Dan Wood said he intends to build a pole barn with living quarters on a Walkup Road property owned by the Wood Family Living Trust and requested variances to allow a frontage of 21 feet (versus the 250 feet cited by staff) and a minimum lot area of about 2.8 acres (versus a 3-acre minimum).

The hearing officer described the parcel as an unusual remainder lot created when surrounding subdivisions were platted and said the lot’s configuration can create a hardship distinct from a mere inconvenience. Wood described family ties to the property (his mother, Edith Wood, has owned the parcels since 1983) and said the structure would be used for storage and living space but would not house barnyard animals.

A neighbor who identified himself as Adrian said he had sought variances in the past and was denied, and he urged consistent treatment; staff and the hearing officer explained procedural differences between a variance tied to an existing parcel and a subdivision-driven variance. Staff also noted potential road and septic issues and said the health department and road district would have to clear any concerns during the building-permit review.

Hearing Officer Michael McGurney said on the record he would be in favor of the request and reiterated that final action will be made by the McHenry County Board at its Dec. 16 meeting; he advised the applicant that the recommendation is not binding and the County Board may condition, approve or deny the request.

If the County Board approves, the applicant must obtain any required written approvals (road district, health department) and a building permit before construction begins.