Residents Seek Variance for Family Home Addition in Orland Grove

In the heart of Orland Park, a family’s dream of creating a forever home is at the center of a significant planning discussion. During a recent Village Plan Commission meeting, residents gathered to hear the petition of a couple seeking a variance to expand their home at 11300 150th Street. With three young children under the age of four, the couple expressed their urgent need for additional space, particularly to have their master bedroom on the same floor as their boys.

The couple purchased the property in September 2024, envisioning a home that would accommodate their growing family. However, the unique shape of their lot, coupled with a creek running along the rear, has posed challenges in meeting the current Land Development Code (LDC) requirements. They are requesting to reduce the minimum required side yard setback from 20 feet to 10.7 feet to allow for the construction of an addition.

The proposal has garnered attention not only for its implications on the family’s living situation but also for its potential impact on the surrounding environment. The couple’s architect has designed plans that include a retaining wall integrated into the garage wall, a decision made to preserve the existing trees and natural landscape that attracted them to the property in the first place.

However, the request has not been without opposition. A neighboring resident, Jim Stanek, voiced strong objections, arguing that the proposed oversized garage addition could threaten the root systems of nearby trees and disrupt the natural landscape. He suggested that a smaller garage could eliminate the need for a variance altogether.

The commission discussed the zoning changes that had recently taken place in the area, noting that the property was rezoned from E-1 to R-3 residential, aligning it with the surrounding neighborhood. The comprehensive plan for the area emphasizes both residential development and the preservation of open spaces, particularly given the proximity of Spring Creek.

As the meeting unfolded, the commission weighed the family’s needs against the concerns of neighboring residents and the broader implications for the community. The outcome of this variance request could set a precedent for future developments in Orland Park, balancing the aspirations of families looking to grow with the need to protect the environment and maintain community standards.

With the decision pending, the couple remains hopeful that their vision for a family home will soon become a reality, while the community watches closely to see how this delicate balance will be navigated.