Title
Open Space Inspections - 2010 Results
History
In 2007, the Village began a program to inspect Orland Park open space (parks, detention ponds and natural areas). Of the original 1,092 inspections performed from 2007 thru 2009, 90% (980) passed with no encroachment, 9% (98) failed with some form of encroachment, and 1% (14) of the properties were non-accessible. The 98 properties that failed were then categorized as A, B, or C encroachments depending on the severity of the violation.
In March 2010, the Village Board approved an enforcement policy that required removal of all Category A encroachments and removal or licensing for Category B and C encroachments (with an amnesty period from which no new licenses will be issued). All future open space inspections are to be triggered on a complaint driven basis and all new or increased encroachments must be removed per the procedure set forth for the Category A encroachments.
In 2010, the 98 properties that failed the initial open space encroachment inspection were reviewed and re-inspected. From this review 12 additional encroachments were revealed and enforced based on the Board approved enforcement policy. The 110 encroachments were categorized as follows: 23 (A), 33 (B), and 54 (C).
When compliance was enforced throughout 2010 and into 2011 the following results were compiled:
Category A
Total Violations: 23
Currently in Compliance: 21
Outstanding Issues: 2
Licensed: N/A
Category B
Total Violations: 33
Currently in Compliance: 27
Outstanding Issues: 0
Licensed: 6
Category C
Total Violations: 54
Currently in Compliance: 51
Outstanding Issues: 0
Licensed: 3
The 2 outstanding A encroachment issues consist of one incorrect owner notification and one completion of restoring the open space to its original state.
There are 7 new 2011 Open Space encroachments that are currently being addressed. Of these encroachments, 2 have been categorized as A violations and removal will be required. The remaining 5 encroachments have been categorized as B violations and have been given the option to license. All future reported open space encroachments beginning in 2012 will be enforced with removal as set forth by the policy approved by the Village Board.
Moving foward, per the Board approved policy, staff will only conduct new open space inspections based on specific complaints. The 9 licensed B and C encroachments have been re-inspected this year and will be inspected annually to assure that the encroachments are not altered or increased in any way.
Recommended Action/ Motion:
No Motion. This is an informational item only.