Plan Commission backs rear-yard variance and screening conditions for Brook Road addition in Prospect Heights

The Prospect Heights Plan Commission voted unanimously June 24 to recommend that the City Council approve a variance allowing the rear-yard setback at 102 Brook Road to be reduced from 50 feet to 12.77 feet so the owners (listed in the record as Camila and Pavo Bach) can enclose space between the house and an existing frame garage, add living area and expand the garage.

Architect Jaime Gascon described the project as closing the gap between the house and the frame garage to create additional living space and adding garage bays to create a three-car configuration; the proposal would result in the northwest corner of the house being 12.77 feet from the rear lot line. The owner, who identified himself as Pavo (Pav), said the extra space would be used for work materials and family needs. Commissioners expressed concern about proximity to a rear neighbor at 103 Maple (approximately 50 feet away) and requested screening.

As part of the recommendation, the commission added conditions: limit future accessory/detached garage buildings (the motion limited additional accessory structures to two totaling 280 square feet) and require evergreen screening along the northern rear property line sized and sited to grow to roof-line height over time. Staff said civil/grading plans and permit-level drainage work would be required given the scope of the addition.

The commission’s vote sends the item to city council first reading on July 13; staff emphasized final engineering and landscaping details will be settled during permitting and council review.