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Machesney Park planning commission backs variance to rebuild attached garage at 8314 Waterview Road
Summary
The commission voted 5-0 Nov. 24 to forward a positive recommendation for a variance letting a rebuilt attached garage at 8314 Waterview Road sit about 3.5 feet from the side property line instead of the 6-foot setback required in single-family zoning; the item goes to Planning & Economic Development Dec. 1.
The Village of Machesney Park Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 24 voted to forward a positive recommendation for a variance that would allow a rebuilt attached garage at 8314 Waterview Road to remain about 3.5 feet from the side property line rather than meet the six-foot side setback required in single-family zoning.
A village staff member told the commission the attached garage dates to the home's construction in 1961 and currently sits roughly 3.5 feet from the side lot line. Contractors want to demolish the existing garage and build a new attached garage that would extend approximately twice as deep into the backyard while retaining the same side setback. “Staff recommends approval of the variance,” the staff member said.
Applicants Greg Banke and Tina Behnke, who gave their address as 8314 Waterview Road, said the existing setback reflects how the garage was when they bought the house and that they intended to keep the side setback the same while rebuilding and pouring a new foundation. Banke said, “It's that's just the way the garage was when we bought the house,” and added they want “to keep it the same and add to it behind.”
During discussion, a commissioner raised fire-safety concerns about the proposed longer garage and whether a single side door and shared wall would provide adequate protection for the neighboring house. The presiding officer suggested adding a condition that the wall attached to the neighboring house be finished with 5/8-inch fire-rated drywall to increase fire resistance; applicants confirmed they planned to finish the structure and replace the foundation.
After commissioners confirmed they had read the findings of fact, the commission approved the motion to forward the variance with a recorded affirmative response from each present commissioner. The presiding officer said the item will be presented to the Planning & Economic Development meeting on Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m., and applicants were asked to attend.
The commission also approved routine minutes and heard a staff announcement about one open commission vacancy before adjourning.
