Zoning board recommends variance for 632 Bonnie Brae to allow small mudroom addition

The River Forest Zoning Board of Appeals recommended the Board of Trustees grant a zoning variance that would allow a modest one‑story mudroom addition at 632 Bonnie Brae.

Architect Mark Zeni, representing homeowners Andrew and Jennifer Stein, told the board the addition would be about 8 by nearly 10 feet and "would increase the area by 77.3 square feet," and that the lot is unusually small for River Forest. Zeni said the applicants seek two variances: an increase in lot coverage from 30 percent to 30.9 percent and a reduction in the secondary side‑yard setback to about 3 feet 11 inches. He described the project as addressing a safety issue related to a back door that opens into a stairwell.

Owner Jennifer Stein said she and her husband moved to River Forest in 2021 to raise their family and that the expanded entry would make the home safer for their four young children. "I'm here with my husband and our 4 kids," she said, describing crowded conditions at the current entryway.

Board members questioned the applicant about measurements and the existing shed attached to the garage. The applicant said the existing lot coverage is slightly over 30 percent (approximately 30.1 percent), the shed measures about 47.3 square feet, and that removing the shed would reduce the net area increase to roughly 30 square feet. The board discussed making approval contingent on removing the attached shed.

After closing the public portion, the board moved, seconded and voted to recommend the trustees grant the variance subject to teardown of the attached shed. The clerk recorded a 5–0 vote in favor. The recommendation and the board's findings of fact will be forwarded to the Village Board of Trustees for final consideration.