Tinley Park's Plan Commission voted unanimously Dec. 18 to recommend that the village board grant Dennis Mahoney a variance increasing the maximum detached‑garage floor area to 1,553 square feet at 16801 Sayre Avenue in the R‑2 single‑family residential district, subject to three conditions.

Staff summarized the petition and recent revisions. A previously constructed gable that exceeded the 18‑foot limit was truncated so the structure now meets code height. The current request was narrowed to a single variation for maximum floor area; staff recommended three conditions: (1) remove the east‑facing doorway and wood‑deck overhang and replace with a window per the petitioner's architectural plans, (2) prohibit use of the garage as living space and forbid sanitary or water service connections, and (3) require the northeast property shed be removed or relocated with proper permits to comply with the zoning code.

Staff reported the lot is deep (about 66 by 271 feet), the property's lot coverage and floor‑area ratio remain well below maximums, and the house lacks basement storage or usable attic space—factors staff cited as physical constraints supporting a hardship finding. Staff also provided neighborhood photographs showing a variety of garage forms and sizes; earlier variances for larger garages on nearby streets were noted in the record and staff said one older, larger garage was once directed to remove added square footage.

Petitioner Dennis Mahoney told the commission he had spoken with three nearby homeowners who expressed support and said he would bring existing shed structures into compliance. Staff said Mahoney offered to add a required concrete slab for sheds and move the shed at least five feet from property lines as needed.

Commissioner Merrick moved to recommend the village board grant the variance in accordance with the plans and staff recommendations; Commissioner Montalvo seconded. The motion passed unanimously on roll call and the item will be heard by the village board on Jan. 6.

The commission's recommendation includes explicit conditions to prevent conversion of the accessory building into habitable space and to address nonconforming accessory structures on the property.