Title/Name/Summary
High Point Elementary & Orland Junior High - 14825 & 14855 West Avenue - Appearance Review for Phase II Renovations
History
Project
High Point Elementary & Orland Junior High - 14825 & 14855 West Avenue - Appearance Review for Phase II Renovations
Petitioner
Dan Miletic, raSmith
Purpose
The petitioner proposes to do site improvements to Orland Junior High and High Point’s main parking lot, pedestrian entrances, and lighting upgrades, etc. etc.
Requested Actions: Appearance Review
Project Attributes
Address: 14825 & 14855 West Avenue
P.I.N.(s): 27-09-400-003-0000
Parcel Size: 20.05 acres
Building Size: OJH: 79,393sf; HP: 37,031sf
Comprehensive Plan Planning District: Orland Grove Planning District
Comprehensive Land Designation: Community and Institutional
Existing Zoning: R-3 Residential
Existing Land Use: School
Surrounding Land Use:
North: OS - Open Space
South: R-3A Residential - Single Family Residential
East: R-3 - Open Space
West: R-2 and R-3A Residential - Single Family Residential
PROJECT DESCRIPTION & CONTEXT
As part of the approved school expansion projects at High Point and Orland Junior High (Case No. 2022-1018), the petitioner was required to complete on-site improvements, including a new landscape plan and a garbage enclosure. Additional improvements proposed as part of this appearance review include hardscaping improvements at the school entryways, upgraded pedestrian crosswalks, improved site lighting, and the relocation of several parking spaces. New seating areas, benches, and flagpoles are also proposed near the main entrances to enhance the entryways to the schools.
SITE PLAN
The site plan titled “Orland School District 135: 2025 Site Renovations at: Orland Junior High and High Point Elementary”, last revised May 7, 2025, outlines all changes to the site.
Land Use / Compatibility
The proposed land use is existing and is compatible with the R-3 Residential District and the Comprehensive Plan vision for this property.
Dumpster Enclosure
As a condition of the Phase I site improvements, the petitioner is required to replace the existing garbage enclosure with one that complies with current code requirements. Per Section 6-302 of the Land Development Code, trash enclosures must be fully screened by three opaque walls and a gate. New enclosures must match the material and style of the principal building, while replacements may be constructed of wood or beige vinyl. Enclosure walls must be between 6 and 8 feet in height.
The proposed garbage enclosure meets the requirements listed in the Village’s Land Development Code and will be replaced when the east parking lot is scheduled for repaving.
Landscape Plan
The proposed site renovations include a landscape plan designed to enhance the visual quality of both school campuses. The plan includes the removal of several existing trees and shrubs, some of which are in declining condition or in conflict with new site improvements. The replacement landscaping meets and exceeds the requirements of Section 6-305 of the Land Development Code.
New plantings include a mix of canopy trees, ornamental trees, evergreen and deciduous shrubs, ornamental grasses, and perennials. Landscape zones addressed in the plans include parkway plantings along West Avenue, foundation plantings along building perimeters, bufferyards along the northern property line, and corridor plantings within the site. The plans also incorporate seating areas with ornamental landscaping and landscape islands in the parking lot. Overall, the landscape improvements contribute significantly to the visual character of the schools.
Hardscape Area Improvements
New concrete walkways and paved seating areas are proposed near the main entrances of both schools to for student gathering and to improve accessibility. Pedestrian crosswalks will be upgraded to improve visibility and safety while guiding the flow of pedestrian and vehicle traffic. As part of the improvements, 6 new parking lot islands are proposed, and the replaced parking spaces to be relocated to the bus lane area at the southern end of the site.
Flagpoles
In accordance with Section 6-302 of the Land Development Code, non-residential properties are permitted up to 3 freestanding, ground-mounted flagpoles per lot. Each flagpole may not exceed a height of 35’, and the surface area of any individual flag is limited to a maximum of 60sf. A building permit must be obtained from prior to the construction of any flagpoles.
Lighting
New fixtures are proposed in the parking lots, walkways, and building entrances. The photometric plan provided has been reviewed for light spillover onto adjacent properties and maximum allowable footcandles on the site. These lighting upgrades are intended to enhance site security, safety, and align with Village lighting standards in Section 6-315. Cutsheets have been provided for the light fixtures on site.
Signage
Signage is not part of this petition and should be submitted for separate review to the Building Division if any changes are proposed.
Recommended Action/Motion
The Appearance Review for 14825 & 14855 West Avenue case number 2025-0282, as shown on the plans titled “Orland School District 135: 2025 Site Renovations at: Orland Junior High and High Point Elementary”, last revised May 7, 2025, has been administratively approved on May 13, 2025 subject to the following conditions:
1. The development shall remain in substantial conformance with the site plan, landscape plan, and civil drawings titled “Orland School District 135: 2025 Site Renovations at Orland Junior High and High Point Elementary,” last revised May 7, 2025.
2. The proposed flagpoles shall comply with the requirements of Section 6-302.C.12 of the Land Development Code.
3. All exterior lighting shall be installed in accordance with the Village’s lighting standards in Section 6-315 of the Land Development Code and shall be consistent with the photometric plan and lighting details submitted as part of this application.