Promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the Village.

Promote orderly community development, as well as encourage both harmonious innovative designs.

Protect and enhance property values.

Protect and enhance the social, cultural, economic, environmental and aesthetic development of the community.

Ensure that the Village remains a safe and attractive community in which to reside and operate a business and enhance the character of existing and new development.

Site plan approval shall be required prior to issuance of building permits for all new construction and additions in accordance with Article V of this Zoning Ordinance.

All appearance standards that are guidelines are voluntary and, although encouraged, are not required.

Unless otherwise noted, all standards within this article are required and shall be subject to review by the Zoning Officer. Variations from the following standards may be sought pursuant to Sections 5.14 and 5.15 of this Zoning Ordinance.

Traffic, off-street parking, and pedestrian circulation.

Access points, driveways and parking. Points of vehicular ingress and egress from any site shall be limited to the adjacent major and/or secondary thoroughfares only and shall be reviewed by the Zoning Officer and Village Engineer for location and design of curb cuts and driveways and for layout of parking and loading areas.

Site improvements; service/utility areas. All service and utility areas, including but not limited to, loading docks, exterior storage areas, trash enclosures, dumpsters, HVAC and mechanical equipment shall be screened from view. Service/utility areas shall meet the following standards:

Solar energy collection systems.

Attention-getting devices. Attention-getting devices are prohibited. Attention-getting devices are not subject to the benefits of the legal nonconformity provisions of Article IX. Attention-getting devices installed prior to enactment of this Section 6.03(5) will not be considered a legal nonconformity.

Creative layout and design of the buildings within commercial, institutional, or civic development is encouraged. The architectural quality should be expressed on all four sides of a building and the utilization of a campus-style layout is encouraged in large scale developments. Creative layout and design will help decrease the overall mass of the development, to prevent monotony, and to improve the aesthetic quality of the development.

To improve the future use and adaptability of the commercial, institutional, and civic structures, buildings should not be designed in a manner that limits the ability of the building to be reused for other users.

All commercial, institutional and civic buildings shall be designed in accordance with the following:

The use of concrete block, precast panels, and/or masonry stucco is permitted as a minor or accent building material, but is not permitted for use as a predominant building material. The exterior surface of a masonry wall shall consist of a textured finished surface, shall not have a flat surface, and shall not be constructed of concrete block or cinder block having a plain, flat surface. The use of exterior insulation finishing systems ("EIFS") and metal and vinyl lap board siding is prohibited.

Any facade greater than 75 feet in length shall incorporate recesses, projections, windows or other ornamental/architectural (i.e. dormers, awnings, towers, etc) features along at least 30% of the length of the facade abutting a public street in an effort to break up the mass of the structure.

(Reserved)[1]

Outlot buildings that are part of a planned development or planned commercial center should reflect the style, materials and/or design elements of the main building. In cases where the existing main building does not meet the design guidelines and standards (i.e., in terms of visual design materials and layout of the building), new outlot development proposals will be reviewed using the guidelines and standards contained in this document.

Pedestrian-scale features/amenities, such as solid-colored awnings, covered walkways, windows, street furniture, bicycle rack facilities, and clearly defined entranceways are encouraged.

Common open space and outdoor seating areas are encouraged.

The location of drive-through facilities, including drive-through lanes, bypass lanes, and service windows, adjacent to a public right-of-way are not desirable and discouraged.

All roofs on a commercial structure shall incorporate at least one of the following architectural treatments: (See Figures 6.04 A-D.[2])

Architectural elements, such as dormers, bay windows, porches, and decks, are encouraged. These elements should be incorporated into the building envelope and provided for on the approved plat.

Varying rooflines, including multiple peaks and slopes, are encouraged. These rooflines help to break the mass of the overall structure and add to the aesthetic quality of the development. In the same respect, flat and mansard roofs are discouraged.

Creative layout and design of the buildings within the multiple-family development is encouraged. Parallel rows of similar buildings are discouraged. Creative layout and design will help to decrease the overall mass of the development and prevent monotony.

Garages shall not dominate the front elevation of a multiple-family structure. To promote social interaction in multiple-family communities, front entryways should be clearly defined, in close proximity to each other, and not separated by garage doors. Potential options respecting garages and entryways include: where doorways are accessed from the public right-of-way, two or more doorways should be adjacent to each other, recessed from the front facade, and doorways should be adjacent to each other.

Garages located at the rear of a lot with access from an alley are preferred.

Open space and pedestrian amenities, such as courtyards, common seating areas, recreational areas, gazebos, bike paths, and/or bicycle rack facilities are required where deemed applicable. These amenities should be easily accessible to all residents within the multiple-family development.

Rear elevations that front onto a public right-of-way, or are highly visible within the development, should match the style, material, and design of the front elevation of the building. These elevations shall contain architectural features, such as dormers, decks, projections, or varying rooflines, to decrease the overall mass of the structure and add to the aesthetic quality of the development.

(Reserved)[1]

The exterior surface of a masonry wall shall consist of a textured finished surface, shall not have a flat surface, and shall not be constructed of concrete block or cinder block having a plain, flat surface.

Brick or other masonry materials are required on all sides of the industrialized structure. Where pre-cast concrete panels or split face block is utilized, the use of colors, patterns, or other architectural features within these panels/blocks is encouraged.

Building entryways should be clearly defined and visible from the public right-of-way and should include protection from the elements such as an awning or canopy.

Industrial buildings shall consist of solid and durable facades and be compatible with the character and scale of the surrounding area.

Industrial buildings with facades facing a street greater than 75 feet in length shall incorporate recesses, projections, or other ornamental/architectural features (i.e., dormers, awnings, towers etc.) along at least 20% of the length of the facade, in an effort to break up the mass of the structure.

The exterior surface of a masonry wall shall consist of a textured finished surface, shall not have a flat surface, and shall not be constructed of concrete block or cinder block having a plain, flat surface.

Photometrics plan required. A photometrics plan with lighting details is required for all nonresidential and multifamily residential development (Article V, Part B).

Outdoor parking lot fixtures.

Exterior building lighting fixtures.

Spillover prohibited. Light spillover or direct glare onto adjacent properties and rights-of-way is prohibited. All illumination level readings shall be measured at ground level.

Overnight lighting prohibited. All outdoor lighting, with the exception of security lighting, for commercial, industrial and any other nonresidential activities, shall be extinguished between 11:00 p.m. (or whenever the business closes, whichever is later) and sunrise.

Exceptions. This Section 6.07 shall not apply to: (a) streetlights: or (b) transit shelter signs installed pursuant to Section 11.05(23) of this Zoning Ordinance.

Siting of residential development shall be compatible with existing topography, surrounding homes, and shall preserve existing trees and vegetation to the extent possible. (See Figures 6.08.01 and 6.08.02).

Residential development on infill or vacant lots should respect the scale of the neighborhood through building dimensions, shape and form, facade articulation, or architectural details that are proportional and complementary to other homes in the block or neighborhood. (See Figures 6.08.03 below).

Architectural elements, such as dormers, bay windows, porches, and decks, are encouraged. These elements should be incorporated into the building envelope and provided for on the approved plat. (See Figure 6.08.04).

Varying rooflines, including multiple peaks and slopes, are encouraged. These roof lines help to break the mass of the overall structure and add to the aesthetic quality of the development. In the same respect, flat roofs in excess of 22 feet in height and mansard roofs are prohibited for single family residential homes. (See Figures 6.04 A-D.[1])

While it is recognized that color is a very subjective matter and that creativity should not be stifled, colors should nonetheless be used harmoniously and with some restraint. Color schemes should consider and respect the character and quality of structures in the area, excessively bright or brilliant colors should be used only for accent. Materials and colors should withstand the weather well over a twenty-five-year period.

The exterior surface of a masonry wall shall consist of a textured finished surface, shall not have a flat surface, and shall not be constructed of concrete block or cinder block having a plain, flat surface.

All residential dwelling units shall contain no more than 10% of a non-masonry material on the exterior walls of the second floor elevation, with no more than 50% of any facade covered with a non-masonry material; provided, however, that this Section 6.09(2) shall not include dormers and gables. All residential dwelling units shall contain masonry on 100% of each first floor elevation or ground levels of such units. All materials for the remaining wall surfaces shall be approved by the Zoning Officer and Community Development Department staff. The use of EIFS is prohibited on all exterior walls.

Where the side or rear of a residential dwelling unit faces a street, the exterior materials used on the side or rear elevations of the residential dwelling unit shall be comparable in character and quality to the exterior materials used on a front elevation of the structure.

Windows shall be provided in facades greater than 30 feet in length and shall comprise at least 20% of the facade area.

Windows, building entrances, decks and balconies shall be designed and placed to minimize direct views into neighboring houses.

Horizontal facades longer than 30 feet shall include design elements to articulate the wall into smaller units, consistent with the single-family residential scale of surrounding buildings. At least two of the following methods shall be included:

To complement and relate to existing residential neighborhoods and minimize the impact of height and bulk on surrounding homes, one of the following alternatives shall be required (Note: See Figures 6.08.05 and 6.08.06 for explanation of each alternative standard):

Structures shall incorporate pitched roof forms having slopes between 3:12 and 14:12 (not applicable to porches and dormers). Roofs shall also have eaves that extend at least 12 inches beyond the plane of the exterior wall.

No detached single-family residence (subject residence) shall be built in the Village which is of the same or similar design as the single-family residences located on the same side of the street on the first, second, or third lots on either side of the subject residence (regardless of intervening streets) or directly across the street from the subject residence. The subject residence shall be deemed to be of the same or similar design to a residence to which is compared (the compared residence) unless the subject residence: (1) has major exterior building materials (excluding wood, masonite, stucco, plaster, or other siding materials which are customarily painted) of a different permanent color; (2) different predominate building materials used on its exterior (i.e. masonry, stone, stucco, wood shingles, asphalt roofing, terra cotta roofing) that the compared residence and has at least three of the following features different from the compared residence:

Solar energy collection systems.

New development: when any development involves the construction of a new building.

Planned unit developments: when property is developed as a planned unit development.

Property damage: when a structure, building, or use is redeveloped, restored or reconstructed after the destruction or damage, by fire, collapse, explosion or other casualty or act of God, of the structure, building or use exceeding at least 50% or more of the cost of replacement of the structure, building, or use, as determined by the Zoning Officer.

Intensity of use increases: when the intensity of use of any existing building, structure or premises is increased through the addition of: one or more dwelling units; the gross floor area of a building is increased, such as to require the construction of one or more additional off-street parking spaces to meet the off-street parking requirement; or when there is an exterior addition or enlargement of the building, structure or premises.

Expansion or reconstruction of parking areas: when any existing off-street parking area is expanded or undergoes pavement reconstruction.

Title block.

Landscape site plan information; location of existing conditions and proposed improvements.

Schedule of proposed and existing landscape material.

Miscellaneous.

Landscape design and selection of plant material. New planting materials used in conformance with the provisions of this section, shall be:

Existing trees with a six-inch caliper or greater shall be preserved on the property as determined by the Zoning Officer. Trees that are preserved shall be counted toward compliance of the requirements of this section.

Evergreens shall be incorporated into the landscape plan and treatment of a site, where appropriate to the site as determined by the Zoning Officer, particularly in required buffers for property zoned residential, the screening of refuse holding areas, and critical points of required parking lot screening.

Shrubs shall be used whenever possible. Shrubs used in sight triangles shall be low growth shrubs that do not exceed 30 inches in height at maturity.

Plant materials shall be placed against long expanses of building walls, fences and other barriers to soften their effect.

Where site characteristics or property dimensions limit the use or survivability of live landscaping as an effective screen, masonry walls shall be used for required screening subject to the regulations set forth in this Zoning Ordinance, Article III, Section 3.13, Fences and natural screening.

All masonry walls or decorative fencing which may be approved shall be constructed and installed in a durable fashion and shall have the finished side facing the street or property line subject to the regulations set forth in this Zoning Ordinance, Article III, Section 3.13, Fences and natural screening.

Installation of plant materials.

Tree preservation during construction.

Perimeter screening required. Every off-street parking lot or parking area containing, five or more parking spaces shall be set back, buffered and screened from public view and adjacent property by a perimeter landscaped area having a minimum width of eight feet, or, where screening shall consist of a masonry wall, a minimum width of five feet.

Interior landscaping requirements.

A minimum setback and landscape area of six feet in width shall be located immediately along the front and sides of all buildings.

Except for building entryway areas and sidewalks as may be permitted, the surface of the required foundation landscape area shall be free of paving or other impervious surfaces and shall be landscaped.

A six-inch curb shall separate all foundation landscape areas from drive aisle and parking areas.

Foundation landscaping shall include shade trees, ornamental trees, hedges, shrubs, evergreens and ground cover in a manner which accents building entranceways and architectural features, softens large expanses of building walls, and screens mechanical equipment.

A minimum ten-foot landscaped setback and screening area shall be located along the length of any property line located in the B-1, B-2, B-3, O, or M-B Zoning Districts when adjacent to property zoned residential, unless the required building setback has been reduced to less than 10 feet pursuant to Section 4.07(3)a of this Zoning Ordinance.

Parkway landscaping requirements. Installation and maintenance of parkway landscaping within the public rights-of-way adjoining a property is governed by the Parkway Landscape Ordinance (Article 5 of Chapter 6 of the Village Code), as may be amended from time to time.

Landscaping of monument and pole/pylon signs required. Installation of landscaping surrounding monument and pole/pylon freestanding signs is required pursuant to Article XI of this chapter, as may be amended from time to time.

Water supply; underground irrigation. A water supply to irrigate landscaping is required within 150 feet of all landscaped areas. Installation of an underground irrigation system is recommended.

Changes to approved landscape plan. Any change to an approved landscape plan shall require the prior approval of the Zoning Officer.

Landscape maintenance required. When landscaping is required pursuant to Part D of this article:

Application. When compliance with the requirements of this section for a preexisting building or use will reduce or interfere with the number of existing off-street parking spaces, parking and driveway aisle requirements, or off-street loading requirements, or when compliance is not feasible because of property configuration, a property owner may file an application for a variation from these requirements. The application shall be processed in accordance with Article V, Section 5.15 of the Zoning Ordinance.

Conditions. If the PC/ZBA determines that a need for a variation exists, the PC/ZBA may recommend, and the Board of Trustees may impose, any one or more of the following conditions and restrictions on the property benefited by a variation as may be deemed necessary to assure compliance with the purposes of this section, to reduce or minimize the effect of such variation upon other property in the neighborhood, or to implement the general purpose of this section.

Zoning relief for other conditions affecting the property. In order to eliminate or minimize the degree of relief determined necessary from these landscape requirements, the PC/ZBA may recommend, and the Board of Trustees may approve, relief from certain conditions affecting the property including, but not limited to: a) off-street parking requirements; b) driveway and walkway aisle dimensions; c) fencing and screening.

Findings required. In determining whether in a specific case there are practical difficulties or particular hardships in the way of carrying out the strict letter of this Zoning Ordinance, there shall be taken into consideration the extent to which the following facts are established. In recommending or providing any relief, the PC/ZBA and the Board of Trustees shall make the following findings:

Required conditions affecting the duration of a variation. A variation approved under this section Part D: Landscaping Standards shall contain the following conditions:

Certificate of occupancy. No certificate of occupancy for the property in question shall be issued until the all required landscaping has been installed satisfactorily, as determined by the Zoning Officer or his/her authorized designee. A temporary occupancy permit may be authorized by the Zoning Officer or his/her designee, due to weather conditions, provided a written commitment is provided by the property owner stating the completion date of the landscape installation. The Zoning Officer or his/her authorized designee may require a cash escrow deposit or performance bond equal to 100% of the cost of the landscaping prior to issuance of such temporary certificate of occupancy.

No land use or other activity within the Village shall be conducted in such a manner that it generates a level of sound on another property greater than that allowed under the Noise Regulations of the State of Illinois, adopted by the State Pollution Control Board pursuant to the Environmental Protection Act, 415 ILCS 5/1 et seq., as amended, and appearing in Title 35, Subtitle H, of the Illinois Administrative Code, as amended.

In addition to the standards set forth above, no land use or other activity within the Village, other than those specified in Subsection 6.20(3) below, shall be conducted in such a manner that it generates a level of sound on another property which is greater than the sound level set forth in Table 6.20.01.

Sound levels must be measured with a sound level meter manufactured according to the standards prescribed by the American National Standards Institute or its successor body.

No land use or other activity within the Village shall cause or create earthborne vibrations on another property in excess of the displacement values set forth in this Section 6.20.

The storage, handling, or transport of toxic substances shall comply with State of Illinois rules and regulations regarding the storage, handling, or transport of toxic material.

Any land use or other activity in the Village which involves the emission of smoke, particulate matter, or other air pollutants shall comply with all applicable standards set forth in state and federal statutes and regulations regarding the emission of air pollutants.

Dust and other forms of air pollution borne by the wind from sources within lot boundaries, such as storage areas, yards, roads and so forth, shall be kept to a minimum by appropriate landscaping, paving, oiling, or other acceptable means.

The emission of odorous matter from any property in such concentrations as to be readily detectable at any point along the boundaries of said property or in such concentrations as to create a public nuisance or hazard beyond such boundaries is prohibited.

Materials that present potential fire and explosive hazards shall be transported, stored and used only in conformance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Any such land use or other activity shall also obtain and maintain all necessary licenses and permits from the appropriate state and federal agencies, such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety.

All operations shall be in compliance with the Village of Lincolnwood Building Code.

Emission of noxious, objectionable or annoying odor in such quantities as to be detectable at any point along a lot boundary is prohibited.

No use shall be operated or maintained which creates an environmental detriment or public nuisance, including but not limited to visual clutter created by excessive signage, lighting, outdoor storage, noise, glare or odors.