Board approves variance to allow garage 2½–3 feet from side lot line

The Iroquois County Zoning Board of Appeals on May 26 approved a variance permitting petitioner Michael LaRue to construct a 35‑by‑36‑foot garage approximately 2½–3 feet from the side property line, a reduction from the ordinance’s 8‑foot requirement.

Clerk read the notice that the petitioner (Michael LaRue) requested the variance under county zoning for property in Middleport Township (PIN 19‑30‑351‑007). LaRue told the board he wanted to rebuild on the historic footprint of a removed garage and that he could not shift the new building because of a well, septic system/leach field and existing trees.

"It's a 35 by 36 garage ... 2 and a half, 3 feet from the property line," LaRue said, describing why the chosen location is the only practical site on his lot. Staff presented historical aerial photographs from 2024 showing a prior structure located within the current setback buffer for roughly 20 years and recommended findings that the requested variance is the minimum deviation necessary and does not confer a special privilege.

A neighbor who self‑identified only as Michael spoke in support, saying the applicant "kept the saplings off" and maintains the land responsibly; no objections were recorded from the audience. Staff's written findings reiterated that the requested variance would not substantially change neighborhood character and would allow reestablishment of a structure similar in scale and location to the prior building.

The board approved the variance on a recorded roll call. As with the earlier item, staff directed LaRue to attend the zoning committee meeting on June 2 and the county board meeting on June 9 to answer any further questions before final county board action.

If the county board concurs with the committee recommendation, LaRue may proceed to construct the garage consistent with the variance conditions and any additional requirements imposed by the committee or county board.