Commission approves variances allowing garages to project ahead of front facades on two West Forest homes

The Waukegan Planning and Zoning Commission on May 8 approved two variances that allow attached garages to project in front of the primary house elevation for new single-family homes at 4386 and 4390 West Forest Avenue, after hearing from staff, the project architect and neighbors.

Sam Green of the Planning and Zoning Department explained the Unified Development Ordinance design guideline at issue requires attached garages to be set at least five feet behind a home’s front line to promote pedestrian-oriented frontage and architectural prominence. The applicant, developer Lehi Yosef, is building four homes on the parcel; two of the homes had permit-application timing that required compliance with new UDO standards while two others had been permitted under the earlier ordinance. Green said the applicant met most design requirements but sought variances solely for the garage setback because reengineering would be financially infeasible: some trusses and structural elements had already been fabricated based on earlier design work.

Architect Tom Budzick confirmed that trusses had been manufactured for the units and described that as the source of hardship: "This was always envisioned as 4 unique properties... Lehi has taken additional efforts to change the designs after whatever he can at this point to meet the requirements of the Unified Development Ordinance, except for this 1 item." The requested relief is different at each lot: staff said the garage at 4386 would project four feet in front of the facade, and the garage at 4390 would project five feet in front. Staff also noted the driveway length from property line to front of garage is about 25 feet and that the homes meet the standard front-yard setback to the street; the variance concerns the relationship of the garage to the house facade, not the street-facing setback.

Two written objections were read into the record by the chair from John and Karen Shiners of 4379 West Forest Avenue and another neighbor; both objected on the grounds that moving garages closer to the street and shortening driveways could encourage on-street parking and increase traffic and safety concerns. Developer Lehi Yosef addressed the commission and said similar garage arrangements exist elsewhere in the neighborhood and argued the development would enhance local property values.

Commissioner Hague moved to approve zoning calendar 2783 for 4386 West Forest Avenue; Commissioner Haines seconded and the motion passed by roll call. The commission then approved zoning calendar 2784 for 4390 West Forest Avenue by a separate motion and roll-call vote. Staff reminded the applicants that approved variances must still receive City Council confirmation for final approval and that the council hearing will be scheduled in early June; staff will provide the final date and time.