Title/Name/Summary: Main Pump Station - 8800 Thistlewood Lane - Appearance Review for new security fence project
History:
QUICKFACTS
Project:
Main Pump Station Security Fence Project - 8800 Thistlewood Lane - Fence
Legistar ID: 2026-0251
Project ID: PPA-26-0016
Petitioner:
Village of Orland Park - Joel Van Essen, Public Works Director
Purpose: The petitioner is proposing to install approximately 1,266 linear feet of eight (8) foot tall security fencing around roughly two-thirds of the Main Pump Station (MPS) site perimeter, encompassing both the Main Pump Station and North Intake Building. The remaining one-third of the site, consisting of open turf grass, will remain accessible for public use. The submitted materials also indicate that Public Works plans to install perimeter tree plantings in 2026 along the open area to enhance the site’s aesthetics while discouraging unauthorized vehicular access. Additional materials show three cantilever-style gates are proposed, including one 16-foot-wide manual slide gate, one 28-foot-wide manual slide gate, and one 28-foot-wide automated sliding gate at the front entrance.
Project Attributes:
Address: 8800 Thistlewood Lane
P.I.N.(s): 27-15-212-001-0000
Size: Parcel Size: 4.46 acres - Building Size: 4,191 square feet
Comprehensive Plan Planning District:
Comprehensive Land Designation:
Existing Zoning: R-3, Residential
Existing Land Use: Government
Surrounding Land Use:
North: R-3, Residential, Institutional (Liberty Elementary School)
South: R-3, Residential (Thistlewood Lane / Residential Area)
East: R-3, Residential (Residential Area)
West: R-3, Residential (Black Friars Road / Residential Area)
BACKGROUND
The subject property is improved with the Main Pump Station and associated water utility infrastructure, including the North Intake Building and reservoir facilities. The proposed project is intended to improve site security through installation of a new perimeter security fence and gates around the operational portions of the site, while leaving a portion of the property open as turf grass for continued public accessibility. The proposal also contemplates future perimeter tree plantings in 2026 to soften the appearance of the open edge and discourage unauthorized vehicular access.
The Main Pump Station is located within the R-3 Residential District. Section 6-204 of the Land Development Code identifies governmental uses and public utility structures, other than electrical generating facilities, as special uses within the R-3 District, subject to applicable standards.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION & DETAILED PLANNING DISCUSSION
Per Section 5-106 of the Land Development Code, the Appearance Review process is intended to maintain and enhance the appearance of existing development through administrative review of minor site and exterior improvements, while confirming conformance with applicable Code requirements and maintaining harmony with surrounding community character. The proposed work qualifies for Appearance Review because it involves a new site improvement, namely installation of security fencing and gates, at an existing Village utility facility.
According to the submitted scope of work, the project consists of approximately 1,266 linear feet of eight-foot-tall security fencing installed around roughly two-thirds of the site perimeter. The submitted site exhibit shows the fence enclosing the Main Pump Station, North Intake Building, and reservoir-related utility area, while intentionally leaving the remaining open turf area outside of the fenced enclosure. Three gate locations are also shown on the plan.
The submitted product information identifies the proposed fence as a black “Contempo” welded wire security fence with a clear see-through design. Supporting materials indicate the fence panels and posts are powder-coated black, and the engineered details show an open-style panel system with heavy-duty vertical and horizontal wire members. In staff’s opinion, the open-style design and black finish are appropriate for the site because they provide needed security for critical utility infrastructure while remaining less visually obtrusive than a solid fence.
Section 6-310 of the Land Development Code provides the Village’s general fence regulations. The Code prohibits hazardous fence types such as barbed wire, electrical fences, spiked fences, and similar dangerous features. Based on the submitted materials, the proposed fencing consists of open welded wire panels and sliding gates, and no prohibited fence features are shown.
Section 6-310.C further requires that fences be constructed so as not to impede natural or engineered drainage, and generally requires installation three inches above grade, with exceptions possible for open-style fences. The proposed fence is an open-style fence, and final permit plans shall demonstrate compliance with all applicable engineering and drainage requirements.
In addition, the contractor proposal indicates that the project includes three cantilever-style gates with black chain link mesh infill: one 16-foot-wide manual slide gate, two 28-foot-wide slide gates, and one automated front entrance gate with LiftMaster operator, keypad/proximity reader, remote controls, and loop detectors. These gate improvements are consistent with the overall purpose of the project, which is to secure critical public utility infrastructure while maintaining controlled access for Village operations.
Although the property is zoned R-3 Residential District, the subject site is improved with an existing public utility facility rather than a residential use. The proposed fence is not intended to privatize the entire parcel, but rather to secure the operational core of the site. Staff finds this approach to be appropriate because the plan preserves the open turf portion of the property for public accessibility, while the future tree plantings will help soften the visual impact of the fenced area over time.
Recommended Action/Motion
The Appearance Review for the Village of Orland Park, case number 2026-0251, received March 14, 2026, is recommended for administrative approval on April 2, 2026, subject to the following conditions:
1. A building permit must be obtained from the Village’s Building Department prior to initiating work.
2. The work shall be completed in substantial conformance with the submitted plans, product information, and proposal materials for the Main Pump Station Security Fence Project.
3. The fence shall be an open-style black security fence and gates as depicted in the submitted materials, and shall not include barbed wire, electrical fencing, spiked elements, or other prohibited fence features.
4. Final permit plans demonstrate compliance with all applicable Building Code, engineering, drainage, and sight line requirements, including Section 6-310 of the Land Development Code.
5. Perimeter tree plantings along the open portion of the site shall be installed in 2026, subject to field conditions and any required departmental review.
6. The petitioner shall meet all Building Code and Land Development Code requirements.