Council approves contested 15537 Lamon Avenue garage variance over Planning & Zoning split 4–3

Oak Forest City Council on April 14 approved two related variances allowing a homeowner at 15537 Lamon Avenue to rebuild and expand a detached garage that exceeds the city's standard accessory-structure size and height limits.

Community and Economic Development Assistant Director Paul Ruane told the council the petitioner seeks a two-story addition to an existing 508-square-foot garage that would produce a combined footprint and upper storage totaling about 1,626 square feet—more than double the 800-square-foot maximum in current code—and a peak height of 21 feet, above the 15-foot accessory limit. Neighbors who attended the meeting said they supported the project and the applicant noted the garage had been recently rebuilt after a fire.

Supporters, including nearby residents who spoke during public comment, said the larger structure was intended strictly for storage and to serve modern equipment (lawn mowers, snowblowers, hobby gear) and that the addition would be consistent with the property's character. “I saw no reason to deny the garage variance,” said Mary Kenny, who described the homeowner’s efforts to maintain the property.

Opponents cautioned about setting a precedent and pointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission’s previous disapproval. Alderperson Wolf emphasized deference to the commission’s majority recommendation, while Alderperson Keeler raised concerns about the code limit that prevents accessory structures from exceeding the main dwelling’s size. Assistant Director Ruane noted that a drainage review is typically triggered when accessory coverage exceeds 20% of yard area; no formal drainage report had been submitted for this application.

The council voted 4–3 in favor of Ordinance 2026-04-11440 (height variance) and Ordinance 2026-04-11450 (size variance). The motion passed with four alderpersons supporting and three opposed. Following the vote, the applicant (identified in public comment as Jesse) confirmed the addition would not include living quarters or plumbing and would maintain a three-foot setback from the lot line.

The city clerk will file the ordinances and the Building Department will follow up on applicable review steps, including any drainage or building-permit requirements associated with the expanded accessory structure.

This item's immediate practical effects are limited to the single property; however, council members signaled the debate could prompt broader discussion about accessory-structure standards and the recently proposed text amendments to the zoning code that the council approved later in the meeting.