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Commission recommends variance to allow driveway access to detached garage at 410 Hillrest Drive
Summary
Prospect Heights plan commissioners recommended approval of a side-yard variance to permit driveway access to a proposed detached garage at 410 Hillrest Drive, agreeing on a 3.5-foot green-space condition, grading requirements to control drainage and that permit review must address final dimensions.
The Plan Commission unanimously recommended the City Council approve a side-yard variance at 410 Hillrest Drive so owner Carl Herinski can build a driveway to access a proposed detached garage.
Herinski told the commission he needs a means to access the backyard garage and described existing nonconforming conditions. Commissioners and staff worked through options to avoid pushing stormwater onto the neighbor’s property, discussing sidewalk removal and curb/grade treatments to maintain existing drainage patterns. Staff advised that a 3.5-foot green-space buffer combined with an approximately eight-foot driveway would provide room to drain and allow safe passage; commissioners requested grading and permit-level civil plans to ensure stormwater remains on the applicant’s property.
Commissioners also discussed driveway width to accommodate vehicles and whether the applicant’s camper or tow-behind would clear house overhangs; staff said final dimensions would be checked during plan review. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval to the city council with conditions that the driveway be graded properly, not change existing drainage direction, and that permit review include civil grading details.
The city council will consider the recommendation at first reading on July 13.
