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Commission recommends variance to rebuild collapsing porch at 4125 Deo Avenue
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of a variance allowing an enclosed porch to be rebuilt at 4125 Deo Avenue with a 12.9-foot front setback instead of the 25-foot requirement, subject to a connecting walkway from new stairs to the public sidewalk and standard plan compliance.
The Brookfield Planning & Zoning Commission on May 28 recommended approval of a variance for 4125 Deo Avenue that will allow a rebuilt, enclosed porch to remain at a 12.9-foot front setback instead of the 25-foot setback required by code.
The petitioner, sworn for the public hearing, told commissioners the existing boulder porch is collapsing and that the project is to tear it down and rebuild according to plans submitted to the village. The petitioner said an architect and contractor reviewed the structure and advised that repair was infeasible and that an enclosed porch would provide safer, reinforced construction.
Scott (staff) showed the survey and elevations in the packet and explained that when the applicant applied for a building permit the enclosure was treated as livable space and essentially a room addition. Staff noted photos of deterioration and compared setbacks along the block, finding an average historic setback of about 17–18 feet. Staff recommended the variation, saying the petitioner had met the burden for approval.
During questioning, commissioners clarified that the front face of the porch would remain at the existing 12.9-foot line and that only new stairs would extend toward the sidewalk; the petitioner confirmed the stairs would be installed and agreed to provide a sidewalk connection. No members of the public took the oath to comment on this case.
Commissioners discussed the tradeoffs between preserving the historic stone porch’s character and the practical need to secure a collapsing structure. Chairman Grunt said the new porch “is not going to look as good as the existing porch” but acknowledged the safety and cost concerns and supported approval. Commissioner Stra and others agreed that the application read more like a home addition than a simple porch repair but still supported the request.
The commission’s recommendation includes a condition requiring a connecting walkway from the base of the new stairs to the public sidewalk and that the project be developed in substantial compliance with the submitted plans. Commissioners noted that the Planning & Zoning Commission’s vote is advisory and that the Village Board will take the final action at its June 8 meeting.
The petition will proceed to the village board for final consideration.
