Commission allows 5-acre A1 lot to remain A1, permits pole building without rezoning

The Will County Planning & Zoning Commission on July 15 approved a variance reducing the minimum lot-area requirement for an A1 (agricultural) parcel in Manhattan Township from 10 acres to 5 acres so the owner may construct a detached accessory building. Staff said the 5-acre, 300-foot-frontage parcel at 12211 West Baker Road is nonconforming to A1 standards, which typically require 10 acres and 300 feet of frontage, and that the property was already improved with a single-family residence when it was created. Staff recommended approval, finding unique circumstances: the lot has existed as a 5-acre parcel for about 11 years and obtaining additional acreage or combining parcels would be a private transaction that could be difficult and lengthy. The applicant plans a 40-by-120-foot pole building behind the house. Staff recommended that new construction meet applicable building and zoning codes and concluded the proposed use would not alter the essential character of the area, which is a mix of subdivisions and agricultural land. Commissioners voted to approve the variance by roll call; the transcript records unanimous support from Commissioners John Kiefner, Roger Bettenhausen, Melissa Navarette, Matthew Gugala, Karen Warwick and Chairman Huestepin. The decision allows the owner to remain in A1 zoning and proceed with the accessory structure, subject to standard permitting and code compliance.