Commission recommends zone change for Strawberry Valley lot to allow larger single-family footprint

The Kane County Planning and Zoning Commission on July 9 recommended that the county commission approve a zone change for Lot 18-49A (Strawberry Valley Estates Unit 2) from R1-Half to R1, a change requested to allow a larger living area above a garage for the Gormley family.

Ben Carter of B Custom Homes, representing Ryan Gormley, described design plans to add living quarters above a garage to accommodate family gatherings and guest space. Carter said the existing home is about 2,600 square feet and the proposed garage living area would be roughly 864 square feet.

Staff reported that notice procedures were followed and that only one phone call had been received; staff said no objection from the homeowners association or neighbors had been registered. Staff also flagged a GIS mapping issue stemming from a prior lot joiner that county GIS will correct so parcel maps reflect the combined lot.

Commissioners asked questions about the lot joiner, tax/assessment implications and whether the proposal would be nonconforming; staff said the acreage was sufficient and that the building permit process would ensure compliance. The commission moved, seconded and approved the recommendation to change the zoning designation based on staff facts and findings.

Next steps: the planning commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the county commission for final action and the applicant will pursue building-permit reviews consistent with the new zoning if the county commission approves the change.