HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/12/2024 P&Z Minutes (PZ-12-24)MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
CASE NO. PZ -12-24
PROPERTY ADDRESS:
PETITIONER/PROPERTY OWNER:
PUBLICATION DATE:
REQUEST:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
INTERESTED PARTIES:
Hearing Date: September 12, 2024
2004 W. Lonnquist Boulevard
Deemy Rekkas
August 28, 2024
A variation from the accessory structure location requirements
to allow the installation of a shed in the front yard
Joseph Donnelly
William Beattie
Walter Szymczak
Donald Olsen
Ewa Weir
Greg Miller
Jason C. Shallcross — Director of Community Development
Ann Choi — Development Planner
Deemy Rekkas, Village of Mount Prospect
Chairman Donnelly called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM. Vice Chairman Beattie made a motion
seconded by Commissioner Szymczak to approve the minutes from the Planning and Zoning Commission
meeting on June 27, 2024. The minutes were approved 4-0.
Chairman Donnelly introduced Case No. PZ -12-24 / 2004 West Lonnquist Boulevard / Variation from the
accessory structure location requirements to allow the installation of a shed in the front yard at the
subject property.
Ms. Choi stated the subject property is located at the northeast corner of Lonnquist Boulevard and
Meier Road, and that the subject property is the only lot with its legal front yard fronting Meier Road
along this block. Ms. Choi also stated that the four neighbors to the north all have their rear yards facing
Meier Road and that the front yards of these neighboring properties have frontages on Chris Lane, a cul-
de-sac. Ms. Choi further stated that the subject property's front yard also faces the parking lot of St.
Cecilia's Catholic Church across Meier Road.
Ms. Choi presented the next slide which shows photos of the existing property. Ms. Choi provided that
the subject property was annexed into the Village in 1969 and that in 2004, the existing single-family
home was constructed with various improvements including a swimming pool, since the original
construction. Ms. Choi stated that in 2020, a variation was granted via Resolution No. R-12-20 to permit
the installation of a privacy fence around the front yard.
Ms. Choi explained that the Petitioner proposes to construct a new shed at the northwest corner of the
subject property and would encroach past the front elevation of the home and into the legal front yard,
which abuts Meier Road. Ms. Choi continued to explain that per code, accessory structures are not
permitted in a required front yard; therefore, a variation to construct a shed in the front yard is
required. Ms. Choi stated that the proposed shed would be less than ten feet (10') tall and would be
mostly screened by the front yard fence. Ms. Choi presented the shed drawings that illustrated that the
proposed shed would be 140 square feet (10' x 14') in size with a standard open gable roof with a roof
pitch of 5:12. Ms. Choi provided that the proposal was reviewed by the Village's public works
department, and it was noted that a drainage swale exists along the north property line carrying
stormwater runoff from east to west. Ms. Choi stated that the Petitioner was made aware that
corrective measures may be required if it is determined at any time in the future that the shed impedes
the flow of stormwater.
Ms. Choi presented a table that outlines the requirements for accessory structures. Ms. Choi
determined that aside from the location requirement, the shed conforms to all other accessory
structure requirements including setbacks, height, and size requirements. Ms. Choi provided that the
overall lot coverage and FAR is also below the maximum allowed for a R-1 zoned property.
Ms. Choi stated that the proposed variation request meets the standards for a variation and that based
on these findings, staff recommends that the Planning and Zoning Commission make a motion to
recommend approval of the following:
"A variation to the accessory structure location regulations to allow the installation of a shed in the front
yard for the property located at 2004 W. Lonnquist Boulevard, subject to the following conditions:
1. The Subject Property shall be developed in general compliance with the approved drawings
which consist of the following:
a. Plat of Survey, prepared by Spiewak Consulting, dated August 21, 2018, and providing
the location of the proposed shed.
b. Shed Specifications, prepared by Tuff Shed, Inc., 2 pages, and dated 6/16/23.
c. Shed Elevations, prepared by Tuff Shed Inc., and dated 6/20/2024."
Ms. Choi stated that the Village Board's decision is final for this case.
Chairman Donnelly asked the Planning and Zoning Commission if there were any questions for staff.
Vice Chairman Beattie asked Ms. Choi why the frontage along Meier Road becomes the legal front yard
for a corner lot in this case. Ms. Choi responded that the definition of frontage in the zoning code places
the front yard within the narrowest portion of the lot. Chairman Donnely pointed out that only two-
thirds of the front yard is enclosed by a fence on the subject property.
Chairman Donnelly swore in the petitioner and property owner, Deemy Rekkas at 2004 West Lonnquist
Boulevard, Mount Prospect IL, and asked the petitioner to explain the variation request. Ms. Rekkas
explained that she wants to install a shed to store her household and lawn equipment. Chairman
Donnelly asked if Ms. Rekkas had spoken with her neighbors and Ms. Rekkas gestured to the audience.
Chairman Donnelly made a statement to let the records show that there were a couple of neighbors in
the audience who expressed support for the variation request.
Hearing no further comments or questions, Chairman Donnelly closed the hearing and asked for a roll
call following a motion to approve the variation request.
Vice Chairman Beattie made the motion seconded by Chairman Szymczak to approve the following
motion:
"A variation to the accessory structure location regulations to allow the installation of a shed in the front
yard for the property located at 2004 W. Lonnquist Boulevard, subject to the conditions listed in the
staff report."
UPON ROLL CALL AYES: Szymczak, Olsen, Beattie, Donnelly
NAYS: None
The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0.
After hearing two more items of new business and no citizens to be heard, Vice Chairman Beattie made a
motion seconded by Commissioner Szymczak, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:26 PM.
Ann Choi
Development Planner