08/25/2015Case #15-046-V 1225 Forest Avenue
Case #15-049-V 751 Gracel and Avenue
Case #15-051-V 1254 Cora Street
August 25, 2015
Page 1
/���CITY OF�
11 11
11
DES PLAINES
ILLINOIS I
DES PLAINES ZONING BOARD MEETING
AUGUST 25, 2015
MINUTES
The Des Plaines Zoning Board Meeting held its regularly scheciul eci meeting on Tuesday, August 25, 2015, at 7:30
p.m. in Room 101 of the Des Plaines Civic Center.
ZONING BOARD
PRESENT` Szabo, Hofherr, Schell, Green
ABSENT Saletnik, Catalano
ALSO PRESENT Scott Mangum, Senior Planner, Department of Community & Economic Development
Gale Cerabona, Recording Secretary
Acting Chair Szabo called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. & read this evening's cases.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A motion was made by Board Member Hofherr, seconded by Board Member Green, to approve the meeting
minutes of July 28, 2015, as presented.
AYES: Hofherr, Green, Schell, Szabo
NAYES: None
***MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY***
NEW BUSINESS
1. Address: 1225 Forest Avenue Case Number: 15-046-V
Petitioner is requesting a Standard Variation to Section 12-9-7 the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning
Ordinance, as amended, to expand the restaurant portion of a building in the C-3 Zoning District with 56
parking spaces, instead of not less than 75.
PIN: 09-20-400-025-0000,09-20-400-030-0000
Petitioner: Louis Psihogios for Boston Fish Market, 1225 Forest Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Owner: Louis Psihogios for Boston Fish Market,1225 Forest Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Case #15-046-V 1225 Forest Avenue
Case #15-049-V 751 Graceland Avenue
Case #15-051-V 1254 Cora Street
August 25, 2015
Page 2
Acting Chair Saletnik swore in Louis Psihogios, Owner, Boston Fish Market, 1225 Forest Avenue, Des
Plaines, IL 60018 & Michael W. Hartel AIA, ALA, LEED AP, Principal, Designhaus Inc., 1020 Elk Grove
Town Center, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007.
Mr. Hartel advised the existing restaurant owner is requesting a variation to reduce the parking spaces to 56
as proposed. He noted the restaurant will expand, and all parking spaces cannot be housed on site. A parking
agreement is being negotiated at this time with neighboring businesses. Comparisons of those parking spaces,
per code, were shared.
It was noted the gate on the West parking lot will contain clear signage. Evening business is when the
restaurant accommodates most of its customers.
Acting Chair Szabo asked if the Board has any questions.
Board Member Hofherr asked/stated:
• what the construction is at the East side of the building. Mr. Hartel advised — a patio will be
installed; a permit has been granted.
• in the rear, per the photos provided, it appears parking could be housed there (going East to West).
Mr. Psihogios concurred and stated, employees currently park in the rear.
• if the debris is cleared daily. Mr. Psihogios advised — yes
• patrons are indicating there is no parking. Mr. Psihogios advised — patrons also park in Aldi's
parking lot; there is an agreement in place for patrons to park there; a future agreement may
involve a purchase of the lot at Aldi. For East & West parking, the agreement should be in place in
1 week.
Board Member Green asked how many spaces there are in the agreement. Petitioner advised — 25 spaces.
Acting Chair Szabo swore in, Michael Werthmann KLOA, Inc.
Board Member Green asked:
• if the traffic study supports the amount of cars on Forest Avenue. Mr. Werthmann advised —
Forest Avenue can accommodate the traffic. There are over 200 seats at the restaurant, including
the outdoor grassy area. The expansion will not increase the traffic on Forest Avenue. Mr.
Werthmann noted the City is working to install a traffic signal at Mannheim Road & Forest
Avenue.
• what the timetable is. Mr. Werthmann advised -2017 or 2018
Acting Chair Szabo asked Staff to provide the Staff report.
Issue: The petitioner is requesting a Standard Variation to Section 12-9-7 the 1998 City of Des Plaines
Zoning Ordinance, as amended, to expand the restaurant portion of a building in the C-3 Zoning District with
56 parking spaces, instead of not less than 75.
Analysis:
Address: 1225 Forest Avenue
PIN: 09-20-400-025-0000,09-20-400-030-0000
Existing Zoning: C-3, General Commercial Zoning District
Case #15-046-V 1225 Forest Avenue
Case #15-049-V 751 Graceland Avenue
Case #15-051-V 1254 Cora Street
August 25, 2015
Page 3
Petitioner: Louis Psihogios for Boston Fish Market, 1225 Forest Avenue, Des Plaines,
IL 60018
Owner(s): Louis Psihogios for Boston Fish Market, 1225 Forest Avenue, Des Plaines,
IL 60018
In reviewing this variation request, staff has considered the following information:
Boston Fish Market has requested a parking variation to allow for a 2,400 square foot restaurant addition and
an outside patio.
In 2011 Boston Fish Market was granted a Conditional Use Permit to operate a Wholesale Goods
Establishment with Limited Accessory Retail Sales at 1225 Forest Avenue within the M-1, Limited
Manufacturing Zoning District. In addition to the wholesale and retail sales of fish products, a restaurant was
operating at the location. Restaurants are not a permitted use in the M-1 Zoning District, but are permitted
by right within the C-3 Zoning District. In 2013 the 1.5 -acre parcel at 1225 Forest Avenue, was reclassified
from the M-1, Limited Manufacturing Zoning District to the C-3, General Commercial District to allow for
the legalization of a 560 square foot dining area within the facility. At the time 50 parking spaces were shown
on the approved plans.
The existing floor plan within the 28,683 square foot building includes warehouse and food processing areas,
refrigeration and freezer areas, as well as shipping and receiving and office areas adjacent to the interior truck
dock. An additional 2,400 square -foot dining area is proposed in front of the retail counter. There are 56
parking spaces shown on the proposed site plan, where 75 parking spaces are required for the proposed office,
food processing, and interior restaurant operations. Per Department policy the seasonal outdoor dining areas
do not require additional parking spaces.
A traffic study was prepared by Kenig, Lindgren, O'Hara, Aboona, Inc. (KLOA, Inc.) in October 2010 with
an addendum to include the retail sales use completed in October 2011. The initial study concluded: that the
facility was projected to generate a very limited volume of traffic, especially during the critical moming and
evening peak hours; generate less traffic than other uses that could occupy the site; that the existing three
access drives will be sufficient to ensure efficient and orderly access with limited impact on Forest Avenue;
and that the proposed facility would have a limited impact on the operation of the Lee Street/Forest Avenue
intersection. The addendum found that the low volume of additional traffic to be generated by the retail space
would have limited, if any, impact on the operation of the roadway system.
The Mannheim Road/Forest Avenue intersection is scheduled to be improved to provide (1) a traffic signal,
(2) a separate left -tum lane, a through lane and a shared through/right-tum lane on both approaches of
Mannheim Road and (3) a separate left -tum lane and a shared through/right-turn lane on both approaches of
Forest Avenue.
A second addendum to the traffic study was prepared in August of this year to address the proposed expansion
of the restaurant use. The addendum evaluated the traffic volumes, loading dock operations, and parking.
The addendum noted that while the area for indoor seating would increase, the area of outdoor seating shown
on the plans would decrease from existing conditions. The addendum also notes that "With a total of 56
parking spaces, it can be seen that the parking to be provided with the expansion may not meet the peak
Case #15-046-V 1225 Forest Avenue
Case #15-049-V 751 Graceland Avenue
Case #15-051-V 1254 Cora Street
August 25, 2015
Page 4
parking demand of the expanded facility. However, the owner of the facility has indicated that he will obtain
an agreement with one of the neighboring property owners to use their parking lot for overflow parking. If
necessary, the owner has also indicated that he may use valet parking to increase the number of vehicles that
could be accommodated within the facility's parking lot."
The requested variation of 19 parking spaces is 25% of the 75 required spaces. Per Section 12-3-6.F of the
Zoning Ordinance, a parking variation of up to 30 percent may be approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals
as a standard variation.
Recommendation: Staff does not recommend approval of the above -requested parking variation at this time
based on review of the information presented by the applicant and the standards and conditions imposed by
Section 12-3-6.H (Findings of Fact for Variations) as outlined by the City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance.
Staff believes that the Zoning Board of Appeals should not approve a variation without an executed off-site
parking agreement for a minimum of 19 parking spaces. The Zoning Board may deny the application or
continue the case until an agreement is brought before the board. If the applicant obtains a long-term (5 -year
minimum) off-site parking agreement within 500 feet of the property that is executed and recorded with the
Cook County Recorder of Deeds, staff would recommend the following conditions of approval:
1. Fencing and gate shall be removed from the entrance to the West Parking lot. A minimum of 21
spaces shall be located outside of a gated area.
2. Petitioner shall install signage to indicate the location of customer and employee parking areas.
3. Petitioner shall install signage to direct customers to the location of off-site parking.
4. All parking spaces shown on the Site Plan (Exhibit B) shall be accessible for the parking of vehicles
and kept clear of debris.
Zoning Board of Appeals Procedure
Under Section 12-3-6.F of the Zoning Ordinance (Variations) the Zoning Board of Appeals has the authority
to approve, approve subject to conditions, or deny the above-mentioned variance for a reduction in parking
in the C-3 zoning district.
Board Member Hofherr asked Staff, due to the installation of the traffic signal, if the timing could be moved
up. Mr. Mangum advised — the City concurs and is working with IDOT.
Acting Chair Szabo asked Staff if the Zoning Board could approve with a condition that the Petitioner
delivered an acceptable parking design. Mr. Mangum stated that it was staffs preference for the Zoning
Board to have the opportunity to review the agreement before voting to approve the variation request.
Acting Chair Szabo asked if anyone in the audience is in favor of this proposal. Four people raised hands. He
asked if anyone objects to the project. One individual raised his hand. Acting Chair Szabo asked if anyone in
the audience wishes to comment and swore in the following:
• Anita Bortnowski 722 Graceland
Ms. Bortnowski stated she is a customer of the restaurant and advised it is too small, the food is
delicious, and the wait is too long. She would like the parking to be expanded.
Case #15-046-V 1225 Forest Avenue
Case #15-049-V 751 Graceland Avenue
Case #15-051-V 1254 Cora Street
August 25, 2015
Page 5
• Douglas M. Barnes
Alarm Security, 1245 Forest Avenue, Unit 12
Mr. Bames advised he has been a tenant with a business in the building on the East side for 22 years.
He stated the restaurant has delicious food, but he constantly struggles with the parking. Signage
has been placed but not followed. Mr. Bames noted there are 11 spaces for customers. The remainder
are for employees. Photos were displayed. He noted the employees are taking the parking spaces,
and cars are parking in no -parking zones.
Mr. Barnes read a letter from the building owner at 1245 Forest Avenue. He noted a tenant has
vacated due to the congested traffic.
Mr. Bames noted the police advised that a fire truck would not be able to get through.
Mr. Bames relayed that he suggested the building owner move.
Mr. Psihogios responded that he will advise his employees not to park at the adjacent building. He
stated the building owner advised him that there are enough parking spaces.
Board Member Green asked how many employees there are. Mr. Psihogios advised — 20 employees from
6 a.m.-3 p.m. and stated, there are no cars on the East side.
A motion was made by Board Member Green, seconded by Board Member Hofherr, to continue this
matter until there is an agreement with neighbors and parking spaces are specified. Board Member
Green amended his motion to include a continuance to a date certain of September 8, 2015. Board
Member Hofherr accepted the amendment.
AYES: Green, Hofherr, Schell, Szabo
NAYES: None
"""MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY*
2. Address: 751 Graceland Avenue Case Number: 15-049-V
Petitioner is requesting variations to the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, as amended, to
construct a multi -family residential building in the R-4 Zoning District with the following variations: (1) to
Section 12-9-7 to allow 31 parking spaces, instead of not less than 66; and (2) to Section 12-7-2-G.4 to
allow 33 1 -bedroom dwelling units on a lot of 22,044 square feet, instead of not less than 23,100 square ft.
PIN: 09-17-425-047-0000,09-17-425-052-0000
Petitioner: Eric Huffman for Over the Rainbow, 2040 Brown Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201
Owner: Eric Huffman for Over the Rainbow, 2040 Brown Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201
Acting Chair Szabo swore in Eric Huffman for Over the Rainbow, 2040 Brown Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201
& Dennis W. Langley, Architect, Weese Langley Weese, 9 W. Hubbard, Chicago, IL 60654.
Case #15-046-V 1225 Forest Avenue
Case #15-049-V 751 Graceland Avenue
Case #15-051-V 1254 Cora Street
August 25, 2015
Page 6
Mr. Langley advised the issues have been addressed. He noted the previous proposal requested 40 units while
this proposes 33 units with 2 more accessible parking spaces than initially requested as well as landscaping.
Mr. Langley advised that parking and lot area variations are being requested.
Acting Chair Szabo asked if the Board has any questions.
Acting Chair Szabo asked if anyone in the audience is in favor of this proposal. One person raised his hand.
He asked if anyone in the audience objects to this proposal; 9 people raised their hands, and the following
came forward:
• Reyna Mason
tenant at 722 Graceland, Unit 304, and a realtor with Re/Max
Ms. Mason advised the tenants in front of this building are opposed to this building/construction
due to decreased property values, parking, traffic, noise, etc. She noted the building looks like a
library and is not compatible with the neighborhood. Ms. Mason stated this building would be more
suited for Ellinwood Avenue. She noted the traffic on Graceland is already busy and reported, a
nearby resident was recently struck by a vehicle.
• Anita Bortnowski 722 Graceland
Ms. Bortnowski advised as a medical professional, special needs tenants required a lot of medical
assistance. She noted this will increase the noise and traffic.
Mr. Bortnowski advised a beautiful home, perhaps historic, will be demolished due to this building.
Acting Chair Szabo asked if the Board has any questions.
Mr. Huffman responded (to audience members' comments) that this organization is in 9 other communities.
He noted there are not a lot of fire trucks, some medical assistance. Mr. Huffman advised that he believes the
building is compatible with the neighborhood.
Board Member Hofherr asked if the City has a comment on the design. Mr. Langley advised — there are
architectural elements, large and full -height windows (due to providing interior light). He noted this will be
a warm building, is an $8-9 million project, and will enhance property values.
Board Member Hofherr reminded that many residents do not drive and will take public transportation.
Acting Chair Szabo asked Staff to provide the Staff report.
Issue: The petitioner is requesting variations to the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, as
amended, to construct a multi -family residential building in the R-4 Zoning District with the following
variations: (1) to Section 12-9-7 to allow 31 parking spaces, instead of not less than 66; and (2) to Section
12-7-2-G.4 to allow 33 1 -bedroom dwelling units on a lot of 22,044 square feet, instead of not less than
23,100 square feet.
Case #15-046-V 1225 Forest Avenue
Case #15-049-V 751 Graceland Avenue
Case #15-051-V 1254 Cora Street
August 25, 2015
Page 7
Analysis: In analyzing this request, the staff considered the following information:
General Information
Address 751 Graceland Avenue
Real Estate Index Numbers 09-17-425-047-0000,09-17-425-052-0000
Existing Zoning R-4, Central Core Residential
Petitioner
Owner
Case Number
Eric Huffman for Over the Rainbow, 2040 Brown Avenue, Evanston,
IL 60201
Eric Huffman for Over the Rainbow, 2040 Brown Avenue, Evanston,
IL 60201
15-049-V
On March 16, 2015 the City Council approved a Map Amendment to reclassify the zoning of the property at
751 Graceland Avenue from the C-5, Central Business Commercial District to the R-4, Central Core
Residential District. In March the petitioner requested three variations to construct a five story multi -family
residential building with 40 1 -bedroom units and 35 parking spaces. At its April 14, 2015 meeting the Zoning
Board of Appeals approved (6-0) a Standard Variation for reduced rear -yard building setback and
recommended (6-0) approval of Major Variations for lot area and number of parking spaces subject to a
following condition of approval:
1. The parking variation shall only be valid for the current owner and use of the building serving
physically disabled residents. A change in ownership or use shall require either compliance with
code required parking or a request for a variation.
The City Council subsequently denied the major variation requests for parking and lot area on June 15, 2015.
The applicant has submitted a letter outlining the changes that they believe are a significant redesign as
grounds to justify consideration at a new hearing. The changes are as follows:
• Reduction in number of units from 40 to 33.
• Increase in accessible parking spaces from 2 to 4.
• Reduction in stories from five to four, and reduction in building height by 10'-4".
• Creation of additional landscaped area that would accommodate two additional parking spaces,
increasing the parking ratio to 1 parking space per 1 bedroom unit.
• Revised plans to comply with all setback requirements.
The 22,044 square -foot lot (0.5 acres) has approximately 116 feet of frontage on Graceland Avenue and is
190 -feet deep. Additional access is provided by a 20 -foot wide two-way alley adjacent to the rear property
line. Parcel Two is currently developed with a two-story brick building that has been used for office and
multi -family residential units, a detached two -car garage and an accessory parking lot. Parcel One is
developed with an additional parking lot with separate ingress and egress.
Case #15-046-V 1225 Forest Avenue
Case #15-049-V 751 Graceland Avenue
Case #15-051-V 1254 Cora Street
August 25, 2015
Page 8
Over The Rainbow Association (OTR) is an Illinois not-for-profit association dedicated to providing
independent living solutions for individuals with physical disabilities. OTR currently has apartment
communities in Chicago, Evanston, Freeport, Harvard, Matteson, Rockford, and Waukegan. OTR seeks to
construct a four-story multi -family apartment building with 33 units and 31 parking spaces. Additional
landscaped areas could be converted to future parking which would result in a total of 33 spaces. The parking
area could be accessed both from Graceland Avenue and from the adjacent 20 -foot wide public alley. The
ground floor would contain three dwelling units, three offices, laundry facilities, community facilities, and
utility rooms, while the upper floors would contain ten 1 -bedroom units per floor.
The petitioner is requesting variations to the minimum lot area per dwelling unit (density), and number of
required parking spaces. The minimum lot area required for 33, 1 -bedroom units is 23,100 square feet, or
700 square feet of lot area per unit, where the site is 22,044 square feet in size, providing approximately 668
square feet of lot area per dwelling unit.
Two parking spaces are required per dwelling unit, or a total of 66, based on the number of units in the
proposed plan. The petitioner's Parking Assessment (Attachment 4) prepared by Kenig, Lindgren, O'Hara,
and Aboona, Inc. concludes that the projected peak parking demand for the previously proposed 40 -unit
facility was 26 parking spaces based on an analysis of similar facilities and that the proposed parking would
adequately serve the project. Additionally, the Parking Assessment looked at a long-term scenario where the
project could convert from the proposed use to a market rate building with less total units that would be
adequately served based on typical parking ratios in other suburban transit -oriented downtown environments.
Further the Parking Assessment found that on -street and public parking is available in the evening hours
based on recent field counts.
Recommendations: Staff recommends approval of the requested lot area and parking variations 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, subject to a
condition of approval:
1. Ownership of the Subject Property by: (a) the Petitioner; (b) an affiliate or similar
transferee or successor of the Petitioner that is controlled by the Petitioner; (c) a mortgagee
or similar holder of an interest in the Subject Property that secures construction and/or
permanent financing for the Proposed Development, which mortgagee or interest holder
forecloses on the security interest in accordance with the security interest documents and
applicable law (and a successor in interest to such mortgagee or interest holder); or (d) an
equity investor in the Proposed Development, which equity investor removes or replaces
the controlling party pursuant to the provisions of the applicable organizational documents;
and
2. Use of the Proposed Development as an affordable housing development under Section 42
of the Intemal Revenue Code with a priority provided to applicants who need the accessible
design features planned for the Proposed Development.
The proposed development is generally consistent with the High -Density Multi -Family Residential land use
designation for this site expressed in the 2007 Comprehensive Plan and would also be compatible with the
existing development and Zoning classification to the east and south. The proximity to the heart of Downtown
Case #15-046-V 1225 Forest Avenue
Case #15-049-V 751 Graceland Avenue
Case #15-051-V 1254 Cora Street
August 25, 2015
Page 9
and transit infrastructure is a factor in justifying the reduced lot area per dwelling unit and parking. An
increased number of units can help to promote transit -oriented development, which is a described goal in the
City's Comprehensive Plan along with providing high-quality and diverse housing options. The Parking
Assessment concludes that the property provides adequate parking for the proposed current use and that
future modification to the building and site could also provide adequate parking if the use were to change in
the future.
Zoning Board of Appeals Procedure:
Under Section 3.6-7 of the Zoning Ordinance (Major Variations) the Zoning Board of Appeals has the
authority to recommend that the City Council approve, approve subject to conditions, or deny the variances
for lot area and parking. The City Council has the final authority on the project.
A motion was made by Board Member Hofherr, seconded by Board Member Green, to recommend
that City Council approve the variation for the square footage of the lot.
AYES: Hofherr, Green, Schell, Szabo
NAYES: None
"""MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY* * *
A motion was made by Board Member Hofherr, seconded by Board Member Green, to recommend
that City Council approve the proposed variation for number of parking spaces subject to conditions
in the Staff Memo.
AYES: Hofherr, Green, Schell, Szabo
NAYES: None
"""MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY* * *
3. Address: 1254 Cora Street Case Number: 15-051-V
Petitioner is requesting a variation to Section 12-7-2.D.4 of the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance,
as amended, to construct a porch with a front yard setback of approximately 12 -feet, instead of not less than
25 -feet in the R-1, Single Family Residential District.
PIN: 09-17-425-047-0000,09-17-425-052-0000
Petitioner: Anthony M. Grande, 1254 Cora Street, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Owner: Anthony M. Grande and Rosina E. Grande, 1254 Cora Street, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Acting Chair Szabo swore in Anthony M. Grande, 1254 Cora Street, Des Plaines, IL 60018 who advised he
would like to erect a new porch as the current one is falling apart and small. He noted the size would be
increased to 7'-3" which is smaller than neighboring porches.
Acting Chair Szabo asked:
Case #15-046-V 1225 Forest Avenue
Case #15-049-V 751 Graceland Avenue
Case #15-051-V 1254 Cora Street
August 25, 2015
Page 10
• if Petitioner has spoken with the neighbors. Mr. Grande advised — yes, and they have no objections
• if a sign will be posted in the yard. Mr. Grande advised — yes
Acting Chair Saletnik asked Staff to provide the Staff report.
Issue: The petitioner is requesting a variation to Section 12-7-2.D.4 of the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning
Ordinance, as amended, to construct a porch with a front yard setback of approximately 12 -feet, instead of
not less than 25 -feet in the R-1, Single Family Residential District.
Analysis:
Address: 1254 Cora Street
Existing Zoning: R-1, Single Family Residential District
Petitioner: Anthony M. Grande, 1254 Cora Street, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Owner(s): Anthony M. Grande and Rosina E. Grande, 1254 Cora Street, Des Plaines, IL
60018
PIN: 09-17-425-047-0000,09-17-425-052-0000
In reviewing this variation request, staff has considered the following information:
The 55 -foot by approximately 130 -foot (7,178 square foot) comer lot at 1254 Cora Street is nonconforming
with regards to lot width (65' would be required of a comer lot in a new subdivision), and is smaller than the
minimum required lot size of 8,125 square feet. A two-story brick and frame single-family residence with
detached two car garage currently exists on site. Because the property is located at the comer of Cora Street
and Van Buren Street a 25 -foot setback is required on both frontages.
The applicant proposes to replace an existing open front porch with a covered wood porch that would project
7'-3" from the front of the house with a width of 15'-6", resulting in a setback of approximately 12' from the
front property line. The existing nonconforming porch would be allowed to continue or even be repaired, but
the owner's removal and expansion of the porch necessitates the variation.
During a visual survey of the street, staff found several properties that also project into the required front -
yard setback. This variety of setbacks is relatively common in this neighborhood with older housing stock.
This request, a setback variation of greater than 30%, is a standard variation and shall be considered by the
Zoning Board of Appeals.
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. Staff believes
that the front -yard setback variation to replace an existing porch is justified based on the location of the
existing house and the development pattern in the neighborhood with other structures that project into the
Case #15-046-V 1225 Forest Avenue
Case #15-049-V 751 Graceland Avenue
Case #15-051-V 1254 Cora Street
August 25, 2015
Page 11
front yard setback. Further, staff believes that the one-story porch adds visual interest to the front elevation
of the house.
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 variances for the front -
yard setback for an addition to a single-family residence in the R-1 zoning district.
Acting Chair Szabo commented that these older neighborhoods have visual appeal.
Acting Chair Szabo asked if anyone in the audience is in favor of this proposal. One person raised his hand.
He asked if anyone objects to this proposal. No one responded.
A motion was made by Board Member Schell, seconded by Board Member Hotherr, to grant the
variance as proposed.
AYES: Schell, Hofherr, Green, Szabo
NAYES: None
"""MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY* * *
OLD BUSINESS
Board Member Hofherr asked when a Chair will be appointed. Acting Chair Szabo suggested this topic be
tabled until the two other Board Members are present.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Board Member Green, seconded by Board Member Schell, to adjourn the
meeting at 8:35 p.m.
AYES: Catalano, Green. Hofherr, Schell, Saletnik
NAYES: None
"""MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY* * *
Sincerely,
Gale Cerabona
Recording Secretary
Case #15-046-V 1225 Forest Avenue
Case #15-049-V 751 Graceland Avenue
Case #15-051-V 1254 Cora Street
August 25, 2015
Page 12
cc: City Officials, Aldermen, Zoning Board of Appeals, Petitioners