Relocating buyers ponder why a cold weather climate would foster so many detached garages, even on new houses.

The near western suburban area (Hinsdale, Western Springs, Clarendon Hills) tends to be very popular with those who relocate here by way of the employee relocation process. Many of these relocating families move here from warm weather climates. As such, they wonder why there are so many detached garages-even on new homes.

In Hinsdale, part of the answer lies in two exceptions to the zoning code which encourage detached garages for aesthetic reasons:

1. The building coverage rule is relaxed by not counting 25% of the floor area of a detached garage (not to exceed 125 square feet)

2. The floor area rule is relaxed by excluding 50% of the area of the detached garage, but not more than 250 square feet

And now for an explanation in English…

The villages do not like the look of attached garages, particularly those of the "garage forward" variety. A such, they provide zoning enticements for the creation of detached garages. On many lots, this enticement can mean the difference between having or not having a first floor library or den.

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