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ZBA backs small residential split in Woodstock to preserve adjacent equine operations
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Summary
The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously recommended the County Board approve a map amendment (Z25‑0096) allowing a roughly 3‑acre residential split at 4319 Macaulay Road (change from A‑1 to E‑3). Owner Lisa White said the change enables sale of a residence while keeping pasture for a horse stable that provides lessons and therapeutic riding.
The McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals voted 6‑0 to recommend approval of a petition to reclassify a portion of 4319 Macaulay Road in Woodstock from A‑1 (agriculture) to E‑3 (estate) to permit a three‑acre residential parcel to be split off while preserving adjoining pasture for equine uses.
Attorney Jeremy Shaw explained the request as a targeted E‑3 reclassification for a roughly three‑acre parcel that already contains a residence and accessory structures; the remainder (about 2.039 acres) would be retained to support an equestrian operation. Owner Lisa White said she runs a horse facility that offers boarding, lessons, and therapeutic riding programs in partnership with the Woodstock Recreation Department and NESRA of Crystal Lake, and said the split would protect a tree line and pasture used for stable operations.
Staff planner Melody Jacobson summarized the staff review and reported no objections. Jacobson confirmed the parcel is currently used residentially and that nearby Crestview/Crestwood properties include E‑3 zoned lots of similar acreage; she reminded the board that a simple map amendment does not allow the ZBA to impose conditions as part of the rezoning.
Board members asked about flag‑lot design and whether an easement could have preserved the tree line instead of a flag configuration; counsel and the applicant said fee ownership of the small parcel simplifies long‑term control of the tree line and avoids potential easement disputes. Several board members noted that the proposed split formalizes existing residential uses in an area with established E‑3 lots and found that the standards for a map amendment were met.
A motion to recommend approval passed by roll call; the chair announced the item will be on the County Board agenda in December for a final vote. The ZBA recorded its recommendation as 6‑0 in favor.
The petitioner noted no opposition at the hearing and emphasized the local community benefit of continuing equestrian services and therapeutic programs.
