Huntley ZBA recommends 15-foot rear-setback variance for Farley Drive addition

The Village of Huntley Zoning Board of Appeals on Aug. 28 recommended approval of Petition No. 23-08.01, permitting homeowner Evan Shillingburg to build a ±16-foot by 21-foot single-story room addition at 9611 Farley Drive that would encroach approximately 15 feet, 4 inches into the 40-foot rear building setback. The board’s recommendation is conditioned so that no building permits or Certificates of Occupancy be approved as part of the Simplified Residential Zoning Variation.

Senior Planner Scott Bernacki presented the petition and materials, noting the property is zoned RE-1 (PUD) and that the proposed addition would not affect existing side setbacks or the 20-foot rear public utility and drainage easement. Bernacki said the petitioner had submitted nearby examples of similar additions and that the Talamore Community Association’s Architectural Control Committee had approved the design. Bernacki also recommended the condition that "no building permits or Certificates of Occupancy are approved as part of the Simplified Residential Zoning Variation." (Planner Bernacki)

Board members asked questions and commented before the vote. Member Ron Hahn said a neighboring pergola occupies a similar rear-yard area and noted no notified neighbors were present to object. Member Terra DeBaltz described the proposal as a seamless addition to the existing home, and Member Dennis O’Leary observed that the homeowners association had already approved the project. No members of the public offered testimony against the petition during the hearing.

Member Terra DeBaltz moved and Member Dennis O’Leary seconded the motion to recommend approval subject to the staff condition; the motion carried unanimously, 7-0-0. The Zoning Board of Appeals will forward its positive recommendation and the cited condition to the Village Board for final action.