Palatine panel backs homeowner’s request for porch and second‑story addition at 224 W. Kenilworth

The Palatine Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of a special‑use permit for an addition and new front porch at 224 West Kenilworth Avenue, concluding the proposal meets the review standards and will go to village council on Feb. 5.

Petitioner Brian Gerke told the commission he and his wife need more space after their family grew "to 5, and we're out of space," and that the plan reuses much of the existing exterior walls to control costs while adding a second story and an open front porch. Staff described the lot as R‑2 single‑family (about 10,580 square feet) in the Manor subdivision and said the proposal would encroach 2 feet into the front setback (proposed front porch at 24 feet versus the 30‑foot minimum) and would set a second story 7 feet from the interior side lot line instead of the 10‑foot minimum.

Staff noted the property previously received similar setback relief in 2022 but that permit expired after the petitioner revised plans; staff found lot coverage and building height meet code and flagged that the property abuts Salt Creek and a flood hazard area, which the village engineer would review during the building permit process. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions that the work substantially conform to the submitted site, floor and elevation plans and comply with village codes.

Commissioners asked about neighbor outreach and design differences from the prior approval; Gerke said neighbors were contacted and the new design preserves existing building lines to minimize impacts. A commissioner observed that open porches have historically been treated more leniently than enclosed structures. After brief discussion, the commission made and seconded a motion to approve the staff‑recommended special uses; roll call was unanimous.

The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the village council, which is scheduled to consider the matter on Monday, Feb. 5. The village engineer will address any flood‑plain or permit issues during final plan review.