The LaSalle County Zoning Board of Appeals voted Dec. 17 to recommend that the County Board approve three petitions involving small-lot splits, an accessory dwelling unit and a side-yard variance.

Chair Sandy Billard opened the meeting and the board first heard petition 25-27, a request from the Kabilcik family to separate an 8.45-acre parcel from a larger farm in Ofer Township. Trustee Frank Kabilcik described plans to keep a farmyard and preserve land for agricultural use. Land use director Brian Giff told the board the parcel must proceed as a special use because it includes more than 2 acres of tillable land. After staff confirmed notice and no written opposition, the Zoning Board answered the Section 14.1-5 special-use standards in the affirmative and voted to recommend approval; the petition will be considered by the County Board on Jan. 8, 2026.

The board next considered petition 25-28, a request by Matt Gavin to legalize a 567-square-foot building behind his house that includes a kitchenette and bath. Giff said the structure was built without a permit and would require special-use approval because it functions as an accessory dwelling unit. Board members and staff discussed septic requirements; Giff and counsel recommended the petitioner follow LaSalle County Health Department guidance before issuing a building permit. The board amended its motion to require that health-department recommendations be satisfied, then voted to recommend approval to the County Board on Jan. 8.

Finally, the board reviewed variance 25-04, a request by Paul and Jennifer Washkowiak to reduce a south-side setback from 10 feet to 5 feet to build a detached two-car garage. Paul Washkowiak said neighbors had been informed and indicated no objections. Staff reported no adverse written testimony. The board found the variance criteria satisfied and recommended approval; the item also goes to the County Board on Jan. 8.

All three recommendations stem from board findings that the applications meet the standards of the county zoning ordinance; those recommendations are advisory only—the County Board will issue the final decisions at its Jan. 8 meeting.

Quoted: "It is," Land Use Director Brian Giff said when asked whether the accessory-dwelling application complied with the county ordinance, referring to petition 25-28. "We will send it over to review before we issue any building permit for the structure," Giff added about septic review.

The Zoning Board adjourned after administrative reports and set its next meeting for Jan. 21, 2026.