Board approves bluff‑setback variance at Leo Lake Estates for proposed cabin

Cook County’s Board of Adjustment voted to approve a bluff‑setback variance for a proposed single‑story cabin on Lot 4 of Leo Lake Estates.

Staff said the applicant, Dan Nelson, requested a 10‑foot encroachment into the bluff setback (structure at 20 feet from top of bluff where 30 feet is required) because of an irregular lot shape, the location of a proposed septic mound, and an existing power line crossing the parcel. The parcel is described in the application as roughly one acre with about 188 feet of Leo Lake shoreline.

Staff reported the application was publicly noticed (Cook County News Herald) and that the DNR area hydrologist reviewed the request and did not find it controversial or unreasonable, recommending conditions including increased vegetative plantings within the bluff impact zone, replacement of disturbed vegetation, maintenance of a buffer in the bluff impact zone, and gutters to redirect runoff away from the lake. Two adjacent lot owners submitted written support citing the lot’s creation in the 1970s and comparable variances in the vicinity.

Applicant Dan Nelson told the board that the proposed septic mound location strongly influenced the siting and said he had worked with land‑services staff to minimize encroachment. "My mound guy said that's probably the only place to put a mound to take into consideration for that," Nelson said.

A board member moved to approve the variance with staff‑recommended conditions; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Staff will follow up with the applicant on any required mitigation work and written permitting steps.

The permitted variance allows the applicant to place the proposed 28‑by‑36 cabin at the approved location subject to the conditions described by staff.