CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Pass the ordinance approving a variance to Section 6-2-10:3 (Height Limitations) for a proposed detached garage at 151 N. Wright St - DEV-0039-2026
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Isaac Marlott, Assistant Planner
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
The Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) considered this matter on August 19, 2026, and voted to recommend approval of the petitioners’ request (approved 7-0). Staff is neutral.
BACKGROUND:
The subject property is zoned R2 (Single-Family and Low Density Multiple-Family Residence District) and is located at the southwest corner of Wright Street and School Avenue with a common street address of 151 N. Wright Street, Naperville, IL 60540. The subject property is a corner lot, approximately 10,650 square feet in size, currently improved with a primary residence and a non-conforming detached garage. The owners, who are also the petitioners, Brian and Danielle Spangler, have filed a petition with the City of Naperville requesting a variance to the accessory structure height limitations (Section 6-2-10:3 of the Naperville Municipal Code) to construct a new 26-foot tall, detached garage in the rear yard.
DISCUSSION:
The subject property is located in the R2 zoning district and any proposed accessory structure is subject to the provisions of Section 6-2-10 of the Code. This includes Subsection 6-2-10:3 limiting the height of all residential accessory structures to 18 feet. The request by the petitioner is to exceed this allowance by approximately 8 feet to construct an accessory structure measuring 26 feet in height.
During staff review, the petitioner reduced the proposed height, originally 30 feet, down to 26 feet in response to staff feedback that the nature of the deviation was significant. The intent of the accessory structure height limitation in the Code is to minimize the bulk and visible impact of accessory structures in residentially zoned districts. The petitioner indicates that the increased height is necessary to match the slope of the cat-slide roof of the primary residence and to provide additional storage space otherwise unfound in the existing residence. The petitioner also noted that the proposed garage design will improve the utility of a historic home to meet the needs of a modern family, maintain compatibility with surrounding historic structures, and will not impair adjacent properties.
Staff found the proposed style to appear complimentary to the existing residence, however noted the request for additional height to provide storage and a more accessible second floor is not standard nor a required feature of an accessory structure. Furthermore, staff does not find there to be significant hardship on the site warranting support of the requested deviation. As such, staff maintains a position of neutrality for this petition.
Planning and Zoning Commission Action
The Planning and Zoning Commission conducted the public hearing to consider DEV-0039-2026 on August 19, 2026. One public comment in opposition to the proposal was transmitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission citing concerns with the proposed size of the structure in the Historic District. The public hearing was closed, after which some members of the Planning and Zoning Commission noted a lack of hardship but in general it was determined that the proposed variance would have a positive impact on the intended design of the garage and is consistent with the architectural design of the existing home on the property. The Planning and Zoning Commission then voted to recommend approval of the petitioner’s request as presented (approved 7-0). Staff remains neutral regarding the Planning and zoning Commission’s recommendation.
Findings of Fact
The petitioner’s responses to the Standards for Granting a Variance can be found in the attachments.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A