1996-09-17 - Zoning Board of Appeals - Minutes ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE , ILLINOIS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 , 1996
I . CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Richard Heinrich called the Zoning Board of Appeals
meeting to order at 7 : 40 P . M . on Tuesday, September 17 , 1996
in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall , 50 Raupp Blvd .
II . ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present : J . Paul , B . Entman, L . Windecker,
L . Arbus and R . Heinrich
Commissioners Absent : H . Hefler
Bldg . Dept . Liaison : Edward Schar,
Deputy Building Commissioner
Village Attorney : Richard Skelton
III . APPROVAL OF MINUTES
August 20 , 1996 - Motion to Table was made by Com . Entman
and seconded by Com . Windecker .
Voice Vote - AYE Unanimously .
IV . BUSINESS
A. 186 Raupp Boulevard, Linda Scherer and Bill Donoulis
Fence Code , Section 15 . 20 . 040 , Construction of a 6 '
Fence along the North Lot Line ; Returning to the House
Linda Scherer and Bill Donoulis were sworn in . Notice of
the public hearing was published in the Buffalo Grove Herald
on August 29 , 1996 . Mr . Donoulis summarized the reasons
for requesting a variance :
1 . They live directly across from the parking lot
of the Emmerich Park on Raupp Boulevard and the lights
at night shine directly on the rear yard, deck and
patio areas . It also shines into their family room
and kitchen . The fence will help reduce the glare .
2 . The park elevation is much higher than their rear
yard and the six foot ( 6 ' ) shadow box fence will not
completely block the lights from the deck, but will
have an effect on the patio and inside the house .
3 . They also want the six foot (6 ' ) height all along
the lot line and return to the house for aesthetic
reasons .
Comments from Commissioners :
Com. Paul asked if they talked to their neighbors on the
north side and explained what they are planning? There
are bedroom windows on this side of the neighbor' s house.
Ms . Scherer said these people have recently moved in and she
did not want them to think they were unfriendly, so she told
them about the proposed fence before they filed for the
variance. They did not object and they are not present .
Com. Paul said he drove up on the Emmerich parking lot and
wondered if six feet (6 ' ) is high enough to be effective.
Mr. Donoulis said they know it will help the patio area and
the glare that comes into the house. Nothing would block
the deck.
Com. Windecker asked if they would consider reducing the
height of the fence to five feet (5 ' ) at the end of the
patio and the section that returns to the house?
Ms . Scherer said the location on the plat of survey is
incorrect . The new fence will be located in the same place
as the existing chain link fence . They plan to end the fence
about five to six feet (5-6 ' ) from the end of the garage and
they want to use this area to conceal their garbage cans .
The neighbors also have a chain link fence that goes past
the end of their existing fence. The fence will not be seen
from Raupp Boulevard.
Com. Arbus and Com. Entman had no questions or objections .
There were no questions from the audience.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
SEPTEMBER 17, 1996 - PAGE TWO
Com. Windecker made the following motion:
I move we grant the request of Linda R. Scherer and
Bill E. Donoulis, 186 Raupp Boulevard, for variance of
Fence Code, Section 15 . 20 . 040, pertaining to Residen-
tial Districts, for the purpose of constructing a six
foot (6 ' ) wooden shadow box fence along the north side
of the property and returning to the house, ending at a
point five or six feet (5-6 ' ) from the end of the
garage as indicated on the plat of survey to be submit-
ted with the permit application.
Petitioner having exhibited unique circumstances, the
proposed fence will not alter the essential character
of the neighborhood and will not be detrimental to the
public health, safety and welfare .
Com. Paul seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Entman, Paul, Windecker,
Arbus and Heinrich
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 5 to 0 . Findings of Fact Attached.
Permit may be issued in fifteen (15) days - October 3 , 1996 .
B. 604 Harris Drive, G. Fred and Christine S. Bryan
Zoning Ordinance, Section 17 .40 . 020
Construction of 3-Season Room - Encroach
10 ' into the required 30 ' rear yard setback.
Ch. Heinrich disclosed that the Bryans are his friends, but
the will not impede his judgement in this matter.
Fred and Christine Bryan were sworn in. The public hearing
notice was published on August 31, 1996 . Mr. Bryan summari-
zed their reasons for requesting a variance :
1 . They want to enclose their deck so they can
take advantage of the summertime and enjoy the Well-
ington Park to the rear without mosquitoes, etc.
2 . Mrs . Bryan described the problems they have had
with rain and snow that caused extensive damage to
the kitchen resulting in replacement of the flooring
and the patio door. The enclosure will prevent
further damage due to weather conditions .
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
SEPTEMBER 17, 1996 - PAGE THREE
Comments from Commissioners :
Com. Paul said he observed that the area is open to the rear
and their neighbors have a similar screen room, so there is
no impact on the house to the west .
Com. Windecker, Com. Arbus and Com. Entman had no questions .
There were no comments from the audience.
Com. Arbus made the following motion:
I move we grant the request of G. Fred and Christine S.
Bryan, 604 Harris Drive, for variance of Zoning
Ordinance, Section 17 .40 . 020, pertaining to Area,
Height, Bulk and Placement Regulations, for the
purpose of constructing a 3-Season Room at the rear
of the house that would encroach a distance of ten feet
(10 ' ) into the required thirty foot (30 ' ) rear yard
setback.
Petitioners having demonstrated that their plight is
due to unique circumstances, consisting of prior water
damage to the house. There being similar structures
in the area, the proposed construction will not alter
the essential character of the neighborhood.
The materials and roofing are to match the existing
construction.
Com. Windecker seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Paul, Windecker, Arbus,
Entman and Heinrich
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 5 to 0 . Findings of Fact Attached.
Permit may be issued in fifteen (15) days - October 3 , 1996 .
C. 881 Westbourne Lane, John and Darlene Domar
Zoning Ordinance, Section 17 .40 . 020
Construction of a Roofed-over Front Porch
Encroach 6 ' into Required 30 ' Front Yard Setback
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
SEPTEMBER 17, 1996 - PAGE FOUR
John and Darlene Domar were sworn in. The public hearing
notice was published on August 31, 1996 . Mr. Domar
summarized their reasons for requesting a variance :
1 . Mrs. Domar grew up in a house that had a
front porch and would like a porch for aesthetic
reasons.
2 . There is a problem with snow and rain at the
entrance and the porch would cover the front door.
3 . A porch would improve the atmosphere of the
neighborhood. It will provide a social area for
conversation.
They have informed all their neighbors . One expressed a
concern about their son' s music disturbing the Domars
because his room would face the porch. This will not be
problem.
Comments from Commissioners :
Com. Arbus commented that the submittal packet was unusual-
ly enjoyable. The porch would add to the aesthetics of the
house and there are similar porches in the neighborhood.
He asked about the requested fence variance?
Mr. Domar said the fence was included in the illustration,
but will not come out farther than the front of the house .
The starburst style is shown as a concept .
Com. Windecker agreed the porch will be a great improvement .
Will they remove the utility shed? It seems to be in viola-
tion of the zoning ordinance.
Mr. Domar said the shed was to be removed and he did not
know it was in violation.
Com. Paul said the porch is a nice enhancement to the house
and asked if the circular section is going to be built?
Mr. Domar said they have not decided for sure, but requested
a variance that would include this area. A distance of six
feet (6 ' ) was requested and that does not include the three
feet (3 ' ) that is permitted without a variance, so the porch
could extend a total of nine feet (9 ' ) from the house .
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
SEPTEMBER 17, 1996 - PAGE FIVE
Com. Entman had no questions.
Com. Paul made the following motion:
I move we grant the request of John and Darlene Domar,
881 Westbourne Lane, for variance of Zoning Ordinance,
Section 17 .40 . 020, pertaining to Area, Height, Bulk,
and Placement Regulations, for the purpose of construc-
ting a roofed-over front porch that would encroach a
distance of six feet (6 ' ) into the required thirty foot
(3 0 ' ) front yard setback.
Unique circumstances having been demonstrated, the
proposed construction will not alter the essential
character of the neighborhood.
Com. Windecker seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Entman, Paul, Windecker,
Arbus and Heinrich
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 5 to 0 . Findings of Fact Attached.
Permit may be issued in fifteen (15) days - October 3 , 1996 .
D. 195 N. Arlington Heights Road - B.G. Business Park
Margolis, Shiffman-Morris Family Dental Center
Sign Code, Section 14 . 20 . 020 - 0 & R District
Installation of Ground Sign Within Setback
Mr. Kent Stone, Johnson Sign Company, 9615 Waveland Avenue,
Franklin Park, IL 60131, representative Hamilton Partners,
was sworn in. The public hearing notice was published on
August 31, 1996 . Mr. Stone explained that the Dental Center
is located in the last of three (3) identical office build-
ings at the Buffalo Grove Business Park. Patients are
getting confused and enter the wrong offices in the wrong
building. The only identification is on the directory sign
at the front entrance on Arlington Heights Road. The letters
in the name are smaller than all the other names and people
pass right by the directory. The other tenant (a mortgage
company) in the front of the building is going to put the
name on the back emergency door because patients are coming
up and trying to get in.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Li SEPTEMBER 17, 1996 - PAGE SIX
On September 12, 1996, the Appearance Commission reviewed
the sign and recommended a variance be granted with the
stipulation that the height be lowered to four feet (4 ' ) .
Mr. Stone presented a new drawing showing the 18" x 18"
sign at the four foot (4 ' ) height . The sign will match the
Buffalo Grove Business Park colors : Brown with white
lettering and a red outline. It will be installed at the
corner of the lot nearest the entrance to the Dental Center.
Com. Paul expressed concern that this sign could lead to
many other similar signs . He would prefer to have a larger
identification sign at the entrance.
Mr. Schar said all other signs would also require variances .
One other sign, Pivar Computing, was granted a variance .
Com. Paul said he had a problem when viewing the site
because two (2) cars were also turning in and he could not
slow down enough to read the sign.
Mr. Stone said most of the other tenants are doing research
and development so only employees or salesmen are coming in.
They do not have clients that are looking for the address .
The sign will match the Buffalo Grove Business Park colors .
Com. Windecker had no questions .
Com. Arbus agreed with Com. Paul about the possibility of
more signs .
Ch. Heinrich responded that there have not been that many
requests and they have managed to keep the signs down.
Mr. Schar asked about the size of the post? The existing
signs are on 2" x 2" posts. The drawing shows a larger
post, but Mr. Johnson had said they would be the same size
as the other signs.
Mr. Stone said handicapped signs and directional signs are
is smaller so a 2" x 2" wood post works, but this is an
18" x 18" sign and a 4" x 1-3/4" anodized post is better
aesthetically. The proposed sign is double-faced and will
be installed in the grassy area.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
SEPTEMBER 17, 1996 - PAGE SEVEN
•
Com. Entman said he is a tenant in the Business Park complex
and he passes the entrance sign every day. Many tenants say
they need better identification. They cannot read the main
sign. The Zoning Board would have to review all requests .
Com. Entman made the following motion:
I move we recommend to the Village Board that the
request made by Hamilton Partners for variance of
Sign Code, Section 14 .20 . 020, pertaining to Office
and Research Districts, be granted, that would permit
installation of a ground sign to identify Margolis,
Shiffman-Morris Family Dental Center at 139 N.
Arlington Heights Road in the Buffalo Grove Business
Park.
The sign is to be located according to Exhibit E
that was submitted by the petitioner and shown as
a dot at the southwest corner of the building.
Sign to be as shown on the exhibit showing the
revised height of four feet (4 ' ) from ground
level to the top of the sign. It will be an
18" x 18" double faced sign with a post that will
be made of 4-1/2" x 1-3/4" anodized aluminum.
Petitioner has complied with the requirements of
Sign Code, 14 .44 . 010, Sub-section A.
The sign is to be installed pursuant to plans and
specifications approved by the Village .
On September 12, 1996 the Appearance Commission
reviewed the sign and has recommended a variance .
Com. Windecker seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: AYE - Paul, Entman, Windecker,
Arbus and Heinrich
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 5 to 0 . Findings of Fact Attached.
Item will be on the October 7, 1996 Village Board Agenda.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
SEPTEMBER 17, 1996 - PAGE EIGHT
V. ANNOUNCEMENTS - None.
VI . ADJOURNMENT
Com. Arbus made a motion to adjourn.
Com. Windecker seconded the motion.
Voice Vote - AYE Unanimously
Ch. Heinrich adjourned the meeting at 8 :25 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Shirley Bates
Recording Secretary
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ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
SEPTEMBER 17, 1996 - PAGE NINE