OF Rules Could Require Posh Look For New Businesses

OAK FOREST, IL — New businesses in the City of Oak Forest could be required to conform to a high-end, uniform look under new design guidelines city planners are reviewing.

The city is in the process of updating its design standards for both existing and new development. As part of that, the planning commission is looking at requirements that could give new buildings a consistent, elegant look using brick or stone, and elements such as uniform light fixtures.

At a commission meeting Wednesday night, officials will address questions such as:

• Should multi-tenant properties be allowed to have ground signs that are taller than 10 feet?

• Should ground signs be made only of brick or stone, or are other durable materials acceptable?

• Should the city mandate commercial properties use a certain fence material?
• Should commercial businesses be allowed to paint CMU block?
• Should commercial businesses be allowed to paint brick if the brick has not ever been painted?

• Should the city require uniform light fixture standards for private, commercial parking lots?

• Should the city consider different primary materials such as fiber cement board, “smart siding," or other materials besides brick and stone?

• Which primary and accent materials are desired and should either be design standards or guidelines?

The meeting is for discussion only and no public input or vote will be taken.

All changes will be vetted by the public and city council members at scheduled meetings. A final vote is expected in May.