HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/27/2015 P&Z Minutes 16-15
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
CASE NO. PZ-16-15
Hearing Date: August 27, 2015
PROPERTY ADDRESS:
300 E. Evergreen Avenue
PETITIONER
:Thomas Karlov
PUBLICATION DATE:
July 8, 2015
PIN NUMBER:
08-12-111-010-0000
REQUEST:
Variation to allow a gravel driveway
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Thomas Fitzgerald
William Beattie
Keith Youngquist
Jeanne Kueter
Norbert Mizwicki
Joseph Donnelly, Chair
Agostino Filippone-Associate
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Sharon Otteman
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Consuelo Andrade, Deputy Director of Community
Development
INTERESTED PARTY
:Thomas Karlov
Chairman Donnelly called the meeting to order at 7:30p.m. Commissioner Beattie made a motion to
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approve the minutes of the July 23, 2015 meeting; Commissioner Youngquistseconded the motion. The
minutes were approved 7-0. Chairman Donnelly introduced Case PZ-16-15 300 E. Evergreen Avenue.
Ms. Andrade statedthe Petitioner for PZ-16-15 is seeking a variation from the requirement to pave an
existing gravel driveway to allow the gravel driveway to remain at 300 E. Evergreen Avenue. She further
stated the Subject Property is located at the northeast corner of the Elm Street and Evergreen Avenue
intersectionand is zoned RA Single Family Residence and is bordered by the RA District to the north and
east and the R3 Low-Density ResidentialPUD to the west and south.
Ms. Andrade explained the subject property includes a two-story single-family residence, gravel
driveway, and walkways.The gravel driveway is nonconforming with the Village Code. Village Code
requires existing gravel drivewayor parking lot to be paved. The Petitioner does not desire to pave the
driveway and is seeking a variation from the Village Code requirement to pave the gravel driveway.
Ms. Andrade summarized the standards for a variation as the following:
A hardshipdue to the physical surroundings, shape, or topographical conditions of a specific
property not generally applicable to other properties in the same zoning district and not created by
any person presently having an interest in the property;
Planning and Zoning Meeting-August 27, 2015PZ-16-15
Joseph Donnelly, Chairman
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Lack of desire to increase financial gain; and
Protection of the public welfare, other property, and neighborhood character.
Ms. Andrade indicated Staff reviewed the Petitioner’s request and foundthe request met the the standards
for a variation.She explained that the Subject Property’s characteristics are unique and unusual, which
would not be applicable to other properties in the Village. The gravel driveway is in keeping with the
historic character of the Subject Property, which dates back to 1916.
Ms. Andrade further stated that the petitioner haddemonstrated their efforts to maintain the historic
character of the property and that the gravel drivewaywasin keeping with that character. Aside from
replacing the front porch and walkway, the property essentially remains as it did when the property was
developed.
Ms. Andrade stated that the Petitioner’s variation request meets the standards as listed in the Zoning
Ordinance and that granting such request would be in the best interest of the Village. Staff recommended
that the Planning & Zoning Commission make a motion to adopt staff’s findings as the findings of the
approval
Planning and Zoning Commission andrecommend of the following motion:
“A variation from the requirement to pave an existinggravel driveway.”
Ms. Andrade stated that this case is Village Board final.
Commissioner Youngquist asked why the topic of gravel driveways was being brought up as an issue.
Ms. Andrade stated that the Zoning Code was amended requiring gravel driveways and parking lots to be
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paved by January 1, 2015.
She stated that Staff is following up on these structures to ensure they are complying with the code.
Chairman Donnelly stated that two neighbors by the Subject Property sent letters to the board stating they
are in support of the Variation. He further asked if the gravel driveway could be extended if the Petitioner
decides to build a garage in the future.
Ms. Andrade responded the Variation would only be applicable to the existing driveway.
Chairman Donnelly swore in Tom Karlov from 300 E. Evergreen.
Mr. Karlov stated that he and his wife purchased the house in 1987 with the intent to repair the historical
home and restore it to the original time period in which the house was built. He also gave a brief history
about the Subject Property stating that it used to be the home of Fred Busse.
Mr. Karlov further explained that they do use it as a driveway and would like to build a garage on the side
but would still keep the gravel driveway as is because it is a part of the original homestead.
Chairman Donnelly clarified that if the variance is granted it only applies to the gravel driveway and if
any improvements are made, the variation can be taken away.
Planning and Zoning Meeting-August 27, 2015PZ-16-15
Joseph Donnelly, Chairman
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Mr. Karlov stated that he understood.
Mr.Mizwicki asked the petitioner if he was going to build a two car garage why would he want to keep
the gravel driveway.
Mr. Karlov stated he isn’t sure if he will build a two car garage and that the gravel driveway is part of the
character of the home. He explained that he is part of the historical society and is just trying to preserve
the house as it was.
The commissioners applauded the Petitioner for his efforts in preserving the home.
Chairman Donnelly asked if there was anyone else from the audience that wanted to discuss the case.
Hearing none, he closed the public portion of the hearing and brought the discussion back to the board.
Commissioner Beattie made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Kueter to approve the following
motion:
“To approve:
Avariation from the requirement to pave an existing gravel driveway.”
UPON ROLL CALLAYES: Filippone, Fitzgerald, Beattie, Younquist, Kueter, Mizwicki, Donnelly
NAYS: None
The vote was approved 7-0 with a positive recommendation to the Village Board.
After hearing two (2) additional cases, Commissioner Younguist made a motion seconded by
Commissioner Filippone and the meeting was adjourned at 9:14 pm.
_______________________________
Jenna Moder, Administrative Assistant
Planning and Zoning Meeting-August 27, 2015PZ-16-15
Joseph Donnelly, Chairman