Title/Name/Summary
Extra Space Storage - 11525 184th Place - Rooftop Solar Panels- Appearance Review
History
QUICKFACTS
Project
Extra Space Storage - 11525 184th Place - Rooftop Solar Panels - Appearance Review
Legistar ID: 2026-0254
Project ID: PPA-26-0017
Petitioner
Steve Potter, Owner (Extra Space Storage)
Danielle DeMarre, Contractor (All Energy Solar)
Purpose
The petitioner is proposing to install a 151.38kW DC fixed-mount photovoltaic solar array with a total of 261 modules on the roof of the existing building at 11525 184th Place.
Requested Actions: Appearance Review
Project Attributes
Address: 11525 184th Place P.I.N.(s): 09-06-226-007-0000
Comprehensive Plan Planning District: I-80 Employment District
Comprehensive Land Designation: Office Employment Emphasis
Existing Zoning: ORI, Mixed Use District
Existing Land Use: Self Storage Facility
Surrounding Land Use:
North: ORI- Mixed Use District - Orland Park Business Center Office Park (office / warehouse/ indoor recreation)
South: Interstate 80/ Unincorporated Will County
East: ORI - Mixed Use District - Orland Park Business Center Office Park (office/ warehouse)
West: ORI - Mixed Use District - Orland Park Business Center Office Park (vocational school)
BACKGROUND
The subject property is part of the Orland Park Business Center, which was granted a Special Use for a Planned Development for 18 lots (including 1 for detention) spanning approximately 68 acres via Ordinance 3550 in 2001. The subject property, 11525 184th Place, is Lot 8 in the subdivision, though it was originally labeled as Lot 10 prior to a re-subdivision that was approved in 2007 (2007-0122).
The subject property was granted approval for the self-storage facility in 2004, (2003-0417). This use type was not defined in the Land Development Code prior to this use case, but it was determined that is similar enough to a warehouse use type that it should be permitted outright in the ORI District. The user at the time was Metro Self-Storage, which proceeded to obtain approval for phase one of the project, which consisted of the three-story, 212,000 square foot facility. Phase Two of the project consisted of 12 storage buildings totaling approximately 40,000 square feet. The landscape plan for the Metro Self-Storage facility was subsequently approved in 2008 (2008-0349).
Life Storage replaced Metro Self-Storage in 2012, in which they made exterior changes without Village approval, including signage and façade painting. They did, however, receive an appearance review in 2016 for awning replacements (2016-0770). Extra Space Storage, the current user of the property, received occupancy in 2025, in which they had an appearance review for awning removal (2025-0380).
DETAILED PLANNING DISCUSSION
The petitioner proposes to install a 151.38kW DC fixed-mount photovoltaic solar array with a total of 261 modules on the roof of the existing building at 11525 184th Place.
Per Section 6-314.C.2.a.4. of the Land Development Code (LDC), solar energy systems on flat roofs must be completely screened from view from public rights-of-way and neighboring properties in accordance with Section 6-308.J (Screening). Solar energy systems may be angled to achieve maximum sun exposure but shall not exceed 8’ in overall height or extend above the building parapet, whichever results in less height. In no instance shall any part of the system extend beyond the edge of the roof or the highest point of the parapet or screening wall. Additionally, all associated cables and wiring must be underground, routed through the building or contained within a conduit which complements the colors and materials of the principal structure.
The submitted plans propose 1’-tall modules, 2’-3”-tall inverters, and 5’-4”-tall PV subpanel. The existing parapet wall on the building is 2’-6”-tall. However, there are also existing rooftop HVAC units that are 5’-6”-tall that are not screened on the roof of the structure. The existing rooftop HVAC equipment is not visible from the public right-of-way due to its location on the roof. All of the proposed equipment will be setback no closer than 27’-1” from the parapet wall. Since the equipment will be setback far enough away from the parapet wall, the screening requirement will be met, as demonstrated by the petitioner on page G-08 (line of site exhibit) of the submitted plan set.
The submitted plans depict the modules placed in the center of the roof in one array. Two CPS 60K inverters are proposed to be located within 12” of the array, to be setback approximately 40’ from the northern roof edge. The inverters have a height of 39.4”. While the parapet wall is only 2’-6”-tall, the inverters will not be visible from the public right-of-way due to their 40’ setback from the roof edge. The inverters will be connected to an existing CT cabinet located on the west side elevation of the building, adjacent to other existing mechanical equipment behind the existing fence on the property. A new conduit will be installed to run to the CT cabinet, which will be painted to match the building color. Section 6-308.J.1 of the LDC states that screening shall be architecturally compatible with the principal building in terms of design type, materials, and colors. Overall, the project conforms to the Village’s comprehensive Plan, Land Development Codes and policies for this area.
Recommended Action/Motion
The Appearance Review for the Extra Space Storage Rooftop Solar Panels, case number 2026-0254, received March 6, 2026, was administratively approved on April 7, 2026, subject to the following conditions:
1. Obtain building permits prior to starting work.
2. The work shall be in substantial compliance with the plan set titled "3320 Orland Park IL Extra Space Storage (Versiris Energy)", prepared by All Energy Solar, Inc., revised March 25, 2026, subject to any further revisions as required by permit review.
3. All roof-mounted mechanical equipment shall be fully screened from view and shall meet the requirements listed in Section 6-314 of the Land Development Code.
4. All exterior mounted equipment shall be fully screened from view and all conduits shall be painted to match the exterior color of the building, meeting all of the requirements in Section 6-308.J of the Land Development Code.
5. Meet all Land Development Code and Building Code requirements.