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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - 10/09/2025 - Docket #25-7, 1905 Lunt AvenueI& Elk Grove Village Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes October 9, 2025 Present: D. Childress S. Fowler S. Garcia J. Glimco S. Rawleigh G. Spragg Absent: R. Bookler D. Latrofa R. Serrano, Jr. Staff: B. Kozor, Deputy Director of Community Development Petitioner: J. Matthews, Bloom Energy Corporation Chairman Childress called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Item 1: ZBA Docket #25-7: Petition for a Zoning Variance to construct an addition to the primary structure which will extend four (4') feet, five (5") inches into the required ten (10') foot setback along the west side of the building at 1905 Lunt Avenue. Chairman Childress read the legal notice into the record and asked the Petitioner to explain the Variance request before the Zoning Board of Appeals. James Matthews, Bloom Energy, was contracted by Equinix Inc. to provide additional power to this site through the use of fuel cells. J. Matthews stated that due to the existing building's site constraints, the west end of the building was considered to be the best location for the equipment platform. J. Matthews stated that this encroachment would be considered advantageous and less impactful due to the location of the drainage creek, which is adjacent to the proposed installation between this property and the property to the west. J. Matthews stated that this equipment structure will be screened, and all noise ordinances will be complied with. J. Matthews stated that the noise produced from this equipment would be minimal in comparison to an alternate power source such as diesel generators. J. Matthews stated that this is not a very noisy system but that there is a hum to the generators which is in compliance with code regulations. J. Matthews stated that the existing building's site constraints make alternative placement impractical without significant redesign or operational compromise. J. Matthews stated that the proposed elevated equipment platform will not substantially impact adjacent properties and the need for this equipment is to meet Equinix's operational requirements. J. Matthews stated that the goal was to make this equipment platform modest, to set the equipment as far back as possible, and to elevate and screen the equipment to create the least amount of impact. Commission Member Fowler asked what exactly a fuel cell is, how does it work, and how it is different from a generator. J. Matthews stated that this equipment is a generator, but it does not use combustion to create electricity. Instead, this system creates energy through a chemical reaction which is quieter than traditional diesel generators. Commission Member Fowler asked about the noise generation from this equipment. J. Matthews stated the noise generated will be in compliance with noise standards adopted by the Village. Commission Member Fowler asked if this equipment was to be located inside the building. J. Matthews stated that the equipment will be located outdoors on a screened platform, which is open at the top. Commission Member Glimco asked if there were any environmental concerns about placing this equipment within the setback. Chairman Childress responded by asking Village Staff if the equipment was to be located on a raised platform above the creek. B. Kozor stated that the equipment is proposed to be installed on a raised platform, however it is not over any portion of the creek. Commission Member Spragg asked about the impact of this location on the existing parking lot. J. Matthews stated that the equipment platform will require slight modifications to the parking area underneath it. Commission Member Rawleigh asked if the Petitioner knew that this building would need this additional power and that this structure would be required to be located on the west side of the when they constructed the building. J. Matthews stated that they were contracted for this installation and could not speculate on what the owner's intent was when constructing the data center, but that with the growth of Artificial Intelligence, and the substantial power needed for those processes, there resulted in a need for additional power generation at this location. Chairman Childress asked if the construction would be in accordance with required codes. J. Matthews stated that the construction would be in compliance with all required codes. Chairman Childress asked about how the structure will impact access for deliveries, building maintenance, parking, and Fire Department access. J. Matthews stated that site access will be maintained through circulation under the structure, and vehicle parking will remain under the elevated platform. Chairman Childress stated that there were no members of the public in attendance. Chairman Childress asked if Village Staff had any concerns or comments with the petition. B. Kozor stated that the Village received no comments or questions from the public or neighboring businesses prior to the public hearing, and that Village Staff had no comments on the petition. RECOMMENDATION Commission Member Glimco moved to recommend approval of the following: Do Grant the request of a Petition for a Zoning Variance from Table Section 7-1 - Schedule of Bulk and Yard Requirements and Regulations which specifies that in the I-2 Zoning District, the minimum required setback for each side yard is ten (10') feet, and to grant approval for the installation of an addition to the primary structure, which will extend four (4') feet, five (5") inches into the required ten (10') foot setback along the west side of the building at 1905 Lunt Avenue. Commission Member Spragg seconded the motion. Upon voting (Childress, Fowler, Garcia, Glimco, Rawleigh, and Spragg, AYES), the motion carried 6-0. Item 2: Adjournment The hearing concluded at 7:21 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bryan Kozor Deputy Director of Community Development C: Chairman and Members of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Chairperson and Members of the Plan Commission, Mayor and Board of Trustees, Village Clerk