Naperville planners voiced no concerns about an asphalt paving business that wants to build an office and warehouse on North Aurora Road, even with a parking lot closer than code allows to the townhouses and duplexes across the street.
Asphalt Paving Professionals is seeking a zoning variance from the city to allow its parking spaces to be set back 75 feet from the property line, instead of 100 feet as required by code. The larger setback specification is required because the industrial site at 1756 North Aurora is directly across from residential property, said Anna Franco, a member of the city’s planning services team.
The proposed building meets the setback requirement, at 130 feet from the property line, Franco said.
But because of a detention pond on the south side of the site, representatives of Asphalt Paving Professionals said the business doesn’t have the space to keep the parking lot compliant with the setback standard as well. Eighteen parking spaces will be built on the north and west sides of the building, with the ones to the north falling closest to residential neighbors.
Other nearby businesses also have parking lots out of compliance with the setback requirement, and Franco said staff will “ensure substantial landscaping will be provided” to further buffer the industrial use.
“Staff finds the parking lot will have minimal impact on adjacent properties and will not alter the character of the neighborhood,” she said.
Members of the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, which heard the variance request at their most recent meeting, agreed. Unanimously — and without any discussion — they approved the variance request, sending it to the Naperville City Council for onsideration with a positive recommendation.
Franco said Asphalt Paving Professionals plans to use the property to store equipment for its paving business. No manufacturing of asphalt will occur at the site.
Access to the new building would come from existing driveways at Storage Mart and Brickworks, with no new access point to be built.
Marie Wilson is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
