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Morton Grove City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 12

9 ACCESSWAYS

12-9-1: GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

  1. Accessway Plan: The arrangement, character, extent, width, grade and location of all streets, sidewalks, alleys, and other accessways, both vehicular and pedestrian, shall be considered in their relation to existing and planned streets, to reasonable circulation of traffic within the proposed development and adjoining lands, to topographical conditions, to runoff of stormwater, to public convenience and safety, and in their appropriate relations to the proposed uses of the area to be served.
  2. Lot Access:
    1. The access system of all commercial, industrial, and multi-family developments shall be coordinated with the existing and proposed access drives of surrounding properties.
    2. Every lot shall have access to it that is sufficient to afford reasonable means of ingress and egress for emergency vehicles as well as for other vehicles which need access to the property for its intended use. Below are the minimum standards:
      1. Width: The minimum unobstructed width of emergency access shall be not less than twenty four feet (24') for two-way traffic and eighteen feet (18') for one-way traffic.
      2. Turning Radius: All turning radii for emergency accessways shall be reviewed and approved by the Morton Grove fire department.
      3. Grade: The gradient for an emergency accessway serving any building shall not exceed eight percent (8%).
      4. Bridges: When a bridge is required to be used as access, it shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with the applicable standards with a design sufficient to carry the imposed load of required fire apparatus, to be reviewed and approved by the fire department and Village engineer.
      5. Gates: All gates across emergency accessways must meet the approval of the fire department and building department. Plans should be submitted to the fire department and approved prior to a permit being taken out with the building department.
      6. Turnaround Areas: When it is not possible to connect an accessway or a fire lane at both ends to a dedicated street, an approved turnaround shall be provided. Dead end accessways or fire lanes shall not exceed one hundred fifty feet (150') in length. Illustrations of approved turnaround arrangements are as follows:
      7. Obstruction: The required emergency accessway width shall not be obstructed by the parking of vehicles, or in any other manner. Speed bumps or other similar obstacles that have the effect of slowing or impeding the response of fire apparatus shall be approved by the fire department prior to installation.
      8. Signage: The Morton Grove fire department shall determine "no parking fire lane" areas and required fire apparatus access roads as authorized by the fire prevention code. (Ord. 07-07, 3-26-2007)
      9. Fire Lanes: Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every site and/or building and structure. The fire apparatus road, a fire lane, or dedicated street shall be within one hundred fifty feet (150') of all portions of the site and exterior walls of the first story of all buildings and structures as measured by an approved route around the exterior of building, structure or site, to be reviewed and approved by the Morton Grove fire department. (Ord. 08-19, 6-9-2008)
      10. Surface: Fire lanes shall be provided with a concrete or asphalt surface to provide all weather driving capabilities and shall be constructed to support the imposed weight of fire department apparatus.
      11. Vertical Clearance: All fire lanes shall have a vertical clearance of not less than fourteen feet (14'). This height is required for a fire truck to pass under.
  3. Accessway Provisions:
    1. All entrances and other openings onto streets within the Village shall be designed so that vehicles can enter/exit a site or lot without any substantial danger to pedestrians or vehicles traveling on streets.
    2. All accessways and other paved areas shall meet the "Village Of Morton Grove, Illinois Construction Standards And Specifications".
  4. Density Calculation: All accessways, whether public or private, may be included in the density calculation for all new subdivisions (excluding minor subdivisions) and planned unit developments. (Ord. 07-07, 3-26-2007)

12-9-2: STREET DESIGN STANDARDS

  1. Right Of Way And Pavement Widths: All right of way and pavement widths shall conform to the following minimum dimensions:
    1. Dimensions:

      Street Type
      		Minimum Right Of Way
      		Minimum Pavement Width (Back To Back)
      		Parking Allowed
      Collector
      		80 feet
      		41 feet
      		2 sides
      Local
      		66 feet
      		33 feet
      		2 sides
      Cul-de-sac
      		50 foot radius
      		33 feet
      		1 side
      Marginal access
      		40 feet
      		33 feet
      		2 sides
      Alley
      		18 feet
      		18 feet residential (one-way traffic only), 24 feet commercial
      		No parking
      2. Right of way and pavement widths of major trafficways including freeways, parkways, major and secondary thoroughfares (arterial) shall be in accordance with the standards set forth by the Illinois department of transportation.
    2. Variances For Local Streets:
      1. Pavement widths in cul-de-sac turnarounds may be reduced for cul-de-sacs without islands upon approval of the plan commission and the board of trustees.
      2. Street right of way widths may be reduced upon approval of the plan commission and the board of trustees to a fifty foot (50') right of way, which shall consist of not less than a twenty five foot (25') pavement width, two (2) 5-foot sidewalks, one foot (1') off the property line on either side of the street with a minimum of 6.5 foot parkway in between. No parking shall be allowed on any local street less than thirty three feet (33') (back to back) in width. Parking shall be allowed on two (2) sides of the street only for pavement widths of thirty three feet (33') to forty one feet (41'), except cul-de-sacs.
      3. Parking on local streets may be reduced if the amount of parked cars on the street restricts emergency access, in which case the "progressive emergency access parking plan" will be implemented by the Morton Grove fire department.

  2. Street Layout: These methods are recommended for the purpose of providing adequate protection of residential properties and to afford separation of through and local traffic.
    1. Tangents of at least fifty feet (50') in length shall be introduced between reverse curves on collector streets.
    2. Where there is a deflection in horizontal centerlines within a given block at any one point in excess of ten degrees (10°), a curve shall be inserted with a radius of not less than:

      Collector streets
      		300 feet
      Local streets
      		150 feet
    3. Different connecting street gradients shall be connected with vertical parabolic curves. Minimum length in feet of these curves shall provide a stopping sight distance of not less than three hundred feet (300').
    4. Local streets shall be so aligned that their use by through traffic will be discouraged.
    5. Street jogs with centerline offsets of less than one hundred twenty five feet (125') shall be avoided.
    6. It must be evidenced that all street intersections and confluences encourage a safe and efficient traffic flow, and in general be at or near right angles, avoiding acute angles. An intersection of more than two (2) streets shall be avoided unless specific conditions of design indicate otherwise.
    7. Streets should be designed to interconnect with the existing street pattern and provide for potential future connections.
    8. Cul-de-sac streets shall be not more than five hundred feet (500') in length measured along their centerlines from the street of origin to the ends of their rights of way, unless there are not more than fifteen (15) lots abutting the cul-de-sac. Each cul-de-sac shall have a terminus of nearly circular shape with a minimum diameter of one hundred feet (100').
    9. Half streets shall be prohibited, except where essential to the reasonable development of the subdivision in conformity with the other requirements of these regulations; and where the Village board of trustees finds it will be practicable to require the dedication of the other half when the adjoining property is subdivided. Whenever an existing or dedicated half street is adjacent to a tract to be subdivided, the other half of the street shall be platted within such tract. A half street, where included, shall be graded at one level and the regrading or new construction of any half street shall conform to the grade and pavement of the adjacent half street.
    10. Private streets enabling access to interior lots from public streets are permitted in residential subdivisions containing lots two (2) acres in area and over. Provision shall be made for serving lots for residential use abutting arterial streets and highways by either the use of:
      1. Marginal access street.
      2. Backing lots to the arterial street with a screen planting contained in a nonaccess reservation along the rear property line.
      3. Deeper lots fronting onto arterial street with rear service alleys.
      4. Private driveway.

        Private streets will not be allowed for streets which are essential for access to other existing or proposed developments.
    11. All curb corners shall have radii of not less than twenty feet (20') for local streets, and forty five feet (45') for arterial or collectors, unless specified by the building commissioner with concurrence from the plan commission and the Village board of trustees.
  3. Required Improvements:
    1. All improvements shall be built according to Village of Morton Grove, Illinois, construction standards.
    2. Gradients of streets shall be at least four-tenths percent (0.4%) and not exceed on:

      Collector streets5 percent
      Local streets7 percent
    3. The full width of the right of way shall be graded, including the subgrade of the areas to be paved. All stumps, trees that cannot be saved, boulders and similar items shall be removed.
    4. Pavements shall be installed in accordance with the Village standards and specifications.
    5. Curbs and gutters are required on all streets except as otherwise approved by the Village board of trustees and shall be installed in accordance with the Village standards and specifications.
    6. Storm water inlets shall be provided within the roadway improvements at points and of the design and specifications as required by the Village engineer.
    7. Street signs shall be erected so as to identify every street within the subdivision and shall be so designed and constructed as to conform with existing street signs. They shall be installed at a height not less than seven feet (7') and shall be placed not less than one foot (1'), nor more than ten feet (10') from the edge of the pavement.
    8. All parkways within the dedicated street area shall be graded and sodded, and parkway trees provided according to the standards set forth in chapter 11, "Landscaping And Trees", of this title.
    9. Street lighting shall be installed according to the Village and Illinois department of transportation standards and specifications to adequately illuminate all roadways and sidewalk surfaces. The installation shall be completed within one year after completion of subdivision construction or as required by the plan commission and approved by the board of trustees. Minor subdivisions with existing streetlights are exempt from this requirement. For minor subdivisions without existing streetlight(s), a fee based on the actual cost to the Village for the installation of necessary streetlight(s) shall be charged in lieu of the applicant installing the streetlight(s). The fee will be placed in an escrow account and used by the Village for subsequent installation of the necessary streetlight(s).
    10. Street names are to be assigned by the applicant or developer, subject to approval from the building commissioner. Proposed streets in obvious alignment with existing streets shall be given the same name. Newly created streets within the Village's planning jurisdiction shall be given names that do not duplicate the names of existing streets. (Ord. 07-07, 3-26-2007)

12-9-3: ALLEYS, SIDEWALKS, PEDESTRIANWAYS AND DRIVEWAYS

  1. Alleys:
    1. Alleys are not permitted in residential areas, unless deemed necessary by the plan commission. Alleys shall be at least eighteen feet (18') wide, where permitted, in residential areas, and shall meet all the standards set forth in section 12-9-2 of this chapter.
    2. Alleys at least twenty four feet (24') wide shall be provided in commercial areas, unless relief is granted by the plan commission and approved by the board of trustees.
  2. Pedestrianways:
    1. Blocks over nine hundred feet (900') in length may require pedestrianways at their approximate centers for access to schools, parks or other destinations as may be required by the plan commission.
    2. Pedestrianways shall be at least twelve feet (12') wide, unless varied by the plan commission.
    3. Portland cement concrete walks shall be installed to a width of not less than five feet (5'), unless otherwise recommended by the plan commission and the board of trustees.
  3. Sidewalks:
    1. Portland cement concrete sidewalks shall be required on both sides of streets in subdivisions containing lots of nine thousand (9,000) square feet and less in area. In subdivisions containing lots of more than nine thousand (9,000) square feet in area, the Village board of trustees, upon the recommendation of the plan commission, may require sidewalks at selected locations.
    2. Portland cement concrete walks shall be installed to a width of not less than five feet (5'), unless otherwise recommended by the plan commission and the board of trustees.
    3. Minor subdivisions with existing sidewalks are exempt from the sidewalk provisions. For minor subdivisions without existing sidewalks, a fee, based on the actual cost to the Village for subsequent construction of the sidewalk, shall be charged in lieu of the developer constructing the sidewalk. The fee will be placed in an escrow account and used by the Village for construction of the necessary sidewalk.
  4. Driveways: All driveways shall conform to the requirements of Section 12-2-5:B.5.
HISTORY
Amended by Ord. 21-16 on 1/10/2022

12-9-4: ACCEPTANCE OF STREETS, SIDEWALKS, AND OTHER PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS

If any development, plat or subdivision contains public streets, accessways or thoroughfares which are to be herein dedicated as such, whether located within the corporate limits of the Village or in part outside thereof, or contains existing streets located outside of said corporate limits, the approval of the plat by the Village board of trustees or the subsequent annexation of the property to the Village, shall not constitute an acceptance by the Village of such streets or thoroughfares, nor of the improvements constructed or installed thereon or therein, irrespective of any act or acts by an officer, agent or employee of the Village with respect to such streets or improvements. The acceptance of such streets or thoroughfares shall be made only after the adoption of a resolution by the Village board of trustees after there has been filed with the Village clerk, a certificate by the Village engineer certifying that all improvements required to be constructed or installed in, or upon, such streets or thoroughfares in connection with the approval of the plat of subdivision by the Village board of trustees, have been fully completed and the construction or installation thereof has been approved by him, and that provisions regarding the performance and maintenance guarantees have been met, pursuant to section 12-8-3, "Final Plats", of this title. (Ord. 07-07, 3-26-2007)

12-9-5: VACATION OF PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY

  1. Petition Required: At times it may be appropriate, and in the public interest, to vacate existing public rights of way (streets or alleys). A petition for vacation of a public street or alley or portion thereof must be filed with the Village, denoting the reason for the vacation request.
  2. Procedure Established:
    1. Village Administration: A person or persons desiring the vacation of a particular street or alley or portion thereof shall file with the Village administrator the following:
      1. Name and address of applicant and proof the applicant is the owner or contract purchaser of the property abutting the parcel;
      2. Location and legal description, if available, of street, alley or portion thereof to be vacated;
      3. Copies of available surveys depicting the parcel or showing any improvements;
      4. Names and addresses of all owners of record of property abutting upon and within one hundred fifty feet (150');
      5. If there are any public service facilities over, under, or upon the parcel that are known to the applicant, a statement as to the type of such facility and the public utility owning same;
      6. If existing, written consent of all property owners who abut the parcel;
      7. Letter of authorization to proceed from the titleholder of property abutting the parcel if someone other than the owner or beneficiary of said property, or their attorney, presents the case at the public hearing;
      8. An appraisal of the parcel;
      9. Payment of those applicable fees and escrows indicated in chapter 16, "Project Approval Process", of this title, as well as any additional cost including, but not limited to, publication fees, recording and/or transcription costs for the public hearing, if required, plat preparation and recordation costs, appraisal fees and reasonable compensation for the parcel.
    2. Village Staff Review: The Village staff shall verify the information and the Village administrator shall issue a report to the Village board setting forth the nature of the request, including known public interests, if any served by the parcel, and the date the application is scheduled for presentation to the plan commission for public hearing and consideration. The report shall include the following:
      1. A recommendation with regard to retention of easements, if any, within the parcel for the benefit of public utilities.
      2. A recommendation regarding the vesting of title to the property upon vacation of the street or alley. The instrument dedicating the street or alley must be examined to determine if the specific devolution of the title upon vacation thereof is provided for in the document. If no specific devolution of title is provided for, then a recommendation regarding the vesting rights of the abutting property owners must be made. The Village, in its discretion, may grant title to the entire vacated street or alley to only one abutting property owner.
      3. A recommendation as to whether the applicant should pay the Village reasonable compensation for the parcel, or whether compensation should be waived.
    3. Plan Commission Hearing: The Village administrator shall forward all of the above information to the plan commission as to the vacation of the parcel or portion thereof including the retention of easements, if any, within the parcel for the benefit of public utilities, potential use of the parcel for public walkways or bike trails and access of adjacent property owners where the application will be processed according to the plan commission procedure set forth in subsection 12-16-4A, "Plan Commission Procedure", of this title.
    4. Village Board Consideration: Within forty five (45) days after the plan commission renders its recommendation, the application shall be considered by the Village board of trustees. If the Village board determines that the public interest will be served by vacating the street or alley, or part thereof, it may vacate that street or alley, or part thereof, by an ordinance. The ordinance shall provide the legal description or permanent index number of the particular parcel or parcels or property acquiring title to the vacated property and shall specify whether the vacation should be subject to any conditions, whether any easements should be maintained, and the reasonable compensation, if any, that should be paid as a condition precedent to the vacation. Any ordinance to vacate a street or alley shall require an affirmative vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the trustees then holding office.
    5. Plat Recordation Requirements: Within one hundred twenty (120) days after the passage of the ordinance, the applicant shall provide a plat of vacation with reservation of required easements, if any, in a form as prescribed by the building commissioner. Thereafter, provided all conditions have been met, and all required payments have been made, the Village shall cause the ordinance and the plat to be recorded in the office of the recorder of deeds of Cook County, and file any necessary documents with the Cook County clerk. Copies of the recorded documents shall be sent by the Village to the office of the assessor for the township in which the parcel is located and notice of the effectiveness of the vacation shall be sent to the owners of record of the property abutting the parcel. The vacation shall not become effective until the plat and ordinance have been recorded. (Ord. 07-07, 3-26-2007)

21-16