Zoning board unanimously backs second‑story addition at 72 South Middleton Avenue

The Palatine Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously on Oct. 24, 2017, to recommend approval of a special‑use petition to construct a second‑story addition and gable roof with attic space at 72 South Middleton Avenue.

A staff planner told the board the property is zoned R‑1 single‑family and currently has existing nonconforming side‑yard setbacks. "The subject property is zoned r 1 single family and contains a single family residence, which has non conforming existing non conforming setbacks from both side yards," the staff member said, and described the proposal as a second‑story addition and raised gable roof that would encroach into required side‑yard setbacks (about 7 feet from the south lot line and about 11 feet from the north, compared with a 15‑foot requirement). The planner added that peak height, building coverage and lot coverage meet code and that departments identified no issues.

Jack Majewski, who self‑identified as representing the property owners (the Narafskys), said the owners bought the house a few months earlier and had spoken with neighbors about the plan. He described existing landscape screening along the south property line: "They're pretty tall, mature trees, and they provide the coverage to the edge of the existing house right now," Majewski said, adding that neighbors raised no objections.

After the public hearing, staff recommended approval subject to conformance with site plans and elevations prepared by Pro Plan Architects dated Oct. 3, 2017, and any changes necessary to meet village codes. A board member moved to approve "subject to staff's conditions," and the board approved the motion by roll call. The chair announced a unanimous vote of 7 to 0 and said "the board having found that the standards have been met." The board noted the petition will be forwarded to the Village Council and is anticipated to be considered on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017.

The board's recommendation is advisory; final action rests with the Palatine Village Council. The staff recommendation and the board's motion require the improvements to substantially conform to the submitted site plan and elevations and to be revised as needed to comply with village codes.