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1997-10-07 - Zoning Board of Appeals - Minutes ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7 , 1997 I . CALL TO ORDER Chairman Richard Heinrich called the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting to order at 7 : 40 P .M. on Tuesday, October 7 , 1997 in the Council Chambers of the Village Hal1 , 50 RauppBoulevard. II . CALL TO ORDER Commissioners Present : J. Paul , L. Windecker, L . Arbus , H . Hefler, S . Sandler and R . Heinrich Commissioners Absent : B . Entman Bldg . Dept . Liaison : Edward Scharf Interim Director of Bldg . & Zoning Village Attorney: Richard Skelton III . APPROVAL OF MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19 , 1997 : Com . Windecker made a motion to approve . Com . Sandler seconded the motion . There were no additions or corrections . Roll Call Vote : AYE - Windecker, Arbus , Sandler, Heinrich NAY - None ABSTAIN - Arbus and Hefler Motion Passed - 4 to 0 , 2 abstentions . Minutes of September 19 , 1997 were approved as submitted . IV. BUSINESS Ch. Heinrich announced that this Special Meeting was scheduled due to the cancellation of the Sept . 16 , 1997 meeting . A. 410 Castlewood, Jeffrey and Rebecca Morris Zoning Ordinance, Section 17 . 40 . 020 Construction of garage and storage shed that would encroach 9 ' - front setback and 1 ' 6 " - side setback Mr . Jeffrey Morris, 410 Castlewood, was sworn in . Public Hearing Notice was re-published on September 19 , 1997 . ; `! ti id la el sai '$W/ Cris it Com. Sandler disclosed that he has a professional relation- ship with the petitioner and recused himself from the discussion and decision. Mr. Morris distributed revised site plans and said that after discussion with his architect he amended the petition from a nine foot (9' ) variance into the required thirty foot (3 0 ' ) front yard setback to five feet (5 ' ) into the front yard setback. This will reduce the the garage from 21' in length to 16 ' 8" and he will lose some storage space, but will improve the aesthetic appearance of the house. Mr. Morris distributed photographs of the house showing the existing shrubbrey in front and said the garage will not extend past the shrubs. He said he would increase the width of the new structure by 1'6" which is the distance that was requested (and published) into the required 7' 6" side yard setback. The sidewalk will be removed. Mr. Morris summarized the reasons for requesting a variance: 1. They have a very small family room and they want to convert the existing garage into a family room. 2 . They decided it is more practical to remodel than to move. They are established in the neighborhood. The construction of the new garage will form a courtyard between the front door and the new garage. The architecture and materials will match the existing construction, i.e. the pitch of the roof with the same shingles and the same stone. The neighbors were informed and there were no objections. Comments from Commissioners: Com. Arbus: No objection. The construction will improve the neighborhood. Com. Windecker: No objection to the five foot (5 ' ) variance. He asked how the shingles would be blended? ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS OCTOBER 7, 1997 - PAGE TWO r ��y r� .4 */ / t•, � ,.�n7 I� Mr. Morris replied they could remove the shingles from the back of the house or stain the new ones. Com. Paul and Com. Hefler had no comments or objections. Mr. Morris affirmed that he is amending the petition on its face from nine feet (9 ' ) to five feet (5 ' ) into the required thirty foot (30' ) front yard setback. Mr. Skelton said this was acceptable since the distance is being reduced from the original request. Com. Arbus made the following motion: I move we grant the request of Jeffrey and Rebecca Morris, 410 Castlewood Lane, for variance of Zoning Ordinance, Section 17.40.020, pertaining to Area, Height, Bulk and Placement Rgulations, for the purpose of constructing a garage that would encroach a distance of five feet (5' ) into the required thirty foot (30 ' ) front yard setback and one foot, six inches (1 ' 6") into the required seven foot, six inch (7' 6") side yard setback, with a storage shed that would also encroach a distance of one foot, six inches (1' 6") into the required seven foot, six inch (7' 6") side yard setback. The petitioner has demonstrated unique circumstances and the proposed variation will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. The Village Engineer' s Review, dated September 12, 1997 states: "The proposed addition need not affect the existing drainage in the area. . .no alteration of the existing swale is permitted. Com. Windecker seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: AYE - Paul, Windecker, Arbus, Hefler, Sandler and Heinrich NAY - None Motion Passed - 6 to 0 . Findings of Fact Attached. The permit may be issued October 22, 1997. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS OCTOBER 7, 1997 - PAGE THREE B. 615 Hawthorne Road, Charles and Janet Pearson Zoning Ordinance, Section 17.40 . 020 `./ Construction of a Front Porch that would encroach a distance of 3 .20 ' into the required twenty-five foot (25 ' ) front yard setback. Charles and Janet Pearson were sworn in. The public hearing notice was republished in the Buffalo Grove Herald on September 19, 1997. Mr. Pearson summarized the reasons for requesting a variance: 1. They have resided in Buffalo Grove for 10 years and they needed more living space. Preferring to stay in Buffalo Grove, they added a second story to the house and a porch addition would finish the house more aesthetically. The porch will not extend past the existing soffit. 2 . The porch will provide an additional area for neighborly visitation. The Pearsons have informed their neighbors of the proposed construction and there were no objections. The roof of the porch will blend with the house and the railing will be painted white. Ch. Heinrich commented that it is good for residents to upgrade their houses. Com. Sandler, Com. Hefler, Com. Paul, Com. Arbus and Com. Windecker all agreed the porch will complete the appearance of the house and also improve the neighborhood. Com. Windecker made the following motion: I move we grant the request of Charles and Janet Pearson, 615 Hawthorne Road, for variance of Zoning Ordinance, Section 17.40 . 020, pertaining to Area, Height, Bulk and Placement Regulations, for the purpose of constructing a front porch that would encroach a distance of 3 .20' into the required twenty-five foot (25 ' ) front yard setback. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS `./ OCTOBER 7, 1997 - PAGE FOUR rlIol -7‘ ;'1' 77) Unique circumstance having been demonstrated, the proposed construction will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. The porch will match the residence and in good taste. Com. Sandler seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: AYE - Paul, Windecker, Arbus, Hefler, Sandler and Heinrich NAY - None Motion Passed - 6 to 0 . Findings of Fact Attached. Permit may be issued October 22, 1997. C. Hosanna Church (Village Baptist Church) 385 South Buffalo Grove Road Sign Code. Section 14 .20 .010 - Ground Sign Pastor Yeon Lee was sworn in. The public hearing notice was republished in the Buffalo Grove Herald on September 19, 1997. A letter, dated August 5, 1997, from Tim Sherman, Pastor of the Village Baptist Church, states that the church has no objection to the proposed sign. Hosanna Church rents space in the church building. Pastor Lee said the sign is needed for the identification of the Korean congregation that has been meeting in the building since June 1, 1997 and to inform other Korean families that that they are there._ Approximately 25 to 30 people are currently attending services. The 4 'x 8 ' double-faced sign will be installed on six foot (6 ' ) wood perpendicular to Buffalo Grove Road. It will have royal blue plastic letters on a white background with white posts. The total height of the sign will be six feet (6 ' ) it will not be illuminated. The Appearance Commission reviewed the sign on September 28, 1997 and recommended that a variance be granted. There is a wall sign on the west elevation of the building but no existing ground sign. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS OCTOBER 7, 1997 - PAGE FIVE L i Comments from Commissioners: Com. Hefler: Has generally opposed to two (2) businesses in one building and the sign code permits only one sign per building, but there is no ground sign and the parcel is entitled to one (1) ground sign. There is no real hardship but the sign could be compared to a "For Rent" sign. The sign will invite people to come in for services. He has no objection to the variance if the other criteria is met. He would not want this to set a precedence. Com. Sandler: No problem with variance because it will be a needed identification sign. Com. Paul and Com. Windecker had no objections. Com. Arbus: After being informed that the proposed sign will be in a Residential District and would have to be less that five feet (5' ) in height and not be located within the required building setback area, stated he is generally against multiple signs for multiple tenants occupying space in the same building. He upheld the intent of the Sign Code. Ch. Heinrich responded that all signs that require a variance must be reviewed by the Zoning Board so there is no precedence being set. Each situation is considered unique. He asked Pastor Lee if a sign identifying both churches had been considered? Pastor Lee said the Baptist Church has indicated that they do not want a ground sign. The proposed sign will be installed in the location that previously was used for a Village Baptist Church ground sign. Mr. Skelton said a letter from the owners of the farm land adjacent to the church property regarding drainage from the parking lot was not an issue that fits the critenia for a sign and referred the people to the Village Engineer. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS OCTOBER 7, 1997 - PAGE SIX Com. Sandler made the following motion: I move we recommend to the Village Board that the request made by the Village Baptist Church, 385 South Buffalo Grove Road, for Sign Code, Section 14 .20. 010, pertaining to Residential Districts, for the purpose of installing a ground sign for Hosanna Church, that would exceed the permitted size and height and project into the required building setback area. Unique circumstances having been demonstrated, the sign is to be permitted within the provisions of Sign Code, Section 14 .44 . 010, Sub-Section A. The Village Engineer' s Review, dated September 12, 1997 states: "There are no line of sight issues. " Com. Windecker seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: AYE - Paul, Windecker, Hefler, Sandler and Heinrich NAY - Arbus Motion Passed - 5 to 1. Findings of Fact Attached. Item will be on the Village Board Agenda on October 20, 1997 and the permit may be issued on October 22, 1997. D. 401 W. Dundee Road, Kingswood Methodist Church Sign Code, Section 14 .20 . 010 - Ground Sign Mr. Bruce Hoffman, Chairman of Kingswood Methodist Church Building Committee; and his son, Brett Hoffman, Life Scout, #140, were sworn in. The Public Hearing Notice was re- published in the Buffalo Grove Herald on September 19, 1997. Ch. Heinrich disclosed that Temple Chai, the temple he belongs to was started at Kingswood Methodist Church, but this will not affect his decision. Com. Hefler said the temple he belongs to was also started at Kingswood Church and they have been a customer of his. This will not affect his opinion or his vote. Brett Hoffman summarized the reasons for requesting a variance: ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS OCTOBER 7, 1997 - PAGE SEVEN 1 . The church wants to replace the existing sign with a smaller internally illuminated sign. 2 . The sign will be 6 ' in height by 10 '2" in length, located within the front yard setback a distance of 18 '4" from the sidewalk along Dundee Road. It will have a grey background and a mauve border with a red flame and black cross. The lettering will be white. 3 . The sign will meaningfully identify the church to members of the community. The old sign has been instrumental in bringing in new church members. Mr. Hoffman added that most of the other signs in the area are commercial in nature and the use of the sign is more commercial that residential. The proposed sign would easily fall within the parameters of the Sign Code. The new sign will be setback farther than the Fire Department sign and the signs across the street. The sign will be 284 ' from the next sign. The church has about 1, 000 members. The Appearance Commission reviewed the sign on September 28, 1997 and recommended that a variance be granted. Comments from Commissioners: Com. Arbus: Asked if the existing Korean Methodist Church would be identified on the new sign and what size of sign would be permitted it complied with the Sign Code? Mr. Hoffman responded that the Korean Church will not be included on the new sign. He has spoken to the Korean pastor and they have not indicated whether they will ever want a ground sign. Kingswood has no wall sign. The Sign Code requires signs in Residential Districts not to exceed five feet (5 ' ) in height or project into the required building setback. Com. Hefler noted that part of Dundee Road is Arlington Heights and the uses are quasi commercial. A variance is required because the site is zoned Residential. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS OCTOBER 7, 1997 - PAGE EIGHT Com. Arbus had no objections to the proposed variance. Com. Windecker: Asked what hours the sign would be lighted? Mr. Hoffman said the lights would not be needed after 10 PM. Com. Paul : No objections. Com. Sandler: No objections, if there is not ever going to be a ground sign for the Korean congregation. Com. Paul made the following motion: I move we recommend approval of the request made by Kingswood Methodist Church, 401 W. Dundee Road, for variance of Sign Code, Section 14 .20 . 010, pertaining to Residential Districts, for the purpose of install- ing a ground sign that would exceed the permitted size and height, and project into the required building setback area. Unique circumstances having been demonstrated, the proposed sign will not be detrimental to the essential character of the neighborhood. Sign is recommended pursuant to Sign Code, Section 14 .44 . 010, Sub-Section A. The Village Engineer' s Report dated September 12, 1997 states: "There are no line-of-sight issues." Com. Windecker seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: AYE - Paul, Windecker, Arbus, Hefler, Sandler and Heinrich NAY - None Motion Passed - 6 to 0. Findings of Fact Attached. Item will be on the Village Board Agenda on October 20, 1997 and the permit may be issued on October 22, 1997. E. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 15 Port Clinton Road Sign Code, Sectiol 14 .20. 010 - Ground Sign Mr. Dave Christensen, Chicago IL North PM. Group Supervisor, was sworn in. He is responsible for twelve (12) churches in the Chicago area. Notice of the public hearing was re- published in the Buffalo Grove Herald on September 19, 1997. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS OCTOBER 7, 1997 - PAGE NINE yl) .1 J Mr. Christensen summarized the reasons for requesting a variance: 1. The building needs better identification. The wall sign is small and difficult to see because it is so far from the roads. 2 . The Fire Department has requested enlargement of the street numbers on the building in the event of an emergency that requires service from surrounding Fire Stations. 3 . The sign is identical to 6, 500 signs throughout the United States. It does not exceed five feet (5 ' ) in height but it will project into the required front yard setback area. The Appearance Commission reviewed the sign on September 28, 1997 and recommended that a variance be granted. The sign will be installed within the landscaped area at the corner of Port Clinton Road and Prairie Road. It will not be illuminated at this time and if lights are necessary they will be submitted for Appearance Commission approval. `./ Mr. Christensen said that three (3) wards meet in this building and there is a total of approximately 900 members. The Commissioners agreed the sign is required. Com. Hefler made the following motion: I move we recommend approval of the request being made by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 15 Port Clinton Road, for variance of Sign Code, Section 14 .20. 010, pertaining to Residential Districts for the purpose of installing a ground sign that would project into the required building setback area. The criteria set forth in Sign Code, Section 14 .44 . 010, Sub-section A has been met. The granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the property owners in the area. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS OCTOBER 7, 1997 - PAGE TEN I The Village Engineer' s Review, dated September 12, 1997 states: "There are no line-of-sight issues." Com. Paul seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: AYE - Paul, Windecker, Arbus, Hefler, Sandler and Heinrich NAY - None Motion Passed - 6 to 0. Findings of Fact Attached. Item will be on the Village Board Agenda on October 20, 1997 and the permit may be issued on October 22, 1997. Mr. Christensen commended the Building Department for guiding him through the variance process. Ed Schar and Shirley were very helpful. V. ANNOUNCEMENTS The regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals will be held on October 21, 1997. VI . ADJOURNMENT Com. Sandler made a motion to adjourn. Com. Arbus seconded the motion. Voice Vote - AYE Unanimously Ch. Heinrich adjourned the meeting at 8 :30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Shirley Bates Recording Secretary sb ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS OCTOBER 7, 1997 - PAGE ELEVEN