Cicero zoning board approves 1.6‑foot side‑yard variance for 7309 Lakeshore Road

The Town of Cicero Zoning and Board of Appeals on Aug. 4, 2025 voted unanimously to approve an area‑variance request that will allow a proposed addition at 7309 Lakeshore Road to sit 4.4 feet from the property line instead of the six feet required by the zoning code.

The applicant’s representative, Dave Colgrove of Lebella Associates, told the board the project removes a deteriorated portion of a garage (the existing garage footprint is about 1,500 square feet, with roughly 651 square feet of that being removed) and adds a two‑bedroom addition and an enclosed breezeway to connect the existing garage to the residence. "Good evening. I'm Dave Colgrove from Lebella Associates," he said, and described the addition as intended for extended family visits and improved circulation between buildings. Colgrove said lot coverage would rise from about 15% to about 18% (25% is permitted in the area) and that the new footprint would align with the remaining garage and move part of the structure farther from the property line.

Board members pressed on whether the addition could function as a separate dwelling because the plans show a kitchenette. Colgrove responded that the space "communicates fully with the rest of the house, [with] one set of utilities," and as presented it would not constitute a two‑family dwelling. Staff (identified in the record as "Steve") explained that the southern portion of the garage currently sits at 4.4 feet from the property line where six feet is required and that a prior variance had been granted for an earlier portion of the garage; the proposed work, he said, effectively expands that nonconformity.

During deliberations the board applied the five statutory variance factors. Mr. Suarez, a member of the zoning board, said he did not believe the attachment would produce an undesirable change to neighborhood character. Members acknowledged the difficulty was largely self‑created but concluded the shortfall (about 1.6 feet, roughly a 27% reduction from the six‑foot standard) was not substantial, noted the project retained a lower lot coverage than the maximum allowed, and found no adverse environmental impacts given the site’s distance from wetlands or the lake edge. After discussion a member moved to approve the variance, referencing plans titled "7309 Lakeshore Road 2025 renovation" (dated July 7, 2025, by Lebella Associates); another member seconded.

The board voted by voice; five affirmative responses were recorded and the motion carried. The record lists the property owner as 7309 Lakeshore Road LLC. The chair congratulated the applicant and closed the item.

The board set its next meeting for Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, and adjourned the session.

What the board decided: the area variance was approved, allowing the addition to be sited at a 4.4‑foot side‑yard setback in place of the six‑foot minimum. The permit and any required inspections or zoning compliance follow normal town procedures.