West Cook News

Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission met Aug. 25

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Attendance:

Present: Miller, Sabourin, Straka, Svoboda, Grund

Absent: Evans, Weber

Also present at Meeting: Trustee Jennifer Hendricks, Community Development Director Libby Popovic, and Interim Planner, Scott Viger.

Public Comment: No public comment

New Business – 

Case # 25-13 Application for Garage Variations at 3620 Harrison Avenue

Chair Grund entertained a Motion to open the public hearing for Case#25-13 for Garage Variations (from Section 62.17 increase the garage size from 500 square feet to 600 square feet,  and Section 62-75 to allow an increase in Building Coverage from 30% to 34.2%) to allow a new garage at 3620 Harrison Avenue at 7:06 PM Moved by Commissioner Svoboda and seconded by Commissioner Miller, Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.

Chair Grund swore in Shahzad Ahmad, petitioner and property owner at 3620 Harrison Avenue.

Mr. Ahmad testified that in November 2024 he lost his garage to a fire. Looking to rebuild it now. He would like to combine the 100 square foot shed size to the maximum 500 square foot garage as allowed in Section 62.18. Just looking for that to happen. As background, our lot size is 5,000 square feet which is below the standard of 6,200 square feet. If the lot was standard 6,250 square feet, we wouldn’t have a problem but due to the lot size we need a variation. Also Mr. Ahmad’s sister who is a disabled veteran is having surgery and will be staying with them for a while. They want to ensure that there is enough room in the garage for her to enter and exit a vehicle.

The Commission had no questions for the applicant. Chair Grund asked for the staff report.

Mr. Viger reviewed the property in question, its environs and the variation requests. Additionally, staff suggests that there be a condition that the downspouts should be directed towards the private yard and not to the public alley. The staff respectfully recommends approval of the variation requests.

Commission questions for the staff.

Commissioner Evans asked if the concrete pad in the photos was the existing pad and not a newly poured pad. Mr. Viger confirmed that it was the existing pad.

Commissioner Sabourin asked about the plans showing the downspouts to the alley and assumes that we want them directed to the private yard. Chair Grund noted that that was a proposed condition from the staff. Commissioner Straka asked what if the impetus for the condition was prior Commission comments or otherwise. Mr. Viger replied that he often notices standing water in the alleys in town and understands the Commission’s desire to mitigate the ponding water there. Chair Grund believes this can be codified in the new Code.

Chair Grund is happy to see that the 100 square feet that he has mentioned in the past is in the staff report and that a deed restriction shall be recorded at Cook County prohibiting an additional shed. Commissioner Straka agreed.

There being no further questions of the staff Chair Grund asked if there were any members of the public desiring to be heard. There were none.

Planning and Zoning Commission deliberation ensued.

Commissioner Straka commented that a person’s illness or injury recovery is not a reason for a variation. But other than that, he had no problems with the request. Chair Grund agreed. Commissioner Svoboda stated he was in favor of the two requests as the proposal meets the minimum green space and setback requirements and if it was a 50’ wide lot the garage size would not be an issue. The lot is the hardship. Commissioner Miller agreed. 

Chair Grund entertained a motion to recommend approval of the variation from §62.17 to allow an increase in the garage size from 500 to 600 square feet and a variation from §62.75 too allow an increase in building coverage from 30% to 34.2% for Case #25-13 for the property located at 3620 Harrison Avenue. Commissioner Sabourin moved, and Commissioner Miller seconded. Motion passed 5 – 0.

Other Business

Chair Grund asked for the staff update.

Director Popovic discussed the Plan Commissioner training opportunity at the Village of Riverside on 09.24.25 and the joint workshop meeting with the Village Board to review the draft Zoning Ordinance on September 4, 2025, at 6:30 PM.

Chair Grund entertained amotion to adjourn the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Commissioner Sabourin moved, and Commissioner Miller seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:18 PM

https://brookfieldil.civicweb.net/document/176750/08.28.25%20PZC%20Minutes.docx?handle=BFA70707284749068BDEC128573A491E