval_-_9300_9310_9440_Kenton
 8 of 8