Homer Glen trustees approve variance for large accessory structure with 12‑month removal requirement and escrow

The Village of Homer Glen Board of Trustees voted on Aug. 28, 2025 to grant variances allowing a proposed detached accessory building at 14624 West 130th Street in the Lamont subdivision, subject to multiple conditions set by trustees. The ordinance approved allows an accessory structure in the front yard where accessory structures are not normally permitted and reduces the required side-yard setback for a detached accessory building greater than 750 square feet from 25 feet to 15 feet. Trustees attached conditions to the variance: stacking firewood as instructed; adding three windows to the new structure; removal of the existing garage and sodding the area within 12 months of completion of the new building; remediation of any outstanding code violations; establishment of an escrow in the amount of $1,500 and a penalty provision of $1,500 per month if the old structure is not removed after the 12‑month period. Village staff also confirmed a $20,000 permit bond is required as part of the building-permit process. Trustees expressed continued concern about the property's history of code violations and the visual impact on the neighborhood. Trustee LaPorte said she would support the permit with an escrow and a set timeline: “I would vote for it because I get all the complexities of the problem,” she said, urging an enforceable financial guarantee. Trustee Reinders, Trustee Mason and others pressed the applicant for firm timelines and assurances the older garage would be removed after the new building receives occupancy. Applicant representative Gasha Rasca told trustees she and her family intend to begin construction as soon as the permit is issued. “We wanted to break ground as soon as possible,” she said, adding the work would be done before winter if weather permitted and that they expected demolition of the old garage “right away” once the new building could hold the stored items. Planning staff and a Will County health official were cited in the discussion for septic setbacks and building placement. Planning staff clarified Will County requires a 10‑foot setback from septic components and described the planning commission’s recommendation that the existing structure be removed within nine to 12 months if the variance were to be granted. Village Manager Joe Baber told the applicant about the practical permitting steps and confirmed the village’s normal requirement: “we typically require a $20,000 bond when permits are issued.” The board’s motion approving the variance with the added escrow and penalty conditions carried. The ordinance grants the variances for the property in the R‑1 single‑family district and requires the permittee to coordinate with village staff on escrow posting, the permit bond and a demolition timeline. Trustees also directed staff to follow up on permit issuance and enforcement if the conditions are not met. Next steps: village staff will contact the applicant to set up the escrow account, confirm bond arrangements and complete permitting paperwork before construction begins.