03/10/2015Case #15-008-V-2032 Plainfield Drive
Case #15-010-V-272 Harvey Avenue
Case #15-011-V-491 Marshall Drive
March 10, 2015
Page 1
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DES PLAINES
ILLINOIS I
DES PLAINES ZONING BOARD MEETING
MARCH 10, 2015
MINUTES
The Des Plaines Zoning Board Meeting held its regularly schedul ecl meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at
7:30 p.m. in Room 101 of the Des Plaines Civic Center.
ZONING BOARD
PRESENT` Seegers, Szabo, Catalano, Saletnik, Hofherr, Schell
ABSENT Green
ALSO PRESENT. Scott Mangum, Senior Planner, Department of Community & Economic Development
Gale Cerabona, Recording Secretary
Chairman Seegers called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. & read this evening's case.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A motion was made by Board Member Hofherr, seconded by Board Member Saletnik, to approve the
meeting minutes of February 24, 2015, as amended — with the last motion (before adjournment) indicating
that it was made by Board Member Hofherr and seconded by Board Member Saletnik.
AYES: Hofherr, Sal etnik, Szabo, Seegers
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: Catalano, Schell
***MOTION CARRIED 4-0***
NEW BUSINESS
1. Address: 2032 Plainfield Drive Case Number: 15-008-V
Petitioner is requesting a variation to Section 7.2-4.D of the 1998 City ofDes Plaines Zoning Ordinance, as
amended to authorize a 330 square foot addition with a building coverage of approximately 32.5 percent,
instead of not greater than 30 percent in the R-1 Zoning District.
PIN: 09-29-305-027-0000
Petitioner: Urszula & Peter Topolewicz, 2032 Plainfield Drive, Des Plaines IL, 60018
Case #15-008-V-2032 Plainfield Drive
Case #15-010-V-272 Harvey Avenue
Case #15-011-V-491 Marshall Drive
March 10, 2015
Page 2
Owner: Urszula Topolewicz, 2032 Plainfield Drive, Des Plaines IL, 60018
Chairman Seegers swore in Mr. & Mrs. Topolewicz who displayed an illustration depicting a sunroom and
entryway additions to the front and side of the building (2 percent over lot coverage) including a driveway.
Chairman Seegers asked:
• if Petitioner is changing roofline to incorporate the whole structure. Mr. Topolewicz advised — yes
• what this reduces the side yard to. Mr. Topolewicz advised — 5 ft.
Chairman Seegers asked if the Board has any questions and swore in Bart Kalata, Project Manager, S.K.I.
Architecture.
Board Member Hofherr asked:
• from the street, the major portion of property is covered with structures, driveway, and patios; am
concerned about flooding; is there any flooding? Petitioner advised — yes, like everybody else.
• Staff, if there is a concem with the City. Mr. Mangum advised — yes, the impervious surface is not
regulated; though looking at lot coverage, there is a concem
• what the effect on neighboring properties is regarding additional flooding. Mr. Topolewicz
advised — he spoke with neighbors, and no one has an issue; everyone has flooding; they are
happy this beautifies the neighborhood
• if there is a runoff to rear properties. Mr. Topolewicz advised — no
Board Member Catalano asked if the sunroom is 6'10 x 22.9. Mr. Topolewicz advised — yes.
Chairman Seegers asked if the exterior is masonry. Mr. Kalata advised — yes, and stone.
Board Member Hofherr asked Staff the percentage that is impervious. Mr. Mangum advised — that is not
listed, and there is no requirement by the City.
Chairman Seegers asked if the Board has any further questions
Board Member Catalano commented if the sunroom isn't there, it would be closer to the 30%. He asked
Petitioners if they considered not doing the sunroom. Mr. Topolewicz advised — that is the point of the
project; this is only 2%.
Chairman Seegers asked Staff to provide the summary report.
Issue: The petitioner is requesting a variation to Section 7.2-4.D of the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning
Ordinance, as amended: to authorize a 330 square foot addition with a building coverage of approximately
32.5 percent, instead of not greater than 30 percent in the R-1 Zoning District.
Analysis:
Address: 2032 Plainfield Drive
PIN: 09-29-305-027-0000
Existing Zoning: R-1, Single Family Residential District
Petitioner: Urszula & Peter Topolewicz, 2032 Plainfield Drive, Des Plaines IL, 60018
Owner(s): Urszula Topolewicz, 2032 Plainfield Drive, Des Plaines IL, 60018
Case #15-008-V-2032 Plainfield Drive
Case #15-010-V-272 Harvey Avenue
Case #15-011-V-491 Marshall Drive
March 10, 2015
Page 3
In reviewing this variation request, staff has considered the following information:
The 56 -foot by 125 -foot (7,000 square foot) lot at 2032 Plainfield Drive is a legal conforming lot, as it exceeds
the minimum lot width and lot size requirements in the R-1 District. A split level brick and frame single-
family residence, driveway, rear detached two -car garage, and two patios currently exist on site. The applicant
proposes to construct two one-story additions, totaling 330 square feet. A new sunroom would be added to
the north side of the house and a walk-in closet and entry to the front of the house.
The existing house covers approximately 27.7% (1,942 square feet) of the lot. The proposed additions would
place the total building coverage at approximately 2,272 square feet (32.5%), where the zoning ordinance
allows a maximum building coverage of 2,100 square feet (30%). The owner received building permits in
2002 to convert a one -car attached garage to living area and construct an approximately 440 square foot
garage at the rear of the property. Per Section 3.6-6 of the Zoning Ordinance, lot coverage of up to 20% over
the maximum requirements may be allowed as a standard variation.
An additional minor variation to create a circular driveway in the front yard is proposed. This request will be
considered separately by the Zoning Administrator.
Recommendation: Staff recommends denial of the above -requested lot coverage variation based on review
of the information presented by the applicant and the standards and conditions imposed by Section 3.6-8
(Findings of Fact for Variations) as outlined by the City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance. Staff is
recommending denial of the variation as the subject lot is a legal conforming lot. The owner increased the lot
coverage of the lot by converting a garage to living area and adding approximately 440 square feet of building
coverage to the lot since the adoption of the 1998 Zoning Ordinance. Additionally, the property is already
developed with a large percentage of impervious surface, including the driveway to a rear garage, two patios,
and an enlarged curb cut.
Zoning Board of Appeals Procedure
Under Section 3.6-6 of the Zoning Ordinance (Standard Variations) the Zoning Board of Appeals has the
authority to approve, approve subject to conditions, or deny the above-mentioned variance for lot coverage
for an addition to a single-family residence in the R-1 zoning district.
Chairman Seegers asked if the Board has any questions. There were none.
Mrs. Topolewicz asked if it would be acceptable to remove one of the patios to obtain the addition. Mr.
Mangum advised — there is concem with the amount of impervious surface.
Board Member Catalano asked what the dimensions are to the south of the house. Mr. Topolewicz advised —
roughly 9x10.
Board Member Szabo asked:
• how the patio is accessed. Mr. Topolewicz advised — it's attached to the driveway; site plan was
shown.
• what the material is on the patio in the rear. Mr. Topolewicz advised — brick pavers set in sand
Case #15-008-V-2032 Plainfield Drive
Case #15-010-V-272 Harvey Avenue
Case #15-011-V-491 Marshall Drive
March 10, 2015
Page 4
Chairman Seegers asked if the audience is in favor or objects. No one responded
A motion was made by Board Member Hofherr, seconded by Board Member Schell, to deny the
variance request for the project as proposed.
AYES: Hofherr, Schell, Catalano, Szabo, Seegers
NAYES: Saletnik
"""MOTION CARRIED 5-1"""
Board Member Szabo commented that he doesn't really see the hardship. Board Member Catalano stated to
Petitioner, if the patio is removed, this Zoning Board of Appeals may consider this matter further.
2. Address: 272 Harvey Avenue Case Number: 15-010-V
Petitioner is requesting a variation to Section 7.2-4.D of the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, as
amended: to authorize a 433 square foot addition with a front yard setback of 8'-6-3/4", instead of not less
than 25' in the R-1 Zoning District.
PIN: 09-18-103-012-0000
Petitioner: Anthony and Diane Leone, 272 Harvey Avenue, Des Plaines IL, 60016
Owner: Anthony and Diane Leone, 272 Harvey Avenue, Des Plaines IL, 60016
Chairman Seegers swore in Anthony and Diane Leone, 272 Harvey Avenue, Des Plaines IL, 60016 & John
Mackin, Architect, Mackin Associates, 1125 Peterson Avenue, Unit E, Park Ridge, IL. Mr. Leone advised a
13x33 ft addition is requested off of the kitchen and includes a laundry and mud room. He noted the home
faces Harvey Avenue; the back of the home is where the addition would be.
Chairman Seegers asked if this is a comer lot. Mr. Leone advised — yes.
Board Member Szabo asked if there are any renderings. Mr. Mackin advised — there are none in the packet;
the addition is to add the structure with the same materials as the existing home (wood, gable roof). Mrs.
Leone illustrated and explained the site plan to Board Members, and indicated that stairs are existing. Mr.
Leone advised — on the East side, there are neighbors; on the other side, there are no neighbors. Mr. Mackin
stated — when the home was built, there was a side yard setback; when Zoning Ordinance was changed, the
angle and orientation of the house is the situation now.
Chairman Seegers asked if the neighbors have been spoken to. Mr. Leone advised — yes, to the East and
North, and they love the idea (as it would increase property values).
Board Member Saletnik complimented the architect for the illustration of setbacks; sees a hardship due to
the configuration of the lot.
Chairman Seegers asked if anyone in the audience is in favor or objects. No one responded. Chairman Seegers
asked Staff to provide the summary report.
Case #15-008-V-2032 Plainfield Drive
Case #15-010-V-272 Harvey Avenue
Case #15-011-V-491 Marshall Drive
March 10, 2015
Page 5
Issue: The petitioner is requesting a variation to Section 7.2-4.D of the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning
Ordinance, as amended: to authorize a 433 square foot addition with a front yard setback of 8'-6-3/4", instead
of not less than 25' in the R-1 Zoning District.
Analysis:
Address: 272 Harvey Avenue
Existing Zoning: R-1, Single Family Residential District
Petitioner: Anthony and Diane Leone, 272 Harvey Avenue, Des Plaines IL, 60016
Owner(s): Anthony and Diane Leone, 272 Harvey Avenue, Des Plaines IL, 60016
PIN: 09-18-103-012-0000
In reviewing this variation request, staff has considered the following information:
The irregularly shaped (13,588 square foot) comer lot at 272 Harvey Avenue is conforming with regards to
lot width (65' would be required of a corner lot in a new subdivision) and lot size, as it is larger than the
minimum comer lot size of 8,125 square feet. A one-story, 1,523 square foot brick single-family residence
with detached two -car garage and shed currently exists on site. Because the property is located at the comer
of Harvey Avenue and Cumberland Parkway a 25 -foot setback is required on both frontages. The acute angle
of the curvilinear intersection reduces the lot width toward its northern boundary.
The applicant proposes to add a 433 square -foot (13 -foot by 33 -foot, 3 -inch) single story rear addition that
would match the existing westem building line. Because the existing structure is located within the 25 -foot
required setback from Cumberland Parkway and the narrowing of the lot, the addition would also project into
the setback, approximately 8 -feet, 7 -inches from the property line at its closest point. Per Section 3.6-6 of the
Zoning Ordinance, a setback that projects more than 30% into the required setback may be allowed with a
standard variation.
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the above -requested front -yard setback variation based on
review of the information presented by the applicant and the standards and conditions imposed by Section
3.6-8 (Findings of Fact for Variations) as outlined by the City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance. The acute
curvilinear intersection reduces the lot width towards its northem boundary. The single story addition would
follow the existing western line of the house. Additionally, because of the expansive parkway, the addition
would be located approximately 35 -feet from the edge of pavement on Cumberland Parkway at its closest
point.
Zoning Board of Appeals Procedure:
Under Section 3.6-6 of the Zoning Ordinance (Standard Variations) the Zoning Board of Appeals has the
authority to approve, approve subject to conditions, or deny the above-mentioned variance for the front -
yard setback for an addition to a single-family residence in the R-1 zoning district.
Case #15-008-V-2032 Plainfield Drive
Case #15-010-V-272 Harvey Avenue
Case #15-011-V-491 Marshall Drive
March 10, 2015
Page 6
A motion was made by Board Member Hotherr, seconded by Board Member Catalano, to approve the
variance/addition request as presented.
AYES: Hofherr, Catalano, Szabo, Saletnik, Schell, Seegers
NAYES: None
"""MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY* * *
3. Address: 491 Marshall Drive Case Number: 15-011-V
Petitioner is requesting a variation to Sections 7.2-4-D of the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance,
as amended: to legalize the construction of a pergola with an approximately zero -foot side -yard setback,
where the minimum allowed side -yard setback is 5 feet in the R-1 zoning district.
PIN: 08-13-321-002-0000
Petitioner: David A. Bertellotti, 491 Marshall Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Owner: David A. Bertellotti, 491 Marshall Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Chairman Seegers swore in David A. Bertellotti, 491 Marshall Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60016 who advised
he is requesting a decorative, non-structural pergola on top of the deck.
Chairman Seegers asked:
• if this would be open and not have a roof. Mr. Bertellotti advised -- correct
• if this structure is built. Mr. Bertellotti advised — yes
Board Member Catalano asked if when the deck was built, the pergola was added. Mr. Bertellotti advised —
correct.
Board Member Szabo asked if neighbors have any issues. Mr. Bertellotti advised — no, they do not.
Board Member Catalano asked if the building permit plans have the pergola on them. Mr. Bertellotti
advised — no.
Chairman Seegers asked if anyone in the audience is in favor or objects. No one responded. Chairman Seegers
asked Staff to provide the summary report.
Issue: The petitioner is requesting a variation to Sections 7.2-4-D of the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning
Ordinance, as amended: to legalize the construction of a pergola with an approximately zero -foot side -yard
setback, where the minimum allowed side -yard setback is 5 feet in the R-1 zoning district.
Analysis:
Address: 491 Marshall Drive
PIN: 08-13-321-002-0000
Existing Zoning: R-1, Single Family Residential District
Petitioner: David A. Bertellotti, 491 Marshall Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Case #15-008-V-2032 Plainfield Drive
Case #15-010-V-272 Harvey Avenue
Case #15-011-V-491 Marshall Drive
March 10, 2015
Page 7
Owner(s): David A. Bertellotti, 491 Marshall Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60016
In reviewing this variation request, staff has considered the following information:
The lot has 71.5 -feet of frontage on Marshall Drive and is approximately 96 -feet deep (approximately 6,850
square feet). The lot is conforming with regards to lot width (55' would be required in a new subdivision),
but falls below the minimum lot size of 6,875 square feet. The lot also lacks the 125 -feet of depth that would
be required of a new subdivision. A one-story brick and frame single-family residence with attached two -car
garage and driveway currently exists on site.
In 2013, a zero -foot setback was approved to replace a concrete patio with a 14" -high, 8 -foot by 44 -foot,
wood deck. The deck has been constructed along with a wood pergola structure. The applicant is now seeking
a variation to legalize the construction of the pergola within the required 5 -foot setback. Per Section 3.6-6 of
the Zoning Ordinance, a setback variation of greater than 30% may be considered as a standard variation.
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the above -requested side -yard setback variation based on
review of the information presented by the applicant and the standards and conditions imposed by Section
3.6-8 (Findings of Fact for Variations) as outlined by the City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance. The pergola
is located atop an already approved encroachment into the side setback. Additionally, the pergola structure
is open and provides less bulk than a typical structure.
Zoning Board of Appeals Procedure
Under Section 3.6-6 of the Zoning Ordinance (Standard Variations) the Zoning Board of Appeals has the
authority to approve, approve subject to conditions, or deny the above-mentioned variance for the side
setback of a pergola in the R-1 zoning district.
A motion was made by Board Member Catalano, seconded by Board Member Hotherr, to approve the
variation as requested.
AYES: Catalano, Hofherr, Szabo, Saletnik, Schell, Seegers
NAYES: None
"""MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY* * *
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Board Member Hofherr, seconded by Board Member Schell, to adjourn the
meeting at 8:07 p.m. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Sincerely,
Gale Cerabona
Recording Secretary
cc: City Officials, Aldermen, Zoning Board of Appeals, Petitioners