1997-06-17 - Zoning Board of Appeals - Minutes NPR MB
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS
TUESDAY, JUNE 17 , 1997
I . CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Richard Heinrich called the Zoning Board of Appeals
meeting to order at 7 : 45 P .M . on Tuesday, June 17 , 1997 in
the Council Chambers of the Village Hall , 50 Raupp Blvd .
II . ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present : J . Paul , L . Windecker,
S . Sandler and R . Heinrich
B . Entman arrived after Item A.
Commissioners Absent : L . Arbus and H . Hefler
Bldg . Dept . Liaison : Edward Schar,
Deputy Building Commissioner
Village Board Liaison : DeAnn Glover, Trustee
Ch . Heinrich announced that four (4 ) commissioners consti-
tute a quorum, but it take four (4 ) affirmative votes to
grant a variance . Any petitioner can request that his
hearing be Tabled until July when more Commissioners are
present .
III . APPROVAL OF MINTUES
May 20 , 1997 - Tabled .
IV. BUSINESS
A. 900 Crofton Lane , Gary L . Grossman
Fence Code , Section 15 . 20 . 040 - Six foot ( 6 ' ) Fence
Mr . Gary Grossman was sworn in . Notice of the public
hearing was published in the Buffalo Grove Herald on
May 28 , 1997 . Mr . Ira Kaufman, contractor, was also
present .
On behalf of Mr . Grossman, Mr . Kaufman requested a variance
of the Fence Code for the purpose of replacing the existing
six foot ( 6 ' ) fence that was damaged by wind . The lot is
located at the corner of Dundee Road and Crofton Lane . The
fence provides privacy and helps to eliminate traffic noise .
APPE]liVED
Mr . Grossman wants to replace the six foot ( 6 ' ) fence that
was installed when the house was constructed . It is located
within the required front yard setback and along the rear
lot line bordering a park .
The Village Engineer' s Review, dated June 3 , 1997 states :
"The proposed fence does not appear to conflict with the
desired line of sight . Village Ordinance does not allow
encroachments within forty-five feet (45 ' ) of the curblines
projected . We recommend that this requirement be observed . "
Ch . Heinrich advised Mr . Grossman that the fence would have
to be constructed in conformance with the Village Engineer' s
diagram .
Mr . Grossman said the two (2 ) sections at the corner are
about twelve feet (12 ' ) in height . It was the original Mill
Creek entrance sign and the electric box is still there .
When he called the Village to see if this section of fence
could be removed, he was told that it is on his property, so
he could do whatever he wanted to with it .
After discussing whether to keep this section or stop the
fence at the building line , Mr . Grossman said the fence at
the corner buffers the noise and lights from the house and
he would like replace these sections . He would comply with
Mr . Kuenkler' s placement recommendation .
Ch . Heinrich had no objection to a six foot ( 6 ' ) fence .
Com . Paul agreed the six foot (6 ' ) is necessary .
Com . Windecker and Com . Sandler had no objections .
There were not comments from the audience .
Com . Sandler made the following motion :
I move we grant the request of Gary L . Grossman,
900 Crofton Lane , for variance of Municipal Code ,
Section 15 . 20 . 040 , pertaining to Residential Districts ,
for the purpose of constructing a six foot (6 ' ) wood
fence to replace the existing six foot ( 6 ' ) wood fence .
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
JUNE 17 , 1997 - PAGE TWO
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Said fence to be installed pursuant to Exhibit "A" that
was submitted with the application, in accordance with
the diagram attached to the Village Engineer' s recom-
mendation dated June 3 , 1997 : "Fence not to encroach
within forty-five (45 ' ) of the curbline extended . "
Unique circumstances having been demonstrated, the
proposed fence will not be detrimental to the public
health, safety and welfare .
Com . Windecker seconded the motion .
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Paul , Windecker, Sandler and Heinrich
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 4 to 0 . Findings of Fact Attached .
Permit may be issued in fifteen ( 15 ) days - July 3 , 1997 .
B . 901 Dorncliff , Ilyse and John Vanderah
Fence Code , Section 15 . 20 . 040 - Six Foot ( 6 ' ) Fence
Ilyse and John Vanderah were sworn in . Notice of the
public hearing was published in the Buffalo Grove Herald
May 28 , 1997 . Mr . Vanderah said they moved to Bufflao Grove
month ago, with a 2 -1/2 year old daughter, a baby on the way
and a dog . The lot is on the corner and the yard slopes .
They need the fence to protect the children, to confine the
dog to the yard and for privacy.
Ch . Heinrich asked why they need the fence to extend so far
out toward the sidewalk along Indian Spring?
Mr . Vanderah explained that the east side of the rear yard
slopes so the fence is needed to permit the use of the flat
portion of the yard .
Ch . Heinrich informed Mr . and Mrs . Vanderah that it is
typical for the Zoning Board to grant variances for a side
yard fence that is about one half ( 1/2 ) the required
distance , in this case about twelve feet ( 12 ' ) .
Mr . Vanderah said there are some trees about half way into
the side yard that they would like to enclose and asked for
as much space as they could have .
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
JUNE 17 , 1997 - PAGE THREE
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Comments from Commissioners :
Com. Paul asked why they want a six foot (6 ' ) fence all the
way around, even along Indian Spring Lane? He asked if the
neighbors know about the fence?
Mr. Vanderah said they need the fence for privacy because of
the height of the deck. People can look over a five foot
(5 ' ) fence from the sidewalk. They have a contract for a
six foot (6 ' ) arched fence abd the posts will be a few
inches lower. They have informed their neighbors that they
want a fence.
Mrs. Vanderah said a six foot (6 ' ) fence would give her more
privacy to work in the yard and sunbathe without being seen.
A letter objecting to the height and placement of the fence
was received from a neighbor.
Ch. Heinrich said a six foot (6 ' ) fence would be a wall .
He asked the Vanderah' s if they would like to Table the
hearing until July to permit them to measure the distance
from the house to the trees in the side yard?
The Vanderah' s did not want to postpone a decision.
Com. Windecker said he observed that there is an existing
six foot (6 ' ) privacy fence around the deck/patio area, and
the deck is higher anyway, so a second six foot (6 ' ) fence
is unnecessary. He estimated the trees are about nine (9)
to nine and a half (9-1/2) feet from the privacy fence.
Com. Sandler said he could not support a six foot (6 ' )
fence and not out to the sidewalk.
Com. Entman arrived during the discussion. He also objected
to the six foot (6 ' ) height and suggested a distance of
twelve feet (12 ' ) from the house.
After discussing the distance into the sideyard setback,
the Commissioners agreed that the fence could be a maximum
of thirteen feet (13 ' ) from the house foundation.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
JUNE 17, 1997 - PAGE FOUR
Mr. and Mrs . Vanderah agreed to amend their petition and
would construct a five foot (5 ' ) wood fence a distance not
to exceed thirteen feet (13 ' ) from the house foundation.
There were no comments from the audience.
The Village Engineer' s Review, dated June 3 , 1997, states :
"The limiting factor at the intersection is the principal
structure itself . There is no abutting driveway. "
Com. Paul made the following motion:
I move we grant the amended request of Ilyse and
John Vanerah, 901 Dorncliff Lane, for variance of
Muncipal Code, Section 15 . 20 . 040, pertaining to
Residential Districts, to permit construction of
a five foot (5 ' ) wood fence that would extend no
more than thirteen feet (13 ' ) from the foundation
of the house, into the side yard setback, pursuant
to the Village Engineer' s Review, dated June 3 , 1997 .
Said fence will not be detrimental to the public
health, safety and welfare.
Com. Windecker seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Sandler, Entman, Paul,
Windecker and Heinrich
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 5 to 0 . Findings of Fact Attached.
Permit may be issued in fifteen (15) days - July 3 , 1997 .
C. 1100 Hidden Lake Drive, Louis and Janet Franchi
Zoning Ordinance, Section 17 .40 . 020 - 3 Season Room
Mr. Louis Franchi was sworn in. Notice of the public
hearing was published in the Buffalo Grove Herald on
May 28, 1997 . He requested a variance that would permit
construction of a 3-Season Room at the rear of the house
that would encroach a distance of 3-1/3 feet into the
required forty foot (4 0 ' ) rear yard setback and five feet
(5 ' ) into the required thirty foot (3 0 ' ) side yard setback.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
JUNE 17, 1997 - PAGE FIVE
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A variance had been granted in 1996 that would have permit-
ted a larger addition, but problems with the contractor
prevented them from proceeding with the construction. Due
to expense, they have decided to downgrade the addition to
an unheated sunroom that would not be used during winter.
It will have electrical and a trench foundation. The ma-
erials will match the house as much as possible. There is
not much siding and the roof will match.
Comments from Commissioners:
Com. Sandler observed that the existing fence along Busch
Road will block the addition so it will not be seen.
The Village Engineer' s Review, dated June 3, 1997 states :
"The proposed addition need not affect the existing drainage
in the area. "
Com. Paul, Com. Windecker, Com. Entman and Ch. Heinrich
had no questions or objections .
There were no comments from the audience.
Com. Windecker made the following motion:
I move we grant the request of Louis and Janet
Franchi, 1100 Hidden Lake Drive, for variance of
Zoning Ordinance, Section 17 .40 . 020, pertaining to
Area, Height, Bulk and Placement Regulations, for
the purpose of constructing an unheated 3-Season
Room that would encroach a distance of 3-1/3 feet
into the required forty foot (40 ' ) rear yard
setback and a distance of five feet (5 ' ) into the
required thirty foot (30 ' ) side yard setback.
Siding and roofing materials are to match the
existing construction. Electricity to be
included in the petition.
Construction pursuant to plans submitted to and
approved by the Village.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
JUNE 17, 1997 - PAGE SIX
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Petitioner having exhibited hardship and unique
circumstances, the proposed addition will not
alter the essential character of the neighborhood.
Com. Sandler seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: AYE - Paul, Entman, Sandler,
Windecker and Heinrich
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 5 to 0 . Findings of Fact Attached.
Permit may be issued in fifteen (15) days - July 3 , 1997 .
D. 33 Timberhill Road, Vincent and Lynne Basso
Fence Code, Section 15 .20 . 040 - 8 ' Foot Fence
Vincent and Lynne Basso were sworn in. Notice of the public
hearing was published in the Buffalo Grove Herald on May 8,
1997 . Mr. Basso requested a variance for the purpose of
constructing an eight foot (8 ' ) wood fence along Lake Cook
Road. Their existing fence was blown and they would like
to replace it with the eight foot (8 ' ) fence for privacy and
to help block the traffic noise. All their neighbors have
eight foot (8 ' ) fences.
Commissioners had no questions or objections.
Com. Entman made the following motion:
I move we grant the request of Vincent and Lynne
Basso, 33 Timberhill Road, for variance of the
Municipal Code, Section 15 .20 . 040, pertaining to
Residential Districts, for the purpose of con-
structing an eight foot (8 ' ) cedar, traditional
with lattice style, fence along Lake Cook Road.
Fence not to exceed eight feet (8 ' ) in height
and is to be installed pursuant to Exhibit "A"
submitted by the petitioners . Fence to be con-
structed with materials and specifications approved
by the Village.
Petitioners having exhibited that the granting
of the variance and the proposed fence will not
be detrimental to the public health, safety and
welfare.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
JUNE 17, 1997 - PAGE SEVEN
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Com. Windecker seconder' tbA motion.
Roll Call Vote: AYE - Paul, Windecker, Entman,
Sandler and Heinrich
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 5 to 0 . Findings of Fact Attached.
Permit may be issued in fifteen (15) days - July 3, 1997.
E. Lot 1 in Mirielle Subdivision Phase I
Route 22 and Apple Hill Lane, Town & Country Homes
Sign Code, Section 14.20 . 010 - Entry Sign
Mr. Larry Peterman, The Peterman Group, Landscape Design,
1-S-376 Summit Ave. , Oakbrook Ter. , IL 60181 (623-629-9800)
and Mr. Mike Creed, Operations Manager for Mirielle,
representative of Town & Country Homes, Four Westbrook
Corporate Center, Suite 500, Westchester IL, 60154
(708-409-8900) were sworn in. Notice of the public hearing
was published in the Buffalo Grove Herald on May 29, 1997.
Mr. Peterman explained that the proposed sign was originally
presented during the zoning presentation but the process
were never completed. The procedures has been coordinated
with Edward Schar, Robert Pfeil and William Balling.
The Appearance Commission reviewed the aesthetic elements of
the sign on June 14, 1997 and recommended that a variance
be granted. The materials, brick, stucco, etc. are all
approved for the Mirielle homes. The fence is part of the
fence that extends along Route 22 along the Powernail Corp.
Property and terminates at the north end of the sign.
A variance of the Sign Code is required to permit the sign
to be installed closer than required setback If the sign
met the setback requirement it would be about 200 feet from
the property line and would be too far away to be seen.
The last step will be to obtain approval from the Plan
Commission to resubdivide Lot 1.
The Village Engineer Review, dated June 3, 1997, states :
"The proposed sign does not appear to conflict with the
desired line of sight. However, it appearrthat municipal
utilities exist in the ares, some which are located outside
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
JUNE 17, 1997 - PAGE EIGHT
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existing easements. The sign could_be located outside the.._ _
easements including that which needs to be provided for the
existing sewer."
Mr. Peterman agreed to comply with Mr. Kuenkler' s placement
requirement.
Ch. Heinrich questioned the need for the sign if Mirielle
is almost sold out? Sales have been good without a sign.
Mr. Creed said there are 45 homes left to sell in Phase II .
The sign has been part of the sales presentation as an
entry sign is already included in the association dues.
Mr. Peterman said the association is in place, fees are
being paid and the sign will be maintained.
Ch. Heinrich asked about the size of the lot?
Mr. Peterman said the sign area will be approximately 2, 600
square feet and the lot is 16, 220 square feet. It is part
of the model area parking lot and is not under contract.
The house shown on the drawing is the largest model that
could be sold under the Monotony Code. A smaller house
could be purchased. The lot is large enough for an addi-
tion on the left side. Other configurations have been
considered but there is no better way to replat the lot .
Ch. Heinrich surmised that if the owner wanted to add to
the east side behind the kitchen/eating area of the house
it could require a variance. He recommended a stipulation
to the variance would be that is sold the contract purchaser
is to be informed in writing and the Village is to be given
a copy of the agreement. He has no objection.
Com. Windecker, Com. Paul and Com. Entman had no objections .
Com. Sandler asked about the notation on the plat from the
Village Engineer that an additional easement is shown.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
JUNE 17, 1997 - PAGE NINE
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Mr. Schar responded that the existing sewer line is outside
the current easement . More easement will be dedicated to
contain the utilities and permit repair work to be done in
the future.
Com. Windecker made a motion to recommend to the Village
Board of Trustees that the variance requested by Pinnacle
Corporation, d/b/a Town & Country Homes of Sign Code,
Section 14 .20 . 010, pertaining to Residential Districts,
for the purpose of installing an entry sign on Lot 1 in
Mirielle Subdivision Phase I that would located within
the required building setback line at the southwest corner
of Route 22 and Apple Hill Lane, be granted.
Sign recommended pursuant to Sign Code, Section 14 .44 . 010,
subsection "B" with the following conditions :
1 . The sign to be constructed in conformance with
plans, specifications and drawings submitted to and
approved by the Village;
2 . Any future purchaser of a house on Lot 1 is to
be notified in writing of the variance granted for
the sign and a signed copy be submitted to the Building
Department along with the permit application.
3 . Variance is subject to the Appearance Commission' s
recommendations made on June 14, 1997, attached.
Com. Paul seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: AYE - Entman, Sandler, Paul,
Windecker and Heinrich
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 5 to 0 . Findings of Fact Attached.
V. ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
VI . ADJOURNMENT
Com. Windecker made a motion to adjourn.
Com. Paul seconded the motion.
Ch. Heinrich adjourned the meeting at 9 : 09 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Shirley Ba s
Recording Secretary
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
JUNE 17, 1997 - PAGE TEN