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Zoning Code Exceptions for Older Homes

One of the purposes of the Hinsdale Zoning Code is to limit the bulk and density of new and existing structures in the community. From time to time, the Hinsdale Board of Trustees may amend the Zoning Code after the Plan Commission conducts the necessary public hearing and makes a recommendation. Since the current code was adopted in 1988, many amendments have occurred. Three of the amendments have been geared towards older homes to help address their needs to rehab, upgrade and in some cases expand to today's current needs. Properties do not have be designated local landmarks to be eligible for the three exceptions to the Zoning Code. Questions regarding the three amendments Zoning Code can be directed to the Community Development Department - Building Division.

Roof Height Extensions
On May 5, 1998, the Hinsdale Board of Trustees amended the Hinsdale Zoning Code by adding Paragraph 10-104B5 to Section 10-104 Precode Structures. This amendment addressed was created to deal with roof heights of accessory pre-code structures in the residential districts. On March 2, 1999, the existing language was modified to include the principal pre-code structures. 

The amendment allows for single-family residences and accessory structures constructed prior to 1988 located on a conforming lot in a single-family residential district that is nonconforming with respect to the permitted maximum height and that is a precode structure solely due to the nonconforming height of the structure may be extended: a) horizontally at a height in excess of said permitted maximum height but not in excess of the roofline of the existing structure or b) horizontally and vertically at a height in excess of the permitted maximum height but not in excess of the height of the structure as of the date of initial occupancy of the original structure, provided, however, that such extension shall not be permitted where the height of the structure as of the date of initial occupancy of the original structure exceeded the maximum height authorized by law; and, in either case, such extension shall not extend more than twenty four inches (24") beyond the exterior face of the exterior walls of said existing structure. 

Detached Garages for homes constructed prior to 1950 
On March 4, 2003, the Hinsdale Board of Trustees amended the Hinsdale Zoning Code by adding Paragraph 10-104B6 to Section 10-104 Precode Structures. The amendment allows single-family detached dwelling structures that exceed allowable floor area square footage and or allowable building coverage the ability to construct or reconstruct a detached garage accessory to, and on the same zoning lot as the single-family detached dwelling if the following three conditions are met:
  1. the dwelling was constructed prior to 1950;
  2. the dwelling does not have an attached garage; and
  3. the replacement garage does not exceed a total floor area of four hundred forty (440) square feet.
Floor Area exceptions for homes constructed prior to January 1, 1930
On March 7, 2006, the Board of Trustees amended Subsection 12-206F, "Floor area, gross"(scroll down for Floor Area Gross definition) of the Hinsdale Zoning to help single-family homes constructed prior to January 1, 1930 possibly expand. Some older homes, especially Victorian and farmhouse style houses, have difficulty adding on to meet current housing amenities such as larger kitchens and family rooms because of their raised basements and large attics counted toward floor area. The amendment exempts the area defined as a basement and attic from being counted toward allowable floor area square footage for both the existing structure and the new addition. The remaining portion of the existing structure and proposed addition must comply with the applicable maximum allowed floor area square footage as found in Subsection 3-110E of the Hinsdale Zoning Code.

Please contact the Village Planner at (630) 789-7030 with any questions and for assistance in designating your home as a landmark.