Title/Name/Summary:
Verizon Wireless & Orland Park Public Works Cell Tower. - 15655 S. Ravinia Avenue - Collocation of Existing Cell Tower Equipment and Upgrade
History:
The 95’ monopole currently located at 15655 S. Ravinia Avenue was previously constructed and is utilized for wireless communications.
In 2010, the Board of Trustees adopted the policies titled, “Co-Locating Wireless Communication Facilities on Village-Owned Property” (2009-0288). The policy includes six components related to: screening ground equipment cabinet enclosures; if required landscaping screening cannot be accommodated, fees will be paid to the Village’s Tree Mitigation Bank in lieu of the required landscaping; ground equipment shelter screening requirements; assessment for multiple tenants or co-locations on the infrastructure; one-time maintenance fee and site access; and compensation to the Village on a quarterly basis that will follow a pre-determined fee schedule. The petitioner has met all the conditions of the above 2010 wireless communication facilities policy.
The tower is located on a parcel at the Village of Orland Park Public Works site, and the lease area is managed through Vertical Bridge, LLC.
The petitioner is now requesting an Appearance Review for the purpose of upgrading equipment mounted on the existing tower. The upgrade includes antenna, remote radio unit (RRU), and associated infrastructure replacement.
Quick facts -
Project: Verizon Wireless & Orland Park Public Works Cell Tower. - 15655 S. Ravinia Avenue - Collocation of Existing Cell Tower Upgrade
Petitioner: Verizon Wireless
Petitioner Contact: Eileen Boland
Purpose: Upgrade of existing telecommunications equipment on an existing 95-foot monopole, including installation of new antennas, Remote Radio Units, platform, and related hardware.
Requested Actions: Appearance Review for collocation and equipment upgrade on an existing monopole tower pursuant to Section 6-311 of the Land Development Code.
Address: 15655 S. Ravinia Avenue
P.I.N.(s): 27-16-401-012-0000
Size: 50’ x 50’ lease area; active equipment area approx. 12’ x 30’ (360 sq. ft.).
This tower sits on the campus of the Orland Park Public Works Department.
Comprehensive Planning District: Regional Core
Comprehensive Land Designation: Regional Mixed Use
Existing Zoning: COR - Mixed Use
Surrounding Land Use:
North: OS - Open Space & COR - Mixed Use
South: COR - Mixed Use, OS - Open Space, & R-4 - Residential
East: COR - Mixed Use
West: OS - Open Space
PROJECT DESCRIPTION & DETAILED PLANNING DISCUSSION
The petitioner is proposing to replace and add equipment on the existing 95’ monopole wireless tower. The scope of work includes:
• Installation of 3 new Ericsson AIR 6419 panel antennas
• Installation of 6 Commscope NHH-65B-R2B panel antennas
• Installation of 6 Remote Radio Units (Ericsson 4490 and 4890)
• Installation of Raycap overvoltage protection units (OVPs) and alarms
• Use of a Site Pro 1 low-profile mounting platform with handrails
• Cabling run internally through the monopole shaft (minimizes visual clutter)
A full structural analysis report prepared by Vertical Bridge Engineering, LLC was submitted, indicating that the proposed loading is within acceptable stress levels and meets all applicable structural standards. No increase in tower height is proposed, and no modifications to the foundation or base are required.
The submitted plans and structural documentation meet the requirements of Section 6-311 of the Village’s Land Development Code, including:
• Use of existing vertical infrastructure (co-location) per Section 6-311.G.1
• No new accessory shelters or ground buildings
• No increase in visual mass or height
Because the proposed project is a co-location on an existing monopole without an increase in height and without additional ground structures, the application qualifies for administrative review per Section 6-311.E.1 and G.1.
Recommended Action/Motion
The Appearance Review for the Verizon Wireless Cell Tower Equipment Upgrade, case number 2025-0570, at 15655 S. Ravinia Avenue as shown in the plans titled “Verizon Wireless Equipment Upgrade - 156th & Ravinia” submitted on July 9, 2025, has been administratively approved on July 23, 2025, subject to the following conditions:
1.) The petitioner must comply with all applicable building, electrical, and structural code requirements.
2.) All coaxial/fiber cabling shall be run internally through the monopole as shown on the submitted plan set.
3.) No increase in tower height is permitted under this appearance review.
4.) No additional accessory shelters or ground-based buildings may be installed as part of this project.
5.) The petitioner must obtain all necessary permits prior to construction.