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Homer Glen trustees approve variances for large accessory building, require landscape plan
Summary
The Village of Homer Glen approved variances allowing an oversized, taller accessory structure and a front-yard location for a property at 13506 West 160th Street, with final permission contingent on a board‑approved landscape screening plan.
Trustees voted to approve a package of zoning variances allowing a homeowner at 13506 West 160th Street to build an accessory structure larger and taller than the village code normally permits, but added a condition that the owner submit a landscape plan for board review and approval before work can proceed.
The approvals included a variance to permit an accessory structure in the front yard where accessory structures are normally not allowed, an increase in the maximum aggregate square footage of accessory structures beyond the standard limit, and an increase in permitted height to a peak greater than the village's usual 15-foot limit. The board approved the variances after discussion of lot size, site topography and screening.
The petition drew technical review from staff and questions from trustees about sight lines, lot coverage and possible impacts on neighbors. Trustees and staff said the subject lot is substantially larger than a typical single-family parcel in the R‑2 district, and that the owner has previously provided photos showing off-site storage for his business vehicles. Trustee comments cited the lot's size, berms on the property and a slope behind the house as reasons the owner could not reasonably place the accessory building at the rear of the lot.
Trustees expressed concern about visibility from the street and neighbor impacts and amended the draft condition on the consent vote. Instead of specifying a particular tree species or minimum height in the motion on the floor, the board made final approval of the variances conditional on the applicant submitting a landscape plan for the screening area; the plan must be reviewed and approved by the Village Board before any construction or vested rights arise.
The owner (identified in the record as Gary Strzok) said he cleared brush in the front yard for curb appeal and expects the new building to be set at an angle so the house remains visible from the street. Trustees and staff reiterated that a landscape plan must be submitted and approved before any building permits will be issued.
Outcome: The motion carried on a roll-call vote; the variances were approved subject to the board's later review and approval of a landscape plan for the screening area. The board and applicant discussed timing for submitting that plan; staff said once a plan is submitted it will be placed on an upcoming agenda for review.
