The Village of Lake Bluff Joint Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals on April 16 approved a minor variation to permit a screened porch at 555 Moffett Road that will encroach about 2.78 feet into the required 20-foot corner lot side-yard setback.

The variance request was presented by Kathleen Yerington, the property owner, who testified she sought relief to construct a 10-by-30.75-foot screened porch that "would follow the existing west facade of the house, and thus extend slightly beyond the current setback requirement" and that the overage was "less than 30 square feet." She told the commission the porch was designed to limit ground disturbance and preserve the root systems of two mature oaks near the house.

The request was filed as a minor variation under the zoning rules for the R4 Residence District. Commissioners said they found the design visually compatible with the neighborhood and noted letters of neighbor support included in the application packet. Member Fisher said she appreciated that the porch stayed within the setback on Center Avenue and that it did not visually change the street presence along Moffett Road.

After discussion the commission voted to approve the requested relief. The roll call showed all members present voting aye; the motion passed and staff said the owner may proceed to apply for building permits.

The PCZBA incorporated the variance standards submitted by the applicant into its decision. The commission did not attach additional conditions beyond the standard permit and permit-review requirements.

The applicant and staff were advised on next administrative steps; Ms. Yerington was told she may apply for building permits now that the PCZBA has made a final decision on the minor variation.