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Conservation Subdivision Design
On July 25, 2006, the Homer Glen Village Board took action to ensure achievement of the goals and objectives of the Village's Comprehensive Plan, as well as it's core values, by approving a new Conservation Subdivision Design Ordinance. It is anticipated that over a thousand acres of new open space could be added to the Village with this innovative and environmentally-friendly ordinance.
Conservation Subdivision Design Ordinance
Residential Development
The ordinance requires developers of new residential subdivisions to set aside between 20% and 50% of the area as permanent, dedicated, publicly-owned open space. The amount of open space is dependent upon the zoning of the property. Applicability of the Conservation Subdivision Ordinance is required for all residential developments, the only exemptions are the following:
- The subdivision shall consist of a total land area of 10 acres or less, exclusive of roads or easements of access. 138-5C(5)(b)
- The subdivision shall consist of lots, each of which has a minimum land area of 1.5 acres in size or greater, exclusive of roads or easements of access. 138-5C(5)(c)
- Notwithstanding any of the exemptions listed above, a development of any type may voluntarily choose to comply with the standards contained in this subsection for design of a development.
Open Spaces
Open spaces will be created through carefully planned clustering of homes with the vast percentage of homes being adjacent to open space. The new ordinance also uses a "net density" approach that removes environmentally sensitive lands and roads prior to the calculation of number of units allowed per acre of land.
Open spaces can be connected from one neighborhood to the next, where feasible, creating an extensive, interlinked network of open spaces. The new open space areas will not only allow the Village to further protect environmentally sensitive lands, but also allow additional trails, walking paths, and parks to be built. Connected open spaces will also promote and protect wildlife corridors. Many of the Village's scenic vistas will be saved, helping us to preserve our rural character and way of life we have all come to enjoy. The Village will also benefit from reduced infrastructure maintenance costs in the future since fewer miles of roads and utilities will be needed. Flooding and drainage problems will be reduced because there will be less overall impervious surface creating runoff. Similarly, declining groundwater aquifers will be recharged because more impervious areas will allow rainwater to soak in.