Homer Glen trustees approve setback variance but reject steel siding for large accessory garage

The Village of Homer Glen board voted Thursday to grant a variance that reduces the required side-yard setback and permits a five-bay accessory structure at 15357 West Thornwood Lane, but trustees rejected a separate variance that would have allowed gray steel siding on the building.

Trustees approved the setback variance and a condition to add three windows on the east side; the motion passed by roll call. Several trustees said the lot layout and a wellhead made placement options limited. Trustee Mueller noted the property’s constraints and supported locating the structure where practical.

Trustees then considered a second variance request from the same applicant to allow gray steel siding on the accessory structure and to permit the primary home’s exterior colors to be altered to match. Trustee Reinders said he “didn't have a problem with the setback or the variance for the structure itself, but I do have a problem with the materials.” Trustee Mason and others warned that approving metal siding could set a precedent and asked that the structure match village exterior-construction standards.

The board voted against the siding variance (vote recorded: majority no), leaving in place the village’s exterior-material requirements. Trustees described acceptable alternatives as Hardie board or board-and-batten siding; the applicant said the full house exterior will be updated over time to match the new structure’s modern-farmhouse look and that the metal siding was proposed in part for fire-resistance and to fit a budget that would allow enclosing a boat.

Outcome: setback variance approved with specified conditions; variance to permit gray steel siding denied. Trustees instructed the applicant to use materials consistent with village standards when proceeding with construction.