Council approves several conditional-use permits and variances including storage fencing, fueling station and golf-club additions

The McHenry City Council approved three separate conditional-use permits and related variations: a security fence and fence variance for a mini-warehouse at 5149 Bulger Court; a conditional-use permit with sign and zoning variations for the Autumn Auto fueling station at 3702 West Elm Street; and a conditional-use permit to allow a clubhouse pavilion and cart-storage barn at McHenry Golf Club (820 North John Street).

On the Bulger Court item councilors indicated no objection to the security fence. Alderman Glenn observed the fence issue had not come to the council when the facility was originally approved in 2022, but said he did not oppose the current request.

On the West Elm fueling station, Alderman Glenn also raised issues about an alley behind the site that is currently used for parking and suggested the city consider enforcing right-of-way rules if private uses are occupying the alley. He also said he was reluctant to approve blanket zoning variations without full detail; the council debated that tradeoff before moving forward. The clerk recorded a roll call on the fueling-station item that included one recorded no vote by an alderman; the motion passed.

On the McHenry Golf Club item the council approved the CUP to permit a clubhouse pavilion and cart storage barn for the existing golf course; the vote was recorded in the clerk’s roll call and the motion passed without substantive public opposition.

Motions and votes: Each item was moved and seconded on the consent or regular agenda; roll-call votes were recorded and each ordinance passed. No amendments to the measures were made at the meeting.

Next steps: Staff will record the approved variances and update permit files. Alderman Glenn’s comments about alley use prompted staff to note potential future enforcement or review of property-use rights around the fueling-station parcel.