Title/Name/Summary
Cook County Highway Facility Solar Panels - Environmental Clean Technology Review
History
QUICKFACTS
Project
Cook County Highway Facility Solar Panels - 2016-0607
Petitioner
Andy Sinozich
NORESCO
Purpose
The petitioner is seeking approval of wall mounted Solar Panels that were previously installed on two Cook County Highway Facilities buildings fronting 135th Street.
Requested Actions: Variance
Project Attributes
Address: 8900 W. 135th Street
P.I.N.(s): 23-34-402-003
Existing Zoning: E-1 Estate Residential District
Proposed Zoning: N/A
Comprehensive Plan Planning District: Silver Lake North Planning District
Comprehensive Plan Designation: Mixed Residential/ Single Family Residential
OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND
In order to comply with the GHG Emission goal for all Cook County Facilities, the Cook County Highway Facility in Orland Park installed solar paneling on two large south-facing walls. The solar paneling installation was an attempt to curb the emission of Green House Gases (GHG) that are generated by facility operations.
During the installation process the Cook County Highway Facility did not receive, proper authorization in terms of Planning Review or Building Permit acquisition.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION & CONTEXT
The subject property is located north of 135th Street between the Norfolk Southern Railroad and the Orland on the Green subdivision. The solar panels in question were installed on two walls along the south façade of the buildings which face 135th Street. The south façades were chosen following the logic that the most sunlight would be collected across all seasons by facing the solar panels to the south.
In order to mitigate the appearance of the solar panels, the petitioner is proposing to utilize additional landscaping to soften the impact. The petitioner is proposing to install seven (7) Autumn Blaze Maples and 33 Techny Arborvitae along the southern property line fronting 135th Street.
The petitioner request...
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