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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Planning Commission
DATE: April 9, 2015
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Establishing a Special Sign District for Chicago Premium Outlets located at 1650 Premium Outlet Boulevard in Kane County, Aurora Illinois 60502 (Simon Property Group - L15-00117 / AU01/4-15.011-V/SD - SP - Ward 1)
PURPOSE:
The Petitioner, Simon Property Group filed a Special Sign District / Major Sign Variance petition with the City of Aurora on January 17, 2015, requesting approval of a Special Sign District for Chicago Premium Outlets at 1650 Premium Outlet Boulevard. The details of the proposal include an overall updated and modernized signage package for the existing Chicago Premium Outlets facility and the new expansion.
BACKGROUND:
The Subject Property, Chicago Premium Outlets, is located at 1650 Premium Outlet Boulevard, at the northeast corner of the Farnsworth Interchange with I-88 in Aurora.
The original Outlet Mall was constructed pursuant to a 2002 development agreement and opened in 2004 with 438,000 square feet of retail buildings. Based on the success of the first phase Simon Property Group and the City entered into a 2014 development agreement for the land directly to the east to provide for an expansion of the facility. The expansion is currently being constructed and is set to open in 2015 with up to an additional 293,000 square feet of retail buildings bringing the facility up to 731,000 square feet of retail.
The signage regulations allow for a cohesive signage package across both phases of the mall, provide the ability to install modernized lighting and takes advantage of the additional visibility from the newly expanded Tollway frontage. A Master Signage Package has been included with the submittal to give an idea of the type of signage Simon Property is intending to install. .
DISCUSSION:
Staff has reviewed the Special Sign District petition submitted by the petitioner and have sent comments back to them on those submittals. The petitioner has made all the requested changes to these documents and they now meet all of the applicable codes and ordinances except as modified by the sign district therein.
Public Input: Due public notice was given for the public hearing on this matter. As of the date of this memo, staff has not received public inquiries regarding this petition.
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES :
The Staff's Evaluation and Recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies:
10.0 To provide for the orderly, balanced and efficient growth and redevelopment of the City through the positive integration of land use patterns, functions, and circulation systems. To protect and enhance those assets and values that establishes the desirable quality and general livability of the City. To promote the City's position as a regional center.
14.1(4) To encourage quality site design throughout the City.
14.1(5) To provide for the visual enhancement of the City through attractive landscaping, quality signage and diverse building design and arrangement.
93.1(1) To encourage the use of aesthetically pleasing urban design, architectural styles, and landscape architecture.
93.1(2) To work toward improved signage and street furniture.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Planning Commission recommends APPROVAL of the An Ordinance Establishing a Special Sign District for Chicago Premium Outlets located at 1650 Premium Outlet Boulevard.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit "A" Legal Description
Exhibit "B" Special Sign District Provisions
Master Signage Package
Land Use Petition with Supporting Documents
Property Research Sheet
Legistar Number: L15-00117
cc: Alderman Saville, Chairman
Alderman Donnell
Alderman Irvin
Alderman Hart-Burns, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
An Ordinance Establishing a Special Sign District for Chicago Premium Outlets located at 1650 Premium Outlet Boulevard in Kane County, Aurora Illinois 60502
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, Simon Property Group is the owner of record of the real estate property legally described on Exhibit "A", attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth; and
WHEREAS, Simon Property Group filed a Special Sign District petition with the City of Aurora on January 17, 2015, requesting to create a Special Sign District for the Chicago Premium Outlets, as described in Exhibit "B" for property legally described in Exhibit "A"; and
WHEREAS, after referral of said petition from the Aurora City Council, and after due notice and publication of said notice, the Aurora Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on April 8, 2015, with respect to said petition for a Special Sign District and found that said petition met the standards prescribed by Chapter 41 Sec. 41-14. and Sec. 41-16 (6) Standards of the Aurora Sign Ordinance, and recommended APPROVAL of the Special Sign District; and
WHEREAS, on April 30, 2015, the Planning and Development Committee of the Aurora City Council reviewed said Special Sign District and the before mentioned recommendations and recommended APPROVAL of said petition; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows:
Section One: That the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois finds as fact all of the preamble recitals of this Ordinance.
Section Two: In accordance with the Aurora Sign Ordinance, Chapter 41 Sec. 41-14. and Sec. 41-16 (6), a Special Sign District as described in Exhibit "B" is hereby granted for the real estate property legally described in Exhibit "A".
Section Three: That this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect, and shall be controlling, upon its passage and approval.
Section Four: That any section, phrase or paragraph of this Ordinance that is construed to be invalid, void or unconstitutional shall not affect the remaining sections, phrases or paragraphs of this Ordinance which shall remain in full force and effect.