The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) exists since 2014. Zoning Variance Case #Z26-0015 asks to allow up to three non-resident employees in a home office...violating the standard limit of one.
🎯 Stop the Variance Approval
We are asking our representatives to pull 10.a.1 , Case #Z26-0015 off the Consent Agenda for a transparent, separate roll-call vote. We need at least 10 of the 18 County Board members to vote "No" to protect McHenry County zoning integrity.
The Letter of the Law
§ 16.56.050 - Home Occupations (Item 4)
"No more than one (1) person other than a member(s) of the household residing on the property may be working on-site at any one time."
Staffing Comparison
The variance asks for an exception based on "need," but administrative bloat is a management choice, not a legal hardship. Below is a comparison of total staff (Assessor + Employees) across current operations.
Richmond
Chemung
Marengo
Burton
Why This Matters
🚨 A Political Favor, Not a Hardship
On June 9th 2026, Hearing Officer Michael McNerney shockingly approved this variance, directly citing that it would act as a temporary pass for an elected official.
Zoning laws apply to everyone. They should not be temporarily rewritten as special privileges for politicians.
🏢 "Hidden" Does Not Mean Legal
During the hearing, the petitioner's attorney argued that because the property is 270 feet from the road and surrounded by trees, the extra employees won't be noticed. But simply hiding a zoning violation doesn't make it right. Requesting a special variance to violate the UDO's limits for five months of the year, and using "no one will see it" as a defense, is a blatant disregard for the rules we all live by in Mchenry County. It's a slippery slope if this gets approved by the board.
💸 Taxpayer Burden
At the latest board meeting on July 8th 2026, the township supervisor admitted that the assessor spent almost $3,000 in attorney fees for this private residence variance. The board just approved paying that bill. Public taxpayer funds should never subsidize private zoning exemptions.
⚠️ Setting a Dangerous Precedent
By law, variances are meant for physical land limitations (like an oddly shaped lot). Administrative desires to add staff and work from home are not legal land hardships. If approved, any other business or resident can cite this case to expand their own home offices, effectively gutting the UDO.
Email Your Representative
Personal, polite emails from residents are the most effective way to influence a vote. You can use the form below to help you but preferably write your own message of opposition.
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