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Planning commission recommends approval of rear-yard setback variance at 2101 School Drive after 4–3 vote
Summary
The Rolling Meadows Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4–3 on June 2, 2026 to recommend City Council approval of a variance allowing a 236-square-foot rear addition at 2101 School Drive that would reduce the required 30-foot rear setback to 10 feet 6 inches, with a drainage-review condition.
The Rolling Meadows Planning and Zoning Commission on June 2 recommended that City Council approve a variance to reduce the rear-yard setback for 2101 School Drive, forwarding the petition by a 4–3 roll-call vote.
Petitioner Dianne DeWitt and architect John Nelson presented plans for a 236-square-foot, one-story addition to add kitchen space, an enlarged laundry area and a second full bathroom. Staff advised the addition would reduce the existing rear setback from 18 feet 6 inches to 10 feet 6 inches — a 19-foot 6-inch variation from the 30-foot requirement — while keeping lot coverage under the 30 percent limit and the floor-area ratio within the 0.35 maximum.
The architect described the window proposed for the new bathroom as “a high 36 inch by 12 inch tempered obscure glass unit intended only for light and ventilation.” Staff told the Commission many lots in the Kimball Hill subdivision are nonconforming with current bulk standards and that achieving the required 30-foot rear setback would likely require substantial demolition.
Neighbors were notified; Tim Neff spoke on behalf of his parents, owners of 2903 Lark Court, opposing the request. He argued the reduced separation could harm the marketability and value of the neighboring property and raised ongoing drainage concerns near his parents’ lot. Ms. DeWitt disputed that her landscaping caused ponding and said drainage issues predated her garden; the Commission added a condition that grading and drainage be reviewed by the project architect and the City Engineer as part of permitting.
Commissioner Gercken moved to recommend approval with the drainage-review condition; Commissioner Modi seconded. The roll call was Ferstein, Gercken, Rivera and Roos in favor; Buckingham, Burchert and Modi opposed. The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action.
If the City Council accepts the Commission’s recommendation, the City’s building-permit process will include the grading/drainage review specified by the Commission and any additional conditions the Council may impose.
