MINUTES
TOWN OF NORMAL ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2007 @ 5:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, NORMAL CITY HALL
100 E. PHOENIX AVENUE
NORMAL, ILLINOIS
Members Physically Present:
Gary Blakney, Keith Palmgren, Todd Anderson, Kathleen Lorenz, Randy Schaab, Ms. Brand
Members Absent:
Tony Penn
Others Present:
Corporation Council Steve Mahrt, Town Planner, Mercy Davison and Director of Inspections Greg Troemel
Call to Order:
Chairman Schaab called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and noted a quorum was present.
Minutes:
The minutes of the August 16, 2007 meeting were approved as submitted
Public Hearings:
- Case No. 07-10-07-V: Rear Yard Setback Variation at 3
Thomas Drive (House Addition)
Mr. Secord, 3 Thomas Drive, Normal, IL, was sworn in by Chairman Schaab. Mr. Secord purchased this property in 2007. Mr. Secord would like to put a room addition on the home. Mr. Secord said that his family needs more space for family gatherings. The new space would consist of a living room with bedroom on 2nd story. Mr. Secord said it would be the same size of the existing deck (which will be removed). Mr. Secord said the room addition would be attractive. Mr. Armstrong, the builder for the addition was present to answer any questions.
Mr. Blakney asked what size the room would be. Mr. Secord said 22 x 22.sq. ft
Ms. Lorenz asked if Mr. Secord had exhausted all alternatives. Mr. Secord said yes that truss roofs make it tough to design..
Mr. Vic Armstrong, 2203 E. Empire, Bloomington, IL, was sworn in by Chairman Schaab. Mr. Armstrong spoke saying to change the roof would be tough without grossly affecting the appearance. A stairway would still need a variation. The garage is not big enough for stairway. This seems like least obtrusive alternative. It also wouldn’t be seen from the front.
Mr. Jack Novack, 3 Kent Drive, Normal, IL, was sworn in by Chairman Schaab. Mr. Novack opposes the variation. Mr. Novack said this variation does not pass the three part test and conflicts with neighborhood covenants (no 2 stories)
Mr. Novack gave a brief summary of the neighborhood commenting on most homes are ranch or split levels. Specifically saying no 2 stories in covenants.
Mr. Novack says he knows that the town doesn’t enforce covenants, but would like the neighborhood to retain the look and not end up like Country Club Place or Sunset Dr. Mr. Novack offered a suggestion to alter roofline.
Chairman Schaab spoke saying the town does not enforce covenants. Mr. Novack agreed but covenant argument applies to the 3 part harmony test. Mr. Mahrt agreed, although it’s unique that a covenant has been tied to the 3-part test. Mr. Mahrt clarified standard #1 from code and argument on covenant.
Chairman Schaab asked how we deal with full 2 stories in convenants. Mr. Mahrt said we don’t enforce covenants what matters is current character of neighborhood.
Mr. Secord spoke of other houses in neighborhood and hopes it won’t cause aesthetic problems in the future.
There was much discussion between the commissioners about the covenants in the neighborhood. Mr. Blakney spoke saying this is a unique situation. Design of original house really looks 2 stories due to roof addition on back. A hip roof would soften appearance.
There was no one else to speak regarding this application.
Ms. Brand moved to approve the request of the 6’ variance. Mr. Palmgren seconded.
Ayes: Mr. Blakney, Mr. Palmgren, Mr. Schaab, Ms. Brand
Nays: Ms. Lorenz, Mr. Anderson
Motion declared carried
- Case No. 07-10-08-V: Variation for Size of Accessory
Structure at 902 Broadway ( Garage Expansion)
Ms. Jane Middleton, 902 Broadway, Normal, IL, was sworn in by Chairman Schaab. Ms. Middleton summarized the application. They would like to put an addition on the detached garage. Ms. Middleton has talked to neighbors and none are opposed. Ms Middleton said the purpose would be for storage of lawn equipment items and also antique cars. Ms. Middleton said they have plenty of land to do this and are surprised this is even a problem. Ms. Middleton commented that it’s better for neighborhood to not have lawn equipment sitting outside.
Ms. Brand asked if it would have a garage door. Ms. Middleton replied yes that it would be like a 3-car garage.
Mr. Randall Middleton, 902 Broadway, Normal, IL was sworn in by Chairman Schaab. Mr. Middleton spoke about the 3 part test and felt that it met these requirements.
There was no one else to speak regarding this application.
Mr. Blakney moved to approve this variation as requested. Mr. Anderson seconded.
Ayes: Mr. Anderson, Mr. Blakney, Mr. Palmgren, Ms. Brand. Mr. Schaab
Nays: Ms. Lorenz
Motion declared carried.
Other Business
Mr. Blakney commented on Grace Church being approved
Ms. Davison spoke about Main Street Plans.
Mr. Palmgren spoke about Tartan project status
Mr. Schaab asked how would/could court action conflict with ZBA
decisions. Ms. Brand asked could one action suffice to cover a
challenge to ZBA decision and covenant.
Adjournment:
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at
6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbi Feid, for Mercy Davison
Zoning Board of Appeals Secretary