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Zoning board approves variance for backyard shed at 16 Red Oak Lane
Summary
The Highland Park Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously Aug. 21 to grant a variance allowing a 10-by-10 shed to encroach into a 40-foot subdivision setback at 16 Red Oak Lane after the applicant argued unique lot shape and lack of indoor storage created a hardship.
The Highland Park Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously Aug. 21 to approve a variance allowing a 10-by-10 shed to be placed within the subdivision setback at 16 Red Oak Lane. The board approved the request after the applicant described an unusual lot shape and limited indoor storage as the basis for the relief.
The variance allows the small storage building to encroach into a 40-foot subdivision setback; the applicant asked for relief of up to 29 feet into that line for the proposed shed. The board reviewed the city’s Chapter 150 standards for variations and heard no objections from the public or city divisions.
“My house is great, but there is one major drawback, which is a lack of storage space,” said Howard Warkin, who identified himself as a trustee of the Piskin Family Trust and the property owner’s representative. Warkin told the board his raised-ranch house has no basement and the family needs space for outdoor gear and family items, and he described two constrained placement options inside the setback that would interfere with the backyard’s use.
Patrick (staff) summarized the request and shown the plat, saying the property is a corner lot with an irregular shape and a subdivision restriction that prohibits structures in the 40-foot area. Staff noted the shed would be 11 feet from one property line and 10 feet from the shared neighbor line and that no city divisions or members of the public had submitted comments opposing the application.
Members of the board said the applicant had addressed the eight Chapter 150 variance standards in detail. “I really appreciate the petitioner going step by step here through the standards,” Member Weisberg said, then moved to approve. The board’s roll-call vote recorded Members Weisberg, Chase, Trishanski, Zareanski and Vice Chair Yablon voting aye; the motion passed.
The board’s approval was limited to the variance described in the record for VAR20250052; no additional conditions or permit approvals were stated on the record. The board moved on to the next agenda item after the vote.
