Oak Forest planners weigh larger garage and 10-foot height variance at Lamon Avenue

Community Planner Hunter Heyman told the Planning & Zoning Commission on March 4 that an applicant at 15537 Lamon Avenue seeks to expand their accessory garage to about 1,024 square feet with a total peak height of roughly 25 feet, exceeding Oak Forest's current garage allowances (typically 800 sq ft for many lot sizes and a 15-foot height limit).

The applicant described first-floor use for vehicle parking and a recreation area (table tennis) with a 10-foot ceiling and a second floor for storage with an 8-foot ceiling. Heyman noted the existing house is a 1930s-era, roughly 900-square-foot bungalow about 15 feet tall, and staff said the requested square footage and height would therefore require variances under current code.

Commissioners voiced concern about scale and neighborhood compatibility, saying accessory structures should not overwhelm a primary residence. Several commissioners suggested design mitigations such as matching house materials, dormer-style roofs and setbacks to reduce visual impact; commissioners also referenced local examples of both compatible and incompatible larger garages.

Staff explained that variances require legal hardship and that a homeowner preference for more space typically does not meet that standard. Commissioners and staff discussed pursuing a zoning text amendment instead, and provided direction to prepare draft language (examples discussed included allowing garages up to 10% of lot size on lots above 10,000 sq ft, permitting garages no taller than the primary structure by right, and special review for taller structures). Staff told the applicant they could either apply for an immediate variance or wait for a draft amendment expected at the April Planning & Zoning meeting.