Commission recommends approval of zone change in Strawberry Valley Estates for new guest quarters

The Kane County Planning and Zoning Commission on July 9 voted to recommend approval to the county commission of Ordinance O-2025-21, a zone change for Lot 18-49A in Strawberry Valley Estates Unit 2, Duck Creek Village, from R-1-half to R-1 to permit additional living quarters above a garage.

Ben Carter, a builder representing Ryan Gormley and family, said the requested change would allow a modest living space above a garage for family use. Carter described existing home square footage and said the proposed garage living quarters would be about 864 square feet, which the presenter said would be under 50% of the main dwelling’s area.

Shannon, planning staff, told commissioners the county posted required notices and had received only one phone call; that caller was not opposed after learning the request was limited to family living quarters rather than commercial use. Shannon also noted a technical correction needed in GIS mapping after a lot-joiner transaction, and she said the parcel sizes would meet the ordinance’s requirements for the proposed use.

Commissioners discussed neighborhood input and administrative details. Commissioner Clasen and others noted that lot joiners are a common application in the county and that some homeowners combine lots for more space or to change assessment outcomes. No members of the public spoke at the commission’s public hearing on the matter.

A motion to recommend approval of the zone change to R-1 was moved and seconded; the motion carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the county commission for final action under ordinance O-2025-21.