Title
Discovery Commons - 7420 W. 159th Street - Appearance Review for installation of 12x12 prefabricated shed
History
QUICKFACTS
Project
Discovery Commons - 7420 W. 159th Street - 12x12 Prefabbed Shed
Case No.: PPA-26-0023
Petitioner
Jessica Oliver, Permit Tech
Applicant
Norme Torres, Executive Director
Purpose
The petitioner is proposing installation of a 12' x 12' prefabbed shed on the Discovery Commons property at 7420 W. 159th Street. The Appearance Review application identifies the work as an accessory structure on a non-residential property. The proposed shed size is listed as 144 square feet.
Requested Action: Appearance Review
Project Attributes
Address: 7420 W. 159th Street, Orland Park, IL 60462
P.I.N.: 27-13-410-003-0000
Building Size: 144 square feet (proposed shed)
Comprehensive Plan Planning District: 159th & Harlem
Comprehensive Land Use Designation: 11 acres - sub area plan needed
Existing Zoning: BIZ - General Business
Existing Land Use: Senior Living Facility
Surrounding Land Use:
North: R-4 - Residential
South: BIZ - General Business
East: BIZ - General Business
West: BIZ - General Business
BACKGROUND
The petitioner submitted an Appearance Review application for installation of a 12' x 12' prefabbed shed at Discovery Commons; an existing senior living facility located at 7420 W. 159th Street. The application identifies the request as a non-residential accessory structure. The submittal also includes site photographs and a marked survey/location exhibit showing the general proposed shed location.
Discovery Commons is located in the BIZ General Business District. Section 6-207 provides that accessory uses are permitted in the BIZ District, and congregate elderly housing is listed as a special use in the BIZ District. Based on the submitted materials and the existing use of the property, the proposed shed is being evaluated as an accessory structure to the principal senior living use
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 compliance with applicable Code requirements and maintaining harmony with surrounding community character. The proposed work qualifies for Appearance Review because it consists of installation of a new accessory structure on an existing non-residential property.
The subject property is located in the BIZ General Business District. Section 6-207.B.1 permits accessory uses in the BIZ District, and Section 6-207.C.6 lists congregate elderly housing as a special use. Staff therefore finds that a shed may be considered as an accessory structure to the existing senior living facility, subject to compliance with the applicable accessory structure standards.
The submitted application proposes one 12' x 12' prefabbed shed totaling 144 square feet. Based on the shed and storage building standards provided, the proposed size complies with the maximum permitted area of 200 square feet. The proposal is therefore supportable in terms of overall size.
The submitted marked survey/location exhibit shows the proposed shed in a secondary side/rear portion of the Discovery Commons site rather than along the principal public frontage. The submitted photographs likewise suggest that the proposed area is associated with a more service-oriented side of the site and is less visually prominent than the primary front entrance elevations. From an appearance standpoint, staff finds the general proposed location acceptable.
The shed standards provided state that sheds exceeding 100 square feet for non-residential uses must be constructed with primary materials that match the principal structure. The submitted application materials do not include a shed cutsheet, elevations, or finish/material information confirming this requirement. However, the site photographs show that the principal building includes red brick masonry and light-colored panel/siding accents. Staff finds that the request is supportable for approval provided that final permit materials demonstrate that the shed’s primary materials and colors are compatible with, and match, the principal structure to the satisfaction of the Development Services Department.
The shed standards provided also require that sheds be located outside of easements, at least five feet from lot lines, at least ten feet from the principal building, not obstruct stormwater flow, and not exceed fifteen feet in height. The submitted location exhibit shows the general area of placement, but it does not by itself provide a fully dimensioned permit-level verification of all required setbacks, easement clearance, or shed height. Staff therefore recommends that final permit review verify these items. This is a standard and appropriate condition of approval for a small accessory structure of this nature.
Based on the submitted application, site photographs, and location exhibit, staff finds that the proposed 12' x 12' shed is supportable as an accessory structure to the existing Discovery Commons senior living facility. Because the proposal is small in scale, located in a secondary area of the site, and capable of meeting the applicable accessory structure standards through permit-level verification, the request is appropriate for administrative approval subject to conditions.
Recommended Action/Motion
The Appearance Review for Discovery Commons Senior Living, case number PPA-26-0023, received on March 25th, 2026, is recommended for administrative approval, 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 Appearance Review application, site photographs, and survey/location exhibit for the proposed 12' x 12' prefabbed shed.
3. The shed must be in the rear setback, which, per Section 2-102, means an open space between the rear of a building or structure and the lot line farthest from the street fronting the lot, projected to the side lines of the lot on which the building or structure is located.
4. The proposed shed shall be limited to one shed on the lot and shall not exceed 200 square feet in area.
5. Because the proposed shed exceeds 100 square feet on a non-residential property, the shed’s primary materials and colors shall match the principal structure, to the satisfaction of the Development Services Department.
6. Final permit plans shall verify that the shed is located outside of all easements, at least five (5) feet from lot lines, at least ten feet from the principal building, and in a location that does not obstruct stormwater flow.
7. The shed shall not exceed fifteen feet in height to the highest point of the roof and shall not exceed the height of the principal structure.
8. Any disturbed landscaping, pavement, curb, or adjacent site improvements affected by installation shall be restored to preconstruction conditions.
9. The petitioner shall meet all Building Code and Land Development Code requirements.