LaSalle County zoning board recommends approval for outbuilding-before-home request with septic, well condition

The LaSalle County Zoning Board of Appeals on Feb. 18 recommended that the County Board approve a special‑use request by Jacob Richmond to place an accessory building on a lot in Serena Township before constructing a principal residence, but only after the petitioner applies for septic and well permits.

Chair Sandy Billard opened the hearing and Brian Gift, Land Use Director, told the board the property at 2416 North 4090 Road had been noticed to adjacent owners and published in the paper. Richmond told the board he bought the lot in October and plans a four‑ to five‑year timeline to build his home. "I have a little girl," he said, explaining he wanted an outbuilding to secure materials and equipment and prevent theft as he prepares to build.

Neighbors raised concerns about the ordinance’s intent and local precedent. A nearby builder warned that permitting accessory buildings before a residence can encourage lots used for outdoor storage and reduce neighborhood values. Richard Kosek Jr., a neighbor who lives behind the lot, asked whether the barn placement could be shifted to reduce its prominence; Richmond said he had staked several footprint options (40x40, 30x30, a roughly 28x38 option) and was open to adjustments.

Board members focused on septic and well siting. Tim Awesome noted county and plumbing rules can require modifications to septic and well locations and urged the applicant not to build over potential septic areas. Staff and a health‑department‑aware speaker explained the county allows applicants to apply for septic and well permits and soil tests (perk tests) before installation to establish viable locations.

Given those concerns, the board amended its recommendation to the County Board to include a condition requiring that an application for septic and well permits be completed before construction of the accessory building. The board then voted to recommend approval of Petition 26‑63 with that condition. The petition will be presented to the County Board on March 9 for final action.

The board’s recommendation does not itself authorize construction; Richmond will still need to apply for required permits and meet health‑department and county building requirements before work begins.