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Commission conditions approval for pool variance in known low‑area; requires dry well and rule to extinguish variance if pool removed
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval (5–0) of a lot‑coverage variance to allow an in‑ground pool at 232 E. Des Moines, but conditioned the recommendation on installation of a dry‑well (per engineer recommendations) to mitigate runoff and ordered that the variance be extinguished if the pool is later filled or removed.
Homeowner Justin Kron asked the commission for a variance to exceed the R‑3 lot‑coverage limit in order to install a 555 sq ft in‑ground pool with a 3‑foot concrete apron (the applicant’s materials show the pool + apron would raise total lot coverage to about 39–39.8 percent, above the 35 percent zoning maximum but under the 40 percent administrative threshold). Staff told the commission the property lies in a designated drainage sub‑basin where administrative approval is not available and a variance is required.
Planner Scott reviewed the village’s lot‑coverage history: the R‑3 maximum is 35 percent, an administrative allowance exists for 35–40 percent except in moratorium or known drainage problem sub‑basins, and the 2021 amendment removed partial credit for permeable materials. Scott said the consulting engineer concluded the proposal would have “minimal impact” but recommended mitigation options including converting some existing hardscape to permeable surface or installing a dry well.
Neighbors testified about existing chronic runoff and pooling at the corner and urged the commission to ensure mitigation. John Chorney (236 E. Des Moines) described a persistent wet spot near his driveway and said recent village repairs had not fully resolved the issue.
Commissioners discussed mitigation and unanimously approved a motion (Simpson moved; Donahue seconded) that recommended approval to the Village Board with two express conditions: (1) the applicant must install a dry well per the engineer’s recommendations to mitigate any increase in runoff; and (2) the lot‑coverage variance will be extinguished automatically if the pool is filled in or removed (to prevent an impervious replacement). Roll call: five votes in favor, none opposed. Staff will notify the applicant of the Village Board hearing date.
The staff report and engineer comments are in the public record for the case; the engineer’s comments were described in the meeting as “minimal impact” with recommended mitigation options.
