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Morton City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 10

7 INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS

10-7-1: Purpose

The purpose of the manufacturing districts is to provide locations for industries, compatible with one another and with their surroundings to add to the economic well being of the community by providing employment and industrial real estate tax base yet doing so in a manner that minimizes adverse effects such as traffic, noise, vibration, smoke, dust, heat, glare, fire hazards, and similar effects. (Ord. 78-31, 3-5-79)

10-7-2: I-1 Restricted Industrial District

  1. Permitted Uses:
    1. Light manufacturing, fabricating, assembling, packaging, repairing, servicing, and processing of materials, goods, and products provided entirely within enclosed buildings.
    2. Agricultural implement service and sales lots.
    3. Bottling plants, creameries, or dairies.
    4. Research and testing laboratories.
    5. Public utility stations, distribution centers, and regulator stations.
    6. Wholesale outlets, storage, and warehousing. (amd. Ord. 02-34, 3-17-03)
  2. Special Uses: The following uses are permitted subject to the public hearing and other special permit procedure requirements as outlined in Chapter 10 of this Title: (Ord. 78-31, 3-5-79)
    1. Any use not listed above which is permitted as a “permitted use” or a “special use” in the B-1, B-2, or B-3 districts, except a community activity center. (Ord. 94-13, 8-1-94)
    2. Storage, sale, distribution, or primary usage of explosive, highly flammable, highly toxic, or radioactive materials.
    3. Bus or truck garages and storage yards.
    4. Open air storage, including automobile wrecking yards. In making its recommendation to the Village Board to permit special uses involving outdoor storage areas, the Plan Commission shall require such outdoor storage areas, except those for the display of sale items, be located at least seventy feet (70’) from the nearest collector or major street, highway, or interstate highway as defined on the “Official Map” of the Village, and be so located on the site and screened from public view from such streets and highways to the fullest extent possible. Such screening shall be by landscape screening or by a screening fence appropriately located, and as defined in Chapter 2 of this Title.
    5. Airports and landing strips.
    6. Wind energy conversion system. (Ord. 07-04, 5-7-07)
    7. Firearm resale shop. (amd. Ord. 17-03, 6-5-17)
    8. Firearm firing range. (amd. Ord. 17-03, 6-5-17)
  3. Required Yard Areas: Every building hereafter erected or structurally enlarged shall provide the following yard requirements, except for lots of record which shall meet the reduced requirements of Section 10-4-4 and except for those general exceptions to yard requirements as outlined in Section 10-4-3.
    1. Front Yard: The front yard shall be twice the height of the portion of the building nearest the street line but in no case less than sixty feet (60’).
    2. Side Yard: The side yard shall not be less than forty feet (40’).
    3. Rear Yard: The rear yard shall not be less than forty feet (40’).
    4. Exceptions To Side And Rear Yard Requirements: Where either side or rear property line is adjacent to a railroad spur to be used for loading or unloading directly to or from a building, no side or rear yard shall be required in those instances. (Ord. 78-31, 3-5-79)
    5. Fences And Lighting: Industrial security fences only and lighting shall be allowed on the side and rear yard property lines except where the side or rear yard property line is adjacent to a street or highway, except that this provision shall not apply to any requirements of a special use under Subsection (B) of this Section. Any lighting erected pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall be such that it does not flash, scintillate, move, or otherwise create a hazardous or annoying glare. (Ord. 79-44, 4-21-80)
    6. Pavement: Pavement shall be no closer than ten feet (10’) to the side and rear property lines. In the event walks, drives, or parking areas were built in compliance with a lesser setback, but not as a result of a variance, then the setback for subsequent walks, drives, and parking areas may be the same as that in effect at the time of prior construction. Landscape screening shall be required whenever pavement is closer than the building setback line.  
    7. Parking Lot Light Poles: Parking lot light poles may extend an additional three feet (3') into the required landscaped yard setback., All outdoor lighting in any business or industrial district shall be installed so that lighting throw does not fall beyond any property line.
    8. Noise-Emitting Mechanical Equipment. On properties adjacent to residential districts, mechanical equipment emitting noise such as air-conditioning compressors and similar equipment emitting noise such as air-conditioning compressors and similar equipment may be located in side or rear yards but in no case any closer than twelve feet (12') to the side yard property line of the adjacent property, and in all instances so installed and directed to be of minimum annoyance to the adjacent property. Back-up generators may be located in side or rear yards but in no case closer than six feet (6') to the side yard property line of the adjacent property
  4. Building Height: No building shall be erected or enlarged to exceed seventy feet (70’) in height, except for those general exceptions to height limitations listed in Section 10-4-3.
  5. Required Off-Street Parking And Loading: Required off-street parking and loading shall be provided as outlined in Chapter 8 of this Title. (Ord. 78-31, 3-5-79). The travelled area through the property shall be paved with bituminous concrete, concrete, A-3 or equivalent. All other drives, parking, loading and storage areas for which hard surfaced paving is not required shall be graveled and maintained in a dust-free condition.
  6. Interstate Corridor: Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, in the event the property is located within an interstate corridor, then with respect to rear yards, the provisions of Title 10, Chapter 4, Subsection 7(C)3 shall apply. With respect to required lot size, the provisions of Title 10, Chapter 4, Subsection 7(B) shall apply. The provisions of Title 10, Chapter 4, Subsection 7(G) shall also apply. (Ord. 94-31, 5-15-95)
  7. Landscaped Buffers or Screening Required: Newly established industrial uses adjacent to or backing on property zoned in the residential or business districts shall provide and continuously maintain on that property line a dense hedge, tree row, or other similar landscape device suitable to visually screen the differing types of adjacent uses from one another.
Noise-Emitting Mechanical Equipment. On properties adjacent to residential districts, mechanical equipment emitting noise such as air-conditioning compressors and similar equipment emitting noise such as air-conditioning compressors and similar equipment may be located in side or rear yards but in no case any closer than twelve feet (12') to the side yard property line of the adjacent property, and in all instances so installed and directed to be of minimum annoyance to the adjacent property. Back-up generators may be located in side or rear yards but in no case closer than six feet (6') to the side yard property line of the adjacent property.
HISTORY
Amended by Ord. 19-22 on 3/4/2019
Amended by Ord. 23-07 on 9/6/2022

10-7-3: I-2 General Industrial District

  1. Permitted Uses:
    1. All uses permitted as “permitted uses” in the I-1 District
    2. Any manufacturing, fabricating, assembling, and processing of materials and products not permitted in the I-1 District but which do not exceed the industrial performances standards included in this Section, except that uses permitted in the I-1 District as “special uses” shall be permitted in the I-2 District only as special uses. (Ord. 78-31, 3-5-79)
    3. Motor freight terminals. (Ord. 79-28, 10-1-79)
  2. Special Uses: The following uses are permitted subject to the public hearing and other special permit procedure requirements as outlined in Chapter 10 of this Title:
    1. Uses permitted in the I-1 District as “special uses.”
    2. Manufacturing or processing requiring large quantities of water, producing large quantities of waste materials, or which involve the disposal into public sewers of any quantities of toxic, noxious, corrosive, or explosive materials, or otherwise hazardous materials.
    3. Extraction and processing of stone, sand, and gravel, including the necessary processing and loading equipment and structures.
    4. Processing of animal and vegetable products such as tanneries, distilleries, breweries, rendering plants, plants for the production of glue, soap, paint, or varnish.
    5. Manufacturing of coal, tar, petroleum, and asphalt products. (Ord. 78-31, 3-5-79)
    6. A motor freight terminal with employee sleeping accommodations. (Ord. 82-32, 4-4-83)
  3. Required Yard Areas: Every building hereafter erected or structurally enlarged shall provide the following yard requirements except for lots of record which shall meet the reduced requirements of Section 10-4-4 and except for those general exceptions to yard requirements as outlined in Section 10-4-3.
    1. Front Yard: The front yard shall be twice the height of the portion of the building nearest the street line but in no case less than sixty feet (60’).
    2. Side Yard: The side yard shall not be less than forty feet (40’).
    3. Rear Yard: The rear yard shall not be less than forty feet (40’). (Ord. 78-31, 3-5-79)
    4. Fences And Lighting: Industrial security fences only and lighting shall be allowed in the side and rear yard property lines except where the side or rear property line is adjacent to a street or highway, except that this provision shall not apply to any requirements of a special use under Subsection 10-7-3(B). Any lighting erected pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall be such that it does not flash, scintillate, move, or otherwise create a hazardous or annoying glare. (Ord. 79-45, 4-21-80)
    5. Pavement: Pavement shall be no closer than ten feet (10’) to the side and rear property lines. In the event walks, drives, or parking areas were built in compliance with a lesser setback, but not as a result of a variance, then the setback for subsequent walks, drives, and parking areas may be the same as that in effect at the time of prior construction. Landscape screening shall be required whenever pavement is closer than the building setback line.  
    6. Parking Lot Light Poles: Parking lot light poles may extend an additional three feet (3') into the required landscaped yard setback., All outdoor lighting in any business or industrial district shall be installed so that lighting throw does not fall beyond any property line.
    7. Noise-Emitting Mechanical Equipment. On properties adjacent to residential districts, mechanical equipment emitting noise such as air-conditioning compressors and similar equipment emitting noise such as air-conditioning compressors and similar equipment may be located in side or rear yards but in no case any closer than twelve feet (12') to the side yard property line of the adjacent property, and in all instances so installed and directed to be of minimum annoyance to the adjacent property. Back-up generators may be located in side or rear yards but in no case closer than six feet (6') to the side yard property line of the adjacent property.
  4. Building Height: No building shall be erected or enlarged to exceed seventy feet (70’) in height.
  5. Required Off-Street Parking And Loading: Required off-street parking and loading shall be provided as outlined in Chapter 8 of this Title. (Ord. 78-31, 3-5-79). The travelled area through the property shall be paved with bituminous concrete, concrete, A-3 or equivalent. All other drives, parking, loading and storage areas for which hard surfaced paving is not required shall be graveled and maintained in a dust-free condition.
  6. Interstate Corridor: Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, in the event the property is located within an interstate corridor, then with respect to rear yards, the provisions of Title 10, Chapter 4, Subsection 7(C)3 shall apply. With respect to required lot size, the provisions of Title 10, Chapter 4, Subsection 7(B) shall apply. The provisions of Title 10, Chapter 4, Subsection 7(G) shall also apply. (Ord. 94-31, 5-15-95).
  7. Landscaped Buffers or Screening Required: Newly established industrial uses adjacent to or backing on property zoned in the residential or business districts shall provide and continuously maintain on that property line a dense hedge, tree row, or other similar landscape device suitable to visually screen the differing types of adjacent uses from one another.

HISTORY
Amended by Ord. 19-22 on 3/4/2019
Amended by Ord. 23-07 on 9/6/2022

19-22

23-07

10-7-4.1: Noise

  1. Application Of Noise Performance Standards: Any use established in an Industrial District shall be so operated as to comply with the performance standards governing noises set forth hereinafter for the district in which such use shall be located. No use already established on the effective date of this Title shall be so altered or modified as to conflict with or further conflict with the performance standards governing noise established hereinafter for the district in which such use is located. Objectionable sounds of an intermittent nature shall be controlled so as not to become a nuisance to adjacent use.
  2. Method Of Measurements Of Noise Levels: Sound levels shall be measured with a soundlevel meter and associated octave band filter, manufactured in compliance with standards described by the American Standards Association. Measurements shall be made using the flat network of the sound level meter. Impulsive type noises shall be subject to the performance standards hereinafter prescribed provided that such noises shall be capable of being accurately measured with such equipment. Noises capable of being so measured shall be those noises which cause rapid fluctuations of the needle of the sound level meter with a variation of no more than plus or minus two (2) decibels. Noises incapable of being so measured, such as those of an irregular and intermittent nature, shall be controlled so as not to become a nuisance to adjacent uses.
  3. Limitations On Noise Levels In I-1 And I-2 Districts: At no point on the boundary of a residence or business district shall the sound intensity level of any individual operation or plant (other than the operation of motor vehicles or other transportation facilities) exceed the decibel levels in the designated octave bands shown in Table 1 set forth hereinafter for districts indicated:

    TABLE 1

    Octave Band
    Maximum Permitted Sound Level (decibels)
    (Frequency, cycles/sec.)Along R District BoundariesAlong B District Boundaries
    0 to 757279
    75 to 1506774
    150 to 3005966
    300 to 6005259
    600 to 1,2004653
    1.200 to 2,4004047
    2,400 to 4,8003441
    Above 4,8003239
    (Ord. 78-31, 3-5-79)

    In the event property has been rezoned from a non-residential use to a residential use, and that property is adjacent to property in an I-1 or I-2 district, the maximum permitted sound level in the industrial district shall remain the standard for property adjacent to B district boundaries. (amd. Ord. 01-27, 11-5-01)

10-7-4.2: Smoke And Particulate Matter

  1. Application Of Smoke And Particulate Matter Performance Standards: Any use established in an Industrial District shall be so operated as to comply with the performance standards governing smoke and particulate matter set forth hereinafter for the district in which such use shall be located. No use already established on the effective date of this Title shall be so altered or modified as to conflict with, or further conflict with, the performance standards governing smoke and particulate matter established hereinafter for the district in which such use is located.
  2. Method Of Measurement Of Smoke And Particulate Matter And General Limitations:
    1. For the purpose of grading the density of smoke, the Ringelmann Chart, published and used by the U.S. Bureau of Mines, shall be employed. The emission of smoke or particulate matter of a density greater than No. 2 on the Ringelmann Chart is prohibited at all times except as otherwise provided hereinafter.
    2. The emission from all sources within any lot area of particulate matter containing more than ten percent (10%) by weight of particles having a particle diameter larger than forty four (44) microns is prohibited.
    3. Dust and other types of air pollution borne by the wind from such sources as storage areas, yards, roads, and the like within lot boundaries, shall be kept to a minimum by appropriate landscaping, paving, oiling, fencing, or acceptable means. Emission of limitations specified hereinafter is prohibited.
  3. Limitations On Smoke And Particulate Matter:
    1. Smoke And Particulate Matter In I-1 Districts: The emission of more than sixty (60) smoke units per hour per stack is prohibited, including smoke of density in excess of Ringelmann No. 2. However, during three (3) one (1) hour periods in each twenty four (24) hour day, each stack may emit up to seventy two (72) smoke units when blowing soot or cleaning fires. Only during fire cleaning periods, however, shall smoke of Ringelmann No. 3 be permitted, and then for not more than four (4) minutes.

      The rate of emission of particulate matter from all sources within the boundaries of any lot shall not exceed a net figure of one pound (1 lb) per acre of lot area during any one (1) hour, after deducting from the gross hourly emission per acre the correction factors set forth in Tables 2, 3, and 4 following for height, velocity, and temperature of emission, respectively. Determination of the total net rate of emission of particulate matter within the boundaries of any lot shall be made as follows:
      1. Determine the maximum emission in pounds per hour from each source of emission and divide this figure by the number of acres of lot area, thereby obtaining the gross hourly rate of emission in pounds per acre.
      2. From each gross hourly rate of emission derived in Step 1a above, deduct the appropriate correction factor (interpolating as required) for height, velocity, and temperature of emission set forth in Tables 2, 3, and 4, thereby obtaining the net rate of emission in pounds per acre per hour from each source of emission.
      3. Add together the individual net rates of emission derived in Step 1b above, to obtain the total net rate of emission from all sources of emission within the boundaries of the lot. Such total shall not exceed one pound (1 lb) per acre of lot area during any one (1) hour.

        TABLE 2

        ALLOWANCE FOR HEIGHT OF EMISSION*
        Height of Emission
        Above Grade (feet)
        Correction
        Lbs./hr./acre
        500.01
        1000.06
        1500.10
        2000.16
        3000.30
        4000.50

        TABLE 3

        ALLOWANCE FOR VELOCITY OF EMISSION*
        Exit Velocity
        Feet/Second
        Correction
        Lbs./hr./acre
        00.0
        200.03
        400.09
        600.16
        800.24
        1000.50

        TABLE 4

        ALLOWANCE FOR TEMPERATURE OF EMISSION*
        Temp. of Emission
        (Degrees Fahrenheit)
        Correction
        Lbs./hr./acre
        2000.0
        3000.001
        4000.002
        5000.003
        10000.01
        15000.04
        20000.10
        *Interpolate for intermediate values not shown in table.
    2. Smoke And Particulate Matter In I-2 Districts: The emission of more than seventy six (76) smoke units per hour per stack is prohibited, including smoke of a density in excess of Ringelmann No. 2. However, during six (6) one (1) hour periods in each twenty four (24) hour day, each stack may emit up to one hundred twelve (112) smoke units, blowing soot and for cleaning fires. During fire cleaning periods only, smoke of a density of Ringelmann No. 3 shall be permitted and then not for more than six (6) minutes per period.

      The rate of emission of particulate matter from all sources within the boundaries of any lot shall not exceed a net figure of three (3) pounds per acre of lot area during any one (1) hour, after deducting from the gross hourly emission per acre the correction factors set forth in Tables 5, 6, and 7 following for height, velocity, and temperature of emission, respectively. Determination of the total net rate of emission of particulate matter within the boundaries of any lot shall be made as follows:
      1. Determine the maximum emission in pounds per hour from each source of emission and divide this figure by the number of acres of lot area, thereby obtaining the gross hourly rate of emission in pounds per acre.
      2. From each gross hourly rate of emission derived in Step 2a above, deduct the appropriate correction factor (interpolating when necessary) for height, velocity, and temperature of emission set forth in Tables 5, 6, and 7 which follow, thereby obtaining the net rate of emission in pounds per acre per hour from each source of emission.
      3. Add together the individual net rates of emission derived in Step 2b above, to obtain the total net rate of emission within the boundaries of the lot. Such total shall not exceed three pounds (3 lb) per acre during any one (1) hour.

        TABLE 5

        ALLOWANCE FOR HEIGHT OF EMISSION*
        Height of Emission
        Above Grade (Feet)
        Correction
        Lbs./hr./acre
        500.0
        1000.5
        1500.8
        2001.2
        3002.0
        4004.0

        TABLE 6

        ALLOWANCE FOR VELOCITY OF EMISSION*
        Exit Velocity
        Feet/Second
        Correction
        Lbs./hr./acre
        00.0
        200.3
        400.8
        601.2
        801.6
        1002.4

        TABLE 7

        ALLOWANCE FOR TEMPERATURE OF EMISSION*
        Temperature of Emission
        (Degrees Fahrenheit)
        Correction
        Lbs./hr./acre
        1000.0
        2000.0
        3000.005
        4000.01
        5000.02
        10000.10
        15000.30
        20001.0
        * Interpolate for intermediate values not shown in table.

10-7-4.3: Toxic Or Noxious Matter

Any use established in an industrial district shall be so operated as to comply with the performance standards governing emission of toxic or noxious matter set forth hereinafter. No use shall for any period of time discharge across the boundaries of the lot wherein it is located, toxic or noxious matter in such concentrations as to be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, comfort, or welfare or cause injury or damage to property or business.

10-7-4.4: Odors

Any use established in an industrial district shall be operated as to comply with the performance standards governing odorous materials set forth hereinafter. No use already established on the effective date of this Title shall be so altered or modified as to conflict with, or further conflict with, the performance standards governing odorous materials established hereinafter.

In all industrial districts, the emission of odorous matter in such quantities as to produce nuisance or hazard beyond lot lines is prohibited. In determining such offensive odors, Table Ill (Odor Thresholds) in Chapter 5 of the Air Pollution Abatement Manual (copyright 1951) by Manufacturing Chemists Assoc., Inc., Washington, D.C. shall serve as a guide.

10-7-4.5: Fire And Explosion Hazards

Any use established in an industrial district shall be so operated as to comply with the performance standards governing fire and explosive hazards set forth hereinafter for the district in which such use shall be located. No use already established on the effective date of this Title shall be so altered or modified as to conflict with or further conflict with the performance standards governing fire and explosive hazards established hereinafter for the district in which such use is located.

Limitations On Fire And Explosion Hazards:

  1. Fire Hazards In I-1 Districts: The storage, utilization, or manufacture of materials or products ranging from incombustible to moderate-burning as determined by the Zoning Enforcing Officer, is permitted subject to compliance with all other regulations of this Title.

    The storage, utilization, or manufacture of materials, goods, or products ranging from free or active-burning to intense-burning, as determined by the Zoning Enforcing Officer, is permitted subject to compliance with all other regulations of this Title, and provided the following conditions are met:
    1. Said materials or products shall be stored, utilized, or produced within completely enclosed structures having fire resistive construction.
    2. All such structures shall be set back at least forty feet (40’) from all lot lines; or, in lieu thereof, all such structures shall be protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system (or carbon dioxide system of equal protection) complying with installation standards prescribed by the National Fire Protection Association.
  2. Explosion Hazards In I-1 Districts: Manufacture or processing of materials or products which produce flammable or explosive vapors or gases at ordinary weather temperatures shall not be permitted except when such materials are used in secondary processes or are required in emergency or stand-by equipment; but their storage for use as power or heating fuels shall be permitted if in conformity with standards prescribed by the National Fire Protection Association and with applicable requirements embodied in regulations promulgated by the State of Illinois Department of Public Safety.
  3. Fire Hazards In I-2 Districts: In I-2 Districts, the utilization or manufacture of materials or products which produce flammable or explosive vapors or gases under ordinary weather temperatures shall be permitted provided that:
    1. The use and storage of such materials shall be in conformity with standards prescribed by the National Fire Protection Association and with applicable requirements embodied in the regulations promulgated by the State Department of Public Safety.
    2. No more than two hundred thousand (200,000) gallons of such materials or products shall be stored or in process within three hundred feet (300’) of an I-2 District boundary (excluding underground storage and excluding storage of finished products in original sealed containers).
  4. Explosion Hazards In I-2 Districts: Manufacture or processing in which a major raw material, component, or product produces explosive vapors or gases under ordinary weather temperatures shall not be permitted in this District except such materials as are used or required in emergency or stand-by equipment or in secondary processes auxiliary to the principal operation such as paint spraying of finished products and comparable auxiliary heating fuels shall be permitted if in conformity with standards prescribed by the National Fire Protection Association and with applicable requirements embodied in regulations promulgated by the State of Illinois Department of Public Safety.

10-7-4.6: Vibration Limitations

Any use established in an industrial district shall be so operated as to comply with the performance standards governing vibration set forth hereinafter for the district in which such use shall be located. No use already established on the effective date of this Title shall be so altered or modified as to conflict with, or further conflict with, the performance standards governing vibration established hereinafter for the district in which such use is located.

  1. Vibration Limitations In I-1 Districts: Any process or equipment which produces intense earth-shaking vibrations such as are created by heavy drop forges or heavy hydraulic surges shall be set back at least five hundred feet (500’) from the property boundaries on all sides. However, in no case shall such vibrations be allowed to create a public nuisance or hazard beyond the property boundaries.
  2. Vibration Limitations In I-2 Districts: Any process or equipment which produces intense earth-shaking vibrations such as are created by heavy drop forges or heavy hydraulic surges shall be set back at least three hundred feet (300’) from the boundary of a residence or business district and at least one hundred fifty feet (150’) from the boundary of an I-1District, unless such operation is controlled in such a manner as to prevent transmission beyond property boundaries of earth-shaking vibrations perceptible without the aid of instruments.

10-7-4.7: Glare Or Heat Limitations

Any use established in an industrial district shall be so operated as to comply with the performance standards governing glare or heat set forth hereinafter for the district in which such use shall be located. No use already established on the effective date of this Title shall be so altered or modified as to conflict with, or further conflict with, the performance standards governing glare or heat established hereinafter for the district in which such use is located.

  1. Glare And Heat Limitations In I-1 Districts: Any operation producing intense glare or heat shall be performed within a completely enclosed building in such manner as not to create a public nuisance or hazard along lot lines.
  2. Glare And Heat Limitations In I-2 Districts: Any operation producing intense glare or heat shall be performed within a completely enclosed building in such manner as not to create a public nuisance or hazard along lot lines. (Ord. 78-31, 3-5-79)