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1990-04-17 - Zoning Board of Appeals - Minutes ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE , ILLINOIS TUESDAY , APRIL 17 , 1990 I . CALL TO ORDER Chairman Richard Heinrich called the meeting to order at 8 : 10 PM at the Village Hall , 50 Raupp Blvd . , on Tuesday , April 17 , 1990 . II . ROLL CALL Commissioners Present : R . Heinrich , M . Kearns , D . Stolman , J . Paul , B . Entman , and R . Lewandowski Commissioners Absent : H . Fields Bldg . Dept . Liaison : James Sylverne , Housing and Zoning Inspector Village Board Liaison : Sid Mathias Village Attorneys : Richard Skelton and Tom Dempsey III . APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 20 , 1990 - Motion to approve as submitted was made by Com . Stolman and Seconded by Com . Entman Roll Call Vote : AYE - Heinrich , Stolman , Paul , Entman , and Lewandowski NAY - None ABSTAIN - Kearns `./ Motion Passed - 5 to 0 , 1 abstention . February 20 1990 minutes approved and will be placed on file . March 20 , 1990 - Deferred because of Commissioner ' s absence . IV . BUSINESS A . 270 Terrace Place , Howard and Michele Knaizer Fence Code , Section 15 . 20 . 040 - Residential Districts The Public Hearing Notice was read . Mr . and Mrs . Howard Knaizer were sworn in and Mrs . Knaizer summarized their reasons for requesting the variance of the Fence Code for the purpose of constructing a 6 foot fence that would extend past the building line at the corner of Terrace Place and Plum Grove Circle : 1 . The fence was in existence when they purchased the house in August of 1986 and it needs to be replaced . The fence permit was denied because of height and location . 2 . Plum Grove Circle is the entrance to the subdivision and the 6 foot height is needed for privacy . There is an existing 6 foot fence around the patio , but the yard would be nicer if the proposed fence is permitted . 3 . The fence would offer protection for their child . 4 . Cooper High School students cut across the property , so they would like to extend the fence to the front of the house . The Village Engineer ' s Line of Sight Review, April 9 , 1990 , states : "the proposed fence encroaches into the required sight distance for the intersection and is not recommended. This fence should be set back ten feet from the sidewalk which would reduce the safe approach speed to 24 m. p. h. which would be acceptable at this "T" intersection. " Mrs . Knaizer said she asked Richard Kuenkler what possible options they would have , so they could reach a compromise with their original request and not cause a safety problem. She suggested reducing the fence to 5 feet in height , 3 to 4 feet from the sidewalk and forward to Mr . Kuenkler ' s angled line and staying within that line back to the front . Photographs were presented of a similar fence at 280 Indian Hill with 8 foot bushes inside the fence . Ch. Heinrich commented that bushes (height , location, etc . are not controlled by the Fence Ordinance . Mrs . Knaizer responded that there is a house at Weidner and Indian Hill with bushes extending all the way to the front of the house which obstruct the view more than a fence . In her opinion bushes should also be controlled . Ch. Heinrich said the existing fence probably predates the Fence Ordinance , and the Village has not permitted fences on corner lots past the building lines for many years . The Village Engineer ' s proposed location is actually more than the normal distance that the ZBA has granted by variance . Line-of-Sight is not the only criteria used by the ZBA. Keeping the area of open space is also very important . Mrs . Knaizer responded that if they are not permitted a new fence in the same location, they will lose a substantial portion of their back yard , and they will probably opt to not replace the fence , and leave it as it stands . Mr . Steven Goldspiel , 972 Plum Grove Circle , was present . He objected to the proposed fence for the following reasons : 1 . A 5 or 6 foot fence facing Plum Grove would be detrimental to the neighborhood. The existing fence is 4 foot , open picket type of fence. 2 . The proposed fence is a solid board-on-board privacy fence . There is no justification for replacing the softer open type fence with a higher solid fence , extended farther forward than the existing fence . 3 . The street is a T-intersection, but the street curves and the grade drops from the direction of Arlington Heights Road , so there is a potential for obstruction of view. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS April 17 , 1990 - Page Two Mr . Goldspiel said he would support Mr . and Mrs . Knaizer ' s application to replace the fence , with the same kind of fence . The fence pictured is not similar to the proposed `,/ fence . It is also a 4 foot picket fence and surrounds only the rear yard . A 5 or 6 foot fence , as proposed , would be detrimental to the essential character of the neighborhood , where open corner lots have , for the most part , been maintained . Mrs . Knaizer responded that they have not contracted for any fence at this time , but were considering a wood board-on- board with a scalloped top . They are willing to reconsider . Ch . Heinrich said they have not granted fences to the property line , and the Zoning Board cannot go against the Village Engineer ' s Line-of-Sight recommendations . In fact , the ZBA usually prefers fences to be set back farther than 10 feet . The difference between a picket fence and a board- on-board is significant . Mr . Sylverne stated that when he spoke with Mr . Kuenkler , Dick said he would not change his Line-of-Sight , and he was most concerned with the fence coming more toward Terrace P1 . Comments from Commissioners : Com . Paul - The neighbor ' s driveway to the West is directly adjacent to the proposed fence . The situation that would be created by the proposed fence , would make a bad situation much worse , and would obstruct children from the neighbor ' s driveway . He didn ' t think 10 feet back would be sufficient . Mrs . Knaizer responded " the next door driveway was widened last year . The area next to the fence used to be grass . " Com . Paul - The fence would have to be at least 10 ' back . Com . Lewandowski - Understands the desire to rebuild the fence , but the next door driveway situation is serious . He could not support a height increase from 4 to 6 feet , nor support the change from an open picket to a solid fence . The fence would have to be setback , per the Village Engineer ' s Review , and it could not go as far forward as proposed . Com . Kearns - Appreciates the fact that the petitioner ' s want to get the most use of their backyard , but there is a problem with corner lots . He agrees with the other comments that have been made and would have liked a line-of-sight as it pertains to the neighbor ' s driveway , because it is very important because of the safety of children . Would prefer to see the fence moved back closer to the building line as close to the house as possible . ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS April 17 , 1990 - Page Three Mr . Knaizer proposed the question of what the Commissioners would do in their situation , where they will be losing about 250 square feet of back yard , and therefore losing property value? They purchased the house with a certain sized yard . Ch . Heinrich responded that the property value is not in questioned , the fence exists in contravention of the current ordinances , and could be left , until changes are made . The ordinances have a purpose , and purchasers are advised to look at them before they buy corner lots . Com . Stolman - First , can this item be Tabled to permit the Village Engineer to review the driveway situation? and Second , would it be advisable to repair the existing fence? Other options would be to lower the fence and bring it back , or to use bushes . Ch . Heinrich stated that if the fence is changed , it would come under the ordinance , and the petitioners do not want to keep it as it is . The ZBA has never permitted a fence to be 1 foot away from the sidewalk . Mrs . Knaizer asked that the item be Tabled until May 15th so they can consider all their options . Ch . Heinrich agreed . Mr . Kuenkler will be asked to do another line-of-sight study and to attend the hearing . He advised the Knaizers that the Village has the authority to remove bushes that become overgrown . Com . Paul suggested moving the fence back about half way . Com . Kearns made a motion to Table until May 15 , 1990 . Com . Stolman seconded the motion . Roll Call Vote : AYE Unanimously . B . 75 Trotwood Court , Michael and Susan Hartman Fence Code , Section 15 . 20 . 040 - Residential Districts The Public Hearing Notice was read . Mr . and Mrs . Michael Hartman were sworn in and Mr . Hartman summarized their reasons for requesting a variance of the Fence Code , for the purpose of constructing a 5 foot , spaced picket , fence that would extend past the building line at the corner of Trotwood Court and Sandhurst Drive : 1 . They have a 3 year old son who needs protection from traffic , etc . and they have no fence at all . 2 . The greater portion of their yard is on the corner , and , if the fence is constructed according to the Code , they would lose much of the usable space . ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS April 17 , 1990 - Page Four Mr . Hartman said they have informed their neighbors of their proposed 5 foot , open picket , fence and none have objected . The Village Engineer ' s Review , dated April 9 , 1990 states : " no obstruction is created for the intersection by the proposed fence . " Comments from Commissioners : Com . Paul - The fence across the street is set back farther , and angles from about 12 to 15 feet . He would like to have the fence set back more than 10 feet . He suggested 15 feet from the sidewalk , following the curve . Com . Lewandowski - Asked why the proposed distance on the plat and in the letter was changed from 12 ft . to 10 ft . ? Mrs . Hartman replied that they really want 12 feet , but decided to request 10 feet in case they had to compromise . They would like to come into the side just past the chimney . Com . Kearns - Would agree with 12 feet from the sidewalk , following the curve of the street . Com . Entman - Agreed to distance of 12 feet from sidewalk . No objectors were present . Mr . and Mrs . Hartman agreed to amend their petition on its face for a fence to be located 12 ft . from the sidewalk on Sandhurst Drive . Com . Lewandowski made the following motion : I move we grant the petitioners , Michael and Susan Hartman of 75 Trotwood Court , a variance of the Fence Code , Section 15 . 20 . 040 , pertaining to Residential Districts , as amended , for the purpose of constructing a 5 foot spaced picket fence , that would come on closer than 12 feet to the sidewalk at the corner of Trotwood Court and Sandhurst Drive . Hardship having been demonstrated . The proposed fence will not be detrimental to the public health , safety and welfare , and will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood . Com . Stolman seconded the motion . Roll Call Vote : AYE - Entman , Stolman , Kearns , Paul , Lewandowski and Heinrich NAY - None Motion Passed - 6 to 0 . Findings of Fact Attached . Permit may be issued in 15 days . ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS April 17 , 1990 - Page Five C . 1181 Twisted Oak Lane , Willard R . and Joan S . De Kruif Zoning Ordinance , Section 17 . 40 . 020 - Area , Height , Bulk and Placement Regulations ; Purpose : Addition Mrs . De Kruif and her son Robert De Kruif were sworn in . The Public Hearing Notice was read and Mrs . De Kruif stated the reasons for requesting a variance : 1 . The De Kruifs want to install a hot tub to be used for physical therapy . Mrs . De Kruif has had two back operations and Mr . De Kruif has circulation problems with his leg . The hot tub will make it possible to have home therapy . 2 . The configuration of the lot is irregular and only one corner requires a variance . It would be costly to remove a bearing wall and build the addition within the required rear yard setback . 3 . There is a fence surrounding the yard and the addition will not be seen by anyone . Comments from Commissioners : Com . Lewandowski - Will the existing deck be removed? Mrs . De Kruif responded the deck will be removed and the addition will be smaller . The room will not be heated , and the electric connections will be done according to Code . The Village Engineer ' s Study , dated April 17 , 1990 , states : " some minor regarding will be required to convey the drainage around the proposed addition . This grading will not affect any other properties . " Ch . Heinrich suggested that the Village Engineer be contacted if there are any questions regarding the grading . Com . Kearns - Asked about the construction materials , etc . Mrs . De Kruif responded that the patio room will be constructed on a new deck , with wiring below , and will basically be a glass enclosure , with white aluminum sliding doors . The house has white aluminum siding . Com . Kearns - No problem . Com . Stolman - No problem . Com . Entman - No problem . Com . Lewandowski - No problem . There were no objectors present . ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS April 17 , 1990 - Page Six Com . Entman made the following motion : I move we the petition of Willard and Joan De Kruif , 1181 Twisted Oak Lane , for a variance of the Zoning Ordinance , Section 17 . 40 . 020 , pertaining to Area , Height , Bulk and Placement Regulations , for the purpose of constructing an addition at the rear of the house that would encroach 6 feet into the required rear yard setback , be granted . Said variance be conditioned upon construction of the addition according to plans and specifications approved by the Village , and pursuant to the Village Engineer ' s recommendations regarding grading as outlined in the review dated April 9 , 1990 . Petitioners having demonstrated unique circumstances and hardship . The proposed addition will not alter the essential characteristics of the neighborhood . Com . Stolman seconded the motion . Roll Call Vote : AYE - Lewandowski , Paul , Entman , Stolman , Entman and Heinrich NAY - None Motion Passed - 6 to 0 . Findings of Fact Attached . Permit may be issued in 15 days . Ch . Heinrich advised Mrs . De Kruif to submit the construction drawings to the Building Department as soon as possible so the review does not delay the issuance of the permit . ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS April 17 , 1990 - Page Seven E . 701 Aptakisic Road , Congregation B ' nai Shalom Sign Code , Section 14 . 20 . 010 - Residential Districts The Public Hearing Notice was read . Mr . Martin Korman , President of the Congregation and Mr . George Woock of White Way Signs , were sworn in . Ch . Heinrich read a letter from Mr . and Mrs . V . S . Jung , RFD , Long Grove , IL . The Jungs object to the proposed sign because it would be in a residential area and they believe the building is large enough to be easily seen . Exhibit A . The Village Engineer ' s Line-of-Sight Review , dated March 2 , 1990 , states " the proposed sign is 2 feet from the property line . . . . would obstruct the required site distance for entering Aptakisic Road . . . . A better location would be 12 ' back from the property line , or possibly east 20 ' so the sidewalk would be visible . " Exhibit B Mr . Woock described the proposed sign . It will be 16 square feet and feet high . It has been reviewed and recommended by the Appearance Commission . Photographs , depicting the Road from all directions , were presented and described . If the sign is set back 12 feet , per Dick Kuenkler ' s recom- mendation , it would not be seen , because it would be behind the cars parked in the lot . People exiting the parking lot would be traveling parallel to the sidewalk (going west ) and turning right , would be able to see any pedestrians . The sign as proposed would be 3 feet back from the sidewalk , and pedestrians would easily be seen . It could be setback as far back as 5 feet from the edge of the sidewalk . Per Mr . Kuenkler ' s recommendation , a third location would be east of the island , within the planted area , between the first and second parking stalls , at the proposed 3 foot setback . Mr . Korman said one reason the original location is preferred is because the electrical outlet was provided at the island , per the final site plan approved by the Plan Commission . Ch . Heinrich responded that the electrical conduit could easily be run along the property line to the east . This is inexpensive and the sign would identify the building in time for people to turn into the driveway . The ZBA cannot act in contravention to the Village Engineer ' s recommendation . Mr . Korman and Mr . Woock conferred and agreed to relocate the sign to the east . It will be installed on a slab . ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS April 17 , 1990 - Page Eight Com . Stolman recalled that Mr . and Mrs . Jung had attended the Feb . 20 , 1990 ZBA meeting and commented about the parking lot lights being left on late at night . Would the sign remain lighted also? Mr . Korman responded that the sign would be connected to the timer with the parking lot lights and would go off at 10 : 30 P . M . The lights are left on to discourage vandalism . Comments from Commissioners : Com . Lewandowski : The original location would have been within the planted island . Will the sign still be within the planted area? . Mr . Woock replied that the planted area is about 10 ft . wide and the front edge of the sign will be about 3 feet from the sidewalk and the back will be about even with the parking curb . The front edge will be 3-4 feet from the sidewalk . Coma Lewandowski commented he agreed with this location . Com . Kearns : Agree with the proposed location 20 feet to the east and added this location would eliminate the possibility of liability in case of an accident . Com . Stolman : Asked for the exact location as amended . After discussion , Mr . Korman agreed to amend the petition on its face to concur with the Village Engineer ' s recommenda- tion and the sign will be located at least 20 feet east . It could be between the 1st and 2nd , or 2nd and 3rd stalls . Com . Stolman , Com . Paul and Com . Entman agreed this was acceptable . Com . Paul made the following motion : I move we recommend to the Village Board granting of the petition of Congregation B ' nai Shalom , 701 W . Aptakisic Road , pursuant to Sign Code , Section 14 . 20 . 010 , pertaining to Location of Ground Signs , to locate a ground sign no less than 20 feet east of the existing driveway , and 3 feet south of the sidewalk ( 2 feet from the property line) , per the exhibits shown . Lighting to be turned off coincidental with the parking lot lights . Granting the petition will not be detrimental to the neighborhood . Com . Stolman seconded the motion . ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS April 17 , 1990 - Page Nine Variation Power and Criteria : Sec . 14 . 44 . 020 , Sub-Sec . A Roll Call Vote : AYE - Entman , Stolman , Kearns , Lewandowski , Paul and Heinrich NAY - None Motion Passed - 6 to 0 . Findings of Fact Attached . The permit may be issued after the sign is approved by Ordinance . This item will be on the Village Board Agenda May 7 , 1990 . The petitioners were advised to attend the meeting to answer any questions . ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS April 17 , 1990 - Page Ten E . 32 Carlyle Lane , Lot 28 , Ed Schwartz & Company Zoning Ordinance , Section 17 . 40 . 020 - Area , Height , Bulk and Placement Regulations Purpose : Construction of a house that would encroach 3 feet into the required front yard setback . The Public Hearing Notice was read . Mr . Ed Schwartz , Edward Schwartz & Co . , 1110 Lake/Cook Road , Buffalo Grove , IL 60089 , 537-2600 was represented by Mr . Lawrence Freedman , Attorney , 77 W . Washington St . , Chicago , IL 60602 ; Mr . Frank Korycanek , I . R . L . S , and Mr . William F . Herrmann , Regional Land Survey , 107 S . Bloomingdale Road , #L 1 , Bloomingdale , IL 60108 ( 708-894-7072 ) . These gentlemen were sworn in and Mr . Freedman explained the situation . A field error in conjunction with the original staking and placement of the foundation a single family home was made . They are requesting a variance of the front building line setback from 0 ' to 3 ' as designated on the plat of survey . A small triangle area is in violation of the ordinance . The maximum distance is 3 feet . The street is curved and the error will not affect the sight distance . Lot 29 , if constructed , as proposed , will be set back closer to the street than the proposed house . Mr . Korycanek explained the field error . During the `,/ construction , control is maintained as much as possible . When the gas company came through , a pipe was shifted to the south , and the pitch of the house was tilted forward . If the variance is not granted , the foundation would have to be removed and replaced at an estimated cost of $10 , 000 to $ 12 , 000 . This cost would fall upon the surveyor . Mr . Freedman recalled other similar situations when he represented other builders and variances were granted . He understands that because every case is different , in other situations , foundations were removed . Mr . and Mrs . Michael Rosen , (Northbrook ) contract purchasers of Lot 27 were present . They viewed the plat and asked how the construction would impact their view? Their house is a ranch model and the house being reviewed is a 2-story , so it will seemingly block their view . Com . Paul demonstrated how the pivot point did not change and the angle of the house move only slightly . In fact , the house was tilted away from Lot 27 , giving the Rosens more open space . Ch . Heinrich explained that the error is slight and would not be noticed . The impact of a two story house next to a �../ ranch would not be changed . ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS April 17 , 1990 - Page Eleven Mr . Freed said that Mr . Schwartz notified the contract purchasers of Lot 28 of the staking error and variance . Mr . Schwartz also supplied the Village with the names and addresses of the other contract purchasers . Lot 29 is not under contract at this time . Mr . Sylverne said that Mr . Schwartz could build a spec house on Lot 29 , and a building permit could be issued for without a contract purchaser . Ch . Heinrich said the variance would carry a condition that the purchasers of Lot 29 be notified at a time prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy . Also , before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued for Lot 28 , a signed letter of notification should be submitted to the Village . Mr . Skelton commented that purchasers of Lot 29 would be able to visually see the house on Lot 28 before they buy , whether they were notified of a variance , or not . Com . Stolman made the following motion : I move that Edward Schwartz be granted a variance of Zoning Ordinance , Section 17 . 40 . 020 , pertaining to Area , Height , Bulk and Placement Regulations , for the purpose of constructing a house on Lot 28 , at 32 Carlyle Lane , that would encroach 3 feet into required front yard setback . Economic hardship having been demonstrated . The variance will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood . Condition of variance : Petitioner shall notify the contract purchaser of Lot 29 of this variance at the time the contract is signed ; and the Building Dept . is to be notified in writing before issuing the Certi- ficate of Occupancy . Further condition : The petitioner shall submit a signed copy of his letter of notification to the contract purchasers of Lot 28 to the Bldg . Dept . Com . Kearns seconded the motion . Roll Call Vote : AYE - Lewandowski , Paul , Entman , Kearns , Stolman and Heinrich NAY - None Motion Passed - 6 to 0 . Findings of Fact Attached . Building Permit may be issued in 15 days . The Rosens were informed of their appeal rights . ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS April 17 , 1990 - Page Twelve V . ANNOUNCEMENTS Document Discussion : Grading By Single Family Home Owners , dated �./ March 20 , 1990 , sent by the Village Attorney , William Raysa , to the Zoning Board of Appeals . Ch . Heinrich summarized the document and Mr . Raysa ' s legal inter- pretation to be : The height of a fence is to be measured from the grade of a homeowner ' s lot , even if it has been regraded up to two ( 2 ) feet . Ch . Heinrich said this is not the intent of the ordinance . If a person wants to change their grading , as opposed to surrounding houses , and put up a fence , and the total impact of that fence is more than the Ordinance permits , which is 5 feet , they should have to come for a variance . Mr . Skelton responded that the original topography would have to be determined , and a second topography study would have to be done to determine how much the grade has been changed . It would be costly to the homeowner to have a topographical study done . Engineering Department will not know if a property owner plans to erect a fence . For instance , if a homeowner is denied a 6 foot fence , all they have to do is build up the grade a foot and put up a 5 foot fence . Mr . Skelton responded there is a caveat to that theory , and that is all rear yards have to have easements on which the grade cannot be changed , and now new subdivisions will be easements on both sides , so regrading will not be allowed on side lot lines . Ch . Heinrich recalled that recently a petitioner was granted a variance for a swimming pool , and the rear yard grade has to be raised 2 feet in order to level the yard , and a 4 foot fence will appear to be 6 feet . They were not required to have a variance . The same situation is occurring with people coming in for fences on corner lots . They are told they should have investigated the ordinances before purchasing property on corner . Mr . Skelton said there will be problems , but in the vast majority are grading issues that do not fall under the Zoning Ordinance . Ch . Heinrich does not have a problem if normal variance procedures are followed , but he does not think they fall into Staff administrative handling , if a petitioner wants to construct the effect of a 6 foot , or higher , fence . Mr . Skelton responded that in clear cut cases where the intent is to heighten the fence , such as construction of a tie wall , then the grading should be considered part of the area of the structure of the fence , and these cases should fall under the jurisdiction of the Fence Code . �../ ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS April 17 , 1990 - Page Thirteen vik r .w ■ r Trustee Mathias commented that it would be difficult to determine original grade because when property is sold , etc . the buyer does not know what has been done previously , and he wants a fence . Ch . Heinrich said he would be satisfied if he could be sure the Building Department would send people for variances if they are obviously trying to circumvent the Fence Code , i . e . the fence around the pool that was granted a variance last month . The Bldg . Dept . should send the petitioner back for a fence variance . Trustee Mathias said the variance for the pool could have been granted with the condition that the fence be a certain height . Mr . Sylverne said the Building and Zoning Department has stated it will effectively measure fences at ground level . If the Village Board authorized Dick Kuenkler to permit grade changes , up to 2 feet within their yard , not on the easement , the Building Department will not go against this ruling . Ch . Heinrich suggested drafting the ordinance to read if a yard is regraded outside the easement , then they plan to put a fence on the new grade , a variance would be required , but if the fence is constructed on the easement , it could only be 5 feet high . Com . Paul agreed that this is a reasonable way to clarify the issue . Mr . Skelton agreed and so did Trustee Mathias . When an L ordinance is drafted , it will be sent to the Zoning Board before it is put on the Village Board Agenda . Ch . Heinrich said he would discuss the situation with Mr . Hruby again and suggest a text amendment to the Fence Code . Mr . Sylverne suggested clarifying the Fence Code by stating that if a tie wall is constructed , a fence permit will not be issued for that point , but would only be issued on the lot line . VI . ADJOURNMENT Com . Stolman made a motion to adjourn . Com . Kearns seconded the motion . Ch . Heinrich adjourned the meeting at 10 : 20 P . M . Respectfully submitted , Shirley Bates , ZBA Recording Secretary sb ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS April 17 , 1990 - Page Fourteen