May 06--The green-trimmed treehouse pokes over the roof of the home in front of it.
Dan Alexander's treehouse, which rents for $195 per night, includes wireless Internet, a microwave and "cushy" robes, among other amenities, according to a listing on the website airbnb.com. Built high in a tree in a Schaumburg back yard, the house includes a sink, TV and fireplace, and is big enough to accommodate two people.
It has also prompted Schaumburg officials to consider regulating the size, height and other aspects of residents' treehouses. Members of the village planning, building and development committee will discuss the proposal at a meeting Thursday.
"The regulations aren't to impose anything strict or structural...but just to kind-of put some reasonable standards," said Julie Fitzgerald, the village director of community development.
Fitzgerald said Alexander is cooperating with the village about use of his treehouse. They have agreed that, under village code, Alexander can rent rooms in his home and allow access to his treehouse and backyard, but he cannot rent the treehouse itself.
The proposed regulations would require future treehouse builders to get a $15 permit from the village before building in backyard trees. Among other requirements, the base of the house cannot be more than 25 feet off the ground, and it can be no more than 100 square feet.
Village officials thought that would be a reasonable size for a playhouse, Fitzgerald said.
She said Alexander's house -- which would be grandfathered into the ordinance if it is approved -- is not much bigger than the proposed regulations would allow.
Alexander noted in the listing that the treehouse will sway in high winds.
Schaumburg officials proposed regulating treehouses several years ago, but eventually decided not to. However, "a treehouse of such an elaborate nature was not contemplated," village staff wrote in a memorandum outlining the proposed regulations.
Fitzgerald did not remember how the village first became aware of Alexander's treehouse, but she said they had not received complaints from neighbors.
Village officials don't want to monitor the integrity of tree houses, she said, but instead want to prevent residents from building structures that affect their neighbors.
At Alexander's treehouse, a variety of vacationers have booked the space for "interesting" or "romantic" getaways, according to reviews on airbnb. One couple stayed there on their way to Ikea, just a few miles down the road.
"It's seriously the coolest thing ever," the Ikea-goer wrote. "It's like a little castle in the sky."
sfreishtat@tribpub.com
