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Homer Glen trustees deny request to allow stucco on first floor at 12357 W. Mackinac Road
Summary
After multiple residents said a homeowner removed brick without permits and that approving the change would undercut neighborhood standards, the Village Board voted to deny a variance that would have allowed stucco on the home's first-floor facade at 12357 West Mackinac Road.
The Village of Homer Glen Village Board on Dec. 12 denied a zoning variance that would have allowed stucco siding on the first floor of a single-family home at 12357 West Mackinac Road, after several residents and trustees said the property owner performed work without permits and that approving the change would set a damaging precedent.
Residents spoke during public comment urging trustees to reject the ordinance. "This request to replace the required brick facade violates both the village ordinance and our association," said Tyler Tomazak, a homeowner who said he had photos documenting neighborhood homes and their street-facing appearances. Another resident, Andy Penelli, asked the board to enforce the village code despite sympathy for the owner's financial position.
Trustees framed the vote as an enforcement and precedent question. Trustee Steinlen said approving the variance would "reward bad behavior," arguing the house was altered without a permit and that the board should uphold the village's construction standards. Trustee Fialco suggested exploring a path for the homeowner to work with the homeowners association but said she wanted more clarity on whether the HOA or the village should lead any compromise. Trustee Mason said the ordinance prohibits stucco and that the board should not undermine its own code.
After discussion the clerk conducted a roll call and the presiding officer announced the motion to grant the variance failed; the presiding officer said "the variance of the ordinance does not pass." The board's denial leaves the village code and existing HOA/declaration standards in place for that subdivision.
The ordinance text under consideration referenced the Village of Homer Glen exterior construction standards (noted in the meeting packet as section 75-66). The record shows multiple residents raised enforcement concerns and trustees cited a history of recent permit-less exterior work as a factor in their decision. The board did not direct staff to draft an alternative ordinance at the meeting.
The meeting adjourned the L-1 item with the vote; the board then continued its agenda with budgets and other approvals.
