CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Pass the ordinance approving variances to reduce the required side yard setback and allow more than 25% of the required rear yard to be occupied at 557 S. Washington Street (DJK Design Studio) - DEV-0094-2025
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Sara Kopinski, AICP
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
The Planning and Zoning Commission considered the petitioner's request on October 15, 2025, and voted to recommend approval of the petitioner's request (approved 9-0). Staff concurs with the PZC's recommendation.
BACKGROUND:
The subject property is located at 557 S. Washington Street. It is zoned TU (Transitional Use District) and is improved with a single-family home. At this time, DJK Custom Homes seeks to repurpose the property/structure for their professional design studio, which requires a parking lot expansion and other site modifications. The design studio is a permitted use in the TU zoning district; however, the proposed site changes require approval of two zoning variances.
The City's Land Use Master Plan designates the subject property as "City Corridor," which accommodates the proposed use.
DISCUSSION:
The existing home on the subject property is approximately 1,865 sq. ft. in size. The petitioner intends to convert the home from a residence to a commercial structure to be used as DJK's professional design studio. To do so, additional parking will be required to be provided on-site to ensure compliance with Section 6-9-3 (Schedule of Off-Street Parking Requirements) of the Naperville Municipal Code. A minimum of 6 parking spaces will be required to be provided on-site to serve the 1,865 sq. ft. office space.
The petitioner has agreed to expand parking facilities on the subject property to meet code requirements. Planned improvements include adding 8 parking spaces to the site, improving ADA accessibility on the north side of the property, and constructing a two-wa...
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