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Kewanee council splits on Chavez porch, approves other zoning variances
Summary
The council approved a variance for Michael Nichols and a rear‑yard variance for Jose Chavez but rejected Chavez’s front‑yard screened‑porch variance over sightline concerns; the Zoning Board’s vote and petitioner absence were noted.
The Kewanee City Council considered several zoning variances on June 24, approving two and denying one after concerns about visibility and petitioner presence.
Ordinance #3969, granting a variance to Michael Nichols at 803 Page Street, passed unanimously after Council Member Steve Faber said he inspected the property and saw no problem; Community Development Director Edwards noted one Zoning Board of Appeals member had voted no because the petitioner was not present. The council approved the ordinance on a motion by Faber, seconded by Colomer (roll call 5–0).
The council then considered two variances for Jose Chavez at 1200 W. Division Street. Ordinance #3970, a front‑yard variance to allow a screened‑in porch, failed on a motion by Faber, seconded by Yaklich; council and the Zoning Board expressed concern that a screened porch would create a vision obstruction and the vote was 0 ayes, 5 nays. Community Development Director Edwards described that no additional square footage to the house was proposed and suggested that a roofed porch without screening might be an alternative.
Ordinance #3971, granting a rear‑yard variance for the same property, passed on a motion by Colomer, seconded by Komnick (roll call 5–0). Council members said the rear yard posed no obstruction and noted an existing privacy fence.
The council’s action leaves the front‑porch request denied while allowing the rear‑yard exception; staff suggested the petitioner could pursue an alternative design or reapply with the petitioner present.
