The Machesney Park Public Improvement Safety Committee on Aug. 18 voted to forward three variances that would allow wider driveways at 10411 Danica Drive, 10912 Ventura Boulevard and 7346 Chandon Boulevard to the village board with positive recommendations.

Staff told the committee the requests would not conflict with setbacks and that similarly sized driveways exist in the neighborhood. Committee members approved each variance by voice vote with no recorded opposition; each request will be considered by the village board at its Sept. 2 meeting.

For 56 R 25 at 10411 Danica Drive, staff said the applicant is seeking a 27-foot driveway on a substandard lot where the municipal code allows 24 feet. Izzy, a village staff member, said the wider driveway would improve usability and parking, would still comply with setbacks and would not be out of character for the area. Staff recommended approval with the condition that the applicant apply for a driveway permit.

For 57 R 25 at 10912 Ventura Boulevard, staff reported the unique circumstance that the entire driveway would lie in the public right of way; the code allows a 20-foot driveway for substandard lots in the right of way, and the applicant requested 30 feet. Izzy told the committee the gravel drive is already used for parking and that constructing a paved driveway at the existing grade would reduce floodplain impacts. Staff recommended approval with conditions that the applicant apply for a permit, construct at the existing grade because the lot is in a floodplain, and not use the new surface for long-term parking of accessory vehicles.

For 58 R 25 at 7346 Chandon Boulevard, staff said the owner wants to extend an existing driveway about 4.5 feet to the south. The property contains a 6-foot utility easement on that side; staff emphasized it is the property owner's responsibility to ensure no portion of the driveway encroaches into that easement. The requested driveway width would be about 34 feet compared with the 24-foot allowance for substandard lots. Staff recommended approval conditioned on keeping all construction outside the easement and obtaining a driveway permit.

In each case the applicant either was present but declined to speak or did not address the committee; the staff report served as the primary factual presentation. Committee motions were made and seconded for each variance and approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The committee's action is a recommendation to the village board; final approval will be decided at the Sept. 2 board meeting.

The committee convened, took roll call and approved minutes from its June 16 meeting before hearing the three variance requests. After the votes the meeting adjourned.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 56 R 25 — Variance for driveway width at 10411 Danica Drive: Committee recommended approval (motioned by Mr. James; seconded by Trustee Vohke). Condition: applicant must apply for a driveway permit. Forwarded to village board Sept. 2 with positive recommendation.

- Resolution 57 R 25 — Variance for driveway width in the right of way at 10912 Ventura Boulevard: Committee recommended approval (motioned by Trustee Bogie; seconded by Trustee Bailey). Conditions: apply for permit; construct at existing grade because the lot is in a floodplain; not to be used for long-term parking of accessory vehicles. Forwarded to village board Sept. 2 with positive recommendation.

- Resolution 58 R 25 — Variance for driveway width at 7346 Chandon Boulevard: Committee recommended approval (motioned by Trustee Bailey; seconded by Mr. James). Conditions: keep driveway construction completely outside the 6-foot utility easement; applicant must apply for a driveway permit. Forwarded to village board Sept. 2 with positive recommendation.

The committee’s recommendations do not change property ownership rights, easement obligations or floodplain regulations; final authority rests with the village board at its Sept. 2 meeting.