The Des Plaines Plan Commission Monday night voted 4-0 to approve a zoning amendment that would allow property owners to build homes on undersize lots without first obtaining variances.
If approved by the full City Council at a later meeting, the amendment would replace a provision in the city’s 1960 zoning ordinance that requires a variance for a home on a lot smaller than 6,875 square feet or 49 1/2 feet wide, said Mike D’Onofrio, community development director.
The city has non-conforming lots that were subdivided before 1960, D’Onofrio said. If the amendment is approved, homes built on undersize lots would still need to comply with setback and other zoning requirements.
Several residents urged plan commissioners to approve the amendment, saying they feared existing homes on undersize lots would need variances before rebuilding after a fire or natural disaster.
Plan Commission Chairman Jim Wilhelm said lot size is not a key issue in determining which residents get building permits.