Proposal gives more control over gas station plans in Joliet

A proposal to require special use permits for gas stations will go to the Joliet Plan Commission this month.

The city is reviewing zoning requirements for gas stations that have been in place since 1968 in the aftermath of a couple of controversial projects that have emerged in the past two years.

City staff said the proposed changes are in line with zoning requirements elsewhere and reflect the need for more review of modern gas stations that have automated car washes, drive-thru restaurants and other features that can create noise, traffic and other issues.

The proposal going to the Plan Commission on Jan. 16 would take away zoning for gas stations in neighborhood business districts and require special use permits for other areas.

“We looked at other towns,” said Kendall Jackson, director of community development for the city.

“For the most part, we think we were the only one in the area that didn’t require a special use permit,” Jackson said.

Gas stations now can be located in any area in which zoning allows them, and Joliet allows them in all business and industrial districts.

Gas stations would continue to be allowed in business and industrial zones with the exception of neighborhood business districts, where businesses are mixed into residential areas.

The added requirement of special use permits gives the Joliet City Council authority to reject proposals that sometimes face stiff community opposition or are found unfit for other reasons.

“What staff is proposing is an added layer of review,” Jackson said.

Staff advised the City Council in October that it was developing a proposal for tighter zoning requirements for gas stations.

Proposals for a Love's Travel Stop at Interstate 80 and Briggs Street, which was approved, and a Speedway gas station at Jefferson Street and Houbolt Road, which was rejected, both brought out large numbers of people opposed to the plans.

Both required special approvals. The Speedway needed rezoning. And, the Love’s site had to be annexed to Joliet.