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Commission endorses setbacks and size variances for homeowner garage on Prairie Lane
Summary
The commission voted to forward two variance requests for a detached garage at 1109 Prairie Lane, approving an 18‑foot setback from Dorothea Avenue (instead of the required 30 feet) and a size/height variance to allow a 1,092‑square‑foot, 19‑foot‑tall garage, subject to conditions including septic clearance and removal of an existing shed.
The Machesney Park Planning and Zoning Commission voted to forward positive recommendations for two variance requests from a Prairie Lane homeowner who seeks to build a larger detached garage in the front‑setback area along Dorothea Avenue.
Planning staff said the corner lot is approximately 0.46 acres and that the applicant proposes a 26‑by‑42 foot garage (1,092 square feet) with a 19‑foot peak height. Village code permits a maximum detached accessory building size of 1,000 square feet on lots under one‑half acre and limits detached structure height to 15 feet; the applicant requested variances for both size and height. Staff also said Dorothea Avenue became a public road in 2017, which explains why adjacent homes sit closer to that right‑of‑way; staff recommended allowing the garage no closer to Dorothea than the home to the south (18 feet from the Dorothea property line) and recommended conditions to ensure the garage be placed in the southern 75 feet of the lot and that septic department approval be obtained.
Applicant Jason West of 1109 Prairie Lane said the garage is for personal, noncommercial use—he described hobby work on vehicles and motorcycles and said he needs additional interior height to operate vehicle lifts. West told the commission he will do most of the work himself and expects construction time to depend on weather and his availability.
Staff recommended approval with conditions intended to reduce neighborhood impacts: the 18‑foot setback would apply only to the Dorothea side, not to Prairie; the garage must be located in the southern 75 feet of the lot; the village septic authority must approve the location; outdoor items currently stored on the property should be placed inside the new garage; and the small existing shed must be removed. During discussion the commission amended the proposed condition on the shed so that removal would be required within 30 days after completion of the garage rather than within a month of permit issuance.
The commission also noted the applicant will need a driveway permit and a hard surface apron as part of construction. After discussion the commission voted by roll call in favor of both variances; the transcript records unanimous yes votes by the commissioners present. Both items will be considered next by the Planning and Economic Development Committee on May 5.
