Lake Bluff PCZBA approves variance and recommends text amendment to allow narrower garage setbacks

The Village of Lake Bluff Joint Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously July 16 to recommend a change to the municipal code and to grant a variance allowing a larger detached garage at 206 East Prospect Avenue. The commission recommended the village board approve an ordinance amending Section 10-5-9 of the municipal code to permit 2.5-foot setbacks for accessory structures on smaller lots, and separately approved the petitioner’s minor variation request.

The recommendation matters because the text amendment, if approved by the village board, would change setback rules for small lots (discussed in the hearing as lots of about 6,250 square feet or less) and could affect how accessory structures are sited across older parts of Lake Bluff. The PCZBA, acting as the decision-making body on the variance, approved the requested relief for the specific property while recommending the text change to the village board for adoption.

Graham Hallen,…