HomeMy Public PortalAbout11-17-2020 ZBA Minutes
Zoning Board of Appeals
Record of Minutes
Date: November 17, 2020 Location: Village Hall (Zoom Meeting)
CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE & ROLL CALL
Chairman Kiefer called the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the Pledge.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners Heinen, Renzi, Ruane, Seggebruch, Womack, and Chairman Kiefer were
present. Commissioner Minnis was absent.
OTHERS PRESENT: Jonathan Proulx, Director of Planning; and Jake Melrose, Economic Development
Manager.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting held on August 4, 2020 were approved as presented
and the November 3, 2020 minutes were approved as amended.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Chairman Kiefer stated no public comments were received via email.
DEVELOPMENT REPORT
Mr. Proulx provided an update on the following: Boundary Agreement with the City of Aurora,
Boundary Agreement with the Village of Yorkville, and Greenbriar.
OLD BUSINESS
Case No. 1899-100820.VAR 16258 S. Howard St. Trista Countryman
Mr. Proulx stated the applicant is seeking a variance to allow a fence in the corner side yard of their
property. The fence will be a six-foot (6’) vinyl privacy fence. The applicant is requesting an
encroachment into the corner side yard of approximately six feet (6’).
Mr. Proulx reviewed the staff report dated November 13, 2020. Mr. Proulx concluded prior to public
comment and discussion by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), staff recommends approval.
Chairman Kiefer swore in Kyle and Trista Countryman, applicant. Mr. Countryman stated they were
aware of the fence regulations but their window wells cannot be covered with covers since the windows
are at grade so, they would like the variance for the safety of their children.
Commissioner Heinen has no questions and is in support of the variance request.
Commissioner Renzi asked the applicant if it is a true representation that the fence will not go to the front
of the house. Mr. Countryman confirmed and described the location of the proposed fence.
Commissioner Renzi indicated he can also support the variance request.
Commissioner Ruane can also supports the variance request because it is within the building setback line.
Commissioner Seggebruch asked the applicant for clarification on the window well cover. Mr.
Countryman explained the type of cover they were looking to installed but they would not be able to be
secure it and the window would not be able to be used as a fire escape. Mr. Countryman further
explained the window well is at grade, but the window is at grade. Commissioner Seggebruch asked if
that is there escape window in the basement. Mrs. Countryman stated there is an additional escape
Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes
November 17, 2020
Page 2 of 2
window in the basement. Commissioner Seggebruch asked how the fence will protect their children from
the window well. Mrs. Countryman stated that the fence will provide security from intruders entering the
house through the basement window. Commissioner Seggebruch asked if 6 feet will be enough space for
them to maintain the yard. Mrs. Countryman stated they are not looking to take advantage of the code;
they are just looking to keep themselves safe.
Commissioner Womack added that the intersection is a four-way stop so it will not affect line of site.
Commissioner Womack indicated he is in support of the variance.
Commissioner Renzi made a motion to adopt the findings of fact of staff as the findings of fact of the
Zoning Board of Appeals and recommend approval of a variance to permit a fence to be placed up to six
feet (6’) into the corner side yard for the property located at 16258 Howard Street.
Second by Commissioner Ruane. Vote by roll call: Heinen, yes; Seggebruch, yes; Womack, yes; Ruane,
yes; Renzi, yes; Kiefer, yes. Motion carried 6-0.
NEW BUSINESS
No New Business.
DISCUSSION
No Discussion.
ADJOURN
Zoning Board of Appeals meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Tracey Erickson
Recording Secretary