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Plan Commission

Regular Meeting

Winnetka, IL · September 24, 2025

AgendaPacketMinutes

Minutes

Minutes adopted 11.19.2025 1 WINNETKA PLAN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 2 SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 3 4 Members Present: Layla Danley, Chairperson 5 Jonathan Alt 6 Christopher Blum 7 Matthew Bradley 8 Chris Enck 9 Liz Kunkle 10 Cyrus Subawalla 11 Kate Van Vlack 12 13 Members Absent: Mamie Case 14 15 Non-Voting Members Present: Bridget Orsic 16 17 Village Staff: Scott Mangum, Community Development Director 18 Ann Klaassen, Assistant Director of Community 19 Development 20 Christopher Marx, Associate Planner 21 22 Call to Order & Roll Call: 23 The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Danley at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Klaassen took roll call of the 24 Commission Members present. 25 26 Approval of July 23, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes: 27 Chairperson Danley asked for a motion to approve the July 23, 2025, regular meeting minutes. A motion 28 to approve the July 23, 2025, meeting minutes was made by Mr. Bradley and seconded by Mr. Blum. A 29 vote was taken and the motion unanimously passed, 8 to 0: 30 AYES: Alt, Blum, Bradley, Danley, Enck, Kunkle, Subawalla, Van Vlack 31 NAYS: None 32 NON-VOTING: Orsic 33 34 Public Comment: 35 No comments were made at this time. 36 37 Community Development Report: 38 Mr. Mangum provided an update on the affordable housing plan approved by the Village Council and 39 submitted for review by the state. He also provided an update on the special use permit application by 40 Charles Schwab in the One Winnetka development which was approved by the Village Council. 41 42 New Applications: 43 a. Case No. 25-12-SD: 881 Private Road and 883 Private Road: Applications seeking approval of a 44 Final Plat of Subdivision to relocate the lot line dividing the two properties, which requires (i) variations 45 to allow: (a) proposed Lot 1 (883 Private Road) to provide less than the minimum required front street 46 line for an interior lot; (b) proposed Lot 2 (881 Private Road) to provide less than the minimum required 47 lot depth; (c) the existing residence at 881 Private Road to observe less than the minimum required 48 total side yard setback, which is due to an increase in the minimum required total side yard setback as September 24, 2025 Page 2 1 a result of the proposed increase in total lot area and increase in average lot width; and (ii) a finding of 2 "No Material Increased Adverse Impact" for the existing residence at 881 Private Road, which exceeds 3 the maximum permitted width for a front-facing attached garage. The Village Council has final 4 jurisdiction on this request. 5 Chairperson Danley summarized the application and asked the Commission Members if they had any 6 preliminary comments. No comments were made at this time. Ms. Klaassen referred to the variations 7 being requested as well as the finding of no material increased adverse impact from an existing 8 nonconformity for the Commission to make a recommendation to the Village Council. She identified the 9 properties’ location, zoning classification, size and the existing structures and noted both are flag lots and 10 legally nonconforming. She noted the applicants have entered into a sales contract to convey a triangular 11 portion of the 883 Private parcel and consolidate with the 881 Private parcel. Ms. Klaassen also 12 summarized the application review by the ZBA and noted no easements are required by the Village’s 13 Engineering and Water and Electric Departments. She then identified the factors the Commission is to 14 consider and stated following the applicant’s presentation and public comment, a draft motion is included 15 on page 19 of the agenda packet for the Commission to consider. Ms. Klaassen noted no public comment 16 was received on the application and asked if there were any questions. 17 18 Chairperson Danley also asked if there were any questions. No questions were raised at this time. 19 20 Chairperson Danley swore in those speaking to this matter. Christopher Canning, 1000 Skokie Blvd., 21 introduced himself and Jesse Van Dyke, the property owner of 881 Private Road, to the Commission and 22 stated the engineer, Dan Creaney, is also present to answer any technical plat questions. Mr. Canning 23 stated the parcel in question is a triangular parcel measuring 1,387 square feet with a sales contract being 24 conditioned upon zoning approval. He also stated the request would be presented to the ZBA and 25 described the two flag lot configurations. Mr. Canning summarized the existing conditions as well as the 26 front lot line and minimum lot depth. He then outlined the FOIA request he submitted to the Community 27 Development Department with regard to minimum front lot line and referred to lots which are similarly 28 situated in terms of driveway width. Mr. Canning stated there is an unintended consequence of moving 29 the triangle which resulted in the home encroaching into the side yard and confirmed the home would 30 not become larger. He also referred to the no material increased adverse impact standard and the 1993 31 garage expansion following the Commission’s approval which was not an issue at that time. Mr. Canning 32 asked the Commission to agree with that finding in that the garage is of a greater width than is permitted. 33 He stated the requested variations are for existing conditions and are a result of the attempt to square 34 off the lot. Mr. Canning referred to a slide in the presentation which depicted the area they are attempting 35 to rectify by the purchase of the triangular portion of the 883 parcel so that the 881 parcel can make full 36 use of the garage bay. He concluded by asking for a positive recommendation and asked if there were any 37 questions. 38 39 Chairperson Danley asked if there has never been garage access since the applicants purchased the home. 40 Mr. Canning responded the prior owner used the north bay for storage and described the many 41 movements required to get a vehicle into the north bay. 42 43 Mr. Blum asked if there was ever access on the northwest corner via Ravine Drive to the 883 parcel. Mr. 44 Canning responded he did not know and referred to the number of flag lots in the area and also described 45 the dimension as not being unusual. Mr. Enck asked if there are any immediate plans to build on the 883 46 parcel. Mr. Canning responded it is not considered as part of the application. Mr. Enck asked if there is 47 future building on the lot later, would be problematic in terms of access. Mr. Canning described proposed 48 siting for any future building on the site. Ms. Van Vlack asked about eliminating access and how that could September 24, 2025 Page 3 1 be an issue. Mr. Canning stated the purchase and sale agreement is related to the triangle and the 2 authorization provided to the 881 parcel by the 883 parcel. 3 4 Mr. Alt asked if the driveway on the 881 parcel would be modified. Mr. Van Dyke informed the 5 Commission that approximately 8 feet of asphalt would be added to access the northernmost garage bay 6 as well as landscaping. No additional questions were raised at this time. 7 8 Chairperson Danley asked for public comment. No comments were made at this time. She then called the 9 matter in for discussion. Chairperson Danley described the request as a neighbor to neighbor exchange 10 and noted there is no public comment. 11 12 Trustee Orsic stated due to the fact no neighbors are involved, this isn’t facing a street, it isn’t impacting 13 neighbors or the character other than a future home being built, she is not a voting member but had no 14 issue with the request. Mr. Blum stated it made sense for it to be done with regard to the small triangular 15 area and he had no problem with the request. Mr. Enck agreed with the comments made. Mr. Subawalla 16 also stated he had no issue with regard to the request. Mr. Alt agreed with the comments made and stated 17 there would be no material increased adverse impact and he would be in favor of the request. Mr. Bradley 18 stated he would reserve his comments until the matter is presented to the ZBA but agreed the garage 19 width did not rise to the level to meet the standard that there would be an increased material adverse 20 impact. Ms. Kunkle agreed with the comments made and noted the property is located on a private road 21 and would have a minimal impact on neighbors. Chairperson Danley agreed with the comments and 22 referred to the existing nonconformities and the existing front facing garage. She concluded she is in favor 23 of the request. 24 25 Chairperson Danley then asked for a motion as indicated on page 19 of the agenda packet. A motion to 26 recommend approval as indicated on page 19 for the proposed AJV Subdivision Final Plat relocating the 27 lot line dividing 881 Private Road and 883 Private Road as the final plat of subdivision was made by Ms. 28 Van Vlack and seconded by Ms. Kunkle. A vote was taken and the motion unanimously passed, 7 to 0: 29 AYES: Alt, Blum, Danley, Enck, Kunkle, Subawalla, Van Vlack 30 NAYS: None 31 NON-VOTING: Bradley, Orsic 32 33 b. Case No. 25-16-SD: 936 Sunset Road: Applications seeking approval of a Final Plat of Subdivision 34 to allow a two-lot subdivision of 936 Sunset Road, which requires (i) variations to allow: (a) proposed 35 Lot 2 to provide less than the minimum required lot area and less than the minimum required 36 rectangular buildable area; (b) a side lot line abutting a rear lot line; and (ii) a finding of "No Material 37 Increased Adverse Impact" for existing improvements on proposed Lot 1 (936 Sunset Road) which (a) 38 observe less than the minimum required front yard setback from Sunset Road; (b) observe less than the 39 minimum required corner yard setback from Higginson Lane; and (c) exceeds the maximum permitted 40 width for a front-facing garage door. The Village Council has final jurisdiction on this request. 41 Chairperson Danley asked the Commission Members for any preliminary comments with regard to the 42 application. No comments were made at this time. Ms. Klaassen described the proposed subdivision of 43 the existing lot into two buildable lots. She noted the request is limited to the subdivision itself and the 44 existing improvements with no proposed improvements included as part of the request. Ms. Klaassen 45 identified the property’s location, zoning classification, existing improvements and measurements. She 46 stated the Comprehensive Plan designated the subject property and surrounding properties as 47 appropriate for single family residential uses and the applicant’s use of the site is consistent with the 48 Comprehensive Plan and zoning. September 24, 2025 Page 4 1 Ms. Klaassen described Lots 1 and 2 and the existing improvements on Lot 1. She noted the site was 2 originally platted as two lots similar to the current proposal and described the 1976 parcel created to 3 allow construction of the tennis court which would be removed as part of the proposal. Ms. Klaassen 4 noted Lot 1 complied with the zoning standards and summarized Lot 2’s noncompliance and the current 5 requirements in detail. She then identified the subdivision standards that proposed subdivisions are to 6 comply with which she described in detail. Ms. Klaassen referred to irregularly shaped lots in the 7 neighborhood and identified the three existing nonconformities. 8 9 Ms. Klaassen informed the Commission the site is located entirely in the 100 year flood plain with 10 development on either lot being subject to the Village’s flood hazard protection ordinance as well as 11 MWRD requirements. She stated development on Lot 2 would require storm water detention and flood 12 plain compensatory storage. Ms. Klaassen referred the Commission to an image of a conceptual possible 13 home on the proposed vacant lot in response to the Village’s engineering comments on the proposed 14 subdivision which she described in detail along with compensatory storage and storm water detention. 15 Ms. Klaassen stated the Village’s Engineering Department confirmed with MWRD that surface 16 compensatory storage is acceptable provided it did not impact the storm water conveyance easement 17 and noted there are planned improvements to the Skokie Ditch resulting in increased capacity. She 18 reiterated the applicant is not proposing any new improvements on either lot at this time. 19 20 Ms. Klaassen stated the Water and Electric Department requested a 5-foot utility easement on proposed 21 Lot 2. She stated the ZBA would consider the request at its October 13, 2025, meeting and since the 22 agenda packet was posted, two letters were received from neighbors and provided to the Commission. 23 Ms. Klaassen stated following the applicant’s presentation, public comment and Commission deliberation, 24 a draft motion is provided on page 56 for the Commission. She then asked if there were any questions. 25 26 Mr. Blum stated as his initial preliminary comment, he disclosed that he was on a different zoning board 27 for which an application for this property was presented 11 years ago and the application was withdrawn. 28 Mr. Bradley asked for clarification with regard to the lots appearing to be mirror properties and the forced 29 consolidation by the Village at the time. He asked if the application is a request to put the property back 30 to its original condition. Ms. Kunkle stated after the property was divided, it appeared that the Village 31 increased lot sizes with the neighborhood character now being called small estates. Mr. Alt asked if this is 32 the first stop for this application. Ms. Klaassen confirmed that is correct and outlined the application’s 33 presentation before the various boards. She stated there has been no record of a home being on the lot. 34 Ms. Klaassen also stated by shifting the dividing line between the two lots, it would require zoning relief 35 from the minimum lot depth requirement for Lot 1. Ms. Van Vlack expressed concern in the neighborhood 36 with regard to water displacement. She then referred to 901 and 905 Higginson which represented similar 37 situations of lots being subdivided into a nonconforming size in the R-2 district as well as the lot area 38 requirements at the time. Ms. Klaassen informed the Commission the lot area requirement was increased 39 in 1999 and that it is likely a nonconforming lot with respect to at least the lot area requirements. She 40 added she is not sure when those lots were subdivided. 41 42 Mr. Subawalla asked if the southwest corner represented the lowest point in the neighborhood for the 43 adjacent lots and would result in a water catch point from the surrounding lots. He also asked if the 44 surrounding homes have their own storm water detention systems and where did the storm water 45 detention from this lot get released. Ms. Klaassen responded the proposed lot if developed would drain 46 to the Skokie Ditch and stated she could not speak to the elevation of this lot compared to others. She 47 confirmed the newer home to the west had compensatory storage and noted storm water detention 48 compliance is required with water runoff not being allowed to run to other lots. Mr. Blum questioned the September 24, 2025 Page 5 1 forced consolidation which Ms. Klaassen explained to the Commission. No additional questions were 2 raised at this time. 3 4 Chairperson Danley swore in those speaking to this matter. Christopher Canning, 1000 Skokie Blvd., 5 introduced himself, Bob and Susan Marren, the property owners, and the project engineer, Dan Creaney 6 who prepared the exhibit the Commission Members discussed at the request of the Village Engineer 7 following the comments they made. He confirmed the matter did not relate to a hypothetical home but 8 only the lot. Mr. Canning stated to address Mr. Blum’s question, he explained the reason for their first 9 request to the ZBA. He then referred to 860 Lamson which added a tennis court on their property which 10 had to be consolidated which happened to this property in 1976 in connection with the 936 Sunset, and 11 further explained how 860 Lamson went through the same process to subdivide the lot back to its original 12 configuration. 13 14 Mr. Canning stated the current owners purchased the property in 2006 and are asking for the two lots to 15 be restored to the pre-1976 condition. He stated he discussed with Ms. Klaassen moving the lot line 16 between the lots, and the applicants are willing to amend their application. Mr. Canning stated if the 17 property line is moved north, they would be able to achieve the 3% needed to comply with lot area but it 18 would result in a minimum lot depth variation for Lot 1. Mr. Canning stated they decided to go with the 19 pre-1976 condition and are willing to revisit the alternative if required by the ZBA. He stated it would not 20 change the rectangular variation issue, any storm water calculations or detention areas. Mr. Canning also 21 referred to other smaller homes in the area identified in the application materials and with regard to the 22 minimum rectangular area, he referred to the previous discussion which he cited for the Commission. Mr. 23 Canning referred to the standard addressing the minimum rectangular area which has not been met 24 resulting in the variation being sought in which the spirit of requirement existed has been met. 25 26 Mr. Canning also addressed the comment relating to rear lot lines not abutting side lot lines which 27 currently existed as well as in other areas on Higginson. He then addressed the no material increased 28 adverse impact comment and the letter received from the neighbor which only related to the existing 29 home and not the proposed Lot 2. Mr. Canning addressed the north setback issue which did not represent 30 a material adverse impact as well as the garage door measuring 16 feet which has existed for a long time. 31 He reiterated there is no request pertaining to the proposed Lot 2. 32 33 Mr. Canning then stated with regard to the concerns raised with regard to the flood plain and storm water 34 section of Ms. Klaassen’s memo, the neighbors’ concerns relating to storm water need to be addressed. 35 He stated Mr. Creaney was brought in to address the concerns relating to storm water management 36 regulations and which was a concern to only one neighbor who raised no further concerns. Mr. Canning 37 summarized their response in the materials to the Village Engineer’s request addressing the easements, 38 rights-of-way, setback, maximum building footprint and available space for detention. He emphasized 39 that Exhibit 10 represented a demonstrative example of what could be done and cited language requiring 40 compliance with Village Engineering requirements. Mr. Canning identified surrounding homes built which 41 complied with the engineering requirements and identified 956 Sunset as an example. He then asked if 42 there were any questions. 43 44 Chairperson Danley asked if the applicants have a buyer for the adjacent lot. Mr. Canning responded there 45 is not. Chairperson Danley asked if thought was given to the lot being kept together which would create 46 a situation for the existing home being torn down and replaced and questioned the cost of building 47 detention on the lot. Mr. Canning responded it has not been priced out and an appraisal was submitted 48 estimating the value of the 936 parcel as consolidated and the two separate lots with there being a higher September 24, 2025 Page 6 1 return on two separate lots. 2 3 Mr. Blum asked for an explanation in terms of raising the home in the flood plain which Mr. Creaney 4 explained to the Commission in detail. Mr. Subawalla stated his concern related to if and when the lot 5 went into potential construction, if it would result in it being a contributory catch area for the other lots. 6 Mr. Creaney confirmed they are aware of it. Mr. Canning also referred to the engineering comments with 7 regard to the flood plain elevation. Mr. Blum asked if the lot line is moved north, what is the process in 8 that regard. Ms. Klaassen indicated it is possible to come back to the Commission at the next meeting. 9 The Commission Members discussed the possible outcomes if the lot line is moved and a new, larger home 10 is built and Ms. Klaassen referred to Table 4 on page 9 of the staff memo. Mr. Canning referred to homes 11 built on Meadow which are similar to this property with regard to the flood plain concerns raised. Mr. 12 Blum asked if the only factors the Commission are to consider is whether the nonconformity resulted in a 13 material increased adverse impact with regard to the front yard setback as well as the play structure. Mr. 14 Canning confirmed the play structure can be removed if necessary. 15 16 Ms. Van Vlack referred to flood water being a reality in the area and asked if any analysis was done of the 17 projected impact in terms of what has already been accomplished in connection with the Village’s flood 18 water project. Mr. Creaney described the project in detail that the Village has been working on it for years. 19 20 Chairperson Danley asked if there were any other questions or comments from the Commission or the 21 public. No additional questions were raised at this time. She then called the matter in for discussion. 22 23 Mr. Blum stated this area has been particularly affected by flooding and described the proposal as well 24 presented the concerns being addressed. He referred to the Commission’s narrow scope in terms of their 25 review and stated the requested variations are minimal and there will be no increased adverse impact 26 along with the property’s history. Mr. Blum indicated he would be inclined to recommend approval not 27 knowing what may happen in the future in terms of development. Mr. Enck agreed with the comments 28 made and stated the lot line moving discussion would create another issue with regard to the variation. 29 He also referred to the fact the property would be reverting back to its original condition as well as there 30 being no precedent for it in this particular location. Mr. Enck stated future engineering issues would be 31 addressed at that point. Mr. Subawalla stated as long as the Village Council is cognizant of what is coming 32 down the pike, legally, it would be fine. Mr. Alt stated he had concerns with regard to the precedent it 33 would set and if the Commission decided a subdivision is fine knowing going forward what is possible 34 which did not adhere to conformity requirements, he would vote against the request. Ms. Van Vlack 35 commented the opinions expressed are valid and with regard to the scope of the Commission’s review, 36 she described it as straightforward. She then stated the concerns expressed with regard to it not 37 conforming to be a 24,000 square foot lot, that would warrant revisiting maintaining those standards 38 although that did not address water concerns and there being an effort to mitigate those issues by the 39 Village. 40 41 Ms. Van Vlack concluded she would be in support of the request with consideration of revisions to comply 42 with lot standards. Mr. Bradley stated he appreciated the flood plain and storm water comments and with 43 regard to the Comprehensive Plan, the request would result in the creation of two legally complying R-2 44 lots with the exception of the 3% minimum lot area and rectangular shape. He stated it would be difficult 45 to say these two lots would not conform to the Comprehensive Plan and referred to the problems in 46 connection with building in the flood plain which would be addressed by engineering and compliance 47 requirements. Mr. Bradley stated it would be difficult for this proposal to fail if it were not in the flood 48 plain and he would reserve the rest of his comments for the ZBA meeting. September 24, 2025 Page 7 1 Ms. Kunkle agreed with the comments made and stated she did not see a basis to refuse the request 2 based on what is possible down the road noting her concerns were addressed. She agreed the lot would 3 be brought back to its original configuration and she would be in favor of the request. Chairperson Danley 4 stated she also had concerns and referred to the standards changed in neighborhoods to keep homes in 5 a certain configuration. She also referred to the concerns raised with regard to setting precedent which is 6 a concern to her as well as the flooding issues. Chairperson Danley stated if this configuration was not the 7 original lot configuration, she would not consider agreeing to the request but is persuaded by the fact that 8 it would be reverted back to its original configuration. She then asked for the applicant to maintain the 9 lot as is and referred to the significant amount of comments from the neighbors. Chairperson Danley 10 stated based on the Commission’s narrow scope, she is still concerned but that is not a reason to reject 11 the proposal. Trustee Orsic suggested asking the applicant to seek unsolicited offers for the property and 12 although she is not voting, she had concerns which were raised with good reason. Mr. Alt noted the 13 concern of neighborhood in opposition, particularly from five specific neighbors. 14 15 Mr. Bradley stated since the standards the Commission are asked to consider are different than those of 16 the ZBA, he suggested the Commission consider the applicant’s testimony with regard to the possible 17 concession and the play structure removal be included as an approval condition. Mr. Blum agreed with 18 Mr. Bradley’s suggestion and that they do not know what will happen the future. 19 20 Chairperson Danley took a straw poll in terms of making an approval recommendation with a condition 21 related to the play structure removal. Ms. Klaassen agreed the play structure located within the corner 22 yard setback being brought into compliance can be a condition of the motion. 23 24 Chairperson Danley then asked for a motion. Mr. Blum moved to recommend approval of the proposed 25 resubdivision final plat as referenced in the materials with the condition that the existing play structure 26 be either removed or moved to a conforming location. Ms. Kunkle seconded. A vote was taken and the 27 motion passed, 7 to 1: 28 AYES: Blum, Bradley, Danley, Enck, Kunkle, Subawalla, Van Vlack 29 NAYS: Alt 30 NON-VOTING: Orsic 31 32 The Commission Members took a break at this time. 33 34 c. Case No. 25-18-SU: 986 Green Bay Road - Sit Still Kids Salon: An application seeking approval of 35 a Special Use Permit submitted by Sit Still Kids Salon, as the prospective lessee of the commercial space 36 located at 986 Green Bay Road to allow a hair salon in the C-2 General Retail Commercial Overlay 37 District. The property is currently owned by 986 Green Bay Road, LLC. The Village Council has final 38 jurisdiction on this request. 39 Chairperson Danley called the meeting back to order. Mr. Marx identified the applicant, the property’s 40 location, the prior and current tenants, its size and zoning classification and referred to an illustration. He 41 also identified the surrounding businesses. Mr. Marx then referred to Attachment A as a summary of the 42 proposed plan for the space and business operation plans which he described in detail. He noted there 43 would be no exterior front façade changes other than a sign to be reviewed by the DRB at their October 44 2025 meeting. Mr. Marx summarized the hours of operation and the number of employees and proposed 45 customers during regular hours and special events. He stated in terms of parking available; he described 46 the plan to use on-street parking and in the Hubbard Woods parking deck during peak and non-peak hours 47 as well as the number of proposed special events and length of time customers would be in the location. 48 Mr. Marx asked if there were any questions. September 24, 2025 Page 8 1 Ms. Van Vlack asked what is the maximum defined space occupancy. Ms. Klaassen stated it would have 2 to comply with building code ordinances and regulations which included occupancy limits. Mr. Bradley 3 asked in situations where a special use has certain events which occur outside of its normal use such as is 4 done by a church, if they have ever conditioned how the space is used. Ms. Klaassen responded she is not 5 aware of such a condition noting special event permits are required by churches. 6 7 Chairperson Danley asked if employees would be required to park in the employee lot. Ms. Klaassen 8 responded they would have to park in employee designated areas which she identified for the 9 Commission. Mr. Subawalla referred to the fluctuation in terms of potential occupancy during special 10 events and asked what are the Village restrictions in terms of occupancy counts. Mr. Marx stated the 11 applicant can respond. Ms. Klaassen stated the permit approval would have to comply with occupancy 12 limits which would be based on the space. 13 14 Mr. Blum asked how many of the buildings are special uses in terms of the overlay district. Ms. Klaassen 15 identified two special uses with others down the block. Mr. Blum asked how can they limit the number of 16 special uses in order to not lose the retail overlay district. The Commission Members discussed the 17 location of several other special uses in the area and the type of clientele the special use would occupy. 18 No additional questions were raised at this time. 19 20 Chairperson Danley swore in those speaking to this matter. Brett and Chris Jordan introduced themselves 21 to the Commission. Mr. Jordan described the unique offerings proposed by the salon which would bring 22 positive foot traffic to the local businesses and asked if there were any questions. 23 24 Chairperson Danley asked if it would be a franchise. Mr. Jordan confirmed that is correct. Mrs. Jordan 25 described in detail the services in the small space they planned to offer and noted parties would not be a 26 common occurrence. Mr. Jordan described the components in terms of occupancy for the small types of 27 parties they planned to offer and noted there were no concerns raised by the Fire Marshall. He described 28 the proposal as a very unique and different offering for their clientele. Mr. Bradley commented on the 29 types of private parties which are done in other locations which would generate a lot of traffic. Mrs. Jordan 30 provided clarity in terms of their offerings for the Commission. 31 32 Ms. Van Vlack referred to a neighbor’s concern relating to noise and asked where the courtyard is located 33 and if children would have access to that space. Mrs. Jordan responded it is not and identified the door 34 opened to an alleyway which would not be accessed by children and would be used as a fire exit only. She 35 also identified their primary door. Mr. Enck referred to the small space being planned as a party space 36 and asked if the main space would also be used for parties. Mrs. Jordan responded in a buyout situation, 37 they would have to match the profitability of turning 15-20 chairs which would not be a common 38 occurrence in the other locations and would not be common for them. She confirmed they would ensure 39 that sound would not be an issue in response to the neighbor’s concern. 40 41 Ms. Van Vlack asked Mrs. Jordan if other salons are trending to stay open later and suggested the 42 Commission request a condition relating to the late hours of operation. Mrs. Jordan informed the 43 Commission they are not intending to change their hours of operation and noted they served a wide range 44 of customers. No additional comments were made at this time. 45 46 Chairperson Danley swore in those speaking to this matter. Marlene Calders, from the Winnetka Manor 47 Condominium Association stated they would be most impacted by the commercial space use. She 48 identified their concerns relating to traffic and the number of accidents. She also stated the proposed use September 24, 2025 Page 9 1 would cause detrimental harm to the building in terms of drainage, sewer and pipe issues. Ms. Calders 2 described the proposed concept as a great use but not for this building and asked the Commission to 3 consider how the use would affect the condominium owners. 4 5 Cav Smith, 1095 Merrill, commented the proposed use would not be a good fit for the residential building 6 and referred to the difficulty finding parking with the proposed use making it worse. Mr. Smith questioned 7 the precedent for a commercial party venue in a 1919 building and described the narrow alley condition. 8 He also stated the use being open on Sunday would impact available parking. 9 10 Kathleen Geary, 1095 Merrill, stated her bedroom would be located immediately above the party room 11 and described the issues with regard to noise carrying in the condo building. She informed the Commission 12 she questioned sound barrier requirements in mixed use buildings years ago and was told there was no 13 higher standard for noise reduction barriers between commercial and residential units. Ms. Gary stated 14 the building code enforcement manager at the time informed her the issue would be brought up at the 15 next building and code enforcement meeting. She stated there would be a negative effect on the residents 16 and described how she was able to hear people speaking in connection with the prior tenant. Ms. Gary 17 described how loud the occupants and patrons utilizing the space would be as well as the potential 18 dangerous traffic issues. She concluded by stating children’s beauty parties are non-essential to the 19 Village. 20 21 Sarah Lyon, a 35-year Winnetka resident, commented Winnetka is about supporting children and 22 described the applicants as hardworking who have done their due diligence. She referred to other uses 23 which support families and while she understood the concerns raised, it would be unfair to single out this 24 use as being detrimental. Ms. Lyon described the proposal as a great opportunity. 25 26 Chairperson Danley swore in Beata Krzynska, a 25-year Winnetka Manor resident and owner, who stated 27 the most important issue related to client parking and referred to a number of accidents that happened 28 over the last several years. She questioned the amount of haircuts required to be profitable and stated 29 the amount of customers would be problematic. No additional comments were made at this time. 30 31 Chairperson Danley closed public comment and asked the applicants if they would like to respond to 32 public comment. No comments were made at this time. She then called the matter in for discussion. 33 Chairperson Danley referred to the crosswalk concerns and asked if those issues had been looked into. 34 Ms. Klaassen responded it has been discussed as part of the Village’s streetscape project and noted it is 35 located in an IDOT right-of-way with the Village being aware of the concerns raised. 36 37 Mr. Subawalla asked if the Teska streetscape plan was subject to the Village’s jurisdiction in terms of the 38 bump outs. Ms. Klaassen responded some are under IDOT jurisdiction. Ms. Van Vlack referred to the 39 dentist’s office and stated while she did not object to this type of business, the building having clay pipes 40 represented a significant issue due to its deterioration over 100 years along with the building housing 29 41 residents. She suggested any future business should consider whether they would add to this issue and 42 any the potential use contributing to the issue and asked where the responsibility lied in addressing these 43 issues. Ms. Van Vlack also stated the Commission is tasked to consider maintaining reasonably priced 44 home options on which a use of this type could negatively affect. 45 46 Chairperson Danley responded those are landlord issues to mitigate and noted a retail space could go into 47 the space without a special use. The Commission Members discussed alternative businesses which could 48 occupy the space and the parking issues which would result from the space being occupied. Mr. Blum September 24, 2025 Page 10 1 agreed with the comments made. Mr. Bradley described the use of the Hubbard Woods parking lot and 2 stated the proposed business use would be viable in this commercial district. He stated his concern related 3 the number of special uses which have been allowed in the area with the lack of parking and he would 4 generally be in favor of recommending approval which would result in storefronts being filled. He added 5 the residents’ issues need to be dealt with by Hoffman. 6 7 Chairperson Danley referred to the lack of a parking study and stated the dangerous crosswalk issues are 8 valid but are out of the Village’s control. She stated she understood the residents’ concerns for any 9 business which would occupy the space and encouraged them to discuss the issues with the landlord. 10 Chairperson Danley stated she would be in favor of the application and the standards relate to issues 11 which arose no matter what occupied the space. Mr. Enck stated his initial thought on the application was 12 that it would be good for business although parking is an issue. He agreed some of the issues are worth 13 exploring and are outside of the Commission’s purview. Mr. Enck also agreed with the suggestion that the 14 residents discuss their issues with the landlord. 15 16 Mr. Alt stated with regard to the residents’ concerns, the applicant’s biggest concerns relate to the clients 17 who are children and suggested the applicant listen to the neighbors and that having a conversation would 18 help. Ms. Van Vlack stated it is imperative for Hoffman to perform their due diligence and address the 19 potential clay pipe issue as well as address the concerns raised. She suggested the applicant address the 20 residents’ concerns before their presentation to other boards. Ms. Van Vlack also commented on whether 21 the business would be profitable and the amount of traffic generated which she commented is unrealistic. 22 Ms. Kunkle agreed with the comments made and stated she is familiar with the parking difficulty in 23 Hubbard Woods. She stated although hearing the residents’ concerns is impactful, it is more of a landlord 24 issue and stated any business would be substantially injurious to the residents. Ms. Kunkle added they do 25 not want to jeopardize the Village’s housing stock and she would lean toward supporting the request. No 26 additional comments were made at this time. 27 28 Chairperson Danley then asked for a motion. A motion was made by Mr. Bradley to recommend approval 29 as indicated on page 7 to allow the applicant to operate within the C-2 commercial overlay district based 30 on the findings of fact nos. 1-12 which have been met. Mr. Blum seconded the motion. A vote was taken 31 and the motion unanimously, 7 to 1: 32 AYES: Alt, Blum, Bradley, Danley, Enck, Kunkle, Subawalla 33 NAYS: Van Vlack 34 NON-VOTING: Orsic 35 36 New Business. 37 a. October 22, 2025 Meeting – Quorum Check. 38 The Commission Members discussed their availability. Ms. Kunkle informed the Commission she would 39 be stepping down from the Commission as the EFSC liaison. 40 41 Adjournment: 42 Chairperson Danley asked for a motion to adjourn. A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Alt and the 43 motion was seconded. A vote was taken and the motion unanimously passed, 8 to 0: 44 AYES: Alt, Blum, Bradley, Danley, Enck, Kunkle, Subawalla, Van Vlack 45 NAYS: None 46 NON-VOTING: Orsic 47 The meeting was adjourned at 10:14 p.m. 48 September 24, 2025 Page 11 1 Respectfully submitted, 2 3 Antionette Johnson 4 Recording Secretary

Agenda

Village of Winnetka Plan Commission Regular Meeting September 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM Winnetka Village Hall Council Chambers 510 Green Bay Road AGENDA 1. Call to Order & Roll Call 2. Approval of Minutes a. July 23, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes 3. Public Comments 4. Community Development Report 5. New Applications a. Case No. 25-12-SD: 881 Private Road and 883 Private Road: Applications seeking approval of a Final Plat of Subdivision to relocate the lot line dividing the two properties, which requires (i) variations to allow: (a) proposed Lot 1 (883 Private Road) to provide less than the minimum required front street line for an interior lot; (b) proposed Lot 2 (881 Private Road) to provide less than the minimum required lot depth; (c) the existing residence at 881 Private Road to observe less than the minimum required total side yard setback, which is due to an increase in the minimum required total side yard setback as a result of the proposed increase in total lot area and increase in average lot width; and (ii) a finding of "No Material Increased Adverse Impact" for the existing residence at 881 Private Road, which exceeds the maximum permitted width for a front-facing attached garage. The Village Council has final jurisdiction on this request. b. Case No. 25-16-SD: 936 Sunset Road: Applications seeking approval of a Final Plat of Subdivision to allow a two-lot subdivision of 936 Sunset Road, which requires (i) variations to allow: (a) proposed Lot 2 to provide less than the minimum required lot area and less than the minimum required rectangular buildable area; (b) a side lot line abutting a rear lot line; and (ii) a finding of "No Material Increased Adverse Impact" for existing improvements on proposed Lot 1 (936 Sunset Road) which (a) observe less than the minimum required front yard setback from Sunset Road; (b) observe less than the minimum required corner yard setback from Higginson Lane; and (c) exceeds the maximum permitted width for a front-facing garage door. The Village Council has final jurisdiction on this request. c. Case No. 25-18-SU: 986 Green Bay Road - Sit Still Kids Salon: An application seeking approval of a Special Use Permit submitted by Sit Still Kids Salon, as the prospective lessee of the commercial space located at 986 Green Bay Road to allow a hair salon in the C-2 General Retail Commercial Overlay District. The property is currently owned by 986 Green Bay Road, LLC. The Village Council has final jurisdiction on this request. 6. New Business a. October 22, 2025, Regular Meeting - Quorum Check 7. Adjournment NOTICE Public comment is permitted on all agenda items at the meeting. If you wish to provide testimony or comments prior to the meeting, you may provide them one of two ways: (1) by sending an email to planning@winnetka.org; or by sending a letter to Community Development, Village of Winnetka, 510 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL 60093. All agenda materials are available at www.villageofwinnetka.org/agendacenter. The Village of Winnetka, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests that persons with disabilities, who require certain accommodations to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting or have questions about the accessibility of the meeting or facilities contact the Village ADA Coordinator at 510 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, Illinois 60093, (Telephone (847) 716-3543; T.D.D. (847) 501-6041).

Packet

Village of Winnetka Plan Commission Regular Meeting September 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM Winnetka Village Hall Council Chambers 510 Green Bay Road AGENDA 1. Call to Order & Roll Call 2. Approval of Minutes a. July 23, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes 3. Public Comments 4. Community Development Report 5. New Applications a. Case No. 25-12-SD: 881 Private Road and 883 Private Road: Applications seeking approval of a Final Plat of Subdivision to relocate the lot line dividing the two properties, which requires (i) variations to allow: (a) proposed Lot 1 (883 Private Road) to provide less than the minimum required front street line for an interior lot; (b) proposed Lot 2 (881 Private Road) to provide less than the minimum required lot depth; (c) the existing residence at 881 Private Road to observe less than the minimum required total side yard setback, which is due to an increase in the minimum required total side yard setback as a result of the proposed increase in total lot area and increase in average lot width; and (ii) a finding of "No Material Increased Adverse Impact" for the existing residence at 881 Private Road, which exceeds the maximum permitted width for a front-facing attached garage. The Village Council has final jurisdiction on this request. b. Case No. 25-16-SD: 936 Sunset Road: Applications seeking approval of a Final Plat of Subdivision to allow a two-lot subdivision of 936 Sunset Road, which requires (i) variations to allow: (a) proposed Lot 2 to provide less than the minimum required lot area and less than the minimum required rectangular buildable area; (b) a side lot line abutting a rear lot line; and (ii) a finding of "No Material Increased Adverse Impact" for existing improvements on proposed Lot 1 (936 Sunset Road) which (a) observe less than the minimum required front yard setback from Sunset Road; (b) observe less than the minimum required corner yard setback from Higginson Lane; and (c) exceeds the maximum permitted width for a front-facing garage door. The Village Council has final jurisdiction on this request. c. Case No. 25-18-SU: 986 Green Bay Road - Sit Still Kids Salon: An application seeking approval of a Special Use Permit submitted by Sit Still Kids Salon, as the prospective lessee of the commercial space located at 986 Green Bay Road to allow a hair salon in the C-2 General Retail Commercial Overlay District. The property is currently owned by 986 Green Bay Road, LLC. The Village Council has final jurisdiction on this request. Page 1 of 158 6. New Business a. October 22, 2025, Regular Meeting - Quorum Check 7. Adjournment NOTICE Public comment is permitted on all agenda items at the meeting. If you wish to provide testimony or comments prior to the meeting, you may provide them one of two ways: (1) by sending an email to planning@winnetka.org; or by sending a letter to Community Development, Village of Winnetka, 510 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL 60093. All agenda materials are available at www.villageofwinnetka.org/agendacenter. The Village of Winnetka, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests that persons with disabilities, who require certain accommodations to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting or have questions about the accessibility of the meeting or facilities contact the Village ADA Coordinator at 510 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, Illinois 60093, (Telephone (847) 716-3543; T.D.D. (847) 501-6041). Page 2 of 158 1 WINNETKA PLAN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 2 JULY 23, 2025 3 4 Members Present: Layla Danley, Chairperson 5 Matthew Bradley 6 Jonathan Alt 7 Christopher Blum 8 Mamie Case 9 Kate Van Vlack 10 11 Members Absent: Chris Enck 12 Liz Kunkle 13 Cyrus Subawalla 14 15 Non-Voting Members Absent: Bridget Orsic 16 17 18 Village Staff: Scott Mangum, Community Development Director 19 Ann Klaassen, Assistant Director of Community 20 Development 21 22 Call to Order & Roll Call: 23 The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Danley at 7:03 p.m. Ms. Klaassen took roll call of the 24 Commission Members present. 25 26 Approval of June 25, 2025, Meeting Minutes: 27 Chairperson Danley asked for a motion to approve the June 25, 2025, meeting minutes. A motion to 28 approve the June 25, 2025, meeting minutes was made by Mr. Bradley, and seconded by Ms. Case. A vote 29 was taken and the motion unanimously passed, 6 to 0: 30 AYES: Alt, Blum, Bradley, Case, Danley, Van Vlack 31 NAYS: None 32 NON-VOTING: None 33 34 Public Comment: 35 No comments were made at this time. 36 37 Community Development Report: 38 Mr. Mangum advised the Commission of the status of the Hubbard Woods train station special use and 39 Certificate of Appropriateness application considered by the Village Council. 40 41 Chairperson Danley noted the second agenda item would be renoticed for consideration at a future 42 meeting. 43 44 New Applications: 45 a. Case No. 25-11-SU: 720 Elm Street - Charles Schwab & Company: An application seeking 46 approval of a Special Use Permit submitted by Charles Schwab & Company, Inc., as the prospective 47 lessee of the commercial space located at 720 Elm Street to allow a financial counseling office in the C- Page 3 of 158 July 23, 2025 Page 2 1 2 General Retail Commercial Overlay District. The property is currently owned by MDG Winnetka One, 2 LP. The Village Council has final jurisdiction on this request. 3 Ms. Klaassen summarized the application to relocate an existing Charles Schwab office in the Village into 4 the One Winnetka building and identified the property owner, its location and zoning classification in the 5 overlay district. She then identified allowed special uses and referred to the red cross hatched area in an 6 illustration which represented the overlay district. Ms. Klaassen then summarized the partial approval of 7 special uses and findings granted by the Village Council for the One Winnetka Planned Development. She 8 stated the applicant provided illustrations of other offices which showed how they are viewed from the 9 street as well as the proposed signage package to be reviewed by the Design Review Board (DRB). Ms. 10 Klaassen summarized the proposed occupancy and street frontage with the financial service use 11 complying with the required location and limitations outlined in the ordinance approving One Winnetka 12 and the medical uses and financial service uses, and identified the number of employees, office hours, 13 planned event functions and current level of use by employees and visitors. 14 15 Ms. Klaassen then described the proposed parking plan and the amount of parking provided in the One 16 Winnetka development. She then identified the special use standards the Commission is to focus on and 17 the applicant’s responses which are included on page nos. 15 and 16. Ms. Klaassen stated following the 18 applicant’s presentation, the Commission Members may make a motion recommending approval or 19 denial with draft language provided in the agenda packet and noted staff did not receive any public 20 comment on the request. She then asked if there were any questions. 21 22 Mr. Alt questioned the East Elm parking lot and asked if the parking lot would remain as part of the 23 development site. Ms. Klaassen responded that area is no longer part of the development site with the 24 Village owned public parking lot to remain. She added there would be underground parking spaces for 25 the residents on the One Winnetka site and described the amount and location of the proposed parking 26 and how it would function. Mr. Bradley referred to the previous discussion with regard to certain allowed 27 special uses in terms of how the Commission would consider the standards. He also referred to the 28 amount of adequate parking and issues with regard to signage being consistently applied for subsequent 29 tenants. Ms. Klaassen responded signage issues would be individually addressed in terms of consistency. 30 Chairperson Danley stated the DRB would review those issues. 31 32 Mr. Blum questioned the lease term and how the space would be divided. Ms. Klaassen responded the 33 applicant can respond and referred to the different floor plans provided to show proposed locations of 34 the commercial spaces. He then questioned parking for commercial tenants. Ms. Klaassen confirmed 35 reserved spaces are not required. Ms. Van Vlack questioned the hours of operation and whether their 36 other locations had Saturday hours and parking during the week. She also commented on the proposed 37 signage for the building which would not fit in terms of Village standards. Ms. Van Vlack then referred to 38 the building’s visual appearance on the weekends when the tenant is closed. Ms. Klaassen responded the 39 Village has a restrictive sign code which needed to be met or they would have to request approval of a 40 sign code variation. She stated the representation presented by the applicant may not necessarily be 41 approved by the DRB. No additional questions were raised at this time. 42 43 Chairperson Danley swore in those speaking to this matter. Brandon Garnett, Project Manager of the 44 Charles Schwab Commercial Real Estate Development Group, introduced the team to the Commission. 45 Linda Short, Charles Schwab Leasing Manager, and Deirdre Clein, with MDG Winnetka One, the landlord. 46 He then referred to the provisionally approved sign in 2024 for One Winnetka and explained that the 47 photos provided an image of the proposed lobby space. Mr. Garnett stated their signage package 48 represented their initial design and they are working with the landlord’s group in terms of consistency. Page 4 of 158 July 23, 2025 Page 3 1 He also described the approval package with regard to parking including hours of operation, etc. Mr. 2 Garnett then described the traffic flow and the amount of time customers would visit the location. He 3 informed the Commission of the limited amount of anticipated planned evening events. 4 5 Chairperson Danley asked if the 12 employees would be at the office at the same time. Mr. Garnett 6 confirmed that is correct and explained the amount of employees anticipated to use the space and their 7 plans to fully maximize the space. Mr. Blum asked what the current square footage of their existing space 8 is. Ms. Short responded the current square footage is 3,500 square feet and that the new space would be 9 approximately 1,000 square feet larger and explained the reasoning for relocating to the larger space. 10 11 Ms. Case asked if the evening events are for customers. Ms. Short responded they would be client events 12 or investment seminars as well as how parking would be addressed for such events by using valet parking. 13 She also explained their consideration of several other areas for relocation. It was confirmed the lease 14 term would be for 15 years. Ms. Van Vlack questioned security measures. Ms. Short responded the 15 deposits made are not cash and confirmed they do not have a security guard. Mr. Garnett explained the 16 wireless holdup buttons and security system they have in place. Ms. Short and Mr. Garnett explained their 17 community wall and how the space would appear visually in terms of window heights, etc. Chairperson 18 Danley referred to the proposed plan in Figure 5 with regard to the window’s appearance. Mr. Garnett 19 summarized the items contained in view of the window. He also explained the beverage bar and proposed 20 planting they planned to use. Mr. Garnett and Ms. Short then explained how confidential transactions 21 would take place and not in public view in the front conference room. Mr. Garnett added they are in the 22 planning phases in terms of signage for all of the retail tenants in the building, in terms of consistency. He 23 also explained the staircase in the center and access between the parking on-site and the office. 24 25 Mr. Blum questioned the parking lot access off Lincoln and referred to the limited number of doors in that 26 area. Deidre Clein explained the division of the space and the grade change with the ground floor being 27 occupied by four tenants as well as the rear corridor access. Mr. Blum asked about the allocation of 28 interior parking spaces. Ms. Clein explained the parking spaces to be occupied by residents would be 29 accessed separately and would be below grade, and that 10 of the ground level commercial spaces would 30 be reserved for Charles Schwab during business hours and the remaining spaces would be first-come first- 31 served. She also informed the Board of letters of intent for future tenants which may require special use 32 approval. Ms. Clein also explained how the future tenants may not need special use permits. No additional 33 questions were raised at this time. 34 35 Chairperson Danley noted there is no one in the public to comment and called the matter in for discussion. 36 Mr. Bradley stated he would be in support of the request and commented the applicant did a wonderful 37 job, with his only concern relating to the signage cohesiveness on the exterior which is not within the 38 Commission’s purview. Ms. Van Vlack agreed with the comments made and stated she would be in 39 support of the request. Mr. Alt agreed with the comments made and stated that he would be in support 40 of the request. Ms. Case, Mr. Blum, and Chairperson Danley also stated they would be in support of the 41 request. Chairperson Danley noted her only concern related to standard no. 9 in connection with the 42 windows. She then asked the applicant to be conscious with regard to its appearance not being a blank 43 space and asked for a motion. 44 45 Mr. Alt moved to recommend approval of the requested special use to allow the applicant to operate a 46 financial counseling office at 720 Elm Street in the commercial overlay district based on the findings of 47 fact he read into the record from page nos. 15 and 16. Ms. Case seconded the motion. A vote was taken 48 and the motion unanimously passed, 6 to 0: Page 5 of 158 July 23, 2025 Page 4 1 AYES: Alt, Blum, Bradley, Case, Danley, Van Vlack 2 NAYS: None 3 NON-VOTING: None 4 5 b. Case No. 25-12-SD: 881 Private Road and 883 Private Road: Applications seeking approval of (i) 6 a Final Plat of Subdivision to relocate the lot line dividing the two properties, which requires a finding 7 of "No Material Increased Adverse Impact" for the existing improvements on proposed Lot 2 (881 8 Private Road), which currently (a) observe less than the minimum required total side yard setback; and 9 (b) exceed the maximum permitted width for a front-facing attached garage; and (ii) zoning variations 10 to permit: (a) proposed Lot 1 (883 Private Road) to provide less than the minimum required front street 11 line for an interior lot; and (b) proposed Lot 2 (881 Private Road) to provide less than the minimum 12 required lot depth in the R-2 Single-Family Residential Zoning District. The Village Council has final 13 jurisdiction on this request. This item is not ready for this meeting. Notices will be sent when the item 14 is ready for consideration by the Plan Commission at a future meeting. 15 This agenda item would be renoticed for consideration at a future meeting. 16 17 New Business. 18 a. August 27, 2025, Meeting – Quorum Check. 19 The Commission Members discussed their availability. 20 21 Adjournment: 22 Chairperson Danley asked for a motion to adjourn. A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Bradley. The 23 motion was seconded. A vote was taken and the motion unanimously passed, 6 to 0: 24 AYES: Alt, Blum, Bradley, Case, Danley, Van Vlack 25 NAYS: None 26 NON-VOTING: None 27 The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. 28 29 Respectfully submitted, 30 31 Antionette Johnson 32 Recording Secretary Page 6 of 158 MEMORANDUM VILLAGE OF WINNETKA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO: PLAN COMMISSION FROM: ANN KLAASSEN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR DATE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 SUBJECT: 881 & 883 PRIVATE ROAD – FINAL PLAT APPROVAL AJV SUBDIVISION (CASE NO. 25-12-SD) INTRODUCTION On September 24, 2025, the Plan Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on an application submitted by Jesse Van Dyke, as the owner of the property located at 881 Private Road and CLB Children GRAT Trust II UAD 7/29/2008, as the owner of the property located at 883 Private Road (collectively, the “Subject Property”). Jesse Van Dyke along with CLB Children GRAT Trust II UAD 7/29/2008 (collectively the “Applicant”), have filed applications seeking the following approvals as part of a Final Subdivision Plat approval to relocate the lot line dividing the two properties: 1. Approval of the following variations to permit: a. Proposed Lot 1 (883 Private Road) to provide less than the minimum required front street line for interior lots of 20 feet; b. Proposed Lot 2 (881 Private Road) to provide less than the minimum required lot depth of 200 feet for a lot in the R-2 Single Family Residential Zoning District; c. The existing residence at 881 Private Road (Proposed Lot 2) to observe less than the minimum required total side yard setback, which is due to an increase in the minimum required total side yard setback as a result of the proposed increase in total lot area and increase in average lot width; and 2. A finding of “No Material Increased Adverse Impact” for the existing residence at 881 Private Road (Proposed Lot 2), which exceeds the maximum permitted width for a front-facing attached garage. This application is limited to the subdivision request and the existing improvements, no proposed improvements to the Subject Property are included in this request. The Plan Commission is charged with making a recommendation to the Village Council regarding the subdivision, including the requested relief described above. Because the proposed subdivision incorporates zoning relief, the application is subject to review by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) for the variations. The ZBA is scheduled to consider the request on October 13, 2025. A mail notice was sent to property owners within 250 feet in compliance with the Village Code. The hearing was also properly noticed in the Winnetka Talk on September 4, 2025. As of the date of this memo, staff has not received any written comments from the public regarding this application. Page 1 Page 7 of 158 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION The Subject Property is located on the north side of Private Road, between Sheridan and Old Green Bay Roads, is zoned R-2 Single Family Residential and currently consists of two buildable lots. The property at 881 Private Road contains a two-story single-family residence and 883 Private Road is a vacant lot. The area of each existing lot is as follows: 1. 883 Private Road: 26,406 square feet (0.61 acres) 2. 881 Private Road: 24,223 square feet (0.56 acres) Both of the existing lots, as well as the proposed lots, are flag lots. A flag lot is an irregularly shaped lot consisting of two sections: the primary mass of the lot (the “flag” portion), which is set back from the street frontage access and is behind one or more other lots; and a narrow access corridor (the “flagpole” portion). For zoning purposes, the area of the “flagpole” portion of each lot, as well as the area of the private road easement, are excluded from the lot area. The lot areas noted above, as well as when lot area is referenced throughout this report, are the net lot areas reflecting the exclusions of the “flagpole” and private roadway easement. Additionally, both of the existing lots are legally nonconforming. The 881 Private Road parcel has a lot depth of 177.25 feet, while the minimum required lot depth in the R-2 District is 200 feet. The 883 Private Road parcel has a front street line of 10.1 feet, while the minimum required front street line for interior lots is 20 feet. The existing parcels and improvements are identified below in Figure 1. 883 Private Road 881 Private Road Private Road Sheridan Road Figure 1 – Two Existing Lots The Comprehensive Plan designates the Subject Property as appropriate for “Single-Family Residential” uses (Figure 2). The Subject Property is located in a residential area with single-family residences. The Land Use Map designates the surrounding properties as appropriate for “Single-Family Residential” uses. Page 2 Page 8 of 158 Subject Property Figure 2 – Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map The Comprehensive Plan also contains the following vision statement and goal relevant to the proposed application: Pillar 1: Quality Liveable Neighborhoods Vision Statement: A community of connected neighborhoods with safe, pedestrian-oriented streets, tree-lined parkways, and a variety of well- maintained housing offerings to meet the needs of all of its residents and create a unique and powerful sense of place. Goal 1.1: The Village will encourage renovation of existing homes and construction of new homes to be contextually consistent with existing single-family housing in its neighborhood. Initiative 1.1.6: Strengthen and maintain the rich and diverse character of the Village’s neighborhoods and sense of identity by highlighting each neighborhood’s unique elements that contribute positively to the Village. The Subject Property is zoned R-2 Single Family Residential, and it is surrounded by the same (Figure 3). The Applicant’s use of the Subject Property for a single-family residence is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan land use designation and the R-2 zoning district. Page 3 Page 9 of 158 Subject Property Figure 3 – Zoning Map PROPERTY HISTORY AND PREVOIUS ZONING APPLICATIONS 881 Private Road. The original date of construction of 881 Private Road cannot be determined from Village records; however, it is estimated that the residence was constructed in 1908. The following subsequent building permits were issued in: 1. 1925 to construct a two-story garage addition; 2. 1938 to construct an addition and alter the interior and of the two-story residence; 3. 1941 to construct a one-story, one-car garage; 4. 1942 to construct one-story accessory building (studio); 5. 1969 to construct an attached garage; and 6. 1993 to construct an addition and remodel the residence. Other minor permits have also been issued over the last several years. The owner of 881 Private Road acquired the property in 2022. There are two previous zoning cases on file for 881 Private Road: 1. In 1970, Case No. 1049 was denied by the ZBA to allow completion of a garage roof that encroached into the minimum required north side yard setback; and 2. In 1993, Case No. 1564 was approved by the ZBA to allow construction of an addition to the attached garage within the minimum required north side yard setback. 883 Private Road. In January 2024, demolition and site restoration permits were issued to allow the removal of a single-family residence on the 883 Private Road parcel, which was constructed in 1967. The lot is currently vacant. The owner of 883 Private Road acquired the property in 2023. Page 4 Page 10 of 158 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PLAT OF SUBDIVISION As described in the written narrative provided by the Applicant and included in Attachment A, the owners of each lot that make up the Subject Property have entered into a sales contract to convey a triangular portion of the 883 Private Road parcel and consolidate it with the 881 Private Road parcel. The owner of the 881 Private Road parcel is seeking the additional land to allow for improved access to the existing attached garage. The triangular area to be subdivided is 1,387 square feet and is highlighted below in Figure 4. Triangular Area to be Subdivided Figure 4 – Map View of Area to be Conveyed The proposed subdivision would create new lots that would measure: • 24,842 square feet (0.57 acres) - Proposed Lot 1 – 883 Private Road • 25,610 square feet (0.59 acres) - Proposed Lot 2 – 881 Private Road A neighborhood view of the proposed subdivision is represented in Figure 5 on the following page. An excerpt of the proposed AJV Subdivision is provided in Figure 6. Page 5 Page 11 of 158 Proposed Lot 1 (883 Private Road) Proposed Lot 2 (881 Private Road) Figure 5 – Proposed subdivision (neighborhood map view) Figure 6 – Excerpt of AJV Subdivision Plat Page 6 Page 12 of 158 DESCRIPTION OF ZONING STANDARDS The Subject Property is located in the R-2 Single Family Residential zoning district, which is one of five different single family residential zoning classifications in the Village. The R-2 zoning district provides for larger, wider lots compared to most other residential zoning districts, with the R-2 zoning district’s purpose statement describing the district as demonstrating a “small estate” character. Residential Zoning Hierarchy A comparison of the Village’s five different residential zoning classifications (Table 1 below) shows the hierarchy of zoning standards throughout the Village’s residential neighborhoods, ranging from larger “estate” character lots in portions of the Village, to smaller, more intensive developed areas. Surrounding Zoning Neighboring properties of the Subject Property are similarly zoned for larger lot sizes called for in the R-2 zoning district (minimum lot area of 24,000 square feet), as depicted in Figure 3 earlier in this report. Table 1 R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 Residential Zoning (“estate” (“small estate” (“moderately intense” (“relatively intense”( (“relatively intense” Hierarchy character) character) suburban character) suburban character) suburban character) Minimum Lot 48,000 s.f. 24,000 s.f. 16,000 s.f. 12,600 s.f. 8,400 s.f. Area Minimum Lot 150 ft. 100 ft. 75 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft. Width Minimum Front 50 ft. 50 ft. 40 ft. 30 ft. 30 ft. Setback Minimum Rear 50 ft. 25 ft. 25 ft. 25 ft. 25 ft. Setback Table 1 – Residential Zoning Hierarchy COMPLIANCE WITH ZONING STANDARDS – LOT SIZE AND DIMENSIONS All subdivisions are evaluated by staff at the time of application to assure compliance with basic minimum quantitative measures including but not limited to (a) minimum lot area, (b) minimum lot width, and (c) minimum lot depth. The proposed AJV Subdivision does not comply with minimum lot depth and minimum front street line requirements as summarized in Table 2 on the following page. Specifically, Proposed Lot 1 (883 Private Road) would have a front street line measuring 10.1 feet, whereas the minimum required front street line is 20 feet, a variation of 9.9 feet (49.5%). Additionally, Proposed Lot 2 (881 Private Road) would have a lot depth of 177.25 feet, whereas the minimum required lot depth for lots in the R-2 District is 200 feet, a variation of 22.75 feet (11.37%). It is important to note that both of the existing lots are nonconforming with respect to these same zoning standards. However, Section 16.12.010 Minimum land subdivision standards of the Subdivision Code requires all lots created by any plan for land subdivision shall comply with all standards of the Zoning Ordinance. Hence, the proposed subdivision requires approval of variations (standards highlighted yellow in Table 2) for which both the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals are charged with making a recommendation to the Village Council. Page 7 Page 13 of 158 Table 2 Proposed Lot 1 Proposed Lot 2 Existing Lot Existing Lot R-2 Zoning Standards 883 Private 881 Private 883 Private 881 Private Minimum Lot 24,842 sq. ft. 25,610 sq. ft. 26,406 sq. ft. 24,223 sq. ft. Area (Interior lot) 24,000 sq. ft. COMPLIES COMPLIES COMPLIES COMPLIES Minimum Lot 120.35 feet 144.48 feet 127.92 feet 136.66 feet 100 feet Width (average) COMPLIES COMPLIES COMPLIES COMPLIES Minimum Lot 10.1 feet 10.1 feet 40 feet 40 FEET Width (at front 20 feet VARIATION OF DOES NOT COMPLIES COMPLIES street line) 9.9 FT (49.5%) COMPLY 177.25 feet 177.25 feet Minimum Lot 206.42 feet 206.42 feet 200 feet VARIATION OF DOES NOT Depth COMPLIES COMPLIES 22.75 FT(11.37%) COMPLY Minimum 90 feet Rectangular Area x COMPLIES COMPLIES COMPLIES COMPLIES within Lot 181.5 feet Boundaries Table 2 – R-2 Zoning Standards COMPLIANCE WITH ZONING STANDARDS – REQUIRED SETBACKS AND BUILDING SIZE The allowable size of buildings on a residential lot and the required amount of open space around the buildings is dictated by the Village Zoning Ordinance. As a general rule, the allowable size of buildings and the setback requirements for those buildings change with any modifications to lot dimensions. As a result, staff conducts analyses of proposed lots and the improvements on those lots to determine (a) whether any new zoning nonconformities would be created by the resubdivision and (b) whether there are any existing zoning nonconformities which will remain. In the event of a zoning nonconformity arising out of a proposed subdivision, relief must be granted by both the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. Staff evaluation of the proposed AJV Subdivision is summarized in Tables 3 and 4 on the following pages, indicating the extent to which the proposed resubdivided lots comply with (or fall short of) zoning standards. The item highlighted (in yellow) in Table 3 indicates the creation of a zoning nonconformity. Description of minimum sum of setbacks of both side yards requirement – Side yard setback requirements are calculated based on a lot’s width: • Lots with an average lot width that is 100 feet or more: The minimum required sum of side yards setback is 30% of the average lot width. • Lots with an average lot width that is less than 100 feet: The minimum required sum of side yards setback is 25% of the average lot width or 14 feet, whichever is greater. Newly created zoning nonconformity (zoning variation required) – The proposed subdivision has the effect of increasing the average lot width of 881 Private Road to 144.48 feet, resulting in an increase in the required minimum sum of side yard setback to 43.34 feet. As a result, the proposed larger lot renders the existing 881 Private Road residence (which has a total side yard setback 42.45 feet), nonconforming with the new minimum side yard requirement of 43.34 feet. The existing improvements providing a total side yard setback of 42.45 feet, are deficient with the new requirement by 0.89 feet or 2.05%. Page 8 Page 14 of 158 Table 3 – Zoning Setback Requirements Proposed Lot 1 Proposed Lot 2 Existing Lot Existing Lot 883 Private 881 Private 883 Private 881 Private Minimum Required Front Yard 50 feet 50 feet 50 feet 50 feet (West) Front yard provided by N/A 58.31 feet N/A 58.31 feet existing structures SETBACK REQUIREMENTS Minimum Required Side Yard 12 feet 12 feet 12 feet 12 feet Side yard provided by N/A 12.3 feet N/A 12.3 feet existing structures Minimum Required Total Side 36.1 feet 43.34 feet 38.38 feet 41 feet Yard 42.45 feet Total Side Yard provided N/A VARIATION OF N/A 42.45 feet by existing structures 0.89 FT (2.05%) Minimum Required Rear Yard 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 12 feet Rear yard provided by N/A 63.5 feet N/A 63.5 feet existing structures Table 3 – Zoning Setback Requirements Table 4 – Zoning Building Proposed Lot 1 Proposed Lot 2 Existing Lot Existing Lot Size Requirements 883 Private 881 Private 883 Private 881 Private Maximum Allowed Gross Floor Area 7,528.66 ft. 7,705.3 sq. ft. 7,888.35 sq. ft. 7,386.29 sq. ft. (GFA) GFA provided by existing N/A 6,770.57 sq. ft. N/A 6,770.57 sq. ft. structures ALLOWABLE BUILDING SIZE Maximum Allowed Roofed Lot Coverage (RLC) (25% 6,210.5 sq. ft. 6,402.5 sq. ft. 6,601.47 sq. ft. 6,055.75 sq. ft. of lot area) RLC provided by existing N/A 4,599.63 sq. ft. N/A 4,599.63 sq. ft. structures Maximum Allowed Impermeable Lot 12,421 sq. ft. 12,805 sq. ft. 13,202.94 sq. ft. 12,111.5 sq. ft. Coverage (ILC) (50% of lot area) ILC provided by existing N/A 9,215.63 sq. ft. N/A 9,215.63 sq. ft. structures Table 4 – Zoning Building Size Requirements Page 9 Page 15 of 158 COMPLIANCE WITH SUBDIVISION CODE STANDARDS All changes to the configuration of parcels of land are classified as Land Subdivisions under the Village Code and are subject to review by the Plan Commission and approval by the Village Council. As part of that review process, resubdivisions are subject to review for compliance with both the Village Subdivision Code as well as the Zoning Ordinance. According to Section 16.12.010 Minimum land subdivision standards of the Subdivision Code, subdivisions shall conform with the Comprehensive Plan and with the minimum standards outlined in Section 16.12.010, such as the street system, street and alley widths, lot size, etc. The proposed subdivision does not comply with the minimum subdivision standards as it would result in: (i) one lot that does not comply with the minimum lot depth requirements of the Zoning Ordnance, and (ii) one lot that does not comply with the minimum front street line requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. As noted earlier in this report and represented in Table 2, the existing lots are also nonconforming with respect to these standards. Section 16.12.010(F) [Minimum land subdivision standards – Variations and Exceptions] of the Subdivision Code states that “Whenever the land to be subdivided is of such unusual size or shape or is surrounded by such development or unusual conditions that the strict application of this section would result in real difficulties and substantial hardships or injustices, the Plan Commission may vary or modify such requirements so that the owner is allowed to develop the land in a reasonable manner; provided that, public health, safety, welfare and convenience are protected.” Pre-existing zoning nonconformity (finding of No Material Increased Adverse Impact required) – One existing nonconformity will remain on the 881 Private parcel (Lot 2). The existing residence has a nonconforming front-facing garage 26.9 feet in width, whereas the maximum permitted width for an attached garage with garage doors that face a front yard is 22 feet. Even though the lot is a “flag lot” that does not have a traditional front yard facing the street, the regulation still applies. Existing Nonconforming Front-Facing Garage to Remain Figure 7 – Front (West) Elevation of 881 Private Road (Proposed Lot 2) Page 10 Page 16 of 158 Location of Existing Nonconforming Front-Facing Attached Garage that will remain Figure 8 – Excerpt of 881 Private Road Plat of Survey Pursuant to Section 16.12.010(D) of the Subdivision Code, in the instance of such nonconformity, the Plan Commission must consider the existence of such nonconformity, and “shall determine whether such nonconformity, in the context of the proposed subdivision, would result in a material increased adverse impact upon the public health, safety or welfare.” In terms of conformance with the Comprehensive Plan, the proposed subdivision conforms with the Comprehensive Plan as the Land Use Map designates the Subject Property as appropriate for single-family residential uses, which are the proposed uses of the resubdivided lots. STORMWATER The proposed subdivision consists of relocating the lot line dividing two properties. Any future improvements on either lot will be evaluated by Village Engineering staff for compliance with Village stormwater regulations upon submittal of permits necessary for site improvements. Page 11 Page 17 of 158 For reference, Figure 9 below represents the Subject Property’s proximity to the 100-year flood plain. The cyan represents the 100-year flood area. Subject Property Figure 9 – GIS Floodplain Map COMMISSION CONSIDERATION The Village Code does not require an applicant to obtain preliminary plat approval as a precondition of final plat approval. In this case, the Applicant has chosen to directly proceed with the final plat review. In addition to evaluating prescriptive standards of the zoning and subdivision code, consideration of Final Subdivision Plat approval also needs to consider the details of the final plat such as utility easements, final plat formatting and related matters. The Village Water & Electric and Engineering Departments have reviewed the proposed subdivision and are not requiring any utility easements. All necessary signature blocks are provided on the plat of subdivision. FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATION The Plan Commission is to consider whether the proposed subdivision is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and whether the variations listed below comply with Section 16.12.010.F. “Variations and Exceptions”, which states: “Whenever the land to be subdivided is of such unusual size or shape or is surrounded by such development or unusual conditions that the strict application of this section would result in real difficulties and substantial hardships or injustices, the Plan Commission may vary or modify such requirements so that the owner is allowed to develop the land in a reasonable manner; provided that, public health, safety, welfare and convenience are protected.” Requested Variations to allow: a. Proposed Lot 1 (883 Private Road) to provide less than the minimum required front street line for interior lots of 20 feet; b. Proposed Lot 2 (881 Private Road) to provide less than the minimum required lot depth of 200 feet for a lot in the R-2 Single Family Residential Zoning District; and Page 12 Page 18 of 158 c. The existing residence at 881 Private Road (Proposed Lot 2) to observe less than the minimum required total side yard setback, which is due to an increase in the minimum required total side yard setback as a result of the proposed increase in total lot area and increase in average lot width. Lastly, the Commission is to consider the existence of the nonconforming front-facing attached garage that will remain and “shall determine whether such nonconformity, in the context of the proposed subdivision, would result in a material increased adverse impact upon the public health, safety or welfare.” After hearing from the Applicant and the public, the Commission may decide to take action on one or two options: 1) Continue further review of the application to a specific date in order to provide the Applicant and/or staff additional time to address questions and comments from the Commission; or 2) Consider a motion recommending approval or denial of the Final Plat of Subdivision. If the Commission is prepared to make a recommendation to the Village Council regarding the requested relief, a Commissioner may wish to make a motion recommending approval or recommending denial based upon the following: Move to recommend approval [denial] of: The proposed AJV Subdivision Final Plat relocating the lot line dividing 881 Private Road and 883 Private Road, as the Final Plat of Subdivision, which subdivision requires: A. Variations to allow: a. Proposed Lot 1 (883 Private Road) to provide less than the minimum required front street line for interior lots of 20 feet [Section 17.30.020 Lot Width and Street Frontage]; b. Proposed Lot 2 (881 Private Road) to provide less than the minimum required lot depth of 200 feet for lots in the R-2 Single-Family Residential Zoning District [Section 17.30.010 Lot Area, Shape and Dimensions]; c. The existing residence at 881 Private Road (Proposed Lot 2) to observe a total side yard setback of 42.45 feet, whereas a minimum of 43.34 feet is required [Section 17.30.060 Side Yard Setback]; B. A finding of “No Material Increased Adverse Impact” for the existing front-facing attached garage at 881 Private Road (Proposed Lot 2), which exceeds the maximum permitted width of 22 feet; C. A finding that the subdivision is [is not] consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s Land Use Map designation of the Subject Property as appropriate for “Single-Family Residential” development. [If the Commission chooses to place conditions as part of its recommendation of approval, it will want to include the conditions here.] ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Application Materials Attachment B: Proposed Plat of Subdivision (AJV Subdivision) Page 13 Page 19 of 158 Page 20 of 158 Page 21 of 158 CANNING & CANNING LLC 1000 SKOKIE BOULEVARD, SUITE 355 WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091 CHRISTOPHER S. CANNING DIRECT DIAL NUMBER (847) 853-7040 chris@canninglegal.com August 14, 2025 VIA HAND DELIVERY Layla Danley Chair, Plan Commission Village of Winnetka c/o Ann Klaassen Assistant Director of Community Development Village of Winnetka 510 Green Bay Road Winnetka, IL 60093 Re: Application for Subdivision at 881-883 Private Road. Dear Chair Danley and Members of the Plan Commission: I am writing on behalf of Jesse Van Dyke and Victoria Malkin (the “Van Dykes”) the owners of 881 Private Road regarding their joint application with The CLB Children Grant Trust II under agreement dated July 29, 2008, the owners of 883 Private Road (the “Trust”) (collectively the “Applicants”) to subdivide a small parcel of the lot at 883 Private Road (the “Triangle”) and consolidate it with the lot at 883 Private Road. The Applicants have entered into sales contract contingent on the approval of the subdivision. The Trust has authorized the Van Dykes to proceed with the application for the subdivision and any variations that may be needed. As set forth more fully below, the Van Dykes seeks to acquire the Triangle and attach it to their lot to preserve the existing home, to gain access to the garage and to square the corner of their lot. For the reasons set forth below, the Applicants respectfully request that the Plan Commission of Village of Winnetka recommend the granting of the requested subdivision. I. 881 and 883 Private Road. Both 883 and 881 Private Road are located within the R-2 Residential Zoning District. Both properties are located on legal, non-conforming flag lots. Both properties are surrounded by Page 22 of 158 August 14, 2025 Page 2 single-family homes. Presently, the lot at 883 Private Road has a lot area of 29,315 sq. ft. and the lot at 881 Private Road has a lot area of 27,653. The Triangle to be subdivided and conveyed from 883 Private Road to 881 Private Road has a lot area of 1,387 sq. ft. (Photos of the Triangle are attached as Exhibits A and B). II. A brief history of 881 and 883 Private Road. Constructed in 1908, the residence currently known as 881 Private Road, formerly designated as 960 Sheridan Road, is believed to have been the first dwelling constructed west of Sheridan Road within the Hubbard Woods Estate subdivision. The property originally comprised a substantially larger tract spanning multiple acres. Over the course of several decades, successive owners subdivided and conveyed portions of the original parcel through a series of recorded transactions. In or around 1965, a then-owner of 881 Private Road completed the final subdivision of the remaining land, resulting in the creation of a separate legal parcel now known as 883 Private Road. Both the 881 Private Road and 883 Private Road lots were platted as “flag” lots. At the time of this subdivision, the parcel designated as 883 Private Road included the location of the coach house formerly associated with 881 Private Road. The coach house was subsequently demolished, and a new single-family residence was constructed on the 883 Private Road lot, with completion occurring approximately in 1967. The driveway width of 10.1’ was presumably created at or before that time. In 2024, the Trust demolished that residence. In 1994, the owners of 881 Private Road undertook significant improvements to the property, including the demolition of a detached single-car garage and the construction of an attached two-car garage. Due to the configuration of the lot line established by the 1965 subdivision, particularly along the northwest corner of the 881 parcel, vehicular access to the northernmost garage bay is severely constrained. The northernmost parking bay’s limited usability is due to the impracticality of vehicular ingress and egress, which requires a series of difficult turning maneuvers. As of the date of this statement, the northernmost bay remains unused for parking purposes because of these access limitations. A reconfiguration of the lot lines to regularize and square off the respective parcels at 881 Private Road and 883 Private Road would materially reduce the irregularity of the existing lot shapes and resolve the long-standing vehicular access issue affecting the northernmost garage bay at 881 Private Road. The proposed subdivision resulting in the Triangle meets all the minimum Village of Winnetka zoning criteria for both 881 Private Road and 883 Private Road except for two criteria. For 881 Private Road, if the subdivision is granted, the 883 Private Road lot will have a lot depth measuring 177.25 feet, whereas the minimum required lot depth is 200 feet. As for 883 Private Road, if the subdivision is granted, the lot will have a front street line measuring 10.1 feet, whereas the minimum required front street line is 20 feet. It is important to note that the current front street line is and has been 10.1 feet for many years. A front street line of this dimension is very common on Private Road. The following lots all have front street lines of a similar size: 887 Private Road, 10’, 901 Private Road, 10’, 903 Private Road, 11.07’, 949 Private Road, 10’, 953 Page 23 of 158 August 14, 2025 Page 3 Private Road, 10’. The subdivision will not change this legal nonconformity. For 881 Private Road, the proposed subdivision results in increased lot area and average lot width causing the existing improvements to not comply with the total side yard setback requirement for the new lot and thus relief is being sought from the Zoning Board. Therefore, the Applicants are asking by a separate application that the Zoning Board grant them the variations to allow the proposed subdivided lot to be under the required lot depth, the total side yard setback requirement and the minimum required front street line. III. Standards of Review. Pursuant to the Village of Winnetka Code and Zoning Ordinance, any application to subdivide a parcel must meet the requirements of Chapter 16 of the Code related to Subdivisions and §17.30.010 and 17.30.020 of the Zoning Ordinance setting forth the yard regulations for the R-2 Residential zoning district. Chapter 16.12.10 D requires subdivided lots to adhere to the following standards: 1. All lots created by any plan for land subdivision shall comply with all standards of the Zoning Ordinance, except as provided in this chapter. 2. All side lines of lots shall be approximately perpendicular to street lines, or radial to curved street lines unless, in the opinion of the Plan Commission, a variation of the requirement would enhance public safety or convenience. 3. All lots created by any plan for land subdivision shall meet the lot area requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. All lot area calculations shall exclude all easements for ingress and egress, all public or private streets, all public or private alleys, and the access corridor, or “flagpole,” of any flag lot. 4. Where a lot is already improved with buildings or structures, the plan shall show whether the dimensions and locations of such improvements comply with the use, intensity of use of lot (including impermeable surface requirements), setback, side yard, rear yard and other bulk requirements of the Zoning Ordinance then in effect. If a prior legal nonconformity, or a previously granted variation, with respect to any such requirements exists, the Plan Commission shall determine whether such nonconformity or previously granted variation, in the context of the proposed subdivision, would result in a material increased adverse impact upon the public health, safety or welfare. If such a determination is made, the Plan Commission may deny the plan for land subdivision. No plan for land subdivision which itself creates a departure from such requirements shall be approved by the Plan Commission until such time as a variation for such departure is granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals or the Village Council, as the case may be, in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance. 5. At intersections with major streets, acute angle intersections and other places where, in the opinion of the Plan Commission, safety or convenience of traffic movement would be enhanced, corners shall be cut back by joining the intersecting street lines through circular arcs having adequate radii. 6. No plan for any land subdivision shall be approved if it results in the creation of one or more lots having side lot lines abutting rear lot lines. Page 24 of 158 August 14, 2025 Page 4 7. All lots created by any plan for land subdivision shall meet the lot depth requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the access corridor, or “flagpole,” shall be excluded when measuring the lot depth of a flag lot. 8. All lots created by any plan for land subdivision shall meet the lot width requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all new flag lots shall meet the minimum lot width requirements of the Zoning Ordinance, both as measured by excluding the access corridor, or “flagpole,” and as measured by including the access corridor or “flagpole.” 9. All lots created by any plan for land subdivision shall meet all yard and setback requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for any flag lot that has a front street line that is less than fifty (50) feet long and that is at least seventy-five (75) feet wide at its widest point, all yards and setbacks shall be measured based both on using the actual front street line as the front lot line, and on using as the front lot line the lot line from which the Director determines the front setback shall be measured for development purposes. The Applicants request for a subdivision complies with or seeks to comply through variances as permitted under the Code with these requirements in the following ways: 1. Both the lots at 881 Private Road and 883 Private Road are legal nonconforming flag lots. They comply with all standards of the Zoning Ordinance except in two respects. To the extent that 883 Private Road has a minimum front street line less than required and to the extent that 881 Private Road has a lot depth less than required, the Applicants will seek a variation from the Zoning Ordinance. 2. Both the lots at 881 Private Road and 883 Private Road meet and will continue to meet this standard after the subdivision of the Triangle from 883 Private Road to 881 Private Road. 3. Both the lot at 881 Private Road and the lot at 883 Private Road exceed the minimum lot area requirement. 4. Both 881 Private Road and 883 Private Road are legal nonconforming flag lots. The subdivisions of the Triangle and the conveyance from 883 Private Road to 881 Private Road will not change the legal nonconforming status of either lot or increase the nonconformity of either lot. 5. This standard is inapplicable for both 881 Private Road and 883 Private Road. 6. This standard is met by both 881 Private Road and 883 Private Road. 7. The “new” 883 Private Road lot meets this standard. The “new” 881 Private Road does not meet this standard and thus, the Van Dykes are seeking a variation from this standard. 8. The “new” 883 Private Road lot meets this standard. The “new” 881 Private Road meets this standard, but the existing improvements do not comply with the existing total side yard setback requirement or the new total side yard setback requirement. The Van Dykes will seek a variation from this requirement. 9. See Response to Standard #8 Page 25 of 158 Page 26 of 158 Page 27 of 158 Page 28 of 158 Page 29 of 158 Page 30 of 158 Page 31 of 158 Page 32 of 158 Page 33 of 158 Page 34 of 158 Page 35 of 158 Page 36 of 158 Page 37 of 158 Page 38 of 158 Page 39 of 158 ATTACHMENT B AJV Subdivision FINAL PLAT FOR REVIEW ONLY PLAT of SUBDIVISION 09/12/2025 216.51' S87° 30' 38"W 9' 0 24.9 6° ZONED R-2 S2 "W 7' ' 33 90.7 7' ° 06 50 "E N19 LOT 1 13' 155. S1 4"E 8' 8"W 4' 3 8 . 5 17 1' 3 9° 0 S70 ° 5 ° 06 15' 134. ' 33"W N19 57 "E ' LOT 2 ' 46 N6 3° 9. 0 5' 1 13 "E 58' N70 5 ° .0 0' 10 262 S2 "E 0"E 50 .71' 237 ' 5 7' 07 ° 0 6° S26 .58' 58"W 6' SH 2 6 ' 7 .4 ER 1 ID ° 2 AN N18 RD . ' 1 3"E ° 46 N71 0 . 0 0 ' T E R OAD 10.1 13"E 0' 4 PRIV A 6' 1° 4 N7 AREAS TABLE LOT 1 450 SKOKIE BLVD. SUITE 105, NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS, 60062 TEL. (847) 864-6315 / FAX (847) 864-9341 E-MAIL: SURVEYOR@BHSUHR.COM EXISTING P.I.N.'S Lot 2 Page 40 of 158 MEMORANDUM VILLAGE OF WINNETKA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO: PLAN COMMISSION FROM: ANN KLAASSEN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR DATE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 SUBJECT: 936 SUNSET ROAD – FINAL PLAT APPROVAL MARREN’S RESUBDIVISION (CASE NO. 25-16-SD) INTRODUCTION On September 24, 2025, the Plan Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on an application submitted by Robert and Susan Marren (collectively, the “Applicant”), as the owners of the property located at 936 Sunset Road (the “Subject Property”), to allow a two-lot subdivision of the Subject Property. The Applicant has filed applications seeking the following approvals as part of a Final Subdivision Plat approval to create two new Lots of Record: 1. Zoning Variations to allow Proposed Lot 2 to: a. Provide less than the minimum required lot area of 24,000 square feet for an interior lot in the R-2 Single-Family Residential Zoning District; and b. Provide less than the minimum required rectangular buildable area of 16,335 square feet in the R-2 Single Family Residential Zoning District; 2. A variation from the Subdivision Code to allow the side lot line of Proposed Lot 2 to abut the rear lot line of Proposed Lot 1 (936 Sunset Road); 3. A finding of “No Material Increased Adverse Impact” for the existing improvements at 936 Sunset Road (Proposed Lot 1), which: a. Observe less the minimum required front yard setback of 50 feet from Sunset Road; b. Observe less than the minimum required corner yard setback of 50 feet from Higginson Lane; and a. Exceed the maximum permitted width for front-facing garage doors. This application is limited to the subdivision request and the existing improvements, no proposed improvements to the Subject Property are included in this request. The Plan Commission is charged with making a recommendation to the Village Council regarding the subdivision, including the requested relief described above. Because the proposed subdivision incorporates zoning relief, the application is subject to review by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) for the variations. The ZBA is scheduled to consider the request on October 13, 2025. A mail notice was sent to property owners within 250 feet in compliance with the Village Code. The hearing was also properly noticed in the Winnetka Talk on September 4, 2025. As of the date of this memo, staff has not received any written comments from the public regarding this application. Page 1 Page 41 of 158 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION The Subject Property is located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Sunset Road and Higginson Lane, is zoned R-2 Single Family Residential, and currently consists of one buildable lot. The Subject Property contains a two-story single-family residence, accessory playhouses, and a tennis court. The existing lot measures 56,171 square feet (1.29 acres); the lot and the existing improvements are illustrated below in Figure 1. Sunset Road Higginson Lane Figure 1 – Existing Lot The Comprehensive Plan designates the Subject Property as appropriate for “Single-Family Residential” uses (Figure 2). The Subject Property is located in a residential area with single-family residences. The Land Use Map designates the surrounding properties as appropriate for “Single-Family Residential” uses. Subject Property Figure 2 – Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map Page 2 Page 42 of 158 The Comprehensive Plan also contains the following vision statement and goal relevant to the proposed application: Pillar 1: Quality Liveable Neighborhoods Vision Statement: A community of connected neighborhoods with safe, pedestrian-oriented streets, tree-lined parkways, and a variety of well- maintained housing offerings to meet the needs of all of its residents and create a unique and powerful sense of place. Goal 1.1: The Village will encourage renovation of existing homes and construction of new homes to be contextually consistent with existing single-family housing in its neighborhood. Initiative 1.1.6: Strengthen and maintain the rich and diverse character of the Village’s neighborhoods and sense of identity by highlighting each neighborhood’s unique elements that contribute positively to the Village. The Subject Property is zoned R-2 Single Family Residential, and it is surrounded by the same (Figure 3). The Applicant’s use of the Subject Property for a single-family residence is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan land use designation and the R-2 zoning district. Subject Property Figure 3 – Zoning Map PROPERTY HISTORY AND PREVOIUS ZONING APPLICATIONS The existing residence on the Subject Property was constructed in 1955. The following subsequent building permits were issued in: 1. 1963 to remodel the basement, add a dormer over the garage, and a second-floor bathroom; 2. 1976 to enlarge a porch and add a greenhouse; 3. 1992 to construct a dormer on the west elevation; and 4. 2009 to remodel the kitchen, breakfast room, and mudroom. Other minor permits have also been issued over the last several years. The Applicant acquired the property in 2006. There are three previous zoning cases on file for the Subject Property: Page 3 Page 43 of 158 1. In 1955, ZBA Case No. 871 was denied by the ZBA to allow construction of a new single-family residence within the minimum required corner yard setback from the east property line along Higginson Lane; 2. In July 1976, ZBA Case No. 1171 was approved by the Village Council to allow tennis court fencing 10 feet in height, subject to the property being consolidated into a single Lot of Record; 3. In November 1976, the Seabury Consolidation was approved by the Village Council consolidating two lots into the existing parcel. The Subject Property was originally platted as two lots, in a fashion similar to what is now being requested. The 1976 consolidation was submitted in order to allow construction of a tennis court, which would straddle the lot line between two lots. The tennis court prompting the consolidation of the then-two lots can be seen in current plats of survey and maps included throughout this report; and 4. On January 13, 2014, the ZBA considered Case No. 14-01-V2 to allow a two lot subdivision for which one of the proposed lots required variations from the minimum required lot area and the minimum rectangular buildable area. After hearing from the Applicant and the public, the Board discussed the request. Members found that the standards for granting a variation were not adequately addressed. At the request of the Applicant, the item was continued to the next ZBA meeting. Then in March 2014, prior to returning to the ZBA, or having the proposed subdivision considered by the Plan Commission, the Applicant withdrew the application. Minutes of the January 2014 ZBA meeting are included in this report as Attachment C. The proposed subdivision and the associated relief currently before the Commission is the same as what was proposed in 2014. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PLAT OF SUBDIVISION As described in the written narrative provided by the Applicant and included in Attachment A, they reside at 936 Sunset Road and are seeking approval to subdivide the existing single lot into two lots. The existing tennis court on the Subject Property would be removed to accommodate the proposed lots. The proposed subdivision would restore the Subject Property to its original configuration that existed prior to the 1976 Seabury Consolidation. The proposed subdivision would create two new lots that would measure: • 32,998.69 square feet (0.76 acres) – Proposed Lot 1 – 936 Sunset Road (north lot) • 23,171.89 square feet (0.53 acres) – Proposed Lot 2 (south lot, fronting on Higginson Lane) A neighborhood view of the proposed subdivision is represented in Figure 4 on the following page. An excerpt of the proposed Marren’s Resubdivision is provided in Figure 5. Page 4 Page 44 of 158 Proposed Lot 1 (936 Sunset Road) Proposed Lot 2 Figure 4 – Proposed Subdivision (Neighborhood Map View) Figure 5 – Excerpt of Marren’s Resubdivision Plat Page 5 Page 45 of 158 DESCRIPTION OF ZONING STANDARDS The Subject Property is located in the R-2 Single Family Residential zoning district, which is one of five different single family residential zoning classifications in the Village. The R-2 zoning district provides for larger, wider lots compared to most other residential zoning districts, with the R-2 zoning district’s purpose statement describing the district as demonstrating a “small estate” character. Residential Zoning Hierarchy A comparison of the Village’s five different residential zoning classifications (Table 1 below) shows the hierarchy of zoning standards throughout the Village’s residential neighborhoods, ranging from larger “estate” character lots in portions of the Village, to smaller, more intensive developed areas. Surrounding Zoning Neighboring properties of the Subject Property are similarly zoned for larger lot sizes called for in the R-2 zoning district (minimum lot area of 24,000 square feet), as depicted in Figure 3 earlier in this report. Lots in the surrounding neighborhood were first developed under the Village’s R-2 Zoning classification, which at that time required a minimum lot area of 21,780 square feet (1/2 acre). The Village would later increase the minimum lot area in all residential zoning districts in 1999, increasing the minimum lot area for the R-2 district from 21,780 square feet to 24,000 square feet for interior lots. Table 1 R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 Residential Zoning (“estate” (“small (“moderately intense” (“relatively intense” ( (“relatively intense” Hierarchy character) estate” suburban character) suburban character) suburban character) character) 48,000 s.f. 24,000 s.f. Minimum Lot 16,000 s.f. 12,600 s.f. 8,400 s.f. (50,400 s.f. (25,200 s.f. Area (16,800 s.f. corner lots) (13,300 s.f. corner lots) (8,900 s.f. corner lots) corner lots) corner lots) 100 ft. Minimum Lot 75 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft. 150 ft. 115 ft. Width (85 ft. corner lots) (70 ft. corner lots) (70 ft. corner lots) (corner lots) Minimum Front 50 ft. 50 ft. 40 ft. 30 ft. 30 ft. Setback Minimum Rear 50 ft. 25 ft. 25 ft. 25 ft. 25 ft. Setback Table 1 – Residential Zoning Hierarchy COMPLIANCE WITH ZONING STANDARDS – LOT SIZE AND DIMENSIONS All subdivisions are evaluated by staff at the time of application to assure compliance with basic minimum quantitative measures including, but not limited to (a) minimum lot area, (b) minimum lot width, and (c) minimum lot depth. The proposed Marren’s Resubdivision does not comply with two provisions of the Zoning Ordinance related to lot area and dimensions. The proposed southerly lot (Lot 2 fronting on Higginson Lane), measuring 23,171.89 square feet, does not comply with (a) the minimum lot area of 24,000 square feet and in a related standard, does not meet (b) the minimum rectangular area. The extent to which the proposed lots comply with minimum zoning standards is summarized in Table 2 on the following page. Page 6 Page 46 of 158 Rectangular Area Requirement. In order to effectively control the overall shape and size of irregularly shaped lots, in the R-2 District, zoning requirements include a minimum lot area of 24,000 square feet for an interior lot, as well as a requirement that a lot have a rectangular area of at least 16,335 square feet. The rectangular area is further qualified, being described as requiring a minimum dimension for each leg of 90 feet. Figure 6 below, prepared by staff for the Applicant in 2007, depicts in yellow, the extent to which Proposed Lot 2 (south lot, fronting on Higginson Lane) is not able to contain the minimum rectangular area (measuring 90 feet by 181.5 feet) within its boundaries. The minimum rectangular area is thought to have originated due to the existence of areas in the village such as ravine areas where terrain or other natural features make regular, rectangular lots impossible. The minimum rectangular area standard has the intended effect of assuring that irregularly shaped lots, when contemplated, still provide an adequate concentration of lot area on which to build. Figure 6 – Minimum Rectangular Area – Proposed Lot 2 (South Lot) Section 16.12.010, Minimum land subdivision standards of the Subdivision Code, requires all lots created by any plan for land subdivision shall comply with all standards of the Zoning Ordinance. Hence, the proposed subdivision requires approval of variations (standards highlighted yellow in Table 2) for which both the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals are charged with making a recommendation to the Village Council. Page 7 Page 47 of 158 Table 2 Proposed Lot 1 Proposed Lot 2 Existing Lot R-2 Zoning Standards 936 Sunset South Lot 936 Sunset 24,000 s.f. 23,171.89 s. f. 32,998.69 s.f. 56,171 s.f. Minimum Lot Area (25,200 s.f. VARIATION OF 828.11 SF COMPLIES COMPLIES corner lot) (3.45%) Minimum Lot Width 100 feet 165 feet 105.33 feet 158.67 feet 115 feet (average) COMPLIES COMPLIES COMPLIES (corner lot) Minimum Lot Width 165 feet 35.26 feet 165 feet 20 feet (at front street line) COMPLIES COMPLIES COMPLIES 200 feet 220 feet 206.42 feet Minimum Lot Depth 200 feet COMPLIES COMPLIES COMPLIES Minimum 90 feet Rectangular Area x COMPLIES DOES NOT COMPLY COMPLIES within Lot 181.5 feet Boundaries Table 2 – R-2 Zoning Standards COMPLIANCE WITH ZONING STANDARDS – REQUIRED SETBACKS AND BUILDING SIZE The allowable size of buildings on a residential lot and the required amount of open space around the buildings is dictated by the Village Zoning Ordinance. As a general rule, the allowable size of buildings and the setback requirements for those buildings change with any modifications to lot dimensions. As a result, staff conducts analyses of proposed lots and the improvements on those lots to determine (a) whether any new zoning nonconformities would be created by the resubdivision and (b) whether there are any existing zoning nonconformities which will remain. In the event of a zoning nonconformity arising out of a proposed subdivision, relief must be granted by both the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. Staff evaluation of the proposed Marren’s Resubdivision is summarized in Tables 3 and 4 on the following pages, indicating the extent to which the proposed lots comply with (or fall short of) zoning standards. Those items highlighted green are existing nonconformities that would remain with the proposed subdivision. Page 8 Page 48 of 158 Existing Lot Table 3 – Zoning Setback Proposed Lot 1 Proposed Lot 2 936 Sunset Requirements 936 Sunset South Lot Minimum Required Front Yard 50 feet 50 feet 50 feet Front yard provided by 49.91 feet 49.91 feet NA EXISTING existing structures NONCONFORMITY Minimum Required Corner Yard 50 feet N/A 50 feet SETBACK REQUIREMENTS 49.52 feet Corner yard provided by 49.52 feet (5.52 feet playhouse) N/A existing structures (5.52 feet playhouse) EXISTING NONCONFORMITY Minimum Required Side Yard 12 feet 12 feet 12 feet Side yard provided by 14.35 feet N/A 14.35 feet existing structures Minimum Required Total Side N/A 31.6 feet N/A Yard Total Side Yard provided N/A N/A N/A by existing structures Minimum Required Rear Yard 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet Rear yard provided by 81.23 feet N/A +160 feet existing structures Table 3 – Zoning Setback Requirements Table 4 – Zoning Building Size Proposed Lot 1 Proposed Lot 2 Existing Lot Requirements 936 Sunset South Lot 936 Sunset Maximum Allowed Gross Floor 9,404.7 sq. ft. 7,144.53 sq. ft. 14,734.33 sq. ft. Area (GFA) GFA provided by existing 5,751.63 sq. ft. N/A 5,751.63 sq. ft. structures ALLOWABLE BUILDING SIZE Maximum Allowed Roofed Lot Coverage (RLC) (25% of lot area) 8,249.67 sq. ft. 5,792.97 sq. ft. 14,042.75 sq. ft. RLC provided by existing 4,162.76 sq. ft. N/A 4,162.76 sq. ft. structures Maximum Allowed Impermeable Lot Coverage 16,499.34 sq. ft. 11,585.94 sq. ft. 28,085.5 sq. ft. (ILC) (50% of lot area) ILC provided by existing 10,667.11 sq. ft. N/A 17,634.56 sq. ft. structures Table 4 – Zoning Building Size Requirements COMPLIANCE WITH SUBDIVISION CODE STANDARDS All changes to the configuration of parcels of land are classified as Land Subdivisions under the Village Code and are subject to review by the Plan Commission and approval by the Village Council. As part of that review process, resubdivisions are subject to review for compliance with both the Village Subdivision Page 9 Page 49 of 158 Code as well as the Zoning Ordinance. According to Section 16.12.010, Minimum land subdivision standards of the Subdivision Code, subdivisions shall conform with the Comprehensive Plan and with the minimum standards outlined in Section 16.12.010, such as the street system, street and alley widths, lot size, etc. In addition to the zoning relief requested for the proposed lot size and shape, and the existing nonconforming improvements that will remain, Section 16.12.010(D.6) states that “No plan for any land subdivision shall be approved if it results in the creation of one or more lots having side lot lines abutting rear lot lines.” The proposed subdivision does result in the rear lot line of Proposed Lot 1 abutting the side lot line of Proposed Lot 2 (Figure 7). Section 16.12.010(F) [Minimum land subdivision standards – Variations and Exceptions] of the Subdivision Code states that “Whenever the land to be subdivided is of such unusual size or shape or is surrounded by such development or unusual conditions that the strict application of this section would result in real difficulties and substantial hardships or injustices, the Plan Commission may vary or modify such requirements so that the owner is allowed to develop the land in a reasonable manner; provided that, public health, safety, welfare and convenience are protected.” The Commission will want to consider this standard as it considers the variation requests from the following requirements: (i) minimum lot area; (ii) minimum rectangular area; and (iii) the creation of a lot with a side lot line abutting a rear lot line. Rear Lot Line of Proposed Lot 1 Abutting Side Lot Line of Proposed Lot 2 Figure 7 – Rear Lot Line Pre-existing zoning nonconformities (finding of No Material Increased Adverse Impact required) – Three existing nonconformities will remain on the 936 Sunset Road parcel (Lot 1). The existing residence on the Subject Property provides a nonconforming front yard setback from the north property line along Sunset Road of 49.91 feet and a corner yard setback of 49.52 feet from the east property line along Higginson Lane, whereas setbacks of 50 feet are required. There is also an existing playhouse that provides a nonconforming corner yard setback of 5.52 feet. These existing nonconformities that will remain are highlighted (in blue) on Table 3 on the previous page. Additionally, the existing residence has a nonconforming front-facing garage door that exceeds the maximum permitted width of 9 feet for an individual door. Page 10 Page 50 of 158 Location of Existing Nonconforming Front Yard Setback that will remain Location of Existing Nonconforming Front-Facing Garage Door that will remain Location of Existing Nonconforming Corner Yard Setbacks that will remain Figure 8 – Excerpt of 936 Sunset Road Plat of Survey Pursuant to Section 16.12.010(D) of the Subdivision Code, in the instance of such nonconformities, the Plan Commission must consider the existence of such nonconformities, and “shall determine whether such nonconformity, in the context of the proposed subdivision, would result in a material increased adverse impact upon the public health, safety or welfare.” In terms of conformance with the Comprehensive Plan, the proposed subdivision conforms with the Comprehensive Plan as the Land Use Map designates the Subject Property as appropriate for single-family residential uses, which are the proposed uses of the subdivided lots. Page 11 Page 51 of 158 FLOODPLAIN AND STORMWATER The proposed subdivision consists of creating two new lots; one lot would contain the existing residence and the other would be a vacant lot to be developed. As noted earlier, no improvements are currently proposed on either of the lots. As represented in Figure 9 below, the Subject Property lies entirely within the 100-year floodplain. The cyan represents the 100-year flood area and the orange represents the 500- year flood area. As a result, development on both lots is subject to the Village’s Flood Hazard Protection Ordinance and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Water Management Ordinance (WMO). Subject Property Figure 9 – GIS Floodplain Map For construction or site work in the floodplain, compensatory storage is required. Compensatory storage is an excavated area that provides an equivalent volume (1:1 ratio of cut/fill) of storage that balances the loss of natural floodplain storage when artificial fill or structures have been placed within the floodplain, ensuring that there is no net fill within the floodplain. From a site development standpoint, it’s also worth noting that the Village Flood Hazard Protection regulations restrict the depth and location of compensatory storage. In no case shall the depth of excavation for any compensatory storage in the front and side yards of the lot exceed 18 inches, as measured from the previously existing natural grade. Also, compensatory storage may be constructed with retaining walls, provided that the retaining walls are not constructed along the sides of the storage area adjacent to a property line. The Village Engineering Department has reviewed the proposed subdivision and has provided the following comments specific to the development of Proposed Lot 2 (south lot): 1. The elevation of the floodplain at this location is 625.3. To meet Village requirements, the top of the foundation for a new residence would need to be at an elevation of 627.3, which is approximately 4 feet above the elevation of Higginson Lane; 2. Any new residential development would require the installation of stormwater detention and possible compensatory storage for any proposed increases in grading of the lot. Because the proposed lot is currently undeveloped, the Village will require a larger detention volume than what is typical for an existing developed lot; 3. Installation of detention or above ground compensatory storage will be very difficult to achieve due to easements and setbacks. It is recommended that the Applicant provide an exhibit of the Page 12 Page 52 of 158 lot showing all easements, rights-of-way, and setbacks to show maximum building footprint and available space for detention/compensatory storage; 4. Home should be built on a crawl space foundation with openings in the foundation to allow for the pass through of stormwater. This would require all mechanical equipment to be placed at a minimum elevation of 627.3, above the base flood elevation (BFE). The maximum allowable crawl space height shall not exceed 5 feet; 5. Due to grade concerns from the roadway to the proposed structure, any proposed driveway may have a steep slope. To address this grading issue, any proposed garage floor elevation may be below the BFE. The property owner would need to design a garage with openings to allow for the passing of stormwater through the foundation walls. In response to the Village Engineering comments above, the Applicant has provided an engineering exhibit of a possible house on the proposed vacant lot to help address the engineering comments (Figure 10). The exhibit represents a proposed house with the following characteristics: a. No basement. House planned on a flowable crawl space with vented openings to allow floodwater to enter and drain out of the crawl space, which would be less than 5 feet in height; b. First floor elevation of 627.5 and an attached garage elevation of 626.5. The garage and a portion of the driveway would also be built on a flowable crawl space; c. Proposed compensatory storage would be provided as surface storage and be graded to drain to the Skokie Ditch (easement along southwest portion of lot). The stormwater detention would be provided in an underground vault with a pumped discharge to the Skokie Ditch; and d. A building footprint of approximately 2,500 square feet in addition to an attached garage with a footprint of 650 square feet. Detention Vault Surface Compensatory Existing Stormwater Conveyance Storage Easement (“Skokie Ditch”) (southwesterly 33 feet of lot) Figure 10 – Engineering Exhibit Provided by Applicant for Proposed Lot 2 (South Lot) Page 13 Page 53 of 158 The Village Engineering Department has reviewed the exhibit above and has the following general comments: • Compensatory storage within the easement: The Engineering Department reached out to MWRD to confirm that surface compensatory storage would be allowed within the stormwater conveyance easement. MWRD confirmed that compensatory storage in the easement is acceptable provided it will not interfere with storm water conveyance. Fill within the easement is not allowed. • Attached garage: The garage must meet all requirements for unfinished areas below the flood protection elevation. It may only be used for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage. It must be designed with flood vent openings to equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls. Stormwater. For new development within the Village each site must manage its stormwater on-site and not cause additional stormwater runoff onto adjacent properties. New home construction on a previously undeveloped lot, such as Proposed Lot 2, requires stormwater detention. It is important to note that stormwater detention is in addition to any required floodplain compensatory storage. In order to provide detention, the site must be engineered to pick up the runoff from the site (house, impermeable surfaces). This is typically achieved with a combination of grading, storm sewers, storm inlet structures, depressional storage, or underground storage. The site is graded to create low points, where storm inlets are placed to collect the runoff from the site. This runoff is then conveyed, via a storm sewer system into the stormwater detention facility, be it depressional storage, underground pipe or vault storage, or a combination of these methods. As the stormwater is being collected and detained on-site, the release of this stormwater into the public storm system is restricted on its release rate before entering the public system. Any future improvements on either lot will be evaluated by Village Engineering staff for compliance with Village floodplain development regulations and stormwater regulations, upon submittal of permits necessary for site improvements. COMMISSION CONSIDERATION The Village Code does not require an applicant to obtain preliminary plat approval as a precondition of final plat approval. In this case, the Applicant has chosen to directly proceed with the final plat review. In addition to evaluating prescriptive standards of the zoning and subdivision code, consideration of Final Subdivision Plat approval also needs to consider the details of the final plat such as utility easements, final plat formatting and related matters. The Village Water & Electric Department has reviewed the proposed subdivision and is requesting an easement to cover the existing transformer and high voltage underground wires on the Subject Property. The 5-foot wide easement would be located in the southwesterly corner of Proposed Lot 2. Figure 11 on the following page is an excerpt of the plat of subdivision with the easement outlined in red. With respect to plat formatting, all of the necessary signature blocks are provided on the plat of subdivision. Page 14 Page 54 of 158 Utility Easement Requested by Village Water & Electric Figure 11 – Excerpt of Plat of Subdivision - Utility Easement FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATION The Plan Commission is to consider whether the proposed subdivision is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and whether the variations listed below comply with Section 16.12.010.F. “Variations and Exceptions”, which states: “Whenever the land to be subdivided is of such unusual size or shape or is surrounded by such development or unusual conditions that the strict application of this section would result in real difficulties and substantial hardships or injustices, the Plan Commission may vary or modify such requirements so that the owner is allowed to develop the land in a reasonable manner; provided that, public health, safety, welfare and convenience are protected.” Requested Variations to allow: a. Proposed Lot 2 to provide less than the minimum required lot area of 24,000 square feet for an interior lot in the R-2 Single-Family Residential Zoning District; b. Proposed Lot 2 to provide less than the minimum required rectangular buildable area of 16,335 square feet in the R-2 Single Family Residential Zoning District; and c. The side lot line of Proposed Lot 2 to abut the rear lot line of Proposed Lot 1 (936 Sunset Road. Lastly, the Commission is to consider the existence of the nonconforming residence and accessory playhouse on the 936 Sunset Road parcel (Lot 1) that will remain and “shall determine whether such nonconformity, in the context of the proposed subdivision, would result in a material increased adverse impact upon the public health, safety or welfare.” Page 15 Page 55 of 158 After hearing from the Applicant and the public, the Commission may decide to take action on one or two options: 1) Continue further review of the application to a specific date in order to provide the Applicant and/or staff additional time to address questions and comments from the Commission; or 2) Consider a motion recommending approval or denial of the Final Plat of Subdivision. If the Commission is prepared to make a recommendation to the Village Council regarding the requested relief, a Commissioner may wish to make a motion recommending approval or recommending denial based upon the following: Move to recommend approval [denial] of: The proposed Marren’s Resubdivision Final Plat subdividing the existing lot commonly known as 936 Sunset Road into two new Lots of Record, as the Final Plat of Subdivision, which subdivision requires: A. Variations to allow: a. Proposed Lot 2 to provide less than the minimum required lot area of 24,000 square feet for an interior lot in the R-2 Single-Family Residential Zoning District [Section 17.30.010 Lot Area, Shape and Dimensions]; b. Proposed Lot 2 to provide less than the minimum required rectangular buildable area of 16,335 square feet in the R-2 Single Family Residential Zoning District [Section 17.30.010 Lot Area, Shape and Dimensions]; and c. A side lot line abutting a rear lot line [Section 16.12.010 Minimum Land subdivision standards]; B. A finding of “No Material Increased Adverse Impact” with respect to the existing zoning nonconformities for the existing improvements on the 936 Sunset Road parcel (Proposed Lot 1): a. the existing residence observes a front yard setback of 49.91 feet from Sunset Road, versus the required front yard setback of 50 feet; b. the existing residence observes a corner yard setback of 49.52 feet from Higginson Lane, versus the required corner yard setback of 50 feet; c. an existing playhouse observes a corner yard setback of 5.52 feet from Higginson Lane, versus the required corner yard setback of 50 feet; and d. the existing front-facing garage door exceeds the maximum permitted width of 9 feet for an individual door. C. A finding that the subdivision is [is not] consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s Land Use Map designation of the Subject Property as appropriate for “Single-Family Residential” development. [If the Commission chooses to place conditions as part of its recommendation of approval, it will want to include the conditions here.] ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Application Materials Page 16 Page 56 of 158 Attachment B: Proposed Plat of Subdivision (Marren’s Resubdivision) Attachment C: January 13, 2014, ZBA Meeting Minutes Excerpt Page 17 Page 57 of 158 ATTACHMENT A Page 58 of 158 CANNING & CANNING LLC 1000 SKOKIE BOULEVARD, SUITE 355 WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091 CHRISTOPHER S. CANNING DIRECT DIAL NUMBER (847) 853-7040 chris@canninglegal.com July 17, 2025 VIA HAND DELIVERY Layla Danley Chair, Plan Commission Village of Winnetka c/o Ann Klaassen Assistant Director of Community Development Village of Winnetka 510 Green Bay Road Winnetka, IL 60093 Re: Application for Subdivision at 936 Sunset Road. Dear Chair Danley and Members of the Plan Commission: I am writing on behalf of Robert J. Marren and Susan L. Marren (“Bob and Susan”) regarding their application to subdivide the existing lot at 936 Sunset Road (the “Subject Property”) into two lots: one lot containing 32,998 sq. ft (“Lot 1”) and the other lot containing 23,171.89 sq. ft. (“Lot 2”). As set forth more fully below, Bob and Susan seek to subdivide the Subject Property to preserve the existing home in which they have lived for the last 19 years and to create a new lot effectively restoring what was a conforming lot of record prior to a mandated lot consolidation in 1976. For the reasons set forth below, Bob and Susan respectfully request that the Plan Commission of Village of Winnetka recommend the granting of the requested subdivision. I. The Subject Property. The Subject Property is located within the R-2 Residential Zoning District. The Subject Property is surrounded by single family homes. The Subject Property has approximately 165’ of frontage on Sunset Road and 215’ of frontage on Higginson Road. At its deepest dimension, the Page 59 of 158 July 17, 2025 Page 2 current lot has an approximate depth of 385’. It is improved with a single-family residence and a tennis court. Bob and Susan intend to subdivide the Subject Property into two lots. Lot 1 will have a lot area of 32,998 square feet. The existing home and garage will occupy Lot 1. Lot 2 will have a lot area of 23,171.89 square feet. Lot 2, which once was the site of a tennis court, will now be available for green space, a recreational area, or a new home. II. Bob and Susan’s current lot. Bob and Susan’s plan of subdivision has two goals. First, Bob and Susan seek to subdivide the Subject Property to maintain the location of the existing home on Lot 1. On Lot 2, Bob and Susan simply seek to restore the lot to the status it held prior to the lot consolidation mandated by the Village of Winnetka in 1976. In 1976, both the lot at 936 Sunset Road and the lot to the south were located within the R-2 Zoning District. Since the square footage of each of the lots was greater than one half acre, both lots were conforming under the then existing Zoning Ordinance. Even though the two lots were conforming, the Village of Winnetka required the prior owner, Mr. Seabury, to apply for a lot consolidation presumably because the interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance was that accessory uses to permitted uses must be on the same lot of record. Mr. Seabury told the Plan Commission that he wanted to install a tennis court on the south lot. The tennis court is an accessory structure under the Zoning Ordinance. The Plan Commission unanimously approved the consolidation. Now that Bob and Susan’s children have grown and the tennis court is no longer used, they seek to undo the consolidation and return the proposed Lot 2 to its prior status as a separate lot of record. The proposed subdivision of t he south lot meets all the minimum Village of Winnetka zoning criteria except for minimum rectangular buildable area (minimum rectangular buildable area in an R-2 district is 16,335 square feet), and the Village of Winnetka's minimum lot area requirement of (24,000 square feet). Therefore, Bob and Susan are asking by a separate application that the Zoning Board grant them two variations to allow the proposed subdivided lot to be under the minimum lot area requirement and minimum rectangular buildable area. In addition to the zoning variations, as addressed below, the proposed south lot needs variations from the subdivision portion of the Zoning Ordinance as well. Both the northern and southern portions of the property are in the designated flood plain. Therefore, it is understood that any new improvements situated on the land must adhere to the strict storm water management engineering requirements established by the Village of Winnetka. Furthermore, storm water detention must be designed and implemented to accommodate such a structure which is standard practice when building in the Village of Winnetka. Civil Engineer Daniel Creaney, who has worked on projects in Winnetka for decades, will submit a separate report addressing the storm water management that would be needed if the lot were to be used for a future single-family home. Page 60 of 158 July 17, 2025 Page 3 III. Standards of Review. Pursuant to the Village of Winnetka Code and Zoning Ordinance, any application to subdivide a parcel must meet the requirements of Chapter 16 of the Code related to Subdivisions and §17.30.010 and 17.30.020 of the Zoning Ordinance setting forth the yard regulations for the R-2 Residential zoning district. Chapter 16.12.10 D requires subdivided lots to adhere to the following standards: 1. All lots created by any plan for land subdivision shall comply with all standards of the Zoning Ordinance, except as provided in this chapter. 2. All side lines of lots shall be approximately perpendicular to street lines, or radial to curved street lines unless, in the opinion of the Plan Commission, a variation of the requirement would enhance public safety or convenience. 3. All lots created by any plan for land subdivision shall meet the lot area requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. All lot area calculations shall exclude all easements for ingress and egress, all public or private streets, all public or private alleys, and the access corridor, or “flagpole,” of any flag lot. 4. Where a lot is already improved with buildings or structures, the plan shall show whether the dimensions and locations of such improvements comply with the use, intensity of use of lot (including impermeable surface requirements), setback, side yard, rear yard and other bulk requirements of the Zoning Ordinance then in effect. If a prior legal nonconformity, or a previously granted variation, with respect to any such requirements exists, the Plan Commission shall determine whether such nonconformity or previously granted variation, in the context of the proposed subdivision, would result in a material increased adverse impact upon the public health, safety or welfare. If such a determination is made, the Plan Commission may deny the plan for land subdivision. No plan for land subdivision which itself creates a departure from such requirements shall be approved by the Plan Commission until such time as a variation for such departure is granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals or the Village Council, as the case may be, in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance. 5. At intersections with major streets, acute angle intersections and other places where, in the opinion of the Plan Commission, safety or convenience of traffic movement would be enhanced, corners shall be cut back by joining the intersecting street lines through circular arcs having adequate radii. 6. No plan for any land subdivision shall be approved if it results in the creation of one or more lots having side lot lines abutting rear lot lines. 7. All lots created by any plan for land subdivision shall meet the lot depth requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the access corridor, or “flagpole,” shall be excluded when measuring the lot depth of a flag lot. 8. All lots created by any plan for land subdivision shall meet the lot width requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all new flag lots shall meet the minimum lot width requirements of the Zoning Ordinance, both as measured by excluding the access corridor, or “flagpole,” and as measured by including the access corridor or “flagpole.” Page 61 of 158 July 17, 2025 Page 4 9. All lots created by any plan for land subdivision shall meet all yard and setback requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for any flag lot that has a front street line that is less than fifty (50) feet long and that is at least seventy-five (75) feet wide at its widest point, all yards and setbacks shall be measured based both on using the actual front street line as the front lot line, and on using as the front lot line the lot line from which the Director determines the front setback shall be measured for development purposes. Bob and Susan’s request for a subdivision complies with or seeks to comply through variances as permitted under the Code with these requirements in the following ways: 1. It is Bob and Susan’s intent that the lots meet the standards of the Zoning Ordinance. At the time the lots were consolidated in 1976, the lots did meet those standards. The Zoning Ordinance was amended in 1999, well after the consolidation and well before Bob and Susan bought the lots, and those standards have changed rendering the proposed Lot 2 to be non- conforming. By their application to the Zoning Board, Bob and Susan seek a variation from this requirement since they did not create the situation. 2. This standard is met. 3. While this standard was met at the time of the lot consolidation in 1976, the proposed lots created by the proposed subdivision do not meet the lot area requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. Lot 1 is conforming, but Lot 2 is 97% of the required lot area. Bob and Susan considered making Lot 2 conform to the Lot Area requirement but if that were done, then they would need a variation from the Minimum Lot depth requirement of 200’ for Lot 1. Bob and Susan considered this alternative but because they share the conforming 200’ lot line with their neighbors to the west, Bob and Susan decided that seeking a small variation for lot area was preferred to seeking a variation that would impact their neighbors to the west. Bob and Susan seek a variation from this requirement. 4. Bob and Susan believe that this standard is met. The existing home on the proposed Lot 1 was a conforming structure when built. Maintaining the home on Lot 1 and subdividing the Subject Property will not result in a material increase or adverse impact upon the public health, safety, or welfare. 5. This standard is inapplicable. 6. Bob and Susan seek a variation from this requirement. When the lots were consolidated, that consolidation created a situation where a side lot abutted a rear lot line of the neighbor to the south. That condition has remained unchanged since 1976. The granting of a variation to this requirement will not change the status quo. 7. This standard is met. 8. This standard is met. 9. This standard is met. To the extent that the subdivision standards are not met, the Code permits the Plan Commission to recommend the granting of variations under the following circumstances: Variations and Exceptions. Whenever the land to be subdivided is of such unusual size or shape or is surrounded by such development or unusual conditions that the strict application of this section would result in real difficulties and substantial hardships or injustices, the Plan Page 62 of 158 July 17, 2025 Page 5 Commission may vary or modify such requirements so that the owner is allowed to develop the land in a reasonable manner; provided that, public health, safety, welfare and convenience are protected. Here, variations from the strict application of the Code are appropriate due to the unusual conditions Bob and Susan face 49 years after a prior owner consolidated the lots. As discussed above, the two lots were conforming lots of record when a consolidation was mandated in 1976 so the prior owner could install a tennis court. By permitting the subdivision, the lots will return to their prior sizes; a size more in keeping with the prevailing standard of lot sizes in the zoning district. This request is similar to the subdivision sought and approved at 860 Lamson Drive. In that matter, the applicant acquired the home in 1959. In 1975, the applicant purchased the adjoining home at 901 Tower Road, demolished the home, and built a tennis court for the family. In 1975, both the lot at 860 Lamson Drive and the lot at 901 Tower Road were located within the “A” (One-Half Acre) Residence District. Since the square footage of each of the lots was greater than one half acre, both lots were conforming under the then existing Zoning Ordinance. Despite the fact that the two lots were conforming, the Village of Winnetka required the applicant to apply for a lot consolidation because “this request for approval of a preliminary and final plat of consolidation was prompted by the current interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance that accessory uses to permitted uses must be on the same lot of record.” (Village of Winnetka Plan Commission Minutes, November 12, 1975, pg.2). The Plan Commission unanimously approved the consolidation. In 2018, the applicant applied for a subdivision and variations to restore the two lots to their prior condition. The Village Council approved the requested zoning variations and granted preliminary plat approval (M-2-2018) and granted final plat approval of the subdivision (R-45-2018). The requested variations also arise from the unusual shape of the lot. Here, the proposed lot 2 is 97% of the minimum lot area. As discussed above, Bob and Susan considered moving the proposed north lot line of Lot 2 to make the lot area conforming for Lot 2, but it would lead to the need for a minimum lot depth variation for Lot 1 that would impact their neighbors. A lot smaller than the minimum required lot area is not unusual for this neighborhood, For example, 894 Sunset Road (21,867 sq. ft.), 906 Sunset Road (21,867 sq. ft.), 920 Sunset Road (22,041 sq. ft.), 955 Sunset Road (23,579 sq. ft. located in flood plain), 970 Sunset Road (21,344sq. ft. located in flood plain), 901 Higginson Road (21,506 sq. ft.), 905 Higginson Road (22,041 sq. ft.) and 915 Higginson Road (20,386 sq. ft.) are all smaller than the minimum lot area. As for the minimum rectangular area, the staff report explains that “the minimum rectangular area is thought to have originated due to the existence of areas of the village such as ravine areas where terrain or other natural feature make regular, rectangular lots impossible. The minimum rectangular area standard has the intended effect of assuring that irregularly shaped lots, when contemplated, still provide an adequate concentration of lot area on which to build.” (Brian Norkus memo dated December 10, 2013, pg.3). An unusually shaped lot is common in this neighborhood. Several unusually shaped lots in the neighborhood include 884 Higginson Road, 905 Higginson Road, 915 Higginson Road and 970 Sunset Road and to that extent, Lot 2 Page 63 of 158 Page 64 of 158 July 29, 2025 Layla Danley Chair, Plan Commission Village of Winnetka c/o Ann Klaassen Assistant Director of Community Development Village of Winnetka 510 Green Bay Road Winnetka, IL 60093 RE: CONSTRUCTION IN THE FLOODPLAIN IN WINNETKA Dear Chair Danley and Members of the Plan Commission: I have been retained by Robert J. Marren and Susan L. Marren regarding their application to subdivide the existing lot at 936 Sunset Road (the “Subject Property”) into two lots: one lot containing 32,998 sq. ft (“Lot 1”) and the other lot containing 23,171.89 sq. ft. (“Lot 2”). There are several areas within Winnetka where the elevation of the lot is below the base flood elevation as determined by FEMA. In Winnetka, development must comply with the Village’s storm water detention requirements and compensatory storage requirements for fill in the flood plain. Daniel Creaney Company has provided engineering services for new houses, house additions, and pools within the floodplain through Winnetka generally and in the area near the Subject Property specifically. All these projects that have needed storm water detention have been thoroughly reviewed and approved by the Village of Winnetka. The proposed Lot 2 is in the flood plain. I am confident that we can provide engineering services for the proposed house that will meet the Village’s storm water detention requirements and flood plain requirements. I plan to attend the Plan Commission and Zoning Board meetings regarding the proposed subdivision and answer any questions that the members may have. Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions you may have. Thank you. Daniel A. Creaney, P.E. P.E. 36-33917 J:\DCC\Forms, Letters, Notes\Construction in floodplain in Winnetka .docx Page 65 of 158 Page 66 of 158 Page 67 of 158 Page 68 of 158 Page 69 of 158 Page 70 of 158 Page 71 of 158 Page 72 of 158 Page 73 of 158 REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY Located At: 936 Sunset Road Winnetka, Illinois 60093 Prepared For: Robert & Susan Marren Prepared By: JCS Real Estate Services, Inc. 1694 1st Street Highland Park, Illinois 60035 Page 74 of 158 Page 75 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 DESCRIPTIVE PHOTOGRAPHS Front View Rear View Page ii Page 76 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Address: 936 Sunset Road Winnetka, IL 60093 Location: Southwest Winnetka Property Type/Use: Detached single-unit residence Expanded ranch style 69 years old Two garage spaces Gross Living Area: 5,151 square feet +/- Site Area: 56,171 square feet +/- Occupancy: Owner Highest and Best Use: Continued use – residential Date of Inspection: July 22, 2025 Effective Date of Appraisal: July 22, 2025 Date of Report: August 12, 2025 Extraordinary Assumptions: The gross living area calculations are based on the plat of survey, prior mortgage appraisal and Cook County Assessor records. Purpose: Estimate an opinion of fair market value Intended Use: Planning/Proposed Subdivision Intended User: Robert & Susan Marren and legal counsel Opinion of Market Value – Whole $2,600,000 Marketing/Exposure Times: 90-120 days Opinion of Market Value – Front $2,300,000 Marketing/Exposure Times: 90-120 days Opinion of Market Value – Rear Lot $1,200,000 Marketing/Exposure Times: 90-120 days Page 1 Page 77 of 158 Page 78 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 ASSUMPTIONS & LIMITING CONDITIONS Extraordinary Assumptions & Hypothetical Conditions The gross living area is based off the plat of survey, prior mortgage appraisal, and Cook County Assessor records. Please note that the use of the extraordinary assumption may have affected the assignment results. General Assumptions Title to the property is assumed to be good and marketable unless otherwise stated. The property is appraised free and clear of any or all liens or encumbrances unless otherwise stated and there are no leases encumbering the property at this time. Responsible ownership and competent property management are assumed. The information furnished by others is believed to be reliable, but no warranty is given for its accuracy. This includes the information provided by the property contact, MLS published information, opinions from real estate agents interviewed, and public record data relied upon. Illustrative material in this report is included only to help the reader visualize the property. It is assumed that there are no hidden or concealed conditions of the property, subsoil, or structures that render it more or less valuable. No responsibility is assumed for such conditions or for obtaining the engineering studies that may be required to discover them. It is assumed that the property is in full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations and laws unless the lack of compliance is stated, described, and considered in the appraisal report. General Limiting Conditions Possession of this report, or a copy thereof, does not carry with it the right of publication. The appraiser, by reason of this appraisal, is not required to give further consultation or testimony or to be in attendance in court with reference to the property in question unless arrangements have been previously made. Environmental Considerations The value estimated is predicated on the assumption that there is no such condition on or in the property or in such proximity thereto that would cause a loss in value. Competency of the Appraiser The appraiser has the appropriate knowledge valuing the property type and experience working in the subject market to complete this assignment competently. See attached qualification addenda. Page 3 Page 79 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE APPRAISAL The client has requested opinions of the real property’s market value for planning/proposed subdivision use. The scope of work will include: 1. Agreement on the purpose, methodology, use and users of appraisal and acceptance of the assignment; 2. Preliminary analysis and research of county records on the property and MLS and county records on comparable sale data; 3. Inspecting the subject property. The interior and exterior of the property was inspected July 22, 2025. The effective date of value is July 22, 2025. Our observations during our inspection have been relied upon for this assignment. 4. Analyzing the subject neighborhood, competing neighborhoods and the area market. 5. Analyzing the highest and best use of the property. 6. Investigated and selected the most relevant and reliable improved sales for deriving an opinion of market value for the whole property, as is, by the Sale Comparison Approach to value and deriving an opinion of market value for the front portion of the site improved with the residence excluding the rear 24,000-square-foot buildable lot portion of the site. 7. Investigated and selected the most relevant and reliable vacant land sales (including tear downs) for use in the Sales Comparison Approach and deriving an opinion of market value for the rear buildable lot, 8. Preparing an appraisal report. Data Collection and Verification I contacted local real estate brokers involved in sales or listings to research and confirm factors that affect property values including pricing and location, marketing periods, transaction totals and trends. Comparable sale information has been gathered from the Midwest Real Estate Data Multiple Listing Service, residential brokerage firms, third party data services and the county assessor’s records. Purpose of the Appraisal The purpose of this appraisal is to estimate three opinions of market value of the property commonly known as 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, Illinois Intended Use, Client and Users of the Appraisal The intended use of the appraisal is for planning/proposed subdivision. The client is Robert and Susan Marren that engaged JCS Real Estate Services, Inc. to complete the assignment. Other intended users are legal counsel and parties involved in the subdivision. Property Rights Appraised The subject property has been appraised as a whole, as if owned in fee simple, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and special assessments. Fee Simple Estate is defined as "Absolute ownership unencumbered by any other interest or estate; subject only to the limitations of eminent domain, escheat, police power, and taxation." Definition of Market Value The definition of market value as applied in this report is defined as: “The most widely accepted components of market value are incorporated in the following definition. The most probable price that the specified property interest should sell for in a competitive market after a reasonable exposure time, as of a specified date, in cash, or in terms equivalent to cash, under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, with the buyer and seller each acting prudently, knowledgeably, for self-interest, and assuming that neither is under duress.” 1 1 The Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, Seventh Edition, The Appraisal Institute 2022 Page 4 Page 80 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY The real property being appraised is an 69-year-old, detached single-unit residential property that has the common address of 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, Illinois 60093. The property is identified by the Cook County Assessor as PIN: 05-20-407-071-0000. Legal Description The legal description below is copied from a boundary survey provided by the client. Personal Property No items of personal property are included in the estimated value. Three Year Sales History A search of the county records (via MLS/REDI) reveals no sale of the property in the past three years. The property las sold in April 2006 for $2.50 million. The property has not been listed for sale during the past three years based on search of the MLS and other real estate web-based platforms. Aerial Image Page 5 Page 81 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 NEIGHBORHOOD DATA Introduction/Location The subject property is located in the Village of Winnetka, Illinois and is situated in the southwest portion of the village. Winnetka is a mature suburban community located approximately 20 miles northwest of the Chicago’s central business district. The Village of Winnetka’s boundaries are somewhat irregular and are generally Scott Avenue to the north, Lake Michigan to the east, Hill Road to the south and the Edens Expressway (I-94) to the west. Bordering communities include Glencoe to the north, Northbrook and Northfield to the west, and Wilmette to the south. The village is fully developed and has a balance of land uses and characteristics and amenities common for Chicago’s northern suburbs. Land use is mostly residential with commercial uses developed in the downtown district, along Green Bay Road, and at major intersections of commercial corridors. Access The market area has good linkage to the Chicago business districts with access to the Edens Expressway (I-94) one mile to the west of the subject and Sheridan Road running parallel to Lake Michigan. The Tri-State Tollway (I- 294) is located approximately 10 miles to the west of the subject providing access to O’Hare International Airport and suburban business districts. Willow Road links the area to the Edens Expressway and the Tri-State Tollway. Public train and bus services link Winnetka to the Chicago Loop business district. PACE bus service runs along Green Bay Road through Winnetka. Drivers use the area expressways or primary streets to reach Chicago’s central business district in 30 to 40 minutes. Page 6 Page 82 of 158 Page 83 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 SITE DATA The site is level and irregular shaped with 165 feet of frontage on the south side of Sunset Road, 235.29 feet of frontage along Higginson Lane, 282.30 feet of depth on the west side and 179.13 feet of depth on the east side. It totals 56,171 SF of area and is two combined lots of record due to a consolidation by a prior owner to meet an accessory use requirement. The site size is toward the high end of the range for the community and nearly twice that of adjacent properties. The plat of survey below illustrates the large vacant rear portion of the site. Sunset Road is a two-way, two lane public right of way and Higginson Lane is a two-way, two-lane public right that links Sunset Road with Birch Street. Street improvements including concrete curbs and sidewalks, street gutters and storm/sanitary drain lines, and overhead street lighting. Natural gas, city water and sewer and electricity utilities are all available and connected to the site. The topography is level and soil quality conducive for development. Storm water is managed through the city’s storm water system. Page 8 Page 84 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 ZONING The Village of Winnetka classifies the site as R-2, Single-Family Residential District. The district has a minimum size requirement of 24,000 square feet. There are several other bulk restrictions including a minimum front line of 20 feet and a minimum average width of 100 feet. The ordinance should be reviewed by an attorney familiar with real estate and the existing site analyzed by an architect or civil engineer to render opinions of the viability of achieving the stated goal of subdividing the site into two buildable lots. The site is over twice as large as the minimum site area required for the R2 zoning district. The irregular shape presents some challenges for the rear lot to meet all size requirements such as frontage; however, the shape allows for an ample sized building envelope to construct a moderately sized residence. Subdivision Rendering The below image was prepared as a visual representation of a potential subdivision of the site into front and rear lots that is the property’s highest and best use. Page 9 Page 85 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 IMPROVEMENTS The subject property is an expanded Ranch style residence with finished first and second levels, and finished partial basement level. The building has a frame structure with brick veneer and sided exterior, gable style wood shingle roof with dormers, copper gutters and downspouts, double-pane windows in wood frames and an attached two-car garage with an electric overhead door. The original portion of the residence was constructed in 1956 as a ranch style. It was expanded over the years with the upper floor built out with bedrooms, bathrooms and recreational space. The residence has 5151 square feet of gross living area on floors one and two, plus approximately 1,596 square feet of finished basement area. The first floor has approximately 3,131 square feet of gross living area with entry, living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, den, primary bedroom-bathroom suite, half bathroom and mudroom. The second floor is approximately 2,020 square feet with five bedrooms and three full bathrooms. There is a small storage area off the west end. The partial basement is approximately 2,281 square feet and 1,596 square feet are finished with a large recreation room, exercise room, full bathroom, laundry room, and storage room that also houses mechanical equipment. Interior finishes are good quality including drywall board walls and ceilings, ceiling mounted lights, painted wood trim, and solid wood doors. Flooring is a mix of hardwood, carpet and tile. The kitchen finishes are good quality due to renovation including painted wood cabinets, granite counters and good cost-quality appliances. The bathroom finishes are a mix of stone and ceramic tile floors and shower surround, wood cabinets and stone or composition counters. The building has five zones for forced air heat and cooling. The property has city water/sewer, natural gas and electric meters. Site improvements include asphalt paved circular drive with two curb cuts off Sunset Road, brick entry walk, covered front porch, slate patio, tennis court with covered sitting area and landscaping with mature trees and bushes and flower beds, etc. Overall, the residence is ranked average condition and exterior quality and good interior quality of construction for the neighborhood. Our inspection revealed no immediate major repairs needed. Page 10 Page 86 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 DESCRIPTIVE PHOTOGRAPHS Living Room Dining Room Page 11 Page 87 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 DESCRIPTIVE PHOTOGRAPHS Kitchen Family Room Page 12 Page 88 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 DESCRIPTIVE PHOTOGRAPHS Den Primary Bedroom Page 13 Page 89 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 DESCRIPTIVE PHOTOGRAPHS Primary Bathroom Second Floor Hall Bedroom Page 14 Page 90 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 DESCRIPTIVE PHOTOGRAPHS Private Bathroom Basement Recreation Room Page 15 Page 91 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 DESCRIPTIVE PHOTOGRAPHS Basement Mechanical Room Two-Car Garage Page 16 Page 92 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 DESCRIPTIVE PHOTOGRAPHS Tennis Court Rear Yard Page 17 Page 93 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 HIGHEST AND BEST USE Introduction Highest and best use is defined as: “the reasonably probable and legal use of vacant land or an improved property, which is physically possible, appropriately supported, financially feasible, and that results in the highest value. The four criteria the highest and best use must meet are legally permissibility, physically possible, financially feasible and maximally productive”. 2 Highest and Best Use as Vacant Based on the zoning, subject property physical characteristics, and trends in the neighborhood, the highest and best use of the site is to develop the site with two detached single-unit residences. The timing of development is immediate. Highest and Best Use as Improved The subject property is an average to good cost quality detached single-unit residential unit on a 1.29- acre site in the southwest section of Winnetka. The improvements are in average condition and have average modernization. The improvements contribute to value; however, the site is larger than typical and is underutilized with the rear section functioning to support the tennis court accessory use. The south yard area is excess land and should be subdivided from the parcel for development of a single- unit residence. No alternative use results in a higher residual value to the land. Therefore, continued use as improved with the rear buildable lot subdivided out for development is the highest and best use as improved. Timing is immediate. VALUATION PROCESS An opinion of the market value for a single-unit residential property as is (whole) and with only the front lot area (front) has been requested. Also, an opinion of the rear 24,000 square foot buildable lot (rear) has been requested. The opinions of value will be estimated by direct comparison with improved sales and vacant land sales from the neighborhood. The Cost Approach and the Income Capitalization Approach are not applicable due to the design and age of the improvements and as properties in this market are acquired for occupancy and not as investments. Therefore, only the Sales Comparison Approach will be developed. The Sales Comparison Approach is a set of procedures in which a value is derived by comparing the property being appraised to similar properties that have sold recently. Applying appropriate units of comparison and making adjustments to the sale prices of the comparable sales based on the elements of comparison. The sale comparison approach may be used to value improved properties, vacant land or land being considered as though vacant; it is the most common and preferred method of valuation when comparable sales data is available. 3 The reliability of the sales comparison approach is subject to the degree of similarity between the subject property and the comparable properties; however, as no properties are identical, adjustments for differences in financing terms, conditions of the sale, market conditions, location, physical and income characteristics are often necessary. The best indication of value for the subject property is recent sales or available listings from within the immediate market area. Realtor generated data on property listings and sales are available from the MRED, LLC Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Physical data on the sales presented in the MLS such as site area, residence size, and zoning were verified with the county or city records. Real estate agents involved in the sale or listing are interviewed for opinions on the condition, updating and buyer-seller motivation. A search of MRED, the primary MLS serving the area, reveals several closed sales within the immediate neighborhood. The best closed sales are presented and compared to the subject property. 2 The Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, Seventh Edition, The Appraisal Institute 2022 3 Ibid Page 18 Page 94 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 LOCATION MAP WHOLE ANALYSIS Page 19 Page 95 of 158 File R21-1101 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 COMPARABLE SALE SUMMARY AND ADJUSTMENT GRID - WHOLE Property Subject Sale 1 Sale 2 Sale 3 Sale 4 Sale 5 Address 936 Sunset Road 844 Hibbard Road 70 Woodley Road 1240 Hill Road Rd 58 Woodley Road 62 Woodley Road City Winnetka, IL Winnetka Winnetka Winnetka Winnetka Winnetka Sale Price - $2,100,000 $2,350,000 $2,360,000 $2,680,000 $2,850,000 Concessions - None None None None None Date of Sale* 7/22/2025 7/30/2024 12/18/2024 7/18/2025 8/30/2024 Active Location SW Winnetka NW Winnetka SW Winnetka SW Winnetka SW Winnetka SW Winnetka Site Area - SF 56,171 38,934 44,610 37,984 40,480 66,707 View Residential Residential Residential Residential Residential Residential Design Expanded Ranch Colonial Expanded Ranch Georgian Colonial Colonial Exterior Quality Frame/Brick Veneer Brick Frame, Brick Brick Brick Frame, Brick Interior Quality Good Good Good Good Good Good Age - years 69 100 70 87 85 92 Condition Average Average Average Average Average Average HVAC Zoned FA/AC FA/AC FA/AC Zoned FA/AC Zoned FA/AC Zoned FA/AC Parking 2 Garage Spaces 2 Garage Space 3 Garage Space 2 Garage Spaces 3 Garage Space 2 Car Garage Project Amenities Patio, Tennis Ct Patio, Pool, Pool House Patio, Porch, Pool Patio, Porch, Pool Patio Patio, Balconies Fireplaces 3 2 3 3 4 5 Basement Area (SF) 2,281 1,329 0 1,017 3,201 2,275 Finished Basement Area (SF) 1596 657 0 627 2,500 0 GLA – SF 5,151 4,885 5,000 4,337 8,754 5,000 Above Grade Rooms 12 11 13 12 12 13 Above Grade Bedrooms 6 5 5 5 7 6 Above Grade Baths 4.1 5.1 6.2 4.1 6.2 4.2 Sales Comparison Adjustment Grid Sale 1 Sale 2 Sale 3 Sale 4 Sale 5 Sale Price Adjustment Rate $2,100,000 $2,350,000 $2,360,000 $2,680,000 $2,850,000 Market Conditions / Sale-List Ratio $0 $0 $0 $0 ($142,500) Location $105,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 Site Area $15.00 $258,555 $173,415 $272,805 $235,365 ($158,040) Design $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 View $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Quality $0 $0 ($59,000) $0 $0 Condition $25.00 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Car Storage $0 ($25,000) $0 $0 $0 Basement Area/Finish $10/$20 $28,300 $54,730 $32,020 ($27,280) $31,980 Gross Living Area $50.00 $13,300 $7,550 $40,700 ($180,150) $7,550 Kitchen Finish $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Numb er of Baths ($10,000) ($25,000) $0 ($25,000) ($5,000) Bath Finishes $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Amenities ($25,000) ($25,000) ($25,000) $0 $0 Overall Adjustment $370,155 $160,695 $261,525 $2,935 ($266,010) Adjusted Sale Price $2,470,155 $2,510,695 $2,621,525 $2,682,935 $2,583,990 % Net Adjustment 17.6% 6.8% 11.1% 0.1% -9.3% % Gross Adjustments 19.8% 12.2% 17.1% 17.5% 12.1% Low $2,470,155 High $2,682,935 Average $2,573,860 Median $2,583,990 Effective date for appraisal of subject property The sales are all located in the subject’s west Winnetka area and are similar vintage traditional style residences. Due to the large site area of the subject property, sales from the nearby Woodley Road subdivision have been considered. The sales have closing dates between July and December 2024 with one active listing. The sales are adjusted for significant differences and require gross adjustments of 12.1 to 19.8 percent for differences in list to sale price ratio and physical characteristics including location, site area, exterior quality, car storage, basement area and finish, gross living area, condition, number of bathrooms and amenities. Page 20 Page 96 of 158 File R21-1101 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 The adjustments are based on market data, contributory value based on replacement cost and our judgment and experience working in the market area. The sales have an adjusted price range of $2,470,155 to $2,682,935 with a median of $2,583,990 and an average of $2,573,860. Conclusion The subject property is reconciled to a value near the median and average of the adjusted range with equal weight on the Sales. Our opinion of market value as of the effective date is $2,575,000. Opinion of Market Value for the Whole Property as of July 22, 2025: $2,575,000 Page 21 Page 97 of 158 File R21-1101 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 LOCATION MAP FRONT PORTION ANALYSIS Page 22 Page 98 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 COMPARABLE SALE SUMMARY AND ADJUSTMENT GRID - FRONT Property Subject Sale 6 Sale 7 Sale 8 Sale 9 Sale 10 Address 936 Sunset Road 200 Linden Street 70 Woodley Road 1240 Hill Road Rd 58 Woodley Road 143 Birch Street City Winnetka, IL Winnetka Winnetka Winnetka Winnetka Winnetka Sale Price - $2,057,000 $2,350,000 $2,360,000 $2,680,000 $2,149,900 Concessions - None None None None None Date of Sale* 7/22/2025 9/30/2024 12/18/2024 7/18/2025 8/30/2024 12/6/2024 Location SW Winnetka SW Winnetka SW Winnetka SW Winnetka SW Winnetka SW Winnetka Site Area - SF 32,171 18,700 44,610 37,984 40,480 18,700 View Residential Residential Residential Residential Residential Residential Design Expanded Ranch Colonial Expanded Ranch Georgian Colonial English Exterior Quality Frame/Brick Veneer Brick Frame, Brick Brick Brick Frame Interior Quality Good Good Good Good Good Good Age - years 69 97 66 82 81 98 Condition Average Average Average Average Average Average HVAC Zoned FA/AC FA/AC FA/AC Zoned FA/AC Zoned FA/AC Zoned FA/AC Parking 2 Garage Spaces 2 Garage Space 3 Garage Space 2 Garage Spaces 3 Garage Space 1 Car Garage Project Amenities Patio, Tennis Ct Deck Patio, Porch, Pool Patio, Porch, Pool Patio Deck, Porch Fireplaces 3 2 3 3 4 3 Basement Area (SF) 2,281 1,200 0 1,017 3,201 2,053 Finished Basement Area (SF) 1596 700 0 627 2,500 0 GLA – SF 5,151 4,592 5,000 4,337 8,754 4,318 Above Grade Rooms 12 12 13 12 12 10 Above Grade Bedrooms 6 5 5 5 7 4 Above Grade Baths 4.1 3.1 6.2 4.1 6.2 4.2 Sales Comparison Adjustment Grid Sale 6 Sale 7 Sale 8 Sale 9 Sale 10 Sale Price Adjustment Rate $2,057,000 $2,350,000 $2,360,000 $2,680,000 $2,149,900 Market Conditions / Sale-List Ratio $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Location $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Site Area $15.00 $202,065 ($186,585) ($87,195) ($124,635) $202,065 Design $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 View $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Quality ($41,140) $0 ($47,200) $0 $42,998 Condition $25.00 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Car Storage $0 ($25,000) $0 $0 $25,000 Basement Area/Finish $10/$20 $28,730 $54,730 $32,020 ($27,280) $34,200 Gross Living Area $50.00 $27,950 $7,550 $40,700 ($180,150) $41,650 Kitchen Finish $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Numb er of Baths ($10,000) ($25,000) $0 $0 ($5,000) Bath Finishes $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Amenities ($25,000) ($25,000) ($25,000) $0 $0 Overall Adjustment $182,605 ($199,305) ($86,675) ($332,065) $340,913 Adjusted Sale Price $2,239,605 $2,150,695 $2,273,325 $2,347,935 $2,490,813 % Net Adjustment 8.9% -8.5% -3.7% -12.4% 15.9% % Gross Adjustments 15.1% 12.7% 8.8% 12.4% 16.3% Low $2,150,695 High $2,490,813 Average $2,300,475 Median $2,273,325 Effective date for appraisal of subject property For this analysis, the reduced site area of 32,171 square feet is used assuming the rear 24,000 square feet are subdivided out for development of a single-unit residence. The sales are all located in the subject’s SW Winnetka area and are similar vintage traditional style residences. The sales have closing dates between August 2024 to July 2025. The sales are adjusted for significant differences and require gross adjustments of 8.8 to 16.3 percent for differences in physical characteristics including site area, Page 23 Page 99 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 exterior quality, car storage, basement area and finish, gross living area, condition, number of bathrooms and amenities. The adjustments are based on market data, contributory value based on replacement cost and our judgment and experience working in the market area. The sales have an adjusted price range of $2,156,695 to $2,490,813 with a median of $2,273,325 and an average of $2,300,475. Conclusion The subject property is reconciled to a value near the median and average of the adjusted range with equal weight on the Sales. Our opinion of market value as of the effective date is $2,300,000. Opinion of Market Value for the Whole Property as of July 22, 2025: $2,300,000 Page 24 Page 100 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 LOCATION MAP REAR LOT ANALYSIS Page 25 Page 101 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 The rear lot is assumed to be 24,000 square feet and to generally meet the size requirements of the R2 zoning district. The site is within Zone AE, a flood hazard district and will be subject to development guidelines to provide compensatory storm water storage. Development in a flood hazard district is occurring in Winnetka and has been done successfully on many siters with similar flood plain elevations as the subject property. The image below illustrates a potential building envelope for the south parcel. The scenario includes removal of the tennis court. Page 26 Page 102 of 158 File R25-003 936 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 The table below summarizes land sales (many of which are tear downs) in Winnetka considered in the valuation scenario of the rear buildable lot. FLOOD PLAIN TEAR DOWN LAND SALES No Address City, St Flood Zone Sale Date Sale Price Size - SF $PSF 1 265 White Oak Lane Winnetka, IL A 10/21/2020 $1,200,000 29,297 $40.96 2 385 Rosewood Ave Winnetka, IL A 10/15/2018 $405,000 8,850 $45.76 3 1155 Ash Street Winnetka, IL A 3/22/2022 $525,000 10,800 $48.61 4 111 Thorntree Lane Winnetka, IL A/X 2/17/2022 $1,400,000 42,244 $33.14 5 956 Sunset Rd Winnetka, IL A 8/21/2014 $1,200,000 37,510 $31.99 6 884 Higginson Ln Winnetka, IL A 7/1/2013 $1,425,000 27,443 $51.93 7 945 Pine Tree Lane Winnetka, IL X 1/21/2025 $1,175,000 26,563 $44.23 8 875 Private Rd Winnetka, IL X 10/30/2023 $1,570,000 31,078 $50.52 9 338 Linden St Winnetka, IL X 5/15/2025 $1,130,000 12,628 $89.48 10 174 Linden St Winnetka, IL X 1/18/2024 $1,050,000 12,716 $82.57 Low $31.99 High $89.48 Average $51.92 Ten tear down and vacant land sales in Winnetka have a sale price per square foot of $31.99 to $89.48 per square foot plus in most cases, tear down costs. The sales have an average of $51.92 per square foot of land area. Given the subject’s AE flood zone rating and size, the market value of the site, if available for development as a buildable lot subject to the R2 zoning requirements with some needed variances, would be toward the lower end of the midpoint of the range given current market demand and significant price appreciation of residences in Winnetka the past five years. Therefore, based on our analysis, it is our opinion that the value of the south 24,000 square foot lot is $50.00 per square foot or $1.2 million. Page 27 Page 103 of 158 ADDENDUM Comparable Sales Page 104 of 158 ADDENDUM Improved Comparable Sale # 1 Location Data Transaction Data Street Address 844 Hibbard Road Contract-Sale Date 7/30/2024 City Winnetka Sale Price $2,100,000 State IL Property Rights Fee Simple County Cook Financing Cash to Seller Zip 60093 Conditions of Sale Arm's-Length Marketing Period (days) 9 Improvement Data Gross Living Area (SF) 4,885 Site Data Year Built 1924 Acres (Gross) 0.89 Condition Average Square Feet (Gross) 38,934 Exterior Quality Brick Acres (Net) 0.89 Interior Quality Good Square Feet (Net) 38,934 Parking 2 Garage Space Shape Rectangle Bedrooms 5 Topography/Elevation Level Bathrooms 5.1 Utilities All available Fireplace(s) 2 Zoning R2 Amenities Patio, Pool, Pool House Prior Sales None in prior 3 Years Analysis Price/Sq Ft $429.89 Source MRED #12058179, Public Records, Listing Broker. Page 105 of 158 ADDENDUM Improved Comparable Sale # 2 Location Data Transaction Data Street Address 70 Woodley Road Contract Sale Date 12/18/2024 City Winnetka Sale Price $2,350,000 State IL Property Rights Fee Simple County Cook Financing Cash to Seller Zip 60093 Conditions of Sale Arm's-Length Marketing Period (days) 27 Improvement Data Site Data Gross Living Area (SF) 5,000 Acres (Gross) 1.02 Year Built 1954 Square Feet (Gross) 44,610 Condition Average Acres (Net) 1.02 Exterior Quality Frame, Brick Square Feet (Net) 44,610 Interior Quality Good Shape Rectangle Parking 3 Garage Space Topography/Elevation Level Bedrooms 5 Utilities All available Bathrooms 6.2 Zoning R-3, Cook County Fireplace(s) 3 Amenities Patio, Porch, Pool Prior Sales Jul-23 $1,900,000 Analysis Price/Sq Ft $470.00 Source MRED #12204141, Listing Broker, Public Records Page 106 of 158 ADDENDUM Improved Comparable Sale # 3 Location Data Transaction Data Street Address 1240 Hill Road Rd Contract Sale Date 7/18/2025 City Winnetka Sale Price $2,360,000 State IL Property Rights Fee Simple County Cook Financing Cash to Seller Zip 60093 Conditions of Sale Arm's-Length Marketing Period (days) 10 Improvement Data Site Data Gross Living Area (SF) 4,337 Acres (Gross) 0.87 Year Built 1938 Square Feet (Gross) 37,984 Condition Average Acres (Net) 0.87 Exterior Quality Brick Square Feet (Net) 37,984 Interior Quality Good Shape Rectangular Parking 2 Garage Spaces Topography/Elevation Level Bedrooms 5 Utilities All available Bathrooms 4.1 Zoning R2 Fireplace(s) 3 Amenities Patio, Porch, Pool Prior Sales None is 3 years Analysis Price/Sq Ft $544.15 Source MRED #12349801, Public Records Page 107 of 158 ADDENDUM Improved Comparable Sale # 4 Location Data Transaction Data Street Address 58 Woodley Road Contract Sale Date 8/30/2024 City Winnetka Sale Price $2,680,000 State IL Property Rights Fee Simple County Cook Financing Cash to Seller Zip 60093 Conditions of Sale Arm's Length Marketing Period (days) 15 Improvement Data Site Data Gross Living Area (SF) 8,754 Acres (Gross) 0.93 Year Built 1939 Square Feet (Gross) 40,480 Condition Average Acres (Net) 0.93 Exterior Quality Brick Square Feet (Net) 40,480 Interior Quality Good Shape Rectangle Parking 3 Garage Space Topography/Elevation Level Bedrooms 7 Utilities All available Bathrooms 6.2 Zoning R-3, Cook County Fireplace(s) 4 Amenities Patio Prior Sales Jun-22 $2,625,000 Analysis Price/Sq Ft $306.15 Source MRED #12094231, Listing Broker, Public Records Page 108 of 158 ADDENDUM Improved Comparable Sale # 5 Location Data Transaction Data Street Address 62 Woodley Road Sale Date Active City Winnetka Sale Price $2,850,000 State IL Property Rights Fee Simple County Cook Financing Cash to Seller Zip 60093 Conditions of Sale Arm's Length Marketing Period (days) 5 Improvement Data Site Data Gross Living Area (SF) 5,000 Acres (Gross) 1.53 Year Built 1933 Square Feet (Gross) 66,707 Condition Average Acres (Net) 1.53 Exterior Quality Frame, Brick Square Feet (Net) 66,707 Interior Quality Good Shape Rectangular Parking 2 Car Garage Topography/Elevation Level Bedrooms 6 Utilities All available Bathrooms 4.2 Zoning R-3, Cook County Fireplace(s) 5 Amenities Patio, Balconies Prior Sales Mar-07 $3,100,000 Feb-24 $2,649,000 Analysis Price/Sq Ft $570.00 Source MRED #12429588, Listing Broker, Public Records Page 109 of 158 ADDENDUM Improved Comparable Sale # 6 Location Data Transaction Data Street Address 200 Linden Street Contract-Sale Date 9/30/2024 City Winnetka Sale Price $2,057,000 State IL Property Rights Fee Simple County Cook Financing Cash to Seller Zip 60093 Conditions of Sale Arm's-Length Marketing Period (days) 15 Improvement Data Gross Living Area (SF) 4,592 Site Data Year Built 1923 Acres (Gross) 0.43 Condition Average Square Feet (Gross) 18,700 Exterior Quality Brick Acres (Net) 0.43 Interior Quality Good Square Feet (Net) 18,700 Parking 2 Garage Space Shape Rectangle Bedrooms 5 Topography/Elevation Level Bathrooms 3.1 Utilities All available Fireplace(s) 2 Zoning R3 Amenities Deck Prior Sales None in prior 3 Years Analysis Price/Sq Ft $447.95 Source MRED #12090653, Public Records, Listing Broker. Page 110 of 158 ADDENDUM Improved Comparable Sale # 7 Location Data Transaction Data Street Address 70 Woodley Road Contract Sale Date 12/18/2024 City Winnetka Sale Price $2,350,000 State IL Property Rights Fee Simple County Cook Financing Cash to Seller Zip 60093 Conditions of Sale Arm's-Length Marketing Period (days) 27 Improvement Data Site Data Gross Living Area (SF) 5,000 Acres (Gross) 1.02 Year Built 1954 Square Feet (Gross) 44,610 Condition Average Acres (Net) 1.02 Exterior Quality Frame, Brick Square Feet (Net) 44,610 Interior Quality Good Shape Rectangle Parking 3 Garage Space Topography/Elevation Level Bedrooms 5 Utilities All available Bathrooms 6.2 Zoning R-3, Cook County Fireplace(s) 3 Amenities Patio, Porch, Pool Prior Sales Jul-23 $1,900,000 Analysis Price/Sq Ft $470.00 Source MRED #12204141, Listing Broker, Public Records Page 111 of 158 ADDENDUM Improved Comparable Sale # 8 Location Data Transaction Data Street Address 1240 Hill Road Rd Contract Sale Date 7/18/2025 City Winnetka Sale Price $2,360,000 State IL Property Rights Fee Simple County Cook Financing Cash to Seller Zip 60093 Conditions of Sale Arm's-Length Marketing Period (days) 10 Improvement Data Site Data Gross Living Area (SF) 4,337 Acres (Gross) 0.87 Year Built 1938 Square Feet (Gross) 37,984 Condition Average Acres (Net) 0.87 Exterior Quality Brick Square Feet (Net) 37,984 Interior Quality Good Shape Rectangular Parking 2 Garage Spaces Topography/Elevation Level Bedrooms 5 Utilities All available Bathrooms 4.1 Zoning R-2 Fireplace(s) 3 Amenities Patio, Porch, Pool Prior Sales None is 3 years Analysis Price/Sq Ft $544.15 Source MRED #12349801, Public Records Page 112 of 158 ADDENDUM Improved Comparable Sale # 9 Location Data Transaction Data Street Address 58 Woodley Road Contract Sale Date 8/30/2024 City Winnetka Sale Price $2,680,000 State IL Property Rights Fee Simple County Cook Financing Cash to Seller Zip 60093 Conditions of Sale Arm's Length Marketing Period (days) 15 Improvement Data Site Data Gross Living Area (SF) 8,754 Acres (Gross) 0.93 Year Built 1939 Square Feet (Gross) 40,480 Condition Average Acres (Net) 0.93 Exterior Quality Brick Square Feet (Net) 40,480 Interior Quality Good Shape Rectangle Parking 3 Garage Space Topography/Elevation Level Bedrooms 7 Utilities All available Bathrooms 6.2 Zoning R-3, Cook County Fireplace(s) 4 Amenities Patio Prior Sales Jun-22 $2,625,000 Analysis Price/Sq Ft $306.15 Source MRED #12094231, Listing Broker, Public Records Page 113 of 158 ADDENDUM Improved Comparable Sale # 10 Location Data Transaction Data Street Address 143 Birch Street Sale Date 12/6/2024 City Winnetka Sale Price $2,149,900 State IL Property Rights Fee Simple County Cook Financing Cash to Seller Zip 60093 Conditions of Sale Arm's Length Marketing Period (days) 4 Improvement Data Site Data Gross Living Area (SF) 4,318 Acres (Gross) 0.43 Year Built 1922 Square Feet (Gross) 18,700 Condition Average Acres (Net) 0.43 Exterior Quality Frame Square Feet (Net) 18,700 Interior Quality Good Shape Rectangular Parking 1 Car Garage Topography/Elevation Level Bedrooms 4 Utilities All available Bathrooms 4.2 Zoning R3 Fireplace(s) 3 Amenities Deck, Porch Prior Sales None Analysis Price/Sq Ft $497.89 Source MRED #12164633, Listing Broker, Public Records Page 114 of 158 ADDENDUM State Certification/Qualifications Page 115 of 158 ADDENDUM Page 116 of 158 ADDENDUM Qualifications for John C. Satter, MAI, GAA 1997 - Present JCS Real Estate Services, Inc. President 1992 - 1996 Wayne L. Wnek, MAI & Associates, Inc. Real Estate Appraiser Scope of Experience: Mr. Satter is the President and owner of JCS Real Estate Services, Inc., a real estate appraisal firm that provides one-to-four-unit residential appraisal services. Responsibilities include business development, staff management, and appraisal production and review. Mr. Satter has over 32 years of experience in the valuation of a wide variety of real property types. Mr. Satter has broad experience in the valuation of residential, commercial, industrial and special use real estate throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Mr. Satter has experience as an expert witness and has been qualified as an expert in the Circuit Courts of Cook, Lake, DuPage, and Will Counties of Illinois, the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals, Lake and Cook County property tax appeal boards, the Chicago Planning and Zoning Commission, the U.S. District Court for Northern Illinois, and the U.S. District Court for Eastern Michigan. Mr. Satter is a designated Member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI) and General Accredited Appraiser (GAA) of the National Association of Realtors. He has been engaged in the appraisal of real estate since 1992 with experience rendering opinions of value for private clients, financial institutions, mortgage brokers, attorneys, governmental agencies, accountants, and public corporations. Professional Associations and Affiliations: Appraisal Institute MAI #12452 (Awarded March 2007) National Association of Realtors General Accredited Appraiser #4683 (Awarded January 2005) IL Certified General Real Estate Appraiser Illinois Coalition of Appraisal Professionals (ICAP) Former Member of the Glencoe Zoning Board of Appeals and Liaison to the Plan Commission Formal Education: Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering, University of Illinois - Urbana/Champaign Specialized appraisal and real estate education, Appraisal Institute and North Shore Barrington Board of Realtors Page 117 of 158 ATTACHMENT B Page 118 of 158 ATTACHMENT C Minutes adopted 02.10.2014 WINNETKA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING MINUTES EXCERPT JANUARY 13, 2014 Zoning Board Members Present: Joni Johnson, Chairperson Chris Blum Andrew Cripe Mary Hickey Carl Lane Jim McCoy Scott Myers Zoning Board Members Absent: None Village Staff: Michael D’Onofrio, Director of Community Development *** 936 Sunset Rd., Case No. 14-01-V2, Robert and Susan Marren, Variations by Ordinance: (1) Lot Area and (2) Rectangular Buildable Area Mr. D’Onofrio read the public notice. The purpose of this hearing is to hear testimony and receive public comment regarding a request by Robert and Susan Marren concerning variations by Ordinance from Section 17.30.010 [Lot Area, Shape and Dimensions] of the Winnetka Zoning Ordinance to permit Lot 2 of the proposed Marren’s Subdivision to have a lot area of 23,171.88 s.f., whereas a minimum of 24,000 s.f. is required, a variation of 828.12 s.f. (3.45%) and not provide the minimum rectangular buildable area of 16,335 s.f. Chairperson Johnson stated that before she swore in the witnesses, she would like to read a statement which would be applicable to this case as well as the Birch Street case. She stated that for those of you who were at the last meeting on December 9, 2013 you would recall that one of the questions raised with regard to new construction was whether Cook County had passed the Watershed Management Ordinance (“WMO”). Chairperson Johnson stated that the engineer for the applicant stated that he did not think that the ordinance had been passed. In fact the ordinance was passed on October 3, 2013 and would take effect May 1, 2014. She stated that the storm water master plan which was presented to the Village Council made several recommendations relating to the WMO. Chairperson Johnson stated that in addition, the plan discusses the issue of “deep basements” and the implications of flooding and storm water management. Chairperson Johnson stated that consequently, she briefly discussed with Mr. D'Onofrio that it would helpful to have the Village staff or the Public Works Department present at the meeting at which the Birch Street case is next presented. She stated that Susan Chen of the Public Works Department planned to attend the Plan Commission meeting on January 22, 2014 to address storm water issues relating to new construction and in particular, relating to the subdivision request for Page 119 of 158 Final Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 2 936 Sunset. Chairperson Johnson stated that meeting was supposed to take place in December, but that for various technical reasons, the meeting was continued until January 22, 2014. Chairperson Johnson stated that due to the inadequacy of the information presented at the meeting, it is imperative that we obtain the input of Village staff. She stated that if this were a typical adversarial process, they could rely on opposing parties to present expert testimony reporting their respective positions. Chairperson Johnson stated that although they are a quasi-judicial body, they do not typically have an adversarial presentation of evidence and that it is difficult if not impossible for members of the Board to fill in gaps to weigh one side of the evidence, etc. She noted that the WMO is approximately 280 pages and that she did not expect anyone on this Board to be able to digest or understand how it would apply to the Birch Street case or other new construction cases which may come before the Board. Chairperson Johnson stated that she brought the matter up at this meeting since there are flood water implications for this case. She stated that if the applicants wanted to proceed, after the presentation of testimony if the Board members feel that storm water and flooding issues are not adequately addressed, the case could be continued until the next meeting in order to obtain input from the Village staff or in the form of a written report. Chairperson Johnson commented that while the new WMO did not currently apply, it will in 3 months. She also stated that in the agenda report, the architects for the Marrens stated that they did not believe that any new construction will be able to have a basement and that there has not been a final determination in that regard. Chairperson Johnson also stated that the basement issue may not come up at this meeting, but that it is relevant. She then asked if there were any questions. No questions were raised by the Board at this time. Chairperson Johnson swore in those that would be speaking on this case. John Ballack of Timm T. Martin Architects introduced himself to the Board and stated that he would be representing the property owners. He informed the Board that the property owners are seeking to subdivide their property on the corner of Higginson and Sunset and that they are asking for two variations. Mr. Ballack stated that the first variation is to allow for a minimum lot area for the south portion to be under the 24,000 square foot minimum. He stated that since the rectangular building area of the southern lot would be compromised in doing so, they are requesting that the Board allow that to pass as well. Mr. Ballack then stated that with regard to the past history of the lot pre-1976, it was known as the Seabury’s Consolidation and that it used to be two lots which are identical to the proposal. He added that it is documented in the records and that the property was owned by John and Charlene Seabury. Mr. Ballack informed the Board that the reason behind that consolidation was to allow a tennis court to straddle both properties and stated that the subdivision would bring the property back to its historical intent. He noted that the corner lot would be fully compliant with zoning and that the south lot would be complaint except for two issues. Mr. Ballack then stated that it is their hope that the Board passed the request and asked if there were any questions. Ms. Hickey stated that in terms of the ordinance, it states that the rectangular building area is 16,335 square feet. She then asked what is the rectangular building area. Page 120 of 158 Final Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 3 Mr. Ballack stated that with regard to the old ordinance, it was designed for irregularly shaped lots such as this. He then stated that one side has to be 90 feet and that they would have to fit that shape within the boundaries of the irregularly shaped lot. Mr. Ballack stated that with regard to the agenda report, there is a diagram drawn (on page 3) which showed how the corners fall outside of the south property lines. He indicated that it is close, but that it did not fit. Ms. Hickey referred to the rectangular building area out of the proposed parcel. Mr. Ballack responded that they did not explore the exact number. He then stated that if they were to take 10 feet off of the bottom of the rectangular area, it would fit. Mr. Ballack informed the Board that there are two scenarios shown and that the long rectangle at the top showed the area up and down on the page. Mr. Blum informed the applicants that one thing that the Board considers is whether there are conforming alternatives. He then stated that after looking at the proposal, he asked the applicants if they explored conforming alternatives and that it appeared as though lot 1 is significantly over the minimum lot size. Mr. Blum also asked if they could divide it 10 feet to the north and have two conforming lots. Mr. Ballack responded that they did explore conforming alternatives and that if they were to move the boundary line north, they would not have a compliant lot depth because it is a corner lot. He noted that the established north corner lot is to be legally compliant. Chairperson Johnson asked the applicants if they were to do Mr. Blum’s suggestion, could they seek a variation for the corner lot. Mr. Ballack confirmed that they could, but that it would be best to maintain the corner lot as close as possible and to focus on the south lot. He also stated that unless there is input from the neighbors, they would welcome alternatives and that they are flexible. Mr. Cripe asked if they were to take the other approach and ask for a variation on the corner lot, would that address the rectangular issue. Mr. Ballack agreed that it would work on the north lot and that the minimum rectangular building area would fit if they were to adjust the north boundary. He indicated that it is very close as it is. Mr. Ballack reiterated that they would have two noncompliant lots, but that alternative would satisfy the minimum building area. Mr. Lane asked if it would hang over the lot line of the west property. Mr. Ballack noted that only one side has to be a 90 feet minimum. He indicated that while they could play around with the shape, there is no way of telling that here. Chairperson Johnson asked Mr. D'Onofrio for his input. Mr. D'Onofrio informed the Board that the issue was discussed with the applicants in terms of Page 121 of 158 Final Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 4 moving the lot line further north. He stated that at the same time, they would need zoning relief for lot 1 on the corner lot. Mr. D'Onofrio noted that it is important for the Board to understand that this buildable area concept came about in large part because there are so many lots with different topography like ravines where there is a lot area of “X” and 30% of it is table land and 70% of it is on the slope. He stated that therefore, in order to take advantage of the entire lot area, from a practical point of view, it would have to take up the tableland and have the home “cheek to jowl.” Mr. D'Onofrio referred to an adequate space on a similar plane to build a new single family home. He stated that is the reason behind creating buildable area. Mr. D'Onofrio indicated that this situation is a little bit different in that they are not dealing with steep topography. Mr. D'Onofrio then stated that in connection with a large flag lot, a significant portion of the lot area is not usable or buildable. He stated that it is a proportionality issue of how to build a home on a lot which has steep topography that fits on the tableland. Chairperson Johnson referred the Board to Attachment A in the packet of materials and the Village Council and ordinance recitals which go through quite a bit of detail as to why the ordinance was enacted. She stated that you can see the rationale for the change in 1999. Chairperson Johnson noted that there didn’t appear to be many standards governing subdivisions, but that one identified in the Plan Commission agenda packet is that subdivisions should not result in the creation of side lot lines abutting rear lot lines. Mr. Blum stated that it is the ordinance. Mr. D'Onofrio stated that those criteria are for the Plan Commission to consider when looking at subdivision requests. Chairperson Johnson stated that while it is not relevant in that the Board is not ruling on the subdivision request per se, the Board has to have an understanding of the issues raised by subdivision requests. Mr. D'Onofrio referred the Board to Section 16.12.010 of the Village code which is the subdivision regulations. He read the following statement: “that subdivisions shall not result in the creation of one or more lots which have a side lot line which abut rear lot lines.” Mr. D'Onofrio stated that is what would be happening as a result of the subdivision request. He stated that with regard to lots, most of the time, there are side yards abutting side yards, but in that case, they could end up with a rear yard abutting a side yard and that there may not be a positive impact. Mr. Myers stated that he is struggling with regard to how to apply the first criteria to a subdivision which is that the property cannot yield a reasonable return. He stated that in this instance, there is a property that can yield a reasonable return and that if it was divided, there would be a totally different equation in terms of that term. Mr. D'Onofrio responded that it is a little bigger scale in this case and that with regard to reasonable return, the Board is being asked to make a recommendation on a decision as to whether this should remain one lot or be re-subdivided into two lots. Chairperson Johnson stated that is why it was discussed with Mr. D’Onofrio earlier as to whether Page 122 of 158 Final Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 5 to go forward with the consideration of this case until both the Plan Commission and the Village Council make a decision on the subdivision because if they do not go ahead with the subdivision, then the applicants would obviously not need a variance since the Board is to provide an advisory opinion. She then stated that while she felt uncomfortable with that, it was Mr. D'Onofrio's suggestion that they go ahead. Mr. Lane asked if it was possible to have access off of Sunset and have the front yard off of Sunset for the south lot. Mr. Ballack indicated that he did not believe so. He referred to the current home on the corner and stated that they would have to put an easement across the north lot. Mr. Ballack then stated that in looking at the survey, it showed the existing home and that on the west boundary, for the west property line, there is only 14½ feet which would be very tight to put in an easement to allow access to the south lot. He then referred the Board to page 7 of the materials. Mr. Lane asked the applicants if they considered trying to attach a piece of 916 Higginson to make the lot 24,000 square feet. Mr. Ballack responded that they did not. Chairperson Johnson asked if there was any other possibility to subdivide and sell part of the lot to 916 Higginson. Mr. Ballack stated that they are only working within their property. Chairperson Johnson asked the applicants if they have a rough drawing of what the home would look like with a driveway on Higginson and that she assumed that the garage would be in the front. Mr. Ballack stated that on the east side, a hypothetical home was designed to show realistically how a home could be placed within the lot. He stated that it would have a side loaded driveway and referred the Board to page 18 which showed the existing lot with the existing home and the south lot with a hypothetical home. Mr. Ballack also stated that the driveway would be off of Higginson and that a driveway apron would be created. He then informed the Board that a four car garage is shown and that it could be a three car garage. Mr. Ballack added that the front of the home would face northeast. Chairperson Johnson asked Mr. Ballack if his firm is working on the project across the street as their sign is there. She also asked if there were any other questions. Mr. Lane asked how big the hypothetical home is. He referred to the calculation of the approximate square footage of the first floor being 4,200 square feet. Mr. Ballack informed the Board that they submitted a complete zoning study in the packet of materials. He also stated that the total square footage is 7,144 and that half of that would be the first floor. Page 123 of 158 Final Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 6 Ms. Hickey asked if they could put restrictions on the square footage of the proposed home. Chairperson Johnson stated that it could be on the deed. Mr. Ballack stated that a home of that size would be sufficient for that lot. Chairperson Johnson asked what is the square footage of the home across the street on a similar lot. Mr. Ballack stated that he did not know. Mr. Cripe indicated that it looked like the front of the home would be staring into a backyard which he commented seemed awkward. Mr. D'Onofrio stated that in connection with that standard on subdivisions, that showed what that issue is. Mr. Cripe asked if there is no way around that issue and referred to the lot having a different shape. Mr. Ballack responded that there is and that the diagram represented a random example case showing a home to be placed there. He noted that his firm was not retained to design that house and that it was done as a courtesy. Chairperson Johnson stated that another issue is that even if the subdivision goes through, with regard to the variations, there is nothing barring a future owner from asking for more variations. She added that 915 Higginson is almost the exact same shaped lot. Bonnie Rickard identified herself as the property owner and informed the Board that the square footage is half that size. Mr. Myers stated that the applicants are making it clear that they are only showing the possibility. Chairperson Johnson asked if there were any other questions. Mr. Blum stated that it would be helpful for the applicants to run through the factors applied to variations and their position on the standards. Mr. Cripe also asked for the applicants to state the reason they cannot get reasonable return on the property as it exists. Chairperson Johnson asked if there were any other questions. Mr. McCoy stated that the presented option is purely graphic and that the ordinance did not allow for the front door of a home to look into someone’s backyard. He stated that if they were to grant the proposal, they would be creating another problem for a future owner of that lot. Mr. McCoy questioned how they do that to avoid violating the ordinance. Page 124 of 158 Final Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 7 Mr. Ballack stated that he would like to stress that the home is a hypothetical home and that the zoning code would prevent that. Mr. McCoy asked Mr. Ballack to inform the Board where they would put the front door on a home on this lot as a reasonable person where it would not violate the ordinance. Mr. Myers stated that they would end up violating some zoning regulation such as side yard and front yard direction with regard to the way the home is facing. He indicated that you would either have an extremely small home which fit on the lot and met all of the criteria or there would have to be variations on one of those dimensions. Mr. Ballack stated that architecturally speaking, there is more than one way to skin a cat and that they can make it work. He stated that the home would be oriented perpendicular to the north setback and that the main mass of the home would be to the north. Mr. Ballack added that the front door would face due east on Higginson. Chairperson Johnson asked if there were any other questions. No additional questions were raised by the Board at this time. She then swore in the property owners. Bob Marren introduced himself and his wife to the Board and stated that they have a history in Winnetka with a lot of family in Winnetka. He also stated that they are committed to the community and that they have six children who were raised here. Mr. Marren stated that prior to this home, they lived at 787 Sunset. Mr. Marren informed the Board that when his wife’s parents looked for a home to downsize to, they had a hard time finding a smaller home. He stated that they were looking for a home with a master bedroom on the first floor and that there were not many homes which accommodated that regardless of the price tag and that they finally found a home on Birch which fit their needs. Mr. Marren then stated that the prior owner of their home passed the home to their daughter and that only one family lived in the home. Mr. Marren stated that when they looked at the set of old plans for the property; they discovered that it had been two lots. He confirmed that they have no plans to build a home on the property to sell and that the hypothetical rendering is not what he would recommend. Mr. Marren also stated that in no way was the architect charged with coming up with a home for that lot and that the rendering was only done to show that a home could be built. He added that they have no immediate plans to do anything and that the situation seemed like a nice idea, to revert the property to what it had previously been and to be in conformity with the neighborhood. Chairperson Johnson asked if there were any questions. Mr. McCoy stated that the Board is charged with the eight standards to be answered and that they have to see if the request meets the standards. He then referred to the very first standard of reasonable return, as well as unique circumstances. Mr. McCoy described the big one in this case is whether the request would alter the character of the locality. He indicated that while the Page 125 of 158 Final Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 8 property owners obviously care about that, they may want to sell the property in the future to someone who may not have the same history as the property owners. Mr. McCoy stated that he would be more swayed if they were able to get past the first three standards in deciding whether or not to approve the request. Chairperson Johnson asked if there were any other questions not relating to the standards. She noted that the home and the proposed south lot are in the flood plain and referred to the base flood elevation and that most of the lot is in the flood plain and asked if they had any flood detention on the property. Mrs. Marren responded that they have two sump pumps. She informed the Board that they do get standing water in the back. Mr. Marren informed the Board that there is a creek in the back of the property. Chairperson Johnson stated that they understood that there is a lot of water in that area. She then asked if the subdivision is approved and the variations are approved and a home is built at some point, will that exacerbate the flooding on the Marren’s existing property. Mr. Ballack informed the Board that they did look into that and that they have had many conversations with Susan Chen who walked them through the process and the minimum lot grade formula to see whether they can build on a lot in the flood plain. He stated that you take the survey and average of spot elevations on the survey and that if those average lot grade numbers are less than the calculated number in the formula, then you cannot build a basement. Mr. Ballack informed the Board that the calculation for the lot with the subdivision is 622.67 feet at the base elevation. He also stated that the average grade calculation is 622.30 feet which meant that you cannot build a basement, not even on a pad. Mr. Ballack stated that left one option and that the south lot would have to do a floodable crawl space which is what was done at 931 Sunset. Chairperson Johnson stated that if a home is built according to code and that there is a crawl space underneath with no basement, did that mean that the property owners would be in no worse of a position than they are now. Mr. Ballack confirmed that is correct. Mrs. Marren stated that the alternative is that if there is not a subdivision, there could be a huge home on the property and that a basement could be allowed. It was stated that there would be a negative impact on the flood plain issues. Chairperson Johnson asked if there were any other questions. Mr. Myers commented that it is unfair to the property owners to ask them to reply to the standards now. He stated that the applicants got a sense that the Board is struggling and that the Board is charged to address the eight standards to say that there is some rationale. Mr. Myers referred to the proposed zoning change which met these standards and that for some of the standards, there is no question in that there would be no hazard from fire or impact on the light and air of adjacent Page 126 of 158 Final Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 9 properties. He then stated that it is really the first three standards that the Board is struggling with in regard to how to take a reasonable request and put the standards and rationale together. Chairperson Johnson stated that the property owners signed the standards form. She then stated that if they are not prepared to address the standards, the case could be continued in order for them to do so. Mr. Ballack informed the Board that they would like to decline to address the standards, regroup and discuss the issues in more detail. He then asked for a continuance. Chairperson Johnson asked the Board if they should ask the neighbors to come back or let them speak. She then asked for a vote on letting the neighbors speak. Joseph Szokol of 976 Sunset stated that everyone who is here is busy and that they are ready to speak. Chairperson Johnson stated that she is not sure that the basis to continue the case is adequate. She then stated that the Board would let the neighbors speak and that they also have the opportunity to attend the Plan Commission meeting and if this case is continued, to come back before the Board. Mr. Szokol then stated that in connection with the two variations the applicants are asking for, there may be more in the future for a property which is 100% in the flood plain. He described the land as too stressed and that to allow potentially another home is outrageous. Mr. Szokol referred to the fact that while there are no plans to build a home, there are designs for a home which he described as disingenuous. He stated that when it rained, there is flooding which is the most compelling reason. Mr. Szokol also stated that if there is no compelling reason to make a zoning variation, then it should not be done and that to allow the request is outrageous. Bill Krucks, 920 Sunset, informed the Board that he has been a resident for 35 years and that he lives across the street from the property. He stated that he would like to have the opportunity to help the Board and give insight to the neighborhood. Mr. Krucks described the elephant in the room as storm water. He then distributed information to the Board for their review which contained photographs of a rainstorm in April and June 2013 with flooding in the streets. Mr. Krucks then referred to an emergency incident in the neighborhood and that the water was so severe, that emergency vehicles had a difficult time coming down Sunset. Mr. Krucks then stated that with regard to background, he stated that it is not personal, but that in the neighborhood, they are concerned every time there is new construction which asks for variations. He also referred to the connection between parts of the ordinance, especially as it concerned GFA and the mass of the home, which is the reason why the size and mass of homes are restricted. Mr. Krucks stated that in connection with storm water, the stress on infrastructure on the neighborhood is one of the factors which goes into the ordinance. He then stated that in connection with rain causing severe flooding and property damage, the Village engaged Mr. Christopher Burke to study drainage systems which dated to September 2009 and which was presented to the Village Council. Mr. Krucks informed the Board that Steve Saunders identified Birch, Sunset, DeWindt and White Oak as the areas which have the most severe area for flooding Page 127 of 158 Final Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 10 in the Village due to the watershed of the Skokie ditch. He noted that the map of the Skokie ditch in the information dated back to 1864 and that it was referred to as the waterway in the combination of the lots in 1976. Mr. Krucks stated that the entire storm sewer systems fill with 2 inches of rain in the neighborhood and that the water then floated over land. Mr. Krucks stated that the Burke study identified a limiting factor in the area as the area where the Skokie ditch runs open and closed and that it is open all the way to Sunset where it attempted to enter a 24 inch storm sewer but cannot. He also stated that the Burke study found that the waterway was not maintained and that it is filled with debris, fencing material and silt and that as a result, it backed up beginning at Birch and continued through the neighborhood. Mr. Krucks also stated that the Burke study recommended improvements to alleviate the problem and that the construction of a brand new storm sewer system never occurred. Mr. McCoy stated that if they were to grant the variations limiting a future owner of the existing property from building a 14,000 square foot home on that property and also limiting a future home on the property to the south from having a basement, he asked Mr. Krucks if the question he is asking is for the Board to either approve the variations or if it is his testimony that he wanted to keep things the way they are. He indicated that a new owner could tear down the home and build a 14,000 square foot home which would add more problems. Mr. Krucks stated that the request should be rejected because there is nothing worse that can happen now. He stated that a new home would result in the loss of permeable surface. Mr. Krucks informed the Board that the Higginson storm water measured 8 inches and that in the Burke study; it was recommended that no more water be brought to the Skokie ditch since it would otherwise increase flooding downstream to the rest of the neighborhood. Ms. Hickey asked with regard to the new storm water solution by the Village, would Ms. Chen be covering the impact of that at the Plan Commission meeting. Mr. D'Onofrio indicated that he did not know, but that they would be dealing with the issue specific to this area and plan. Mamie Case, 901 Higginson, stated that as far as the Willow Road project, it superseded the Burke plan. She stated that if it occurred, it would be their only relief from the current situation. Ms. Case described it as still hypothetical and so far out in the future like 2018. She then stated that as it currently stands, there are no additional pumping stations at the DeWindt corner or relief other than the Willow Road project for the neighborhood and that she did not know when it would be put in. Ms. Case stated that until then, she described the stress on the area as crazy. She also stated that the Skokie ditch is an open waterway and that as you drive off of Sunset, that is an open waterway of the Skokie ditch and part of another reclamation district and that any request would have to be approved through other municipal channels. Mr. D'Onofrio noted that it is controlled by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Ms. Case then stated that is why you cannot face the home to the spur on Sunset because of the open ditch there. She stated that it is part of the storm sewer system and that the general runoff Page 128 of 158 Final Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 11 goes there. Chairperson Johnson asked Mr. D’Onofrio who is responsible for maintaining the Skokie ditch. The audience responded that it is the Village’s responsibility. Ms. Case went on to state that the open land now served as overflow for storm water management for the Skokie ditch. She stated that the applicants are proposing variations to create a buildable lot where the lot elevation is so far below the base flood plain, even FEMA standards did not apply. Ms. Case indicated that you would have to build a raised home and put in storm water management for the general runoff. She questioned how you can put storm water management for an interior nonconforming lot when the runoff to the Skokie ditch is part of storm water management. Chairperson Johnson stated that Ms. Chen would address the issue with the Plan Commission. She noted that the hypothetical home did not show any storm water or compensatory storage which would be required even without a basement. Ms. Case then asked how the Board can rule on variations for something which is not ever going to be built. Chairperson Johnson responded that it might be built and that the Board is to render an advisory opinion. She also stated that based on what the Board has heard from everyone, they realize that there is a water problem and that they see evidence of it. Ms. Case then stated that with regard to the property being sold as a whole and whether a 14,000 square foot home could be built, that is sheer speculation. She stated that she would prefer that the lot stay together and that they would welcome a 14,000 square foot home versus two homes, one of which would be nonconforming on a corner interior lot. Ms. Case noted that the math calculations from the proposal page reveal that if they were to add square footage from the proposed nonconforming home and the current home, they would still have over 14,000 square feet of space built. She concluded by stating that in granting the variation, some of that space would straddle the flood plain and infringe on the surrounding properties and that she did not see the benefit of granting the variations. Chairperson Johnson asked if there were any other comments. Mike Klein, 955 Sunset, asked if the existing lot would be brought into conformity with regard to detention. Mrs. Marren responded that it would stay the same. Chairperson Johnson stated that if the south lot is developed, it would have to be addressed. Mr. Klein then asked if there was no requirement for the existing home to be brought up to the code if the subdivision is approved. Chairperson Johnson stated that only new construction needed to address compensatory storage Page 129 of 158 Final Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 12 and detention. Mr. D'Onofrio indicated that he is not aware of any subdivision where the existing lot and home is required to make storm water changes if there is already an improved lot. Chairperson Johnson indicated that they could make that a condition of approval. She asked if there were any other comments. Linda Krucks, 920 Sunset, informed the Board that she took most of the photographs which were distributed to the Board and that they live to the east of the property owners. She described them as lovely people. Mrs. Krucks stated that the issue is incomprehensible since they have lived there for so long. She then referred to the property owners and the Sholten’s property to the west as Lake Sunset when there is two inches of rain. Mrs. Krucks also stated that with regard to the property line that the property owners and the Sholtens share, all of the neighbors here are in agreement that they are opposed to the variations. She then stated that in connection with the property owners and the Sholtens, the Sholtens have a crawl space which is floodable and that they have no basement. Mrs. Krucks informed the Board that the Sholtens live at 956 Sunset which is directly to the west. Mrs. Sholten informed the Board that the home was built in 1947 without a basement. Chairperson Johnson stated that they would like to hear from the 915 Higginson property owner. She then stated that if the proposal went through, they would have a driveway and a narrow street. Bonnie Rickard stated that there would be no way to turn around and that the 3,300 or 3,400 square foot home was built in 1970. Chairperson Johnson asked if there were any other comments. Mrs. Marren informed the Board that they get water in their backyard and that they have lived in the home for 7 years. She also stated that they had water once in the basement when there was no electricity. Mrs. Marren then informed the Board that builders have contacted them and that if they sold their property, a home could be built on the lot which would measure 14,000 square feet without any variation. Chairperson Johnson also stated that the applicants may be able to add onto the home without a variation. She asked if there were any other comments. Chairperson Johnson stated that the Board has to decide on the motion to continue the case to the next meeting. Mr. Myers moved to continue the case for 936 Sunset until the next meeting date. Mr. Blum seconded the motion. Mr. McCoy stated that when the case is continued, the applicants are to have addressed the standards. Mr. Myers stated that the only reason the case is being continued is so that the applicants can Page 130 of 158 Final Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 13 address the standards. Chairperson Johnson stated that the applicants had the opportunity to address the standards, they signed the application and chose not to address them in writing or orally and take no responsibility. She stated that she is in favor of a continuance only because they will have the benefit of the Plan Commission meeting and Village staff input on the issues. Chairperson Johnson then stated that when the applicants address the standards when they come back, they should look at the backyards on Sunset, the two homes to the west, the open backyards to the south with no structure there, the issue about changing the character of the neighborhood if the variations are granted and the home which would be built on the south lot. She also stated that they should address changing the character of the neighborhood by adding a home on the south lot. Mr. Cripe asked Mr. D’Onofrio if the applicants can withdraw their petition and come up with specific plans, without prejudice to the subsequent petition. Mr. D'Onofrio responded as long as no action is taken, the applicants can withdraw and resubmit their application. Mr. Cripe indicated that it may be worth considering. Chairperson Johnson stated that the applicants need to decide before the Plan Commission meeting unless there is a Plan Commission continuance. She then asked if there were any other questions. No additional questions were raised by the Board at this time. A vote was taken and the motion was unanimously passed, 7 to 0. AYES: Blum, Cripe, Hickey, Johnson, Lane, McCoy, Myers NAYS: None *** Respectfully submitted, Antionette Johnson Page 131 of 158 MEMORANDUM VILLAGE OF WINNETKA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO: PLAN COMMISSION FROM: CHRISTOPHER MARX, AICP, ASSOCIATE PLANNER DATE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 SUBJECT: 986 GREEN BAY ROAD – SIT STILL KIDS SALON SPECIAL USE PERMIT (CASE NO. 25-18-SU) INTRODUCTION On September 24, 2025, the Plan Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing to consider an application submitted by Sit Still Kids Salon, (the “Applicant”), as the prospective lessee of a commercial space located at 986 Green Bay Road (the “Subject Property”), to allow a hair salon to occupy the Subject Property. The property is currently owned by 986 Green Bay, LLC. The Applicant has filed an application seeking approval of a Special Use Permit in accordance with Chapter 17.56 [Special Uses] of the Winnetka Zoning Ordinance to permit a hair salon in the C-2 General Retail Commercial Overlay District at the Subject Property. The Applicant is seeking the Special Use Permit to allow a children’s hair salon franchise specializing in haircuts and styling for kids. A sign has been posted on the Subject Property and a website notice has been posted on the Village website indicating the time and date of the Plan Commission public hearing. A mail notice has been sent to property owners within 500 feet of the Subject Property. As of the date of this memo, staff has not received any written comments from the public regarding this application. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION The Subject Property is the northernmost commercial space on the first floor of a three-story mixed-use building at 976-986 Green Bay Road, which is located on the west side of Green Bay Road between Merrill Street and Scott Avenue in the Hubbard Woods Business District. The commercial space is approximately 1,377 square feet with approximately 26 feet of street frontage along Green Bay Road and was most recently occupied by Aqualta retail boutique. The overall building also contains City Kids Dental, Robbins Architecture, and residential units above. The Subject Property is located within the Village’s Commercial Overlay District, which allows non-retail uses, such as barber shops, nail salons, and hair salons; however, the Zoning Ordinance requires that they be evaluated by the Plan Commission and Village Council as a special use. Figures 1 through 6 on the following pages identify the Subject Property and the proposed location of Sit Still Kids Salon. Page 1 Page 132 of 158 Proposed Location of Sit Still Kids Salon Figure 1 – 986 Green Bay Road – GIS Map Proposed Location of Sit Still Kids Salon Figure 2 – Aerial Location Map Page 2 Page 133 of 158 Proposed Location of Sit Still Kids Salon Figure 3 – 986 Green Bay Road – Street Frontage of Proposed Kids Hair Salon Figure 4 – 986 Green Bay Road – Street Frontage of Proposed Kids Hair Salon Page 3 Page 134 of 158 Proposed Location of Sit Still Kids Salon Figure 5 – 986 Green Bay Road – Neighboring Uses to South - City Kids Dental and Robbins Architecture Figure 6 – 986 Green Bay Road – Neighboring Uses to North – Aqualta boutique and Mattie M boutique Page 4 Page 135 of 158 COMMERCIAL OVERLAY DISTRICT BACKGROUND The Overlay District was established in 1987 out of concern about the viability of the business districts as a whole if non-retail occupancies were allowed to proliferate and occupy significant areas within retail shopping districts. At the time of adoption there was a concern about the possible proliferation of real estate offices and financial institutions. The Village Zoning Ordinance describes the purpose of the Overlay District and its restrictions on non- retail uses as being: “to encourage retailing of comparison shopping goods and personal services compatible with such retailing on ground floor in order to encourage a clustering of such uses, to provide for a wide variety of retail shops and expose such shops to maximum foot traffic, while keeping such traffic in concentrated (yet well distinguished) channels throughout the district.” Since its adoption in 1987, the Overlay District has been revised on more than one occasion to alter district boundaries, or to modify the types of uses which are permitted within each district. The most recent amendment occurred on April 4, 2019, when the Village Council adopted MC-01-2019, amending the Zoning Ordinance regarding uses and regulations in the three commercial districts, including amendments to the Overlay District and the standards used to evaluate a special use. HUBBARD WOODS BUSINESS DISTRICTS OVERLAY BOUNDARIES A map depicting the zoning classifications of the Hubbard Woods Business District is included as Figure 7. The Subject Property is highlighted yellow. Gray areas indicate the underlying C-2 General Retail Commercial zoning, which permits by right a relatively broad array of uses, including various retail uses, along with a number of non-retail uses such as professional offices, financial service firms, medical offices and the like. Red crosshatch areas represent those areas subject to the restrictions of the Commercial Overlay District. The boundaries of the Overlay District are established along certain public streets and extend for a depth of 50 feet from the front property line. Subject Property Figure 7 – Hubbard Woods Business District Page 5 Page 136 of 158 DESCRIPTION OF CURRENT REQUEST The Applicant is proposing a hair salon specializing in haircuts for kids in a vacant commercial space on the first floor of the building. As noted earlier, the space the Applicant is proposing to occupy is the northernmost space of the building, which measures approximately 1,377 square feet. The hair salon would offer premium haircut services for children in addition to providing special accommodations for children with sensitivity to the haircut experience. As explained by the Applicant in the attached application materials provided in Attachment A, some retail offerings would be available including hair products, gifts, and small toys in addition to a small party room in the rear of the commercial space that would host occasional special events. The Applicant estimates that there would be an average of three special events per month, based on estimates from other franchise owners. The salon’s business hours would be between 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays (excluding Tuesdays, when the business would be closed), 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays, and 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sundays. The salon would have up to seven employees at any given time with an estimation of approximately three employees during non-peak hours. The Applicant estimates that a typical appointment visit would last 30 to 45 minutes with the salon averaging between 12 to 15 haircuts per day. The Applicant anticipates that the event space would host occasional special events with a volume of 10 attendees, creating a maximum volume of 38 people between employees, haircut customers, and event attendees. The Applicant has also provided an explanation of their expected parking impact, which is based on the employee and customer estimates in the application. The parking requirements are approximately five total cars during regular business hours, based off figures of two haircuts per hour and 30 minute to 45 minute cycle times for a haircut along with three employee vehicles and two customer vehicles. For less frequent peak business hours, the business could have as many as ten vehicles with six employee vehicles and four customers vehicles. A business day with peak-hours and a special event would have a vehicle parking volume of approximately 12 vehicles, with some of the children being dropped off by parents according to the Applicant. The Applicant indicates that customers and employees would utilize the Hubbard Woods Public Parking Garage, as well as on-street parking on Green Bay Road, Merrill Street, and Tower Court. Figure 8 below is a floor plan provided by the Applicant representing the layout of the proposed space. Figure 8 – Excerpt of Proposed Floor Plan Page 6 Page 137 of 158 DESIGN REVIEW BOARD REVIEW The Applicant has submitted an application for a sign permit that is tentatively scheduled for consideration by the Design Review Board on October 16, 2025. With the exception of signage, the Applicant has indicated that it has no plans to alter the exterior of the building. STANDARDS FOR REVIEW / FINDINGS The “Purpose” section of Chapter 17.56 Special Uses, states the following regarding special uses: It is recognized that there are special types of uses which because of their specific characteristics in relationship to uses permitted by right in a particular district, or the services which they provide, cannot be properly permitted by right in a particular district without consideration, in each case, of the impact of such uses upon neighboring land, or of the public need for such uses at a particular location. A land use classified as a special use is an allowed land use as long as the Applicant can demonstrate that the proposed use in its proposed specific location meets the applicable standards for granting special use approval. Section 17.44 of the Zoning Ordinance provides a series of twelve (12) standards for the evaluation of Special Use applications within the Commercial Overlay District, which provides a framework for evaluation by the Plan Commission. The Applicant has supplied as part of their application materials a narrative addressing how this proposal complies with the twelve (12) standards. (See Attachment A) Following conclusion of public comment and Commission discussion, a Commission member may choose to make the following motion: I make a motion that: The Plan Commission recommends approval [denial] of the requested special use to allow the Applicant, Sit Still Kids Salon, to operate a hair salon at 986 Green Bay Road within the C-2 Commercial Overlay District, based on the following findings of fact: “The hair salon (the “Special Use”) is [is not] consistent with the Standards for granting of Special Use Permits in the Commercial Overlay District, which are as follows: 1. The establishment, maintenance, and operation of the Special Use will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, comfort, morals, or general welfare; 2. The Special Use will not be substantially injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity which are permitted by right in the district or districts of concern, nor substantially diminish or impair property values in the immediate vicinity; 3. The establishment of Special Use will not impede the normal and orderly development or improvement of other property in the immediate vicinity for uses permitted by right in the district or districts of concern; 4. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide ingress and egress in a manner which minimize pedestrian and vehicular traffic congestion in the public ways; 5. Adequate parking, utilities, access roads, drainage, and other facilities necessary to the operation of the Special Use exists or are to be provided; 6. The Special Use in all other respects conforms to the applicable regulations of this and other village ordinances and codes; Page 7 Page 138 of 158 7. The proposed special use at the proposed location will encourage, facilitate and enhance the continuity, concentration, and pedestrian nature of the area in a manner similar to that of retail uses; 8. The location of the proposed special use along a block frontage shall provide for a minimum interruption in the existing and potential continuity and concentration of the retail uses along the block’s frontage; 9. The proposed special use at the proposed location will provide for display windows, provided that the street facing windows remain open and transparent as viewed from the sidewalk into the tenant space. The proposed special use at the proposed location will provide for facades, signage and lighting similar in nature and compatible with that provided by retail uses; 10. If the proposed special use provides multi-use areas, such as retail merchandise areas, restaurant dining areas, general office space, private offices, reception areas, or employee work areas, any proposed retail merchandise area or restaurant dining area shall be concentrated and located immediately adjacent to the sidewalk and clearly visible from the street in such a fashion as to invite customers to browse or dine; 11. If a proposed new building contemplates a mix of retail, office and service type uses, the minimum frontage for each retail use adjacent to the sidewalk shall be 20 feet with a minimum gross floor area of 400 square feet. In addition, such retail space shall be devoted to active retail merchandising which maintain typical and customary hours of operation; and 12. The proposed location and operation of the proposed special use shall not significantly diminish the availability of parking for district clientele wishing to patronize existing retail businesses.” The Commission’s recommendation is subject to no conditions [the following conditions]: 1. [Insert conditions…] As noted above, the Commission may also wish to consider if there are any conditions it may want to place on the facility’s operation. This request is subject to final approval by the Village Council. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Application Materials Page 8 Page 139 of 158 ATTACHMENT A Village of Winnetka SPECIAL USE PERMIT – C2 COMMERCIAL OVERLAY APPLICATION V I L L A G E O F W I N N E T K A, I L L I N O I S DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION C-2 COMMERCIAL OVERLAY Case No.__ _ __ __ Property Information 986 Green Bay Road, Winnetka IL 60093 Site Address:________________________________________________________________________________ Children's Hair Care Services Proposed type of occupancy:___________________________________________________________________ Applicant Information Name:_Sit Still Kids Salon____ Address:_986 Green Bay Road____________________ Jenn Epstein Primary Contact:__________________________ City, State, ZIP:_Winnetka, IL 60093______________ 847-512-3191 Phone No._______________________________ jepstein@hoffmanncre.com Email:___________________________________ Applicant Signature:_____________________________ 08/12/2025 Date:___________________________________ Attorney Information Name:_Hecht Schondorf LLC Architect Information Primary Contact:__Adam Hecht___________________ Name:_Mason Miller Architect_ Address:_900 Skokie Blvd., Suite 104_______________ Mason Miller Primary Contact:_________________________ City, State, ZIP:_Northbrook, IL 60062 ____________ Address:________________________________ _ Phone No._312-878-1206___________________ City, State, Zip:_______________________ Email:_ahecht@hechtschondorf.com_____________ Phone No._847-920-8071__________________ Email:_mason@masonmillerarchitect.com Property Owner Acknowledgment 986 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL I hereby certify that I am the owner of the property located at ____________________, and have provided the attached proof of ownership. (address) Sit Still Kids Salon I consent to the filing of an application for a Special Use Permit by______________________________________. (Applicant name) Property Owner Signature:_ 08/12/2025 Date:___________________________________ Printed Name: ________________________________ Page 3 of 4 Page 140 of 158 Special Use Permit Application Business Description: Sit Still Kids Salon is a U.S.-based children’s hair salon franchise specializing in professional haircuts and styling for kids of all ages, differentiated by its fresh, modern, approach. Founded in 2007, the company operates upscale, family-friendly, salons across the country. Services include basic haircut offerings such as haircuts, braids, curls, updos, in addition to other, more unique, offerings such as glitter tattoos, sparkle strands, and fun offerings(e.g., “BFF packages” where friends go together to get their hair braided together). The brand is designed to foster an inclusive environment that eases children’s salon experiences. Sit Still features a sign-in process that allows parents to share if their child needs additional care (e.g., sensory needs, tablet or no tablet, etc.), making it a personalized and premium salon experience for parents. The store also offers high quality retail offerings, which include hair care products as well as fun toys and gifts for kids. Brit and Chris Jordan have purchased franchise rights to the Sit Still brand across all of Chicagoland, and are targeting the Northshore to open their first, and flagship, location. Operational Overview: The intended hours of operation are: a. Weekdays (excl. Tuesdays, when the business is closed): 10am – 6pm b. Saturdays: 10am – 5pm c. Sundays: 11am – 4pm There will up to 7 employees in store (6 salon artists + 1 front desk employee) at any one time. During non-peak times, there will generally be 3 employees in the store at a given time. A typical appointment takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on if any add-on features are supplemented to hair cut treatment(s). Sit Still averages between 12 and 15 haircuts per day, spread out over the ~7 hours of operation (or approximately 2 per hour). Occasionally, and particularly on weekends, the Sit Still space will have an area available for customers to host birthday parties and similar events, each typically hosting ~10 children. When parties are run concurrently with salon operations, the number of people in the store at any one time would be, at most: 7 employees, 6 haircut customers, 10 party goers, 15 parents =38individuals. Page 141 of 158 Conformance with Special Use Standards: 1) The salon will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, comfort, morals, or general warfare of those around it. The salon is a family-friendly, safe, environment where memories are made. 2) Nothing will be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity, as the salon is a self-contained operation that will not interfere with neighboring businesses. 3) For the same reasons, SSK will not impede the normal and orderly development or improvement of other property in the immediate vicinity. 4) Measures will be taken to provide ingress or egress that minimize pedestrian and vehicular traffic congestion. The majority of customers (parents) book by appointment through an app, which helps promote efficiency and ensures backlog and congestion are minimized. We will encourage our customers to use the parking garage to ensure they have a smoother experience getting into the store. 5) Adequate parking, utilities, access roads, drainage, and other facilities necessary to the operation of the business will be provided for. The salon requires one wash basin, which will connect to the existing drainage offered through the existing, ADA-compliant, bathroom. And customers will find ample parking available through street-side parking on Green Bay Road and/or at the Hubbard Woods Metra Station Parking Deck. This, in context with the aforementioned info around operations (e.g., 30-45 min cycle times, and averaging 2 cuts per hour) means the typical parking necessary to run operations would be 3 employee cars + 2 customer cars = 5 total cars, and that peak operations (less frequent in nature) would be ~6 employee cars + ~4 customer cars = 10 total cars. We believe this can be accommodated by street-side spots on Green Bay Rd./Merrill Street/Tower Court, as well as the Hubbard Woods Metra Station Parking Deck (where we will encourage employees to park). In addition, our operations will close daily between 4pm and 6pm and thus not compete heavily with other, nearby, businesses that see heavier evening and night-time traffic (e.g., Mino's, Guanajuato). 6) The use of the salon will conform to the applicable regulations of all necessary ordinances and codes. We have received a Fire Code inspection by the Village of Winnetka, marking just one (1) item that would need to be brought up to code: ensuring the back door can more freely swing open and shut. 7) The salon will encourage, facilitate, and enhance the continuity, concentration, and pedestrian nature of the area in a manner similar to that of retail uses. As a children-focused business model, we believe the salon will promote the pediatric dentistry (located next door), other relevant kids stores nearby, and overall use of Hubbard Woods Park. 8) Nothing in the construction or use of the salon shall interrupt the existing retail use along the block or that portion of the Green Bay corridor. 9) The proposed special use will provide for active display windows, facades, and signage that are all compatible with the Village’s guidelines, and consistent with the Signage applications. As a minimalistic model, the signage out front will feature “sit still.” in simple, lower-case lettering, and have simple, fresh, window decals that are also simple in overall aesthetic (example Page 142 of 158 photos below). We do not anticipate using an awning as part of our overall front signage. In addition, we plan no exterior, structural, changes to the windows or doors. The Sign/Design permit (which has been submitted to the Village) elaborates on the window decals used and outside signage used. We do not plan to make any masonry modifications, and do not plan to paint any of the exterior. (Shown below is an example of the brand’s iconography, from the Louisville location) 10) Sit Still sells various retail products. These include, but are not limited to: hair care products (child-friendly shampoos, conditioners, detanglers, and styling products), hair accessories (clips, headbands, bows, scrunchies), and eco-friendly toys, gifts and novelties. Such retail products will be located along the wall, perpendicular to the sidewalk, and highly visible to pedestrians, positioned in a manner that invites walk-ins. 11) The square footage devoted to retail will comply with the guidelines set forth by the Village, and commensurate for the overall property, which is approximately 1,300 square feet. 12) The proposed location will not diminish the availability of parking for district clientele; customers typically book by appointment thereby evening out any one influx of patrons. Deed proving ownership: We have asked the owners to provide a deed proving ownership. Their response was to have Anita contact Jenn Epstein directly if the Village does, indeed, require this deed evidencing Hoffman’s ownership of the 986 Green Bay location. Traffic study and/or parking study. In speaking with the Economic Development Office of the Village, it was determined that a traffic and/or parking study would likely not be required given a) this is not a new construction, and b) the modest levels of traffic that our business will bring to the existing flows on surrounding streets and intersections (as outlined in the operational overview section, and bullet #5, both listed above) would not warrant the studies to be commissioned. We hope the answers above sufficiently address all of the special use conformances with city guidelines. We are happy to elaborate on any topics that require additional detail. Thank you. Page 143 of 158 COPYRIGHT C 2014 LEGEND PROPERTY BOUNDARY ALTA/ACSM LAND TITLE SURVEY MeritCorp G R O U P , L L C OFFSITE PROPERTY LINE EASEMENT LINE BUILDING SETBACK LINE MEASURED DISTANCE LEGAL DESCRIPTION DEED DISTANCE PARCEL 5: FOUND IRON PIPE NORTH UNIT NUMBER 1-S1 IN WINNETKA MANOR CONDOMINIUM AS DELINEATED ON A SURVEY OF FOUND IRON ROD THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE: FOUND PK NAIL LOTS 6 AND 7 IN BLOCK 2 IN LAKESIDE JARED GAGE'S SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE 1" = 10' GRAPHIC SCALE FOUND CUT CROSS NORTHWEST 1/4 OF FRACTIONAL SECTION 17 AND PART OF THE EAST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF FRACTIONAL SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 42 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST STORM SEWER OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, WHICH SURVEY IS ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT "A" TO THE N SANITARY SEWER DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 90300819 AND EE CONSOLIDATED, AMENDED AND RESTATED BY DECLARATION RECORDED SEPTEMBER 12, WATERMAIN 2000 AS DOCUMENT 0076659, TOGETHER WITH ITS UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN GR THE COMMON ELEMENTS, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. UNDERGROUND GAS LINE UNDERGROUND CABLE LINE NOTES: YR UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC LINE DOCUMENT NUMBER 90300919 WAS PROVIDED FOR THE BENEFIT OF PREPARING THIS SURVEY, MINUS THE PLAT OF SURVEY REFERENCED AS EXHIBIT A IN THE ABOVE BA UNDERGROUND TELEPHONE LINE DESCRIPTION. MEASUREMENTS SHOWN HEREON ARE ACTUAL MEASUREMENTS OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES REFLECTING ACTUAL CONDITIONS WITHIN THE UNIT AT THE TIME FIELD WORK WAS D. COMPLETED. GRADING CONTOUR FENCE LINE DOCUMENT NUMBER 0076659 WAS PROVIDED FOR THE BENEFIT OF PREPARING THIS SURVEY. THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION IN THE COMMITMENT FOR TITLE INSURANCE DEPRESSED CURB INCORRECTLY REFERS TO THIS DOCUMENT AS 0076649. TREELINE TREE DESCRIPTION: POWER POLE TELEPHONE PEDESTAL TRANSFORMER ISSUED FOR REVIEW DRAINAGE FLOW ARROW OVERFLOW ROUTE LIGHT POLE WALL PACK ISSUED TO CLIENT SANITARY MANHOLE SANITARY CLEANOUT FIRE HYDRANT VALVE AND VAULT GATE VALVE STORM CURB FRAME & GRATE DATE: STORM MANHOLE STORM CATCH BASIN 11-21-2014 12-04-2014 STORM FLARED END SECTION MANHOLE (UNKNOWN UTILITY) Engineering - Planning - Surveying - Environmental MeritCorp SURVEYOR'S NOTES C 1. BASIS OF BEARING, NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF MERRILL STREET BEARS L SOUTH 62 DEGREES WEST PER OLD PLAT OF SURVEY. L 2. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREON IS THE SAME AS PORTIONS OF THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN CHICAGO TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY'S FILE NO. 1401 , 008975771 D2. P 3. NO SUBSURFACE INVESTIGATION WAS PERFORMED TO LOCATE UNDERGROUND U UTILITIES. UTILITIES SHOWN HEREON ARE LIMITED TO AND ARE PER OBSERVED EVIDENCE ONLY. O 4. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE GIVEN IN FEET AND DECIMAL PARTS THEREOF. R 5. THERE WERE NO OBSERVABLE DEDICATED PARKING SPACES ON SITE. G 6. COMPARE DEED DESCRIPTION AND SITE CONDITIONS WITH THE DATA GIVEN ON THIS PLAT AND REPORT ANY DISCREPANCIES TO THE SURVEYOR AT ONCE. 7. THE IMPROVEMENTS SHOWN HEREON WERE LOCATED AT THE TIME OF THE SURVEY AND ARE NOT A REPRESENTATION OF ANY PHYSICAL STRUCTURES THAT MAY HAVE BEEN OBSTRUCTED BY SNOW, ICE, LANDSCAPING, OR BRUSH. 8. THERE IS NO EXISTENCE OF WETLANDS ON THE PROPERTY BASED ON THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICES GIS MAPPING. 9. NO APPARENT ENCROACHMENTS WERE OBSERVED DURING THIS SURVEY, OTHER THAN NOTED. 10. NO VISIBLE CEMETERY OR BURIAL GROUNDS WERE OBSERVED ON PROPERTY AT TIME OF FIELD WORK. 11. NO EVIDENCE OF EARTH MOVING WORK, BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, OR 986 GREEN BAY ROAD LLC BUILDING ADDITIONS WERE OBSERVED ON PROPERTY AT TIME OF FIELD WORK. 12. NO EVIDENCE OF SITE BEING USED AS A SOLID WASTE DUMP, SUMP, OR SANITARY LANDFILL WERE OBSERVED ON PROPERTY AT TIME OF FIELD WORK. 13. INFORMATION OR PLATS FOR RIGHT OF WAY OR TAKINGS FOR LINDEN AVENUE (NOW GREEN BAY ROAD) WAS NOT PROVIDED. 986 GREEN BAY ROAD T . S SURVEYOR'S CERTIFICATE FLOOD NOTE RILL PROPERTY IS IN ZONE "X" PER FEMA FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP NO. MER STATE OF ILLINOIS ) 17031C0251J WITH AN REVISED DATE OF AUGUST 19, 2008. ) SS COUNTY OF COOK ) ALTA/ACSM TO: 986 GREEN BAY ROAD LLC , U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, A NATIONAL BANKING ZONING ASSOCIATION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND/OR ASSIGNS AND CHICAGO TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE PROPERTY SHOWN HEREON IS ZONED C-2 - RETAIL OVERLAY. FOR ZONING QUESTIONS, CONTACT THE VILLAGE OF WINNETKA AT 847-501-6000. PER THIS IS TO DECLARE THAT THIS MAP AND THE SURVEY ON WHICH IT IS BASED WERE MADE IN ALTA/ACSM STANDARDS, LAND SURVEYORS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO MAKE ACCORDANCE WITH THE "MINIMUM STANDARD DETAIL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALTA/ACSM LAND ZONING INTERPRETATIONS. CURRENT ZONING CLASSIFICATION, BUILDING TITLE SURVEYS", JOINTLY ESTABLISHED AND ADOPTED BY ALTA AND NSPS IN 2011. SETBACK REQUIREMENTS, HEIGHT AND FLOOR SPACE AREA RESTRICTIONS LAND TITLE SURVEY WERE NOT PROVIDED. FIELD WORK WAS COMPLETED ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 ORIGINALLY ISSUED: NOVEMBER 21, 2014 - FOR PRELIMINARY REVIEW DATE OF LAST REVISION: DECEMBER 4, 2014 035-3295 ITEMS CORRESPONDING TO SCHEDULE B PROJECT NO. M14088 ______________________________________________ CHICAGO TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY COMMITMENT NUMBER 1401 008975771 D2 JAMES P. MEIER, PE, PLS, CFM WAS REVIEWED FOR THE PREPARATION OF THIS PLAT. ILLINOIS PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYOR NO. 3295 DRAWN BY: MTS AS RELATED TO PARCEL 5 AS DESCRIBED THEREIN, THERE ARE NO CURRENT LICENSE EXPIRES NOVEMBER 30, 2016 SURVEY-RELATED MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE COMMITMENT. CHECKED BY: JPM THIS PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONFORMS TO THE CURRENT MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR A BOUNDARY SURVEY IN ILLINOIS. SHEET NO. 1/1 Page 144 of 158 /Users/hgf5/Dropbox/01 project folder/Hoffmann/986 Greenbay Road/11.0 Drawings/11.2 Working Drawing/986 Greenbay Road.pln 16'-01/4" 1'-113/4" 8'-4" 4'-41/2" 26'-93/4" A: 843.18 sq ft STORAGE 38'-3" 24'-8" 11'-101/2" 13'-5" 11'-9" 27'-7" 24'-71/2" 14'-2" A: 606.6 sq ft BACK ROOM Page 145 of 158 9'-21/2" 1 SCALE: 1/4" = 24'-91/2" 1'-0" 6.54 in 26'-2" FIRST FLOOR PLAN A: 720.86 sq ft SHOW ROOM 1,376.97 sq ft WINDOW SILL H. GARY FRANK ARCHITECTS AIA, LTD DATE 523 Chestnut Street, Winnetka, IL 60093 Office: 847.501.4212 9 8 6 G R E E N BAY R OAD A1.1 email: gary@hgaryfrankarchitects.com 9 8 6 G R E E N BAY R OAD W I N N E T KA I L L I N O I S 6 0 0 9 3 All Copyrights 2018 H. Gary Frank Architects AIA, LTD All Rights Reserved ISSUE NAME party room 16X12 break room 13'-0"X7'-5" option c Page 146 of 158 2024 Page 147 of 158 Page 148 of 158 Page 149 of 158 Page 150 of 158 Page 151 of 158 Page 152 of 158 Page 153 of 158 Page 154 of 158 Page 155 of 158 Page 156 of 158 Page 157 of 158 Page 158 of 158