ZBA backs rear-yard variance for corner-lot addition at 824 W. Dorset

The Palatine Zoning Board of Appeals on May 14 voted unanimously to recommend approval for a rear-yard variance and related special-use conditions at 824 West Dorset Avenue. The application seeks to add two bedrooms and two bathrooms and convert an existing carport into a garage; the property is a corner lot where Quentin Road is the legal front yard, creating the encroachment issue.

Architect Jeffrey Pathman, representing owner Karen Bonkowski, told the board the addition is intended to bring the home up to current standards and to match existing materials. "Our intent is to provide an addition to the home consisting of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a small sitting area, and our intent is to take the existing covered carport and convert it into a garage," Pathman said. Staff advised the board that the house is an existing nonconforming R-2 residence and that lot- and building-coverage calculations (25% building, 31% per lot with the addition) were provided and engineering and community services raised no objections.

Board discussion noted the addition is visually compatible with the neighborhood and agreed the minimal encroachment met the standards for special use. The board approved the proposal subject to staff conditions (conformance to site plans and submission of a lot grading/drainage plan); the advisory recommendation will be forwarded to the Village Council.