Cook County Board of Adjustment OKs variance to convert West Pope Lake garage into second dwelling

Cook County Board of Adjustment approved a variance May 14, 2025, allowing property owner Todd Novacek to convert an existing garage into a second dwelling at his West Pope Lake property, the board said.

Planning staff presented the request as a variance because the garage had been authorized by a 1989 variance order limited to garage use; staff recommended approval with conditions to address septic hookup and shoreline protection.

Nina, planning staff, told the board the garage sits about 90 feet from the lake and that a proposed expansion outside the lake setback would not require variance review, but converting the existing garage use warranted processing as a variance because of the 1989 order. "I just put 3 proposed conditions. Compliance with the septic requirements, that the shoreline be remain as unmowed and natural vegetation, with a 25 foot width there, and then no expansion to the structure envelope within the 100 foot lake setback," Nina said.

Applicant Todd Novacek said the change would house family members and described the renovation as feasible. "I think this might be a great solution because it's on the property. It's right there and and we've had a construction person look at it and it I think it's feasible to renovate it into a couple more bedrooms and a little kitchenette and a seating area. And, I think it would fit the needs very well," Novacek said.

Staff noted there were no comments from adjoining property owners on the renewed notice; the original cabin expansion request earlier drew opposition but that opposition did not reappear on this filing. The board discussed staff findings and the proposed conditions before taking action.

A motion to approve the variance with the conditions listed in the staff report carried; the board recorded no public opposition during the hearing. The conditions include compliance with applicable septic requirements, maintaining a 25-foot-wide unmowed natural shoreline buffer, and no enlargement of the structure envelope within the 100-foot lake setback. The applicant will be required to connect any new dwelling use to the existing septic system as part of meeting the conditions.

The board opened the item for public comment; no members of the public spoke. After the vote the board adjourned.