Variance request sparks debate over lakeshore development rules

In a recent government meeting, a variance request for setback relief was discussed concerning a proposed cabin on Double Track Lake. The applicants seek to place a 2,026 square foot single-story cabin, designed to be ADA compliant, at a reduced shoreline setback of 60 feet, where a minimum of 100 feet is typically required under Cook County zoning regulations.

The property, located at 58 Wesley Lane, is classified as a legal substandard lot of record, measuring 0.51 acres. The original cabin on the site was destroyed by fire in April 2023, and the current owners purchased the lot in August 2023. The proposed cabin will be larger than the original, which measured 680 square feet, and will be set further back from the lake than its predecessor.

During the meeting, it was noted that the lot is part of the Freeburg Shores plot, which was established to facilitate private ownership of lakeshore properties. The applicants consulted with planning officials prior to submitting their variance request to understand the necessary calculations for shoreline setback averaging, which indicated that a setback of at least 74 feet could be supported based on neighboring properties.

Public notices were issued regarding the variance application, and while no written comments were received from adjacent property owners, a technical memo from the DNR recommended denial of the variance, citing concerns over practical difficulty standards. The DNR suggested that if the variance were to be approved, conditions should be imposed to enhance shoreline vegetation and implement best management practices to mitigate stormwater runoff into the lake.

The Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District also highlighted declining water quality trends in Double Track Lake, emphasizing the need for responsible land use practices. Staff findings presented during the meeting indicated that the variance could align with the county's comprehensive land use goals, but raised questions about whether the proposed structure would alter the essential character of the locality, which features smaller cabins with vegetated shorelines.

The board of adjustment is expected to review the findings and consider both the potential approval and denial of the variance request, weighing the implications for local land use and environmental impact.