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ZBA recommends rezoning of Stony Point parcels to AG1 for forestry and small-scale chickens
Summary
The Lee County Zoning Board of Appeals voted to recommend that four parcels around 905 Stony Point Road be rezoned from R-2 to AG-1 to accommodate forestry management and a small homestead chicken operation, forwarding the petition to the County Board with a unanimous vote.
The Lee County Zoning Board of Appeals voted Feb. 6 to recommend that four parcels around 905 Stony Point Road in Dixon Township be rezoned from R-2 (single-family residential) to AG-1 (rural agricultural). The petition was filed to regularize existing forestry activity and to permit a small, personal chicken operation.
Petitioner Jake Kastner told the board he is following a forestry management plan for the parcels and said the chicken keeping is intended as a small family homestead use rather than a commercial poultry operation. Staff noted the county code does not list forestry explicitly as an agricultural use but said state statute and assessment practice treat forestry as an agricultural activity. The packet included certified forestry management-plan documents for the four parcels.
Board members reviewed map context and determined each of the four parcels shares a border with existing AG-1 parcels, reducing concerns about spot zoning. Dixon City Council was noted to have considered a related matter and declined to object to the petition. Members voted to recommend approval; during roll call the board recorded unanimous support (four ayes, one member absent).
The Zoning Board recorded affirmative findings on standards the board must consider for a map amendment, including compatibility with nearby uses and the comprehensive plan, minimal effect on surrounding property values and no expected diminution of public health or safety. The petition will be forwarded to the Lee County Board for a final decision; the Zoning Board’s packet indicated the County Board will consider the item on Feb. 20.
Ending: The board noted the parcels total approximately 53 acres in combined ownership and that utility easements and ComEd right-of-way strips are excluded from forestry assessment. The petitioner was advised to follow the forestry-management plan and county regulations for forestry and small livestock.
