McLean County Times

Town of Normal Zoning Board of Appeals met June 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Members Present:

Mr. Moyer, Mr. Coates, Mr. Palmgren, Ms. Brand, Mr. Anderson

Members Absent:

Mr. Haywood, Mr. Queen

Others Present:

Director of Planning Mercy Davison, Legal Corporation Council Steven Simmons, Inspections and Planning Associate Hannah Neal

Call to Order:

Mr. Anderson noted that a quorum was present and called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.

Approval of Minutes:

Ms. Brand moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting on April 17, 2025, and Mr. Moyer seconded.

Public Hearing:

a. 25-06-04-V: Proposed variance to permit an accessory structure in the required side yard setback, 108 W Virginia

Ms. Davison gave a review of the report. She noted that the house has been there for several decades. It previously had a one car garage that sat approximately two feet off of the property line. By code, it should be sitting 5 feet off of the property line, however, it is common for a shorter setback to occur in older neighborhoods. The driveway on the property is also already built up to where the previous garage sat. The applicant would like to build a slightly bigger one car garage with the same 2-foot setback.

Mr. Anderson asked if anyone was present in the audience that had comments or questions with no response.

Ms. Brand commented that this request was reasonable and very straightforward.

Ms. Davison noted that this property does pass the three-part test and that staff is in favor of the approval. Staff finds that this variance would be in harmony with the rest of the neighborhood, given that a one car garage with the same setback had been there for decades previously. Staff finds that the variance would yield a reasonable return, as the property is entitled to a 3-car garage, and making the structure a little bigger would allow it to be used by more modern vehicles. Lastly, staff does find the property unique, as the lot predates the current codes.

Mr. Anderson closed the public portion of the meeting. And noted that he has a similar situation on his property. Since the garage is going in exactly the same spot, there should be no issues. Ms. Brand moved to approve the findings and recommendations as proposed by staff and Mr. Coates seconded.

Mr. Anderson called for a vote.

All in favor: 5

Opposed: 0

The variance is approved.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:08 PM

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5323