ZBA approves several residential variances, including porch, rear patio and decorative stone requests

The Joliet Zoning Board of Appeals approved multiple residential variances at the meeting, granting relief for front‑porch setbacks, rear‑yard encroachment and lot coverage, and a front‑yard decorative stone request.

Petition 202559 (6303 Brunswick Drive): Staff recommended reducing the required total side‑yard setback from 20 feet to 16 feet to allow an 8‑by‑23‑foot open front porch. Staff said the lot's existing nonconforming setbacks and neighborhood character made the change reasonable; the board moved and approved the variance subject to obtaining a building permit.

Petition 202560 (424 West Washington Street): The applicant sought a reduction of rear‑yard setback from 25 feet to 4 feet and an increase in permitted lot coverage from 30% to 62% for a covered patio that had been constructed without a permit. Staff recommended approval, noting the lot’s nonconforming dimensions and that the covered patio faces backyards and is unlikely to detract from adjacent properties. The board approved the requested variations and required the owner to apply for the appropriate building permit.

Petition 202561 (1137 Cathy Avenue): Staff recommended denial of a variance to allow decorative non‑pervious ground cover in the front yard (described in the packet as decorative stone/pea gravel) because staff said no hardship was demonstrated. Owner John Lewis testified the material is decorative stone (he said it cost more than pea gravel), said he had received verbal permission from city staff years earlier and presented photos of other nonconforming yards nearby. Neighbors in attendance supported Lewis. Despite the staff recommendation, the board moved and approved the variance by roll call.

Each motion carried by roll call of members present. The board reiterated that building permits and standard inspections are required for any construction or structural changes.