Commission recommends front-yard detached garage for triangular lot constrained by floodplain

The Campton Hills Planning & Zoning Commission on June 10 recommended the village board approve a variance allowing a detached garage to be built in a front yard on a triangular lot constrained by wetlands, a floodway and an on-site septic field.

Planning staff described the applicants’ situation and the requested relief: “They are requesting a variance to allow the placement of a new detached garage in a front yard,” said Mr. Brown, noting the lot narrows toward the rear and that the proposed site is outside the most constrained rear area. The submitted site plan shows a 44-by-22-foot footprint for the new garage.

Applicants told the commission the new garage would utilize existing concrete parking and load from the long side; it is intended as phase one of a plan to eventually convert the existing attached garage into living space when the family expands. The applicant noted there is roughly 40 feet from the eastern edge of the proposed garage to Brown Road, and that the septic field and floodplain limit other placement options.

Commissioners reviewed the three standard variance findings and determined the lot’s triangular shape, septic location and floodplain together create unique constraints that justify the variance as presented. The commission moved to recommend approval consistent with the submitted site plan. The roll-call vote recorded yes votes from Chairman Frederick, Commissioners Barario (Larario variant), Copek and T; the motion carried 4–0.

Next steps: the commission forwarded the findings and the site plan to the Campton Hills Village Board for final approval. Applicants were advised to submit final site plans and elevations with the permit application.