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Oak Park board denies request to convert Harding Avenue house to two‑family use for caregiver suite
Summary
The Oak Park zoning board denied three variances for Case 26‑01 that would have allowed a two‑family dwelling, a reduced side‑yard setback, and a higher lot coverage to create a caregiver suite for elderly, wheelchair‑dependent residents; the board said permitting a new two‑family use in R‑1 zoning would set an undesirable precedent.
The Oak Park zoning board on an unspecified date denied three variance requests tied to Case 26‑01, rejecting a petition to allow a two‑family dwelling at 2025951 Harding Avenue and to alter two dimensional requirements needed to add a caregiver suite for two wheelchair‑dependent residents.
Agent Zach Ostroff, representing the owner, described the proposed addition as intended to house hired caregivers and provide an accessible bedroom and bathroom. “This is not a full cooking kitchen. This is kind of like a warming kitchen,” Ostroff said, describing the space as a refrigerator, microwave and sink and not a full household cooking kitchen. Ostroff also said the existing structure is a pre‑existing, nonconforming building and that the requested lot coverage and setback adjustments were driven by the need to accommodate wheelchair circulation.
The board and staff focused on the use variance question — whether the new space would constitute a separate, legally recognized second dwelling unit under the…
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