Monee Board Approves Variance for New Residents’ Garage

Village of Monee Board Meeting | October 22, 2025

Article Summary:
The Monee Village Board unanimously approved a variance allowing new residents Christopher and Lorre Gilligan to construct a detached garage exceeding standard height and size regulations. The couple, downsizing to a new home, required the additional storage space.

Variance Approval Key Points:

• Property: 26526 South Winfield Road.

• Request: A variance to build a detached garage larger than 400 square feet and exceeding standard height limits.

• Purpose: The homeowners are downsizing and require the structure for personal storage.

• Approval: The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval, and the Village Board voted 5-0 in favor.

The Monee Village Board on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, welcomed new residents to the community by approving a zoning variance for their property.

Christopher and Lorre Gilligan, who recently purchased the home at 26526 South Winfield Road, sought permission to build a detached garage that exceeded village code limits for accessory structures. The variance allows for a structure larger than 400 square feet.

“We downsized for humans, but not our stuff,” homeowner Christopher Gilligan joked to the board.

Village Administrator Ruben Bautista, filling in for the Village Attorney, explained that the variance would stay with the property in perpetuity. He noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission had already given a unanimous favorable recommendation.

Interim Building Services Director Lance Becvar confirmed that the project meets all other building requirements, including a brick veneer to match the residence.

“Building services is satisfied with the variance… and everything else appears to meet what we need,” Becvar said.

The board voted unanimously to approve Ordinance #2100 granting the variance.