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McHenry zoning panel backs rezoning and two variances for historic Huntley farmhouse
Summary
The McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals voted 7-0 to recommend a map amendment and two variances for a historic farmhouse at 6914 Menching Road, approving an ancillary dwelling that exceeds the district's size and bedroom limits; the matter goes to the County Board Oct. 21.
The McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals voted 7-0 to recommend a map amendment and two variances for a property at 6914 Menching Road in Huntley, approving a rezoning from A-1 to A-2 and variances to allow an ancillary dwelling unit larger and with more bedrooms than the district standards allow. The board's recommendation will go to the McHenry County Board for final action on Oct. 21.
The applicant, Nicholas Mason, told the board the request reflects existing conditions on the site rather than a new construction: "It's an older farmhouse, and it's got 3 bedrooms as opposed to the 2 that are required by the ancillary dwelling," he said, and estimated the unit's interior at "approximately 1,352 square feet," noting it includes an attached exterior garage. Mason asked that his written testimony in the application be incorporated into the record.
The request seeks two variances for the ancillary dwelling: an increase to the maximum permitted floor area (the ordinance maximum is 900 square feet) and an increase in the maximum number of bedrooms (the ordinance maximum is two bedrooms). Staff planners confirmed setback compliance: the barn foundation is approximately 45 feet from the property line and the house about 75 feet, which "also complies" with accessory structure setback standards, according to Senior Planner Anna Kurtzman. Planner Nadia Jacobson reported the parcel is designated agricultural and environmentally sensitive on the county's future land use map and that part of the southern area lies within the floodplain and a sensitive aquifer recharge area. The McHenry County Soil and Water Conservation District report NRIL250444705 was received for the petition.
Board members who commented said the proposal fit local policy to preserve old farmsteads. Zoning Board member Charlie Eldridge said the county seeks to preserve old farmsteads where possible and that "this is absolutely a typical example." Several members said the variances were necessary because the ancillary unit pre-existed the current rules, and approving the variances would make the building conforming only by exception. No public speakers attended.
The board voted 7-0; recorded voting statements in the hearing named Mister Aldridge, Miss Gardner, Mister Cozen, Mister Schnabel, Miss Beverly, Miss Donner and the chair as voting yes. The board record states the petition will be forwarded to the County Board on Oct. 21 and that the petitioner does not need to attend because of the affirmative recommendation.
Details from the record: the petition cites PIN 18-06-400-003; publishing and notice dates included a publisher's certificate dated Aug. 20, 2025, an affidavit of mailing dated Aug. 21, 2025, and an affidavit of posting dated Aug. 27, 2025. The applicant and his representative noted the barn on the property was dated 1888 and that the farm was purchased by the applicant's father in 1970.
No formal conditions beyond the map amendment and variances were recorded in the board motion. Staff did not object to the requests.
The board's action was procedural; the final legal authority to adopt the rezoning and issue variances rests with the McHenry County Board at its Oct. 21 meeting.
