Commission approves variance to relocate shed into utility easement after ComEd sign-off

The Will County Planning & Zoning Commission on July 15 approved a variance allowing a property owner on Harvest Drive to move an existing 16-by-10-foot shed to within a 4-foot east side-yard setback and into a utility and drainage easement. Staff told the commission the lot is in Frankfort Township, zoned R-4, about 29,584 square feet with 79.66 feet of frontage, and that a detention easement and floodplain occupy much of the rear of the lot, limiting buildable area. Staff recommended approval, noting the detention easement, floodplain and proposed future swimming pool constrained where accessory structures could be sited. Applicants obtained a June 5 clearance from ComEd allowing the shed to encroach 11 feet into a 15-foot utility easement. The staff presentation noted the owner wants to relocate the shed to allow space for a proposed pool in the structure's former location. "There are limited spots on the property for both the accessory structure and a swimming pool to be located," staff said. Commissioners voted to approve the variance for an east-side yard setback from 10 feet to 4 feet. The transcript records unanimous roll-call approval from Commissioners John Kiefner, Roger Bettenhausen, Louis Navarette, Matthew Gugala, Karen Warwick and Chairman Huestepin. Because the proposed shed placement encroaches into an easement, the owner must comply with any conditions imposed by the utility (ComEd) and obtain applicable permits; staff noted future development would still need to meet county code and any other applicable agency requirements.