Waukegan planning commission approves retroactive variance for Blanchard Road addition

The Waukegan Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously June 11 to approve a variance allowing a 50% impervious coverage in the rear yard at 2709 Blanchard Road, a change from the Unified Development Ordinance limit of 40%.

The variance was requested for homeowner Deborah Keenan and represented in person by Craig Leman, who was sworn before testifying that the addition was built on top of an existing deck and that the contractor had not pulled required permits. Sam, city planning staff, told commissioners the work was complete before permits were obtained and that the variance request is retroactive.

Commissioners and residents raised drainage and structural concerns during the hearing. Alderman Florian, who said he previously lived across the street, warned about repeated basement flooding in the neighborhood, saying, "If my power went out my basement flooded." An engineer in the room described on‑site conditions as problematic and emphasized that any permit approval must include plans to manage stormwater and protect neighboring properties.

The commission noted that its decision addresses only the zoning standard for impervious surface; compliance with construction, grading and drainage codes remains under the building department's review. Staff told the commission that if the variance were denied the addition would need removal or reduction; if approved, the owner must submit drawings and obtain the necessary permits and building inspections.

A motion to approve zoning calendar 2828 passed on a roll call vote: Haynes — yes; Young — yes; Carlos — yes; Shepard — yes; Hog — yes; Bill — yes. Commissioners did not attach conditions beyond the standard requirement that permits and inspections follow the action.

The owner or representative must complete the building permit process and any corrective construction required by the building code before the structure is considered fully permitted and compliant.