CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Pass the ordinance approving a fence variance to Section 6-2-12:1.2 of the Naperville Municipal Code for the property located at 115 E. Benton Avenue (Saints Peter and Paul) - DEV-0096-2025
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Therese Egner, Assistant Planner
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
The Planning and Zoning Commission considered this matter on August 20, 2025, and voted to recommend approval of the case (Approved 8-0). Staff concurs.
BACKGROUND:
The subject property, 115 E. Benton, is generally located on the west side of Ellsworth Street, north of Benton Avenue, and is zoned R2 (Single Family and Low-Density Multiple-Family Residence District). The property is approximately 0.5 acres and is currently improved with a surface parking lot that is owned and used by Saints Peter and Paul church and school. The property is improved with an existing 6-foot fence with 6-foot 4-inch masonry columns along the south property line and a 12-foot chain link fence along the west property line.
DISCUSSION:
The petitioner is requesting to build a 6-foot fence with masonry columns to continue the existing 6-foot fence along the east property line located in the front yard. Municipal Code Section 6-2-12:1.2 provides that “Open fences, as defined in Section 6-1-6 (Definitions), not exceeding four (4) feet in height may be constructed and maintained at the front or corner side yard lot line.” As the proposed 6-foot-tall open fence exceeds the 4-foot maximum height allowance in the front yard, a variance is required.
The petitioner is seeking the increased fence height in order to provide a safety barrier for the elementary school children and to continue the existing fence for aesthetic purposes. The proposed fencing will not impact the parking lot’s existing vehicular access points or interrupt pedestrian crosswalks. Staff has reviewed the proposal and given the openness of the proposed fencing, the overall aesthetic improvement, and the continuation of the existing wrought iron fence with masonry columns, staff is in support of the proposal.
Findings of Fact
The petitioner’s responses to the Standards for Granting a Zoning Variance can be found in the attachments. Upon review, staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission concur with the petitioner’s Findings and recommends their approval by City Council.
Planning and Zoning Commission Action
The Planning and Zoning Commission considered this matter at their meeting on August 20, 2025. No members of the public provided their testimony. Following limited discussion, the PZC closed the public hearing and recommended approval of the petitioner’s request (Approved 8-0). Staff concurs with the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- The petitioner is requesting approval of a variance to allow for a 6-foot wrought iron fence with masonry columns to be constructed in the front yard.
- Staff is in support of the variance request given the openness of the proposed fence, its overall aesthetic improvement, and the continuation of the wrought iron fence.