Zoning board approves garage setback reduction to preserve heritage tree at 1442 Forest Avenue

The Highland Park Zoning Board of Appeals on May 7 approved a variance permitting a new detached garage at 1442 Forest Avenue to encroach into the southern side-yard setback.

Staff described the request as relief to encroach into a required 10.11-foot side-yard setback by 8.11 feet to place a 22-by-22 garage two feet from the southern property line on a property designated as a historic landmark. Patrick, the clerk/staff member, said forestry and the Historic Preservation Commission will review the work during the permit process.

Applicant representative Andrew Venamore, speaking on behalf of owner Michael Goldner, explained the existing garage is deteriorated and was likely nonconforming. Venamore said the project shifts the new garage slightly north and rearward to reduce impacts on an adjacent heritage Bur oak and that engineering granted special dispensation to retain gravel in part of the driveway to avoid root damage. He told the board the plan would remove one tree but preserve larger, established trees: "…the goal here is to get the structure off the root zone of that tree," Venamore said.

Venamore also presented neighborhood signatures from nearby addresses indicating awareness of the proposal. Board members repeatedly said the standards in Chapter 150 had been addressed, praising the effort to preserve trees and the thorough presentation. A motion to approve the order as drafted was made and seconded; a roll-call vote recorded all members present voting in favor and the variance was approved.

The board noted forestry will review tree-protection measures during permitting and the Historic Preservation Commission will consider a certificate of appropriateness for the work on the landmarked property.