Title/Name/Summary
Substantive Amendment: Allow Townhomes in the Old Orland Historic District
History
AMENDMENT EXPLANATION
SECTION 6-209.B.
Add townhomes to permitted uses in a non-commercial area of the Old Orland Historic District.
AMENDMENT SUMMARY
The goal of this amendment is to allow townhomes in a non-commercial area of the Old Orland Historic District (OOHD). The proposed amendment aligns with the vision of preserving the unique character of the area while accommodating additional living choices. By allowing townhomes in this historic neighborhood, residents can enjoy the appeal of small walkable blocks while having direct access to mixed-use amenities found in this district.
Townhomes typically require smaller lot areas and widths compared to single-family detached homes. The OOHD minimum lot area of 2,500 square feet and front lot width of 25 feet accommodate the construction of townhomes while maintaining a consistent streetscape and respecting the scale of the neighborhood. The lot coverage requirements for the district are limited to 80% impervious surface area on each parcel, which is adequate for townhome development.
If approved, townhome construction must align with the neighborhood architectural style as found in the design guidelines for the OOHD. The Certificate of Appropriateness review, mandatory for all exterior building alterations within the OOHD, protects historic properties by ensuring that new development complements with the existing buildings in terms of scale and design. Existing townhomes located within the OOHD were constructed prior to Old Orland Historic District’s creation when the area was zoned R-6 Residential.
Providing additional housing options in Old Orland within close proximity to amenities like Downtown Orland Park and the train station aligns with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan for this area. Careful design and consideration for incorporating historic details into the design will enhance the area, attracting residents and supporting small businesses while maintaining the neighborhood character and history.
Plan Commission Discussion
Present at the Plan Commission were 5 Commissioners, 1 Commissioner electronically participating, and members of staff. The Commissioners discussed the boundary locations for townhomes within the district and the changing nature of the area. Staff clarified that blue areas on the attached map are permitted for townhomes and that red areas are permitted for commercial or mixed-use structures. The purple area on the map, where the former Bill's Barber Shop was located, is permitted for commercial or townhome uses. Staff explained that these areas are not required to be townhomes, but if someone wishes to construct townhomes within the area, they are allowed to through a Certificate of Appropriateness application.
Plan Commission Motion
Regarding Case Number 2024-0351, I move to approve the Staff Recommended Action as presented in the Staff Report to the Plan Commission for this case.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to recommend to the Village Board to approve the Plan Commission recommended action for case number 2024-0351, also known as "Substantive Amendment: Allow Townhomes in the Old Orland Historic District;"
AND
Move to recommend adopting an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 6-209, TABLE 6-209(B)2 AND SECTION 6-209 MAP 1 OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF ORLAND PARK, AS AMENDED, RELATIVE TO ALLOWING TOWNHOMES IN OLD ORLAND HISTORIC DISTRICT.
THIS PART IS FOR REFERENCE ONLY (NOT NECESSARY TO BE READ)
I move to recommend to the Village Board approve the Land Development Code Amendments for Section 6-209 and Section 6-209.B as presented in the amendment report titled "5/07/2024 Land Development Code Amendments" dated May 2, 2024.