Plainfield Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting: Variance Approval for 15665 S. Van Dyke Dr., September 1, 2026

The Plainfield Zoning Board of Appeals met on September 1, 2026, to consider a variance request for a property at 15665 S. Van Dyke Drive. After a public hearing, the Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of two variances for a detached accessory structure (pool house) exceeding the 1,000 sq ft limit and a 5-foot front yard fence, subject to stipulations including the applicant's sworn assurance the structure will not be used as a rental.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ted Zeto (neighbor at 24738 Fairbanks Court) questioned a discrepancy in the case number between the agenda and the applicant's paperwork, and asked about similar variances granted in the past.
• The applicant, David Bruskin, testified under oath that he is the owner and wants to build a pool house with an office and storage for family use, maximizing privacy by locating it far from neighbors and forest preserve. He stated the structure will not be used as a rental property.

Discussion Items

• Staff Report (Steven Bravo, Planner): The property is an interior lot zoned R1, approximately 44,000 sq ft with a unique shape at the end of Van Dyke Road. The existing two-story home is about 3,300 sq ft. The proposed pool (600 sq ft) and detached pool house (approximately 2,100 sq ft) are located south of the house, meeting all setbacks. The requested variances are: (1) to allow a detached accessory structure exceeding the 1,000 sq ft maximum (proposed ~2,100 sq ft), and (2) to allow a 5-foot open fence in the front yard (4-foot limit). Staff noted the lot is unique and the variances are appropriate.
• Project Background (John, Village Attorney/Staff): The lot was previously part of a plan to create a subdivision for public utility easements; that subdivision plat is being processed concurrently. The applicant is donating an outlet for utilities to the village and retaining the surplus land.
• Commissioner Questions:
  • Commissioner Fahim asked about similar variances granted in the past; staff replied that a handful have been approved, but this lot is unique.
  • Commissioner Fahim questioned the accessory structure's intended use; the applicant described a kitchenette, office, and storage (no bedrooms). The builder noted the conditioned area is about 1,500 sq ft, excluding a large covered porch and garage storage.
  • Commissioner Campanella asked about buildability of the surplus lot adjacent to the walking path, and how compliance with the pool house's non-dwelling status would be ensured. Staff replied the building official reviewed plans to prevent it becoming a dwelling.
  • Commissioner Heinen supported the application citing the lot's size (over an acre) and uniqueness; noting that on a smaller lot he would not support it.
  • Chairman Minnesota noted the fence height variance for the east side to match existing 5-foot fence, and confirmed access is via walking path, not a driveway.
  • Commissioner Fahim expressed concern about the hardship justification and the large size; applicant reaffirmed under oath that the structure will never be rented.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Close Public Hearing: Approved by voice vote.
• Motion to Adopt Findings of Fact and Recommend Approval: Commissioner Fahim moved to adopt staff findings and recommend approval of the requested variances, subject to two stipulations from the staff report. Commissioner Heinen seconded. Before the vote, Commissioner Fahim asked that the applicant's sworn testimony (not to rent the pool house) be added as a third stipulation. Staff confirmed it could be included. The motion passed by roll call vote: 7-0 (Commissioners Campanella, Nicholson, Volirga, Heinen, Fahim, Chairman Minnes all voting yes).
• Next Steps: The favorable recommendation will be forwarded to the Village Board, which will consider the variance request concurrently with the related subdivision plat.