Title/Name/Summary
15221 Cottonwood Court Geothermal Project
History
QUICKFACTS
Project
15221 Cottonwood Court Geothermal Project
2016-0818 (see 2016-0748 for Original Reports)
Petitioner
Dhaval Patel
Purpose
The purpose of this petition is to install and maintain a residential geothermal heat pump renewable energy system at the private residence of 15221 Cottonwood Court.
Requested Actions: Appearance Review (Environmental Clean Technology Review)
Project Attributes
Address: 15221 Cottonwood Court
P.I.N.(s): 27-18-104-043-0000
Size: 23,040 SF
Comprehensive Plan Planning District: Centennial Planning District
Comprehensive Land Designation: Single Family Residential
Existing Zoning: R-1 Residential District
Existing Land Use: Single Family Home
Surrounding Land Use:
North: R-1 Residential District - Single Family Home
South: R-1 Residential District - Single Family Home
East: R-1 Residential District - Vacant
West: R-1 Residential District - Single Family Home
Preliminary Engineering: N/A. The engineering of geothermal renewable energy systems are regulated through state licensing criteria.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION & CONTEXT
The petitioner proposes to install a geothermal renewable energy system in the front yard of the single family home at 15221 Cottonwood Court, located in the Arbor Pointe Subdivision. Geothermal renewable energy systems boost building heating and cooling performance for higher efficiencies and lower utility costs. In the summer, geothermal systems act as heat sinks to cool buildings via the constant temperature of the Earth (typically 55 degrees at depth). In the winter, the systems channel the Earth’s constant temperature (again typically 65 degrees at depth) to provide a heating boost to the structure. As a result, heating and cooling mechanical systems are not required to operate as much to attain desired heating and cooling levels since the Earth is providing a 65 degree base line temperature for the building.
This is the second geothermal project reviewed by the Village via the Environmental Clean Technology Appearance Review process (see 6-314.C), the first of which was located at 14232 Ashford Court (see 2014-0568). If recommended for approval by the Plan Commission and Development Services, Planning and Engineering Committee, this project would receive a final review by the Village Board on December 19, 2016.
The petitioner does not request any variances for this project.
The recommendation motion includes the following conditions:
1) Meet all Building Code related items;
2) Any mechanical equipment must be screened at grade level with landscaping.
Overall, the project conforms to the Village’s Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Codes and policies for this area.
DETAILED PLANNING DISCUSSION
Natural Features
The geothermal system does not impact any natural features or any trees. Though the system is predominantly underground, there is no vegetation that will be disturbed in the installation process (according to aerials).
Preliminary Engineering
The State of Illinois formerly regulated the installation of geothermal energy systems via licensing. This licensing requirement no longer exists.
Land Use/Compatibility
Geothermal heat pump systems are highly compatible renewable energy systems for single family residential dwellings. They do not have a visual impact to the surrounding properties as they are located underground.
Lot Coverage
Lot coverage remains unchanged. Geothermal systems do not require additional hardscape.
Mechanicals/Utility Conduits
If the connection to the house necessitates any housing or other assembly prior to penetration, all mechanical equipment must be screened at grade level with landscaping.
PLAN COMMISSION MOTION
On November 11, 2016, the Plan Commission, by a vote of 5-0, moved to recommend to the Village Board to approve the Appearance Review for a geothermal system at 15221 Cottonwood Court, as fully referenced below.
PLAN COMMISSION DISCUSSION
On November 11, 2016, a public hearing was held before the Plan Commission. The petitioner, Mr. Patel, shared a few general comments about the project. No other members of the public spoke. All five (5) of the Plan Commissioner spoke in favor of the geothermal system and wished Mr. Patel good luck with the project.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND PLANNING COMMITTEE MOTION
This agenda item is being considered by the Development Services, Planning and Engineering Committee and the Village Board of Trustees on the same night (December 19, 2016). See 2016-0748 for associated Plan Commission and Committee reports.
This case is now before the Board of Trustees for final review and approval.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve the Environmental Clean Technology Review for a geothermal system at 15221 Cottonwood Court as fully referenced below.
(THIS SECTION FOR REFERENCE ONLY (NOT NECESSARY TO BE READ))
I move to approve the Appearance Review (Environmental Clean Technology Review) for a geothermal heat pump system at 15221 Cottonwood Court as depicted on the plat of survey titled “Plat of Survey”, prepared by the petitioner, dated received on October 27, 2016, subject to the following conditions:
1) Meet all Building Code related items;
2) Any mechanical equipment must be screened at grade level with landscaping.