The Village of Westmont Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 13 recommended approval of a zoning variance allowing an increase in maximum lot coverage for a patio at 500 Revere Avenue, a home in the Oakwood subdivision.

The applicants, listed on the agenda as Azruddin and Ikmet Rismani and represented at the hearing by Ikma Rezmani, asked the commission to permit an expanded concrete patio and fireplace that would raise the property's lot coverage from about 40% to 42.86% (often rounded to 43%). The commission's recommendation now goes to the Village Board for a final decision.

The request matters locally because lot coverage limits are used to manage stormwater runoff, preserve open space and maintain neighborhood character; Oakwood properties are administratively allowed up to 40% lot coverage (versus the R-3 district baseline of 35%) because of subdivision detention built in the 1970s, staff said.

Ikma Rezmani described the proposed work as a modest expansion of an existing concrete patio, citing a sagging corner near a fireplace that directs stormwater toward the foundation and past repairs to an older sump-pump discharge and perforated pipe. "The variance is modest yet it will significantly enhance the property's functionality and enjoyment," Rezmani said. The applicant also brought a letter of support from the Oakwood homeowners association and said the contractor for the work is Prestige Outdoors (contractor name in materials: Ebon Marino).

Planning staff (Scott Williams) reviewed the application and noted the project meets applicable setbacks but has not yet been reviewed by building or fire for the proposed fire pit. Williams said the property currently sits at about 40% lot coverage under the administrative allowance for Oakwood; the petitioner requested an increase to 42.86% (staff rounds that to 43%). He summarized an engineer review that found a roughly 2% increase in peak runoff from the proposed improvements and recommended mitigation. The engineer recommended that, if approved, at least 50 square feet of the patio be constructed of permeable pavers or an equivalent detail to reduce runoff.

Commissioners asked applicants about past drainage work, the existing cantilevered house overhang and alternatives such as permeable pavers. Rezmani said she had replaced an older perforated pipe about seven to eight years earlier with PVC piping from the sump pump to the city drainage and added yard drainage to the rear corner, and that she has not observed ponding since those repairs.

Several commissioners expressed support for the design and sympathy for the applicant's efforts to address foundation drainage. Commissioner Thomas said the work and prior drainage steps "are acceptable" and voiced support. Commissioner Peterson called the patio design attractive and said a 2% increase in lot coverage did not seem substantial. Commissioners Land and Sharp raised procedural questions about the uniqueness requirement for variances and whether the lot or house showed a unique hardship; Sharp said he did not see anything unusual about the lot that alone would justify a variance but complimented the design. Commissioner Lynn and Commissioner Sharp both voted against the motion, citing the variance standard and lack of demonstrated uniqueness; Commissioners Peterson, Donahue, Thomas and Chairperson Carmichael voted yes.

A motion to approve the variance passed 4–2. During discussion a commissioner moved to amend the approval to require the engineer's recommendation that at least 50 square feet of the proposed patio be permeable pavers; speakers debated procedure for an amendment and whether to vote on an amended motion. The commission ultimately voted on the original motion as written and did not adopt the paver condition. Staff noted the Village Board (which receives the Planning & Zoning Commission recommendation) may still impose conditions such as permeable-paver requirements in its ordinance if it approves the variance. After the vote, Rezmani said she would instruct her contractor to include 50 square feet of permeable pavers in the permit drawings regardless of the commission condition.

The commission record and staff report note the following technical and procedural details: the Oakwood subdivision was originally allowed up to 40% lot coverage (by administrative approval) because of detention infrastructure installed during development in the 1970s; the R-3 district baseline lot coverage is 35%. The subject lot's depth is 110 feet (current code minimum depth is 125 feet). The staff packet includes the village engineer's comments and a recommendation for runoff mitigation (50 square feet of permeable pavers or equivalent).

The commission's recommendation now moves to the Village Board. Staff told the applicant the board hearing will be scheduled and that the applicant will be contacted about the board appearance and permitting. If the board approves, building and fire review at permit stage may further refine the location or design of the fireplace or fire pit based on setback and safety constraints.

Votes at a glance: Motion to recommend approval of zoning variance to increase lot coverage to 42.86% (rounded to 43%) at 500 Revere Avenue — Passed 4–2 (Yes: Peterson, Donahue, Thomas, Chairperson Carmichael; No: Sharp, Lynn).