Board approves variance to recognize three undersized FAR‑1 parcels

The Cook County Board of Adjustment voted to approve a variance that formally recognizes three existing parcels in the FAR‑1 zone that measure about 19.59, 19.63 and 19.62 acres — just under the 20‑acre minimum required for newly created lots.

A Land Services staff member told the board the parcels were created around 1998 and that historical surveying and public‑land survey system discrepancies produce common acreage shortfalls in the region. Staff said the Cook County subdivision ordinance recognizes a 5% deviation as a practical‑difficulty threshold for lot creation, but because these parcels were created after the zoning ordinance took effect they are not technically lots of record. The staff recommendation was to approve the variance and make the parcels legal nonconforming lots, with a single condition that each parcel have a fire/address number assigned through the Cook County Emergency Services Department before issuance of any additional land‑use permit.

Applicant Darren Ahmed appeared and described the application as intended to eliminate future uncertainty for property owners; he said the process was prompted after the sale of an adjoining 20‑acre section and the buyer’s desire for clarity about the county rules. No members of the public spoke in opposition during the public comment period.

Board members praised the staff memo and GIS analysis for explaining the historical surveying context and noted staff awareness of many similarly sized parcels throughout the county. One board member moved to approve the variance with the staff condition; another seconded and the board approved the motion.

The board also indicated staff should explore a countywide ordinance amendment to provide a more efficient approach for similarly situated parcels, reducing the need for individual variance requests in the future. The approval attaches the recorded condition concerning emergency addressing before future permits.