Kane County panel approves conditional-use permit to raise resort roof to 49 feet with fire‑safety conditions

The Kane County Planning and Zoning Commission voted March 11 to grant a commercial conditional‑use permit allowing a resort building on Lot 51‑116 (Zone C1) to raise its roof to 49 feet.

Brent Moser, the applicant, told the commission he has acquired the remainder of a resort property and plans interior remodels and a taller roof primarily for covered porch and snow‑shed considerations. "The reason why the height is extended was to create the covered space above the porches so that when you're walking around, the snow is not gonna take out these decks," Moser said.

Staff reported the county’s standard maximum roof height is 35 feet. Planning staff noted a letter from the fire chief indicating that fire apparatus can reach the proposed height but recommended a sprinkler system; building‑official review will require a fire suppression system for structures that tall. "If they're going to the 49 feet, they'd have to do the sprinkler system fire suppression," staff said, and warned that wildland‑urban‑interface (WUI) defensible‑space requirements may require removing some trees.

Commission discussion focused on aesthetics, view impacts and precedent. Commissioners noted the site is largely surrounded by tall trees and that the design uses a pitched roof rather than a flat box. One commissioner said the design "looks like it would fit the area" while cautioning that approving one tall structure could set expectations for others. Another commissioner emphasized the case‑by‑case nature of CUPs: "The whole idea is that you can grant the use if they can mitigate the anticipated detrimental effects."

The motion to approve the commercial conditional‑use permit to extend the roof to 49 feet included the conditions recorded by staff and references to applicable fire‑safety measures; the motion was made and seconded and passed by voice vote. The commission also approved a separate motion to enter and exit public hearing at the call of the chair (procedural).

The commission’s approval is subject to the standard building‑permit process, including design review and required fire‑suppression installations before construction can proceed. No formal neighbor appeal or written opposition was recorded at the meeting; staff noted that conditional‑use permits do not trigger mandatory neighbor notice or a public comment period under county administrative practice.