Cook County rejects taller fences at truck lot near Elk Grove
With a nod to Elk Grove Village trustees, Cook County commissioners have rejected a truck repair company's plans to install taller fences around unincorporated property it rents on the village's border.
GISS Inc. sought to put up fences as high as 8 feet on the 2.5-acre truck lot at 2545 E. Higgins Road and 2545 Landmeier Road.
But the local county commissioner who represents the area, Kevin Morrison, agreed with Elk Grove Village officials, who didn't think the taller fence heights were proper for the area.
In particular, Morrison opposed a plan to install 2 feet of barbed wire on top of a 6-foot fence.
"The applicant did not make a sufficient case for the need of such a variance," said Morrison, who represents the county's 15th District.
"As it pertains to the aesthetic of the surrounding area, neighboring properties that do not utilize barbed wire, it was my view that this variance was not a good fit for the area."
As such, the county board unanimously rejected the requested variances for permission to install the 8-foot fences. Heights of 3 feet are allowed on two sides and 6 feet on the other two sides, under Cook County's zoning restrictions.
The board's May 21 decision is opposite of what the county zoning panel recommended in February, when three members voted in favor, one abstained and one was absent.
But after that vote tally, Elk Grove Village's board passed a resolution opposing the taller fences. Village officials argued since the truck lot is similar to surrounding industrial sites, it should have to comply with current county zoning standards.
Representatives of GISS did not respond to a request for comment.