1996-11-19 - Zoning Board of Appeals - Minutes ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE , ILLINOIS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 , 1996
I . CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Richard Heinrich called the Zoning Board of
Appeals meeting to order at 7 : 40 P . M . on Tuesday,
November 19 , 1996 in the Council Chambers of the
Village Hall , 50 Raupp Boulevard .
II . ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present : B . Entman, L . Windecker,
L . Arbus , S . Sandler and
R . Heinrich QUORUM .
Commissioners Absent : J . Paul and H . Hefler
Bldg . Dept . Liaison : Edward Schar,
Deputy Building Commissioner
Village Board Liaison : Bill Reid, Trustee
Village Attorney : Richard Skelton
III . APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 15 , 1996
Com . Windecker made a motion to approve .
Com . Entman seconded the motion .
There were no additions or corrections .
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Entman, Windecker, Arbus ,
Sandler and Heinrich
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 5 to 0 .
Minutes of October 15 , 1996 were approved as submitted .
IV . OLD BUSINESS
A. Old Farm Village Identification Sign and Pier
Busch Parkway and Fabish Drive
Sign Code , Section 14 . 20 . 010 -Sign Ht . & Setback
Zoning Ordinance , Section 17 . 32 . 020 -Pier Setback
Item was Tabled because of the size of the monument
and the reason identification was needed was unclear .
APPliA
Motion to remove from Table was made by Com. Windecker
and seconded by Com. Entman.
Roll Call Vote - AYE Unanimously
Ms . Maxine Lustig, Highcrest Management, 7550 Janes
Avenue, Suite 202, Woodridge, Il 60517 was sworn in.
Mr. Eric Lasko, The Brickman Group, Ltd. 192 Peterson
Road, Libertyville, IL 60048 (708- 367-9339) was also
present .
Ms . Lustig presented copies of 136 signed approval
statements from Old Farm Village condominium owners .
A letter from Joan Dombrowski, 115 Fabish, stated that
for ten (10) years she has had to tell friends that
they live one (1) block east of the Fire Station.
When Lexington built Old Farm Village in 1986 there
was a construction sign with landscaping, but after
all the units were sold the sign and landscaping were
removed. This is the only Lexington Development that
does not have identification. The main entrance is on
Busch Road and in 1993 plans were made to put in a
landscaped entrance sign, but Busch Road was going to
be widened and the plans were delayed until after the
construction was completed. Bids were taken in 1995
for the construction of the brick wall . The owners
want and need identification. Hidden Lakes and all
the other developments on Busch Road have entrance
signs . Cherbourg has walls at two (2) entrances . The
Old Farm Village residents should have identification.
Ch. Heinrich recalled Com. Hefler' s comments (10/15)
questioning whether the size of the letters in
relation to the setback would adequately identify the
entrance .
Mr. Lasko said the proposed sign will give OFV good
identification and he did not think the sign is too
large . The pier will be 5 ' 10" in height and the light
fixture will be from 25" - 29" tall . They prefer the
Augusta style. The sign will be twelve ft . (12 ' ) wide.
The setback is in keeping with these proportions .
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
November 19, 1996 - PAGE TWO
HIED
Comments from Commissioners :
Com. Windecker: Said the distance from Busch Parkway
will diminish the size of the sign and with the land-
scaping, he had no problem with the variance .
Com. Arbus : Said he has spent time passing the corner
and observing the area. He is not comfortable with
the sign in that location and with the pier on the
other side of the street . The sign structure is large
and he prefers the openness of the corner.
Com. Entman: Said the setback is OK, but he questioned
what maximum, or minimum size, sign of that type is
appropriate and what the purpose of the pier would be?
Mr. Lasko said the pier ties the entrance together.
Com. Sandler: Verified that there are 286 homeowners
at Old Farm Village and copies of the letters were
distributed with copies of the form to sign. There
were 136 signed responses .
Ms. Lustig said two (2) condominium board members came
with her, but Ch. Heinrich did not ask them to speak
because it is clear that the sign is wanted by the
homeowners . The ZBA will decide if the sign is in
keeping with the other signs in the area. It is
tastefully done and he will support the variance.
After discussion, the Commissioners concurred that the
size of the sign is offset by the location and the
landscaping, so the variance would be recommended.
The ground lights will be on a timer. Ms . Lustig said
they want the sign and agreed to have them turned off
at 1 : 00 AM. The bulbs in the pier lights will remain
on all night .
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
./ NOVEMBER 19, 1996 - PAGE THREE
APPROYED
Com. Windecker made the following motion:
I move we recommend that a variance of
Sign Code, Section 14 .20 . 010, pertaining to
Residential Districts, requested by the Old
Farm Village Condominium Association, for the
purpose of constructing a ground sign at
Busch Parkway and Fabish Drive, for identifi-
cation of Old Farm Village, that exceeds the
height limitation and would be located within
the required setback, be granted.
Also recommended is variance of Zoning
Ordinance, Section 17 . 32 . 020, pertaining
to Accessory Buildings and Structures,
for the purpose of installing a brick pier
within the required setback at the northwest
corner of Busch Parkway and Fabish Drive .
The Appearance Commission reviewed the sign
October 24, 196 and recommended a variance .
Sign conforms to the restrictions of Sign
Code, Section 14 .44 . 010, Sub-section B.
Condition being that the ground lights be
timed to go on at dusk and off at 1 : 00 AM.
Com. Sandler seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: AYE - Entman, Windecker,
Sandler and Heinrich
NAY - Arbus
Motion Passed - 4 to 1 . Findings of Fact Attached.
Item will be placed on the Village Board Agenda on
December 15, 1996 .
B. Lot 51, 2250 Apple Hill Court South
C. Lot 41, 2207 Apple Hill Lane
Mirielle - Town and Country Homes
Zoning Ordinance, Section 17 . 036 . 30
Driveway to Exceed 404 Coverage Limitation
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOVEMBER 19, 1996 - PAGE FOUR
£PPO!o
Motion to remove Items B and C from Table was made by
Com. Arbus and seconded by Com. Windecker.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Unanimously.
Pursuant to a letter from Mr. Christopher Lebling of
Town & Country Homes, dated November 4, 1996, the
request for a variance for Lot 41, 1107 Apple Hill
Lane, was withdrawn and transferred all rights
regarding the variance for Lot 51, 2250 Apple Hill
Court South, to the contract purchasers, Stephen and
Simona Citron.
Mr. Skelton verified that the variance could be
continued by the contract purchasers .
Mr. and Mrs . Citron were present and they were sworn
in. They now reside at 640 Hatfield in Arlington Hts.
Mrs . Citron said when they purchased the property with
a 3-car garage, they assumed that the driveway would
accommodate (three) cars. They noticed that some of
the driveways were odd shaped and became concerned
about the size of their driveway. When they contacted
Town & Country they were told that the Village
required driveways to be a certain size . They learned
that a neighbor in the subdivision had successfully
petitioned for a variance of the Zoning Ordinance and
when they contacted Town & Country, they were informed
that applications were being made for three (3)
similar variations, including their lot . They were
subse-quently informed that one (1) variation was
granted (2240 Apple Hill Court South - Lot 52) but two
(2) requests, including their lot, had been Tabled.
In a letter, dated November 18, 1996, the Citrons gave
reasons for requesting the variance :
1 . They would have difficultly maneuvering cars
out of the proposed driveway and into the street .
2 . Their son will be playing outside with other
small children and increasing the width of the
driveway would make the neighborhood safer.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOVEMBER 19, 1996 - PAGE FIVE
&PPlriKi
The Citrons submitted a new drawing of their plat and
requested that the apron width at the sidewalk be
25 ' (Town & Country requested 23 ' ) and the apron
width at the street be 26 ' (Town & Country requested
25 ' ) .
Mr. Schar explained that the standard driveway width
at setback is 27 ' but the proposed driveway exceeds
the 40:coverage limitation. Driveway lot coverage is
determined from the setback line to the two (2) side
lot lines to the front lot line and the proposed
driveway would cover 47%. This is measured at the
building line straight down to the sidewalk, where
it would have to taper to 24 ' to conform with the
ordinance.
Ch. Heinrich commented that the legal driveway would
be unusable and was informed by Mr. Schar that a
variance can be granted for the amount of taper.
Mr. Citron said they would be satisfied with the Town
& Country proposal, with a driveway width of 27 '
tapered down to an apron width of 24 ' , but they would
prefer a wider apron of 25 ' at the sidewalk and 26 ' at
the street . Town & Country have said that they would
widened the apron if a variance is granted.
The variance that was granted for Lot 52, 2240 Apple
Hill Court South was reviewed. Ch. Heinrich said they
should be consistent . The width of the driveway was
27 ' at the setback line and 24 . 5 ' at the sidewalk. The
width at the top of the apron was 23 . 5 ' and 26 . 5 ' at
the street .
Com. Windecker said he had driven into this driveway
and had no problem backing out into the street .
Com. Arbus observed that the driveway could go over
the lot line if it is extended toward Lot 25 . Town &
Country should take care to widen the driveway toward
the other side.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOVEMBER 19, 1996 - PAGE SIX
OPACIEI
The Commissioners agreed the driveway should be
consistent with the previous variance for Lot 52 .
Mr. and Mrs . Citron also agreed to match the variance
granted for Lot 52, next door.
There were no comments from the audience .
Com. Windecker made the following motion:
I move we recommend to the Village Board of
Trustees that the request being made by
Pinnacle Corp. , dba as Town & Country Homes,
be granted a variance of Zoning Ordinance,
Section 17 . 36 . 030 . pertaining to Parking
Regulations, to permit the driveway on
Lot 51, 2250 Apple Hill Court South, to
exceed the 40% coverage limitation.
Driveway to be constructed pursuant to the
plat of survey, (revised A-1) designated with
the following dimensions :
Driveway width at the setback line - 27 . 0 feet
Driveway width at the sidewalk - 24 . 5 feet
Apron width at the top - 23 . 5 feet
Apron width at the street - 26 . 5 feet
The apron should stay within the lot line
extended at the street .
Petitioner having demonstrated unique conditions,
the proposed variance will not alter the
essential character of the neighborhood.
Com. Sandler seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Entman, Sandler, Windecker,
Arbus and Heinrich
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 5 to 0 . Findings of Fact Attached.
Item will be on the December 16, 1996 Village Board
Agenda. Town & Country are to be notified of the
variance and date of the Village Board meeting.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
LI NOVEMBER 19, 1996 - PAGE SEVEN
ORM
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Buffalo Grove Business Park - Hamilton Partners
Sign Code, Section 14 . 36 . 010 - Real Estate Signs
Permit Existing Leasing Signs to Remain on
Lake Cook Road and Arlington Heights Road.
Mr. Timothy Beechick, Hamilton Partners, 1130 Lake
Cook Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 (847-459-4225)
was sworn in. Notice was published in the Buffalo
Grove Herald on October 31, 1996 . Hamilton Partners
is the developer and managing agent for the Buffalo
Grove Business Park. He requested a variance to permit
the two (2) marketing signs to remain. He summarized
the process for commercial leasing. They rely on
exposure to the market place by placing signs on
commercial property. The Buffalo Grove Business Park
is comprised of 58 acres of property with nine (9)
commercial office buildings . The size and location of
the proposed signs are appropriate for marketing
the multi-tenant complex. There is a continual turn-
over in the tenant mix and the buildings stay leased
mainly because of the prime location so it is
important to have exposure by means of the signs .
Regarding the recommendation of the Appearance Commis-
sion to grant a variance for a period of one (1) year,
Mr. Beechick requested a variance that would permit
continuous use of the signs with periodic review of
the copy.
Ch. Heinrich stated that when the Sign Code was
written, the intent was to eliminate leasing signs
as soon as property was substantially rented.
The occupancy of each building was reviewed. Mr.
Beechick said there will be vacancies within the next
few months if leases are not renewed. They have
a 94-95% occupancy rate most of the time, but this is
due to the fact that they work hard to keep the spaces
filled. They are only asking for two (2) signs for the
nine (9) buildings on all 58 acres of property.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOVEMBER 19, 1996 - PAGE EIGHT
&L,I'q
He said the Buffalo Grove Business Park is a valuable
asset to the community and the taxes help support the
Village, so this is a joint proposal.
Ch. Heinrich commented that a variance permitting
these signs to remain permanently could lead to
similar signs on other Hamilton Partners property.
This would be a policy decision to be made by the
Village Board. He would support the Appearance Com-
mission' s one (1) year recommendation.
Mr. Beechick had no objection to annual reviews, but
said the signs are critical and as long as there is
space available, they have a responsibility to their
investors to market the property and to maintain it
tastefully. He said there is some overgrown land-
scaping around the signs that needs adjustment so the
signs can be seen better. If necessary they will
relocate the trees that are blocking the sign on
Arlington Heights Road.
Com. Entman disclosed that he is a tenant at 750 Lake
Cook Road and recused himself from the discussion.
Li
Com. Arbus, Com. Windecker and Com. Sandler were in
agreement with the one (1) year time limit with sub-
sequent review and the stipulation that the shrubbery
be maintained.
Com. Sandler suggested simplification of copy on the
signs to identify Hamilton Partners as leasing agent
with the telephone number.
Mr. Beechick responded that they do have some monument
signs that identify the subdivision and Hamilton Part-
ners as developer, then they typically have separate
marketing signs near the entry that include the tele-
phone number. They often get calls on cell phones by
people driving by and say they saw a sign.
There were no comments from the audience .
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOVEMBER 19, 1996 - PAGE NINE
L\PFAIMEI
Com. Arbus 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 .36 . 010,
pertaining to Real Estate Signs, for the
purpose of permitting the two (2) existing
Buffalo Grove Business Park leasing signs to
remain, be granted for a period of one year,
with the stipulations that the signs are to
be repainted and the landscaping adjusted.
Petitioner having met the conditions of
Sign Code, Section 14 .44 . 010; variance is
granted pursuant Sub-Section A.
Com. Windecker seconded the motion.
Ch. Heinrich disclosed that the attorney for his
corporation is a tenant at the Buffalo Grove Business
Park, but this has no impact on his vote .
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Sandler, Windecker,
Arbus, and Heinrich
NAY - None
ABSTAIN - Entman
Motion Passed - 4 to 0, 1 abstention.
Findings of Fact Attached. Item will be on the
December 16, 1996 Village Board Agenda.
B. AMLI at Chevy Chase (Formerly Lincoln Club)
Johnson Drive at Milwaukee Avenue
Sign Code, Section 14 .20 . 010
Height and Setback from Johnson Drive
Ms . Nancy Mahar, Community Manager of AMLI at Chevy
Chase, 1701 Johnson Drive, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
(847-537-9299) and Mr. Bill Eagen, E & S Marketing
Resources, Inc . 4903 E. 23rd Street, Indianapolis, IN
42618, were sworn in. Notice was published in the
Buffalo Grove Herald on October 31, 1996 .
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOVEMBER 19, 1996 - PAGE TEN
IROYEI
AL,
Ms. Mahar said the reason for requesting a variance is
to permit a new sign to be installed on the existing
brick base that is more aesthetically pleasing than
the illuminated plastic sign is there now. The new
sign will reflect the clientele and the style of the
buildings as well as enhance the community. AMLI is a
real estate investment trust and they purchased the
property in March of 1996 . It is typical for AMLI to
rename its investments. The occupancy rate is now 92%
and they like to average 95% to 96% .
On October 24, 1996, the Appearance Commission re-
viewed the sign and recommended that a variance be
granted.
The sign will be twelve feet (12 ' ) wide and the total
height is 8-1/2 feet including the base. It will not
be higher that the stone caps on the base . It will
have a redwood finish and gold leaf lettering. It
will have ground lights that work on a photocell .
The time of illumination was discussed. Mr. Mahar
requested that the lights be on at all times because
they have residents that travel who sometimes come
and go late at night . It will also be useful for
guests arriving after dark.
Mr. Schar said a variance is required because the
sign exceeds five feet (5 ' ) in height, 32 sq. f t . in
size and is located within the required setback from
Johnson Drive.
A turn-off time was discussed and it was agreed that
this sign is not in a residential district and given
the more transient nature of an apartment complex,
the lights will not be detrimental to the neighbor-
hood because there are many other lights in the area.
There were no comments from the audience.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOVEMBER 19, 1996 - PAGE ELEVEN
VD-41191U
Com. Entman made the following motion:
I move we recommend that the request made by
AMLI at Chevy Chase Apartments, 1701 Johnson
Drive, for variance of Sign Code, Section
14 . 20 . 010, pertaining to Residential Districts,
for the purpose of installing a new ground sign
on the existing brick base (formerly Lincoln
Club) be granted. The sign would exceed the
height limitation and be located within the
required setback from Johnson Drive .
The sign will be 6 ' x 12 ' and it will be
installed on the existing brick base, located
pursuant to the exhibits submitted by the
petitioner. Sign to be constructed in accordance
with plans and specifications submitted to and
approved by the Village.
Petitioner having complied with Sign Code,
Section 14 .44 . 010, Sub-section B, has shown
the need and importance of the sign.
Com. Windecker seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Entman, Windecker, Arbus,
Sandler and Heinrich
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 5 to 0 . Findings of Fact Attached.
Item will be on the December 16, 1996 Village Board
Agenda.
C. Country Court Shopping Center - New Ground Sign
125-165 W. Dundee Road
Sign Code, Sections 14 . 20 . 030 and 14 . 20 . 070
20 ' in Height. Closer than 20 ' to Lot Line
Ms . Joan Kwak, Property Manager, Dan Development,
Ltd. , 10 E. 22nd Street, Suite 116, Lombard, Il 60148
(630-627-0606) was sworn in. The notice was published
in the Buffalo Grove Herald on October 28, 1996 .
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOVEMBER 19, 1996 - PAGE TWELVE
kill Irk
Ms. Kwak said Dan Management has owned the shopping
center for three (3) years . She summarized the
reasons for requesting a variance :
1 . They want to replace the existing sign
with a sign that will match the new color and
renovated design of the shopping center.
2 . The existing sign is thirteen feet (13 ' )
in height and setback thirteen feet (13 ' ) . It
cannot be seen by eastbound traffic. They want
the new sign to be twenty feet (20 ' ) high.
3 . The sign is needed to attract new tenants
as well as direct customers to the center.
Ch. Heinrich commented that when the Sign Code was
revised, the height of ground signs was restricted
because it was determined that the height of signs
does not attract business . He would not approve the
request . When signs are revised, they must be brought
into conformance with the Sign Code.
Mr. Kwak described existing signs at Dunell Center and
White Hen that are twenty feet (20 ' ) in height and
installed very close to the sidewalk. The Barry' s
Ribs sign obscures the existing Country Court sign.
If the sign is moved back to twenty feet (20 ' ) it
would be in the middle of the parking lot . The front
elevation of Country Court is set back a distance from
Dundee Road and the signs are difficult to see from
Dundee Road. The signs for the stores on the east
elevation cannot be seen at all from Dundee Road.
If they do not get the variance for the height, they
will not consider installing the new sign.
Comments from Commissioners :
Com. Windecker said twenty feet (20 ' ) is too high.
Com. Arbus said the center needs help but they will
not gain anything with a higher sign and it could
detract from the area. It is difficult to access
the center.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOVEMBER 19, 1996 - PAGE THIRTEEN
£FPI )
Com. Entman would not permit the height to be
increased. They should comply with the ordinance.
Com. Sandler said he drove up and down the street
going eastbound it is very difficult to see the sign
for the center. The Barry' s sign and the trees do
interfere with the existing sign. He suggested a
compromise of somewhere between thirteen (13 ' ) and
twenty foot (20 ' ) height that would be more accept-
able and would give Country Court better identity.
He recommended Tabling to give time for consideration
of alternatives.
Ms. Kwak said the reason the owners spent over $30, 000
to renovate the center with new awnings and new facade
to improve the appearance and attract people. The new
sign was designed with a peak that matches the build-
ing. The estimate for the sign was about $30, 000 and
if they do not get the sign as proposed, they will
probably not want to change the color of the existing
sign. She would have to consult the owner.
Com. Entman told Ms. Kwak that it might be possible
to get the visibility they want and comply with the
ordinance.
Ch. Heinrich agreed that there could be a better
location for the sign and he advised Ms. Kwak to
Table until December.
There were no comments from the audience.
Ms . Kwak agreed to Table.
Com. Arbus made a motion to Table.
Com. Windecker seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Windecker, Arbus,
Sandler and Heinrich
NAY - Entman
Motion to Table Passed - 4 to 1 .
Z)NING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOVEMBER 19, 1996 - PAGE FOURTEEN
] [T6E11
11\PP
D. Plaza at Buffalo Grove - Berkson & Sons, Ltd.
Sign Code, Section 14 .36 . 010 - Real Estate Signs
Per "For Lease" Sign to Remain
Petitioner was not present.
Com. Arbus made a motion to Table.
Com. Windecker seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote - AYE Unanimously
E. 733 Aspen Drive - Mark Levit
Zoning Ordinance, Section 17.32 . 020
Permit Shed to Remain Within the Setback
Mr. Mark Levit was sworn in. Notice was published in
the Buffalo Grove Herald on November 4, 1996 .
Mr. Levit said they purchased the property six (6)
months ago. The house had been vacant for a year and
was in need of improvement. They have worked on the
exterior and the interior of the house to make it more
livable. They needed more storage space for the lawn
mawer and bicycles, etc. so they installed a small
6 ' x 8 ' shed in the side yard. The rear yard is very
steep and the only level area is on the side that
faces the cul-de-sac. The shed is of good quality
and it matches the house. It is in line with the
existing shrubbery.
Mr. Levit submitted a list signed by the following
neighbors who have no objection to the shed:
1. Arthur Slavik, 750 Aspen Drive
2 . Marjory Podraza, 721 Aspen Drive (next door)
3 . Renee Prodsky, 738 Aspen Drive
4 . Caryn Kraus, 3 Aspen Court; Harold and Caryn
Kraus also wrote a letter, dated 11/19/96,
in support of the variance.
If the variance is not granted, they would lose the
storage space and have to store the items in the
garage, so their car would be left outside.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOVEMBER 19, 1996 - PAGE FIFTEEN
U U ii)/-
Ilk, V JiLLJ
Mr. Levit did not know there was an ordinance to be
followed or that a permit was required. He said he
could not move the shed without damaging it.
Mr. Schar said an inspector was sent out to look at
the shed after some calls were received and Mr. Levit
was informed that the shed is not in compliance.
The following neighbors were present :
1. George Schneider, 762 Aspen, said they have
lived in the neighborhood for 22-1/2 years. The
ordinances have kept the neighborhood open and
other people have lived within the restrictions.
The shed appears to be in the front yard so the
setback restrictions should be enforced.
2 . Angela Schneider, 762 Aspen, told Mr. Levit
that their objections were not personal. The
neighbors who support the variance do not live
where they can see the shed. The shed is very
visable when driving down Aspen Drive and it
would be more appropriate to have it in the rear
yard. Aspen is a collector street and many
people use it .
3 . Mr. Ben MacNamara, 757 Aspen, said Mr. Levit
has done a lot of work on the house and has
improved the property, except for the shed. The
neighborhood is attractive and the quality of
maintenance is good. The ordinances preserve the
uniformity of the neighborhood and should be
enforced. The shed does not belong in the front
yard.
4 . Mrs. Margaret MacNamara, 757 Aspen, said they
have nothing personal against the Levits. They
moved into the area from California because the
property is kept up. Corner lots have two (2)
front yards and no one would put up a shed on
their front lawn. They can see the shed from
their front door. The ordinances protect the
residents of Buffalo Grove.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOVEMBER 19, 1996 - PAGE SIXTEEN
ARTIE
5 . Mr. Howard Kraus, 3 Aspen Court, said he
can see the shed from his front window and it
does not present a problem. In the three (3)
years they have lived in the house, there have
been at least four (4) families who have lived
at 733 Aspen Drive. The Levits have been the
most responsible homeowners and will maintain
the shed so it does not become an eyesore to the
community. Even if the shed is moved to the rear
yard, it would be just as visible to people when
they turn the corner. He supports the variance.
6 . Ms. Adrian Slavik, 750 Aspen Drive, had
nothing to add. It's nothing personal, but' the
shed does not belong in that location.
Comments from Commissioners :
Com. Windecker stated that on corner lots the side
yard becomes somebody' s front yard. Fences, air
conditioners and shed are not permitted on the side.
He observed that the shed blocks the door on the
side of the house. The shed blocks an exit and, in
case of fire, could be a hazard. The shed belongs
in the rear yard even if the grade has to be built up.
He would not support the variance.
Com. Arbus residents of Buffalo Grove get the benefits
from the zoning ordinances. They are established for
the benefit of homeowners. The Zoning Commissioners
consider reactions of the people who will be the most
affected by the variance. These are the people who
have come are in the direct line of sight. They
expect to be protected by the zoning ordinace. He
is sympathetic with Mr. Levit' s need for the shed, but
it would alter the essential character of the neigh-
borhood. The shed could be put in the rear yard even
if it means the expense of grading and landscaping.
He would not support the variance.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOVEMBER 19, 1996 - PAGE SEVENTEEN
iOnagj: lif
Com. Entman agreed with Com. Arbus' comments about
the ordinances. He is familiar with the lot and knows
about the slope. It has a lot of exposure.
He would like to permit the shed, but in view of the
objections of the neighbors who are present, the
ordinance should be enforced. It is unfortunate that
Mr. Levit did not check to see where he could put a
shed. He asked Mr. Levit if he has explored moving the
shed to the rear yard? When they comply with the
ordinance, the neighors will be happy and the neigh-
borhood will be preserved.
Com. Sandler said he has the same concerns that have
been expressed. He hopes Mr. Levit finds a way to
keep the shed.
Ch. Heinrich concurred that putting a shed on the side
of a corner lot is like putting the shed is in a front
yard. There should be some way to put a level place
in the rear yard where the shed can be located. He
uses his garage for storage and has to park cars on
the driveway, so lack of space is not a hardship.
Ch. Heinrich informed Mr. Levit of his right to appeal
a negative decision to the Village Board.
Com. Arbus made the following motion:
I move we grant the request of Mark Levit,
733 Aspen Drive, for variance of Zoning
Ordinance, Section 17.32 . 020, pertaining
to Location of Accessory Buildings and
Structures for the purpose of permitting
the existing storage shed to remain as
constructed within the required setback
on the side of the lot.
Petitioner having demonstrated hardship
and unique circumstances, the proposed
variance would not alter the essential
character of the neighborhood.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOVEMBER 19, 1996 - PAGE EIGHTEEN
MOOED
Com. Windecker seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: AYE - None
NAY - Entman, Sandler, Arbus,
Windecker and Heinrich
Motion DENIED - 5 to 0 . Findings of Fact Attached.
Ch. Heinrich informed Mr. Levit that he can appeal the
decision by submitting a written request for a hearing
before the Village Board of Trustees to Mr. Frank
Hruby, Zoning Administrator within fifteen (15) days.
VI . ANNOUNCEMENTS - None.
VII . ADJOURNMENT
Com. Arbus made a motion to adjourn.
Com. Entman seconded the motion.
Voice Vote - AYE Unanimously
Ch. Heinrich adjourned the meeting at 10 :15 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Li
Shirley Bates
Recording Secretary
sb
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ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOVEMBE 19, 1996 - PAGE NINETEEN
Li