Development News for Wilmette, Illinois

Village Board Approves Zoning Variations for 315 Washington Avenue Property Despite Code Concerns

The Village Board considered a request for zoning variations for a property at 315 Washington Avenue. The request included variations for side yard setbacks, combined side yard setbacks, and front yard setbacks for a one-story addition and a new front porch. The Zoning Board of Appeals had previously voted 3-3 on the request, resulting in the motion to approve failing. The Village Board engaged in a detailed discussion, with some trustees emphasizing adherence to zoning standards and the potential for inconsistent precedent, while others highlighted the property's historic nature, the desirability of front porches for community building, and the need for flexibility in a diverse housing stock. Ultimately, the board voted 5-2 to approve the variations, allowing the project to move forward.