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Zoning board approves small lot-coverage variance so Weinreichs can add accessible addition
Summary
The Oak Park Zoning Board of Appeals approved a lot-coverage variance to allow a 36.8% lot coverage (35% allowed) for an addition to accommodate an elderly, mobility-impaired couple; the board voted unanimously and the project eliminated a prior setback variance and a kitchen from earlier plans.
The Oak Park Zoning Board of Appeals on a unanimous vote approved a lot-coverage variance for homeowners Jonathan and Sarah Weinreich to build an accessible addition and ramp for an elderly couple who use wheelchairs.
The board approved a request to increase lot coverage to 36.8%, above the 35% allowed under Article 2, Division 2, Section 214 of the zoning code, after the applicants presented a revised plan that removed an earlier setback variance request. Applicant representative Zach Astrow said the design team "revamped it a little bit and ... eliminated one variance," and that the plans were reduced in size and had a kitchen removed from earlier submissions.
Jamie Craig of Renaissance Restoration, the contractor on the project, told the board the homeowners are "an elderly couple both whom are in wheelchairs" and that the revised plans would accommodate full-time live-in assistance and a required ramp. Board members asked no substantive technical questions before a motion was made to approve the variance based on the staff report and the board’s findings of fact.
The motion referenced Section 214 of the zoning ordinance and specified the approved lot-coverage percentage. The board recorded members voting in favor during a roll call and the motion carried. The approval permits the applicants to proceed with final permit steps; any further changes to the design that would require additional variance relief would need separate review.
The board moved on to the next agenda items and adjourned after considering three cases.
