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Palatine panel approves setback variation at 463 S. Warren to allow rear addition
Summary
The Palatine Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a variation allowing a 6-foot-6-inch separation between a new rear addition and an existing detached garage at 463 South Warren Avenue, reducing the code-required 10-foot separation so a growing family’s project can continue under conditions from staff.
PALATINE, Ill. — The Village of Palatine Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a variation June 10 permitting a rear addition to be built 6 feet 6 inches from an existing detached garage at 463 South Warren Avenue, instead of the 10-foot separation required by the village zoning code.
The commission’s action allows the homeowner to complete a two-bedroom addition intended to accommodate a growing family. The decision follows staff review and a petitioner presentation that said a newer garage built in 2023 was not reflected on an older plat used when the building permit application was filed.
Planning staff outlined the property and the request. Planning staff member Stan said the property is "a residential property that is zoned R-1C single-family residential approximately 19,000 square feet" and explained the discrepancy was discovered after a spot survey during construction. Petitioner Kevin Purdom, the project’s builder, told the commission the foundation and walls for the addition are already up and that work stopped when the discrepancy was discovered; he said the family is expecting and wants to finish the project.
Staff recommended approval, saying the requested relief is internal to the property, the addition would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood and the 10-foot separation requirement is currently being evaluated for possible reduction. Staff’s written recommendation approved the variation "subject to the following conditions" including that the work substantially conform to the site plan and elevations revised 05/07/2025 and that any changes necessary to meet village codes and ordinances be incorporated.
During the public hearing, Kevin Purdom described the circumstances that led to the variance request, saying the builder used an older plat that showed a one-car garage while a two-car garage had been constructed in 2023. Purdom said the project team has proposed additional fireproofing measures for the garage and the addition and that inspections were paused while the matter was resolved.
Commissioners said they found the situation to be a unique circumstance and cited staff’s review of building, engineering and fire-safety considerations. Commissioner Patrick Noonan moved to approve the variation subject to staff conditions; Commissioner Tim Schubert seconded. A roll call vote was recorded as unanimous in favor: Rodney Bettenhausen, Cindy Rothwurster, Jan Wood, Eric Freedman, Patrick Noonan, Steven Fedoda and Tim Schubert.
The commission’s approval will be processed administratively per village procedures; staff noted similar variations recommended and unanimously approved by the commission have been shifted to administrative approval. The commission canceled its next scheduled meeting and indicated the administrative process will handle final sign-off for this item.
Details from the record: the property is zoned R-1C and is approximately 19,000 square feet; the existing detached garage was built in 2023; the separation measured on the spot survey is 6 feet 6 inches (staff and notice materials rounded to 6 feet for public notice); the petitioner’s site plan is dated 05/07/2025. The village noted that the 10-foot separation requirement predates current fire separation standards and is under staff review for a possible future text amendment.
