Words and terms expressly defined in Chapter 1 of this Code or in this zoning ordinance have the specific meanings assigned unless the context clearly indicates another meaning. In cases of conflict between the definitions in Chapter 1 of this Code code and those of this zoning ordinance, the zoning ordinance definitions govern. Words that are not expressly defined in Chapter 1 of this Code or this zoning ordinance have the meaning given in the latest edition of Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary.

See DGMC Section 28.5.020 for an explanation of the use categorization system used in this zoning ordinance and for definitions of use types.

See Article XIV if this Chapter for an explanation of various lot and building regulation terms, such as “lot area,” “building height,” “setbacks” and “build-to zone.”

Abut or Abutting. To be next to or share a common boundary.

Accessory Structure or Use. An “accessory structure” or “accessory use” is one that:

1. is subordinate to the principal structure or principal use served in terms of area and function;
2. contributes to the comfort, convenience, or necessity of occupants of the principal structure or principal use served; and
3. is customarily found in association with the subject principal use or principal structure.

Act of God. An event that directly and exclusively results from the occurrence of natural causes that could not have been prevented by the exercise of foresight or caution.

Adjacent. Situated near or in the immediate vicinity.

Adult Entertainment Establishment. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(a).

Adult Use Cannabis Business Establishments. Cannabis Business Establishments include: Adult Use Cannabis Cultivation Centers (not including Medical Cannabis Cultivation Centers as set forth in Chapter 28 of the Downers Grove Zoning Ordinance), Adult Use Cannabis Craft Growers, Adult Use Cannabis Processing Organizations, Adult Use Cannabis Infuser Organization or Infuser, Adult Use Cannabis Dispensing Organizations (not including Medical Cannabis Dispensing Organizations as set forth in Chapter 28 of the Downers Grove Zoning Ordinance), and Adult Use Cannabis Transporting Organizations.

Adult Use Cannabis Craft Grower. An Adult Use Cannabis Craft Grower is a facility operated by an organization or business that is licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture to cultivate, dry, cure and package cannabis and perform other necessary activities to make cannabis available for sale at a dispensing organization or use at a processing organization, per the definition of Craft Grower as set forth in the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, (410 ILCS 705/1 et al.), as may be amended from time-to-time, and regulations promulgated thereunder..

Adult Use Cannabis Cultivation Center. An Adult Use Cannabis Cultivation Center is facility operated by an organization or business that is licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture to cultivate, process, transport and perform necessary activities to provide cannabis and cannabis-infused products to licensed cannabis business establishments, per the definition of Cultivation Center as set forth in the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, (410 ILCS 705/1 et al.), as may be amended from time-to-time, and regulations promulgated thereunder. Adult Use Cannabis Cultivation Center does not include Medical Cannabis Cultivation Centers as set forth in Chapter 28 of the Downers Grove Zoning Ordinance.

Adult Use Cannabis Dispensing Organization. An Adult Use Cannabis Dispensing Organization is a facility operated by an organization or business that is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to acquire cannabis from licensed cannabis business establishments for the purpose of selling or dispensing cannabis, cannabis-infused products, cannabis seeds, paraphernalia or related supplies to purchasers or to qualified registered medical cannabis patients and caregivers, per the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, (410 ILCS 705/1 et al.), as may be amended from time-to-time, and regulations promulgated thereunder. Adult Use Cannabis Dispensing Organization does not include Medical Cannabis Dispensing Organizations as set forth in Chapter 28 of the Downers Grove Zoning Ordinance.

Adult Use Cannabis Infuser Organization or Infuser. A facility operated by an organization or business that is licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture to directly incorporate cannabis or cannabis concentrate into a product formulation to produce a cannabis-infused product, per the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, (410 ILCS 705/1 et al.), as it may be amended from time to time, and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Adult Use Cannabis Processing Organization or Processor. An Adult Use Cannabis Processing Organization, or Processor, is a facility operated by an organization or business that is licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture to either extract constituent chemicals or compounds to produce cannabis concentrate or incorporate cannabis or cannabis concentrate into a product formulation to produce a cannabis product, per the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, (410 ILCS 705/1 et al.), as may be amended from time-to-time, and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Adult Use Cannabis Transporting Organization or Transporter. An Adult Use Cannabis Transporting Organization, or Transporter, is an organization or business that is licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture to transport cannabis on behalf of a cannabis business establishment or a community college licensed under the Community College Cannabis Vocational Training Pilot Program, per the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, (410 ILCS 705/1 et al.), as it may be amended from time-to-time, and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Agent. A person duly authorized to act on behalf of the subject property owner.

Agriculture, Animal. See DGMC Section 28.5.090(a).

Agriculture, Crop. See DGMC Section 28.5.090(b).

Aircraft Landing Area. See DGMC Section 28.5.040(a).

Aisle (parking or circulation). That portion of a parking lot that provides access to parking stalls.

Amateur Radio Facility. Any tower or antenna used for non-commercial radio communications (transmission and reception) maintained by an FCC-licensed amateur radio operator.

Amortization. The process established under this zoning ordinance by which an owner of a nonconforming sign is given a specified period of time to continue use of the nonconforming sign before it is terminated pursuant to the Village’s police power.

Animal, Companion. Animals that are commonly kept by persons as a pet or for companionship. Companion animals have the following characteristics: have a special and close relationship with humans; are partially or totally dependent on people; commonly live inside a residence in close proximity with humans; form bonds with people; and interact with their human companions. Dogs and cats are common companion animals.

Animal, Farm. Breeds of animals which can or may be used in and for the preparation of meat or meat products for consumption by human beings or animals, including but not limited to, cattle, sheep, swine, horses, mules, goats, other animals or fowl.

Animal Service. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(b).

Antenna. An exterior transmitting or receiving device mounted on the ground or on a telecommunications tower, building or structure and used in communications that radiate or capture electromagnetic waves, microwaves, digital signals, analog signals, radio frequencies (excluding radar signals), wireless telecommunications signals or other communication signals.

Antenna, Building- or Tower-mounted (Wireless Telecommunications). See DGMC Section 28.5.040(p)(2).

Apartment/Condo. See DGMC Section 28.5.030(a)(4).

Applicant. Any authorized person, firm, corporation or agency who submits an application.

Assembly and Entertainment. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(c).

Attention-getting Device. A pennant, flag, valance, banner, propeller, spinner, streamer, search light, strobe light, flashing light, balloon, inflatable shape, or similar device used to draw attention to a particular place, including but not limited to the outlining of structures or premises by the use of internal or external lighting techniques.

Auditorium. A large building or hall used for public gatherings, typically stage performances.

Awning. An overhang made of cloth or similar materials attached to a structure for decoration or protection from sunlight and precipitation. See Figure 15-1.

Figure 15-1: Awning

(Ord. No. 5804, 12/17/19)

Balcony. A projecting platform that is open and enclosed by a railing or balustrade, and which is suspended or cantilevered from, or supported solely by, the principal structure.

Banner. A temporary sign composed of lightweight material enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame, secured or mounted to a permanent structure.

Backhaul Network. The lines that connect a provider's telecommunications towers/cell sites to one (1) or more cellular telephone switching offices, and/or long-distance providers, or the public switched telephone network.

Bare Bulb Illumination. Exposed or uncovered lighting elements.

Basement. A floor of a building having some but not more than one-half of its floor-to-ceiling height below grade. (Also see “cellar”)

Base (Zoning) District. Any zoning district that is not an overlay district.

Battery Charging Station. An electrical component assembly or cluster of component assemblies designed specifically to charge batteries within electric vehicles.

Battery Exchange Station. A facility designed to enable an electric vehicle with a swappable battery to enter a drive lane and exchange the depleted battery for a more fully charged battery through an automated process.

Blockface. Property abutting on one side of a street between the two (2) nearest intersecting streets, railroad right of ways, or other natural or human-made barriers. See Figure 15-2.
Figure 15-2: Blockface

Boarding or Shelter/Kennel. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(b)(2).

Broadcast or Recording Studio. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(d).

Buildable Area. The space remaining on a zoning lot after the minimum setback, landscaping and open space requirements of this zoning ordinance have been met. See Figure 15-3.

Figure 15-3: Buildable Area

Building. Any structure with a permanent roof, separated on all sides from adjacent open areas by walls, built for the shelter, or enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or property of any kind.

Building, Principal. A non-accessory building in which the principal use of the subject property is conducted. Building Coverage. See DGMC Section 28.14.080. Building Service. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(e)(1). Building Supplies and Equipment. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(m)(3).

Build-to Zone. See DGMC Section 28.14.110. Business and Professional Office. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(k)(1). Business Support Services. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(e)(2). (Ord. No. 5706, 7/10/18)

Caliper. A measurement of the size of a young tree, measured as the diameter of its trunk twelve inches (12") above the root ball. See Figure 15-4.

Figure 15-4: Caliper (tree size measurement)

Canopy. A permanent structure that consists of an overhanging shelter connected to a building and constructed of materials such as wood or steel studs covered with wood or other material and that may or may not be supported by vertical columns. See Figure 15-5.

Figure 15-5: Canopy

Caretaker/Security Dwelling. See DGMC Section 28. 5.030(a)(8).

Car-share Program. A system in which a fleet of cars (or other motor vehicles) is made available for use by members of the car-share program and that exhibit all of the following characteristics:

1. members are permitted to use vehicles from the car-share program fleet on an hourly basis;
2. car-share vehicles are generally available twenty-four (24) hours a day and seven (7) days a week to members in parking spaces at dispersed locations or facilities; and
3. no separate written agreement is required each time a member reserves and uses a car-share vehicle.

Car-share Vehicle. A motor vehicle that is part of a car-share program’s fleet of rental vehicles.

Cellar. A floor of a building having more than one-half (1/2) of its floor-to-ceiling height below grade. (Also see “basement”)

Cemetery. See DGMC Section 28.5.040(b).

Certificate of Occupancy. A certification issued by the Community Development Director, as provided and required in this zoning ordinance and other part of this Code, authorizing a property or a structure to be used, in whole or in part, in conformance with this zoning ordinance.

Changeable Copy/Message Board. A sign on which copy is changed manually to provide a message.

Cinema. A motion picture theater. Coffee Roasting. A facility in which unprocessed, green, coffee may be sorted, roasted and processed, or packaged for use and consumption.

Cold Frame. An unheated structure no more than four feet (4') in height used for protecting seedlings and plants from the cold.

College or University. See DGMC Section 28.5.040(c).

Commercial Vehicle Repair and Maintenance. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(p)(1).

Commercial Vehicle Sales and Rentals. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(p)(2).

Commercial Service. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(e).

Community Center. See DGMC Section 28.5.040(d).

Community Garden. See DGMC Section 28.5.090(c).

Consumer Maintenance and Repair Service. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(e)(3).

Consumer Shopping Goods. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(m)(2).

Convenience Goods. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(m)(1).

Copy (sign). Written material, printed text, numbers, logos, symbols or pictures located on the copy surface for the purpose of delivering a message.

Copy Surface (sign). The area of any sign face intended or used to display copy.

Day Care. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(f).

Day Spa. A business which provides a variety of services for the purpose of improving health, beauty and relaxation through personal care and beauty treatments such as facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, body scrubs and massages.

dB(A). The intensity of sound expressed in decibels read from a calibrated sound level meter utilizing the A-level weighing scale and the slow-meter response, as specified by the American National Standards Institute.

Decibel (dB). The logarithmic unit of measure used to describe the amplitude of sound.

Detached House. A principal building that contains only one (1) principal dwelling unit and that is located on a single lot with private yards on all sides of the building.

Diameter-at-breast Height (DBH). The diameter of a mature tree’s trunk, measured at a height of four and one-half feet (4.5) above grade level at the base of the tree. See Figure 15-6.

Figure 15-6: Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)

Displacement (vibration). The amount of motion involved in a vibration.

District. Zoning district.

District Area. See DGMC Section 28.14.010.

Drive-in or Drive-through Facility. See DGMC Section 28.5.100(a).

Drop Box, Donation. A receptacle provided for general public to drop-off clothing, shoes, books, toys and similar household items for charitable or re-use purposes.

Dwelling. A building or portion of a building, but not including a mobile home or manufactured housing unit, designed or used exclusively for residential occupancy, including detached houses, attached houses, two-unit houses, apartments and residential condominiums but not including group residential or lodging uses. See also DGMC Section 28.5.030.

Dwelling Unit. One (1) or more rooms in a dwelling designed for occupancy by a single household for living purposes and having its own permanently installed cooking and sanitary facilities.

Eating and Drinking Establishments. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(g).

Eave. The lower edge of a sloping roof surface or the top edge of a parapet or flat roof or the lower edge of a butterfly roof structure. See Figure 15-7.

Figure 15-7: Eave

Electric Vehicle. Any vehicle that is licensed and registered for operation on public and private highways, roads, and streets; either partially or exclusively, on electrical energy from the grid or an off-board source, that is stored on-board via a battery. “Electric vehicle” includes: (1) battery electric vehicles; and (2) plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station. A public or private parking space that is served by battery charging station equipment.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station, Private (Restricted-Access). An electric vehicle charging station that is not available for use by the general public. Examples include electric vehicle charging stations that serve residential homeowners or renters, executive parking areas, designated employee parking areas and fleet parking areas.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station, Public. An electric vehicle charging station that is accessible to and available for use by the general public.

Electric Vehicle Parking Space. Any parking space that is clearly identified to be used exclusively for the parking of an electric vehicle.

Electronic Changeable Copy/Message Board. A sign that allows letters or characters to be placed as copy electronically in order to provide a message.

Equipment and Materials Storage. See DGMC Section 28.5.060(a).

Exercise of Religion. Exercise of religion means an act or refusal to act that is substantially motivated by religious belief, whether or not the religious exercise is compulsory or central to a larger system of religious belief.

Extended Family Accessory Housing Unit. A secondary dwelling unit (within a detached house) that is approved as a special use and that complies with the regulations of DGMC Section 28.6.010(f).

FAA. The Federal Aviation Administration.

FCC. The Federal Communications Commission.

Financial Service. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(h).

Fence. A structure that functions as a horizontal boundary or barrier consisting of a structural frame with a fabric of wood, metal or masonry.

Festoon Lighting. A group of two (2) or more bulbs hung or strung overhead on a building or structure that are not shaded or hooded to prevent the direct rays of light from being visible at the lot line.

Flag Lot. A parcel of land, whose area and dimensions meet all of the requirements of Chapter 20 of this Code, in which access from the public right-of-way to the land is a narrow extended portion of the parcel that does not comply with minimum lot width requirements.

Floor Area. See DGMC Section 28.14.040.

Floor Area Ratio. See DGMC Section 28.14.050.

Foot-Candle. A unit of illumination produced on a surface, all points of which are one foot from a uniform point source of one standard candle.

Fortune-telling/Psychic Services. See DGMC Section 28.14.050 and DGMC Section 28.5.050(e)(4).

Foundation, Permanent. A closed perimeter formation consisting of materials such as concrete or concrete block that extends into the ground below the frost line.

Fraternal Organization. See DGMC Section 28.5.040(e).

Frequency (sound waves). The number of oscillations per second in a sound wave; an index of the pitch of the resulting sound.

Frontage, Street. See DGMC Section 28.14.090.

Fueling Station. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(p)(3).

Funeral and Mortuary Service. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(i).

Geothermal Energy System (Geothermal Heat Exchange). Equipment that transfers thermal energy to and/or from the ground for the purposes of heating and/or cooling a building. Geothermal energy systems consists of a closed-loop system of pipes filled with liquid, a heat exchanger and heat pump. This includes vertical closed loop, horizontal closed loop and water body closed loop systems.

Governmental Facility. See DGMC Section 28.5.040(f).

Grooming. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(b)(1).

Group Home. See DGMC Section 28.5.030(b)(1).

Group Living. See DGMC Section 28.5.030(b).

Height, Building. See DGMC Section 28.14.130.

Home Occupation. An accessory use of a dwelling for limited commercial purposes. Home occupations are subject to the regulations of DGMC Section 28.6.010(k).

Hoop House. A temporary or permanent structure typically made of flexible pipe or other material covered with translucent plastic, constructed in a “half-round” or “hoop” shape, for the purposes of protecting and cultivating plants. A hoop house is considered more temporary than a green-house. See Figure 15-8.

Figure 15-8: Hoop House

Hospital. See DGMC Section 28.5.040(g).

House, Attached. See DGMC Section 28.5.030(a)(2).

House, Detached. See DGMC Section 28.5.030(a)(1).

House, Two-unit. See DGMC Section 28.5.030(a)(3).

Household. An individual, or two (2) or more persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption and/or a group of not more than three (3) unrelated persons living together as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit. See also the “household living” and “group living” use categories. DGMC Section 28.5.030(a) and DGMC Section 28.5.030(b).

Household Living. See DGMC Section 28.5.030(a).

Industrial, Artisan. See DGMC Section 28.5.070(a).

Industrial, General. See DGMC Section 28.5.070(c).

Industrial, Intensive. See DGMC Section 28.5.070(d).

Industrial, Limited. See DGMC Section 28.5.070(b).

Industrial Use Category. See DGMC Section 28.5.070.

Invasive (Plant) Species. Any plant species, including its seeds, spores or other biological material capable of propagating that species, that is not native to that ecosystem; and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause environmental harm.

Junk or Salvage Yard. See DGMC Section 28.5.070(e).

Junker. An automobile, truck, or other motor vehicle that has been damaged to such an extent that it cannot be operated under its own power, and will require major repairs before being made usable, or such a vehicle which does not comply with State or Village vehicle laws or ordinances.

Kennel. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(b)(2).

Landscaped Open Space. See DGMC Section 28.14.120.

Landscaping. Any combination of living plants (such as grass, ground cover, shrubs, vines, hedges, or trees) and nonliving landscape material (such as rocks, pebbles, sand, mulch, walls, fences, or decorative paving materials).

Lawfully Established. A use, structure, lot or sign (as the context indicates) that was established in conformance with all applicable zoning regulations in effect at the time of its establishment.

Library. See DGMC Section 28.5.040(h).

Lodging. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(j).

Logo. A design used by an organization on its letterhead, advertising material and signs as an emblem by which the organization can be easily recognized.

Lot. See Lot of Record.

Lot and Building Regulations. Zoning district provisions governing such matters as required minimum lot area, minimum lot width, setbacks, maximum lot coverage and maximum building height. See, for example, DGMC Section 28.2.030 and DGMC Section 28.3.030.

Lot Area. See DGMC Section 28.14.020.

Lot Area per Dwelling Unit. See DGMC Section 28.14.030.

Lot of Record. A lot that is part of a real estate subdivision, the plat of which has been recorded in the office of the DuPage County Recorder of Deeds.

Lot, Corner. A lot located at the intersection of two (2) streets or a lot bounded on two (2) sides by a curving street two (2) chords of which form an angle of one hundred twenty (120) degrees or less measured on the lot side. See Figure 15-9.

Figure 15-9: Corner Lot

Lot Depth. See Sec. 14.070.

Lot, Double-frontage. A lot having frontage on two (2) parallel or non-intersecting streets, as distinguished from a corner lot. See Figure 15-10.

Figure 15-10: Double-frontage Lot

Lot Line, Front. A lot line abutting a street. On a corner lot, the shortest street lot line is the front lot line, except that if the length of the longer street lot line is not more than ten percent (10%) greater than the length of the shorter street lot line the Community Development Director, is authorized to designate the longer of street lot lines as the front lot line. See Figure 15-11.

Figure 15-11: Front Lot Line

Lot Line, Rear. The lot line most nearly parallel to and located the furthest distance from the front lot line. See Figure 15-12.

Figure 15-12: Rear Lot Line

Lot Line, Side. Lot lines other than front or rear lot lines. See Figure 15-13.

Figure 15-13: Side Lot Line

Lot Split. A division of real property located within the corporate limits of the Village which resulted in a land division that was approved by the Plan Commission prior to May 16, 2006.

Lot Width. See DGMC Section 28.14.060.

Lot, Zoning Lot or Parcel. See “Lot of Record.”

(Ord. No. 5706, 7/10/18)

Manufactured Housing Unit. See DGMC Section 28.5.030(a)(5).

Massage Therapy. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(e)(4)a.

Medical Cannabis Cultivation Center. See DGMC Section 28.5.100(b).

Medical Cannabis Dispensing Organization. See DGMC Section 28.14.050 and DGMC Section 28.5.100(c).

Medical, Dental and Health Practitioner. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(k)(2).

Mixed-use Building. A building occupied by residential uses in combination with nonresidential uses.

Mobile Home. See DGMC Section 28.5.030(a)(6).

Mobile Home Park. See DGMC Section 28.5.030(a)(7).

Module. An area of a parking lot that consists of a parking (drive) aisle with parking stalls on each side of the aisle. See Figure 15 14.

Figure 15 14: Module (parking area)

Museum or Cultural Facility. See DGMC Section 28.5.040(i).

Natural Resource Preservation. See DGMC Section 28.5.040(j).

Nonconforming Lot. See DGMC Section 28.11.020(a).

Nonconforming Sign. See DGMC Section 28.9.090.

Nonconforming Structure. See DGMC Section 28.11.040(a).

Nonconforming Use. See DGMC Section 28.11.030(a).

Nonconformity. Any nonconforming lot, nonconforming use, nonconforming structure or nonconforming sign.

Nonresidential (Zoning) District. Any base zoning district other than the R (Residential) districts of Article II of this Chapter.

Nursing Home. See DGMC Section 28.5.030(b)(2).

Occupiable Floor Area. Enclosed floor area intended for human activities, excluding those areas intended primarily for other purposes, such as storage rooms and equipment rooms, that are only intended to be occupied occasionally and for short periods of time.

Odorous Matter. Material that causes an odor sensation to a human being.

Office. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(k).

Open Space, Common. Property under common ownership used for parks, playgrounds, parkway medians, landscaped green space, schools, community centers or other similar areas in public ownership or common ownership and subject to the provisions of restrictive covenants, if any, required or approved by the Village Council. Common open space does not include space devoted to structures, public rights of way or areas improved for use as private drives or parking facilities.

Other Use Category. See DGMC Section 28.5.100.

Owner. The fee title holders of property.

Parapet or Parapet Wall. A wall-like barrier at the edge of a roof that acts as a vertical extension of an exterior building wall extending above the roof height of the building. See Figure 15-15.

Figure 15-15: Parapet

Parking, Non-Accessory. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(l).

Parks and Recreation. See DGMC Section 28.5.040(k).

Particulate Matter. Finely divided solid or liquid matter (other than water) that is released into the atmosphere.

Personal Improvement Service. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(e)(4).

Personal Vehicle Repair and Maintenance. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(p)(4).

Personal Vehicle Sales and Rentals. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(p)(5).

Planned Development. A development project approved in accordance with the planned development procedures in effect at the time the development was approved.

Planned Unit Development. A development project approved in accordance with the planned unit development procedures in effect at the time the development was approved. See also DGMC Section 28.4.030 and DGMC Section 28.12.040.

Portable Storage Container. A purpose-built, fully enclosed, box-like container designed for temporary storage of household or commercial goods and/or equipment and for ease of loading to and from a transport vehicle. See Figure 15-16.

Figure 15-16: Portable Storage Container

Porch. A roofed-over structure projecting out from the wall or walls of a main structure and commonly open to the weather in part.

Protest Petition. A formal written petition of opposition filed by property owners near property proposed to be rezoned. See DGMC Section 28.12.030(h) for additional information.

Public, Civic and Institutional Use Category. See DGMC Section 28.5.040.

Pump Island. A concrete structure in the immediate vicinity of and designed to support and protect gasoline and fuel pumps.

Rainwater Collection Equipment. A rain barrel or similar container that collects and stores rainwater or other water that would otherwise be lost as runoff or diverted into a storm drain.

Recreational Equipment. Any snowmobile or all terrain vehicle (as that term is defined in the Illinois Motor Vehicle Code), and any watercraft including personal watercraft and specialty prop craft (as those terms are defined in the Illinois Boat Registration and Safety Act), and the trailers used to transport or store such equipment.

Recreational Vehicle. Any camping trailer, motor home, mini motorhome, travel trailer, truck camper and van camper as those terms are defined in the Illinois Motor Vehicle Code, or any other habitable vehicle used primarily for recreational purposes.

Recycling Use Category. See DGMC Section 28.5.080.

Recyclable Material Drop-off Facility. See DGMC Section 28.5.080(a).

Recyclable Material Processing. See DGMC Section 28.5.080(b).

Religious Assembly. See DGMC Section 28.5.040(l).

Research Service. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(e)(5).

Residential Use Category. See DGMC Section 28.5.030.

Residential (Zoning) District. Any of the R districts of Article II of this Chapter.

Restaurant. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(g)(1).

Retail Sales. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(m).

Ringelmann Chart. A chart described by the U.S. Bureau of Mines Information Circular 6888 and upon which are illustrated graduated shades of gray for use in estimating the light obscuration of smoke.

Ringelmann Number. The next lowest shade number on the Ringelmann Chart that most nearly corresponds to the light obscuration of the smoke being measured. For example, smoke capacity lying between No. 1 and No. 2 shades of gray on the Ringelmann Chart is measured as Ringelmann No. 1 smoke.

Safety Service. See DGMC Section 28.5.040(m).

School. See DGMC Section 28.5.040(n).

Self-service Storage Facility. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(n).

Service Bay. An area within an enclosed building that is used to store and service one (1) motor vehicle.

Setback. Open space areas required between buildings and lot lines. See DGMC Section 28.14.100.

Setback, Contextual. See DGMC Section 28.14.100(d).

Shed. An accessory storage building used for the comfort, convenience or necessity of the occupants of the principal structure on the lot upon which the shed is located.

Sheltered Care. See DGMC Section 28.5.030(b)(3).

Shopping Center. A series of at least three (3) retail establishments or professional offices with individual entrances, sharing a common wall and common off-street parking.

Sign. Any object, device, display or structure, or part thereof, excluding patio umbrellas that is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event, or location by any means including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, or illumination whether affixed to a building or separate from any building.

Sign, Abandoned/Obsolete. A sign that no longer identifies or advertises a bona fide person, business, lessee, owner, product, activity, place, idea, institution or service, or a sign for which no legal owner can be found.

Sign, Advertising Off-Premises. A sign that directs attention to a business, product or activity available or conducted at a location other than the zoning lot upon which such sign is located. Village-sponsored banners located in established business districts and advertising affixed to Village-owned vehicles are not considered advertising off-premises signs.

Sign, Box. A sign that principally consists of a metal or other type of enclosure, typically rectangular or regular in geometric form that houses internal sign illumination and provides a supporting structure for an interchangeable sign face on one (1) or both sides of the sign that is painted, screen printed, or otherwise applied on a Plexiglass or other transparent or translucent material. See Figure 15-17.

Figure 15-17: Box Sign

Sign, Commercial. A sign that identifies, advertises, or directs attention to a commercial business, or is intended to induce the purchase of goods, property, or service; including, without limitation, a sign naming a brand of goods or service.

Sign, Contractor. Signs placed by a contractor for a limited period of time for the purpose of identifying work being performed on the subject property.

Sign, Development. A sign placed by a developer engaged in development activities for a limited period of time on the subject lot or lots for the purpose of identifying the work of the developer.

Sign, Directly Illuminated. A sign having its characters, letters, figures, designs, or outlines illuminated by any source of artificial lighting that is located on or within the perimeter of such sign.

Sign, Directional. Signs that display messages intended to direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic, such as “one-way,” “entrance,” “drive-thru,” and “exit” but that do not identify the establishment itself or other goods or services available at the establishment or display other advertising messages.

Sign, Flashing. A directly or indirectly illuminated sign with a source of artificial light that is not stationary or constant in intensity or color at all times when such sign is illuminated.

Sign, Freestanding. A sign with at least two (2) support structures of less than two feet (2') in width that is not attached to the principal building on the property, and is anchored in or upon the ground.

Sign, Governmental. A sign erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any governmental function. Common examples include street name signs and speed limit signs.

Sign Height. The vertical distance from the finished surface of the ground at the base of a sign to the highest point of the sign. See Figure 15-18.

Figure 15-18: Sign Height

Sign, Indirectly Illuminated. A sign having its characters, letters, figures, designs, or outlines illuminated entirely by its own source of artificial light located outside the perimeter of such sign.

Sign, Individual Letter. A wall sign made of individual letters that are separately affixed to the face of a building and that does not project more than twelve inches (12") above the top of the parapet wall. See Figure 15-19.

Figure 15-19: Individual Letter Sign

Sign, Marquee. A permanent roof-like structure made of durable, rigid material extending from the entrance of a building over a pedestrian or vehicular thoroughfare. A marquee is supported by the exterior wall of the building and contains a sign board or changeable copy. See Figure 15-20.

Figure 15-20: Marquee Sign

Sign, Monument. A sign anchored in or upon the ground that is completely or principally supported by a structure of no less than two feet (2') in width. See Figure 15-21.

Figure 15-21: Monument Sign

Sign, Moving. Any sign that rotates or moves or that gives the visual impression of rotating or moving.

Sign, Noncommercial. A sign that does not promote commercial activity, such as ornamental entry gate signs. Home occupation signs are also deemed noncommercial signs.

Sign, Ornamental Entry Gate. A freestanding, non illuminated or indirectly illuminated sign that sets forth the name of a subdivision or planned unit development.

Sign, Political. A noncommercial sign announcing or describing candidates seeking public political office or announcing or describing political issues and data pertinent thereto.

Sign, Portable. A sign that is intended to be moved from place to place including but not limited to tent signs, signs on wheels, signs with trailer hitches, and portable signs with internally illuminated message boards.

Sign, Projecting. Any sign that is attached to a wall in a perpendicular manner.

Sign, Public Hearing Notice. A sign posted by or on behalf of the village that is intended to provide legal notice of a public hearing or meeting concerning the property on which the sign is posted.

Sign, Real Estate. A sign used or intended for use for purposes of advertising a parcel of land or a building that is or will be available for sale or lease.

Sign, Roof. A sign that is permanently attached to the roof of a structure, excluding the face of a mansard roof.

Sign, Sandwich Board. A two-sided movable sign of six feet (6') or less in area per side that opens at the bottom and is joined at the top and that is intended to be placed on the ground. See Figure 15-22.

Figure 15-22: Sandwich Board Sign

Sign Setback. An area on a lot in which no signs may be placed, measured from the lot line to the face of the sign or its support, whichever is closest to the lot line.

Sign, Shingle. A sign that is suspended from a horizontal arm of a freestanding pole. See Figure 15-23.

Figure 15-23: Shingle Sign

Sign Surface Area. See “Surface Area” (of a sign)

Sign, Temporary. A sign designed and intended for a temporary period of posting, typically constructed of nondurable materials such as paper, cardboard, cloth, plastic and/or wallboard, and that does not constitute a structure subject to the building code or this zoning ordinance.

Sign, Under-canopy. A sign suspended beneath a canopy or marquee. See Figure 15-24.

Figure 15-24: Under-canopy Sign

Sign, Vehicle. A sign attached to a vehicle, excluding advertising posters on buses or taxicabs. See Figure 15-25.

Figure 15-25: Vehicle Sign

Sign, Village Public Service. A sign posted or erected by the village, the function of which is to promote items of general public interest to the community.

Sign, Wall. A sign attached or erected against a wall of a building or structure with the exposed face of the sign or plane parallel to the plane of the wall. See Figure 15-26.

Figure 15-26: Wall Sign

Sign, Window. An interior sign, located within two feet (2') of a window that is installed inside, painted upon or placed against a window for purposes of viewing from outside the premises, not including merchandise located in a window display. See Figure 15-27.

Figure 15-27: Window Sign

Smoke. A visible discharge from a chimney, stack, vent, exhaust or combustion process that is made up of particulate matter.

Solar Energy System. A system intended to convert solar energy into thermal, mechanical or electrical energy.

Solar Energy System, Building-Integrated. A solar energy system that is an integral part of a principal or accessory building, rather than a separate mechanical device, replacing or substituting for an architectural or structural part of the building. Building-integrated systems include, but are not limited to, photovoltaic or hot water systems that are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, shading devices and similar architectural components.

Solar Energy System, Structure-Mounted. A solar energy system that is mounted on the façade or roof of either a principal or accessory structure.

Solar Energy System, Flush-Mounted. A solar energy system that is mounted flush with a finished building surface, at no more than six inches (6") in height above that surface.

Solar Energy System, Ground-Mounted. A solar energy system mounted on the ground and not attached to any other structure other than structural supports.

Solar Panel. A group of photovoltaic cells assembled on a panel. Panels are assembled on-site into solar arrays.

Story. That portion of a building, other than a basement, included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it or if there is no floor above it then the space between the floor and the ceiling above the floor of such story.

Structure. Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires permanent location on the ground or attached to something having a permanent location on the ground. Common examples include buildings, freestanding signs, back stops for tennis courts, canopies and awnings, pump islands, at or above grade walkways, swimming pools, antennae, and pergolas.

Structural Alterations. Any change in the supporting members of a structure, such as bearing walls or partitions, columns, beams, or girders, excepting such alterations as may be required for the safety of the structure.

Studio, Instructional or Service. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(e)(4)c.

Structure, Principal. A structure, other than an accessory structure, in which the principal use of the lot is conducted.

Surface Area (of a sign). The entire area of a monument or freestanding sign within a single continuous rectangular perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of a sign, exclusive of any structure or framing elements. Only one (1) display face shall be measured in computing the surface area. For wall and window signs, the surface area of the sign shall be determined by drawing an imaginary square or rectangular envelope so as to completely enclose the copy on the sign face excluding the support and architectural features. In the case of a wall or window sign with more than one (1) exterior surface containing items of information, the area shall be the sum total of the display surface as determined by drawing an imaginary square or rectangular envelope so as to completely enclose the copy on each sign face excluding the support structure and architectural features. See Figure 15-28.

Figure 15-28: Sign Surface Area

(Ord. No. 5706, 7/10/18)

Telecommunications Tower, Alternative. An artificial tree, clock tower, bell tower, steeple, light pole or similar alternative design mounting structure that helps to camouflage a telecommunications facility or conceal its presence.

Telecommunications Tower Height. The distance measured from the finished surface of the ground at the base of the tower to the highest point on the telecommunications tower or other structure supporting an antenna, including the base pad and any antenna.

Telecommunications Towers and Antennas, Preexisting. Any telecommunications tower or antenna for which a building permit or conditional use was issued prior to August 1, 1997, including permitted telecommunications towers or antennas that have not yet been constructed so long as such approval is current and not expired.

Temporary Use. An activity permitted on a limited basis pursuant to Chapter 4 of this Code.

Tenant Frontage. The width of a tenant space measured from one side wall to the other along the front exterior wall or other drivable accessible routes or the BNSF railroad right-of-way for purposes of Section DGMC Section 28.9.050(c)(5) or DGMC Section 28.9.060(e)(4).

Terrace, Open; Patio. A level plane or platform that, for the purpose of this zoning ordinance, is located adjacent to one or more faces of the principal structure and that is no more than 4 feet in height above grade.

Theater. A building or outdoor area in which plays, movies and other dramatic performances are given.

Tower, Freestanding (Wireless Telecommunications). See Sec. 5.040(p)(1).

Toxic or Noxious Matter. Materials capable of causing injury to living organisms by chemical means when present in relatively small amounts.

Trade School. See Sec. 5.050O.

Travel Trailer. A trailer designed to be used only as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreational and vacation use, and not exceeding 8 feet in width.

Trucking and Transportation Terminals. See Sec. 5.06(b).

(Ord. No. 5472, § 4, 7/21/15)

Use, Permitted. A use that is expressly allowed (as of right) in the subject zoning district subject to compliance with all other applicable regulations of this zoning ordinance.

Use, Special. A use that may be allowed in the subject zoning district if approved in accordance with the special use procedures of DGMC Section 28.12.050, subject to compliance with all other applicable regulations of this zoning ordinance.

Utilities and Public Service Facility. See DGMC Section 28.5.040(o).

Utility-Scale Energy Production. An energy production facility that produces electric energy for widespread distribution through the electric power grid.

Vacant. Land on which there are no structures or only structures that are secondary to the use or maintenance of the land itself.

Vegetable Garden. Any plot of ground or elevated soil bed on residential property where vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers, pollinator plants, leafy greens or edible plants are cultivated.

Vehicle Body and Paint Finishing Shop. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(p)(6).

Vehicular Use Area. An area that is devoted to use by or for motor vehicles, including off-street parking areas (accessory or non-accessory); off-street loading areas; vehicle storage areas; fuel stations; car washes; drive-through service areas and auto sales lots. Enclosed areas and access drives used solely for access between the street and the vehicular use area are not considered part of a vehicular use area.

Vehicle Sales and Service. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(p).

Veterinary Care. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(b)(3).

Vibration. A periodic displacement of the earth measured in inches.

Walkways, At or Above grade, Covered. Covered structures for pedestrian access, connecting structures on two (2) adjacent lots.

Warehouse. See DGMC Section 28.5.060(c).

Wholesale, Distribution and Storage Use Category. See DGMC Section 28.5.060.

Wholesale Sales and Distribution. See DGMC Section 28.5.060(d).

Wine and/or Beer Boutique. See DGMC Section 28.5.050(g)(2).

Wireless Telecommunications. See DGMC Section 28.5.040(p). (Ord. No. 5706, 7/10/18)

Yard. The actual (as opposed to “required”) horizontal distance that exists between a principal building and a property line. See also “setback” in DGMC Section 28.14.100.

Yard, Corner. On a corner lot, the yard that exists opposite the rear yard between a principal building and street property line, extending along the full length of the street property line.
Yard, Street. The yard that exists between a principal building and the street property line of the lot on which the building is located, extending along the full length of the street property line.

Yard, Rear. The yard that exists between a principal building and the rear property line of the lot on which the building is located, extending along the full length of the rear property line.

Yard, Side. The yard that exists between a building and the interior side property line of the lot on which the building is located, extending along a side property line.

Zoning Map. The map displaying the location and boundaries of the zoning districts described in this zoning ordinance.