Additional Downtown Information
Downtown McHenry Master Plan

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of the Downtown Overlay District (DOD) is to preserve and protect the existing historical character of the downtown area, promote the transformation of the downtown into an even more compact pedestrian, transit-oriented mixed-use area, and promote the downtown area as an economically viable part of the City. The DOD seeks to assist in the growth of existing businesses, enhance the character of their buildings and facades, and provide guidance for those exterior alterations and encourage new infill development. The DOD also seeks to provide a mechanism to complement the development of the City's proposed McHenry Riverwalk. The primary goals of the DOD ordinance are as follows:

  • Enhance the economic viability of the downtown area and foster reinvestment and economic development
  • Promote a pedestrian-oriented 24-hour downtown district
  • Encourage, where practical, the adaptive reuse of downtown buildings and structures
  • Plan for new commercial, residential and mixed-use infill development that is compatible to the character and function of the downtown
  • Encourage the use of appropriate building materials and facades so as to enhance the character and continuity of the downtown areas
  • Provide an avenue whereby downtown businesses can benefit and enhance their business from the construction of the McHenry Riverwalk
  • Continue to maintain the historical fabric of the downtown area
  • Provide a mechanism for additional signage along the McHenry Riverwalk, in the rear of the downtown businesses
  • Further the goals of the City of McHenry Downtown Plan and Downtown District Design Guidelines

In order to accomplish these goals, the City recognizes that new development, redevelopment, and building modifications within the boundaries of the DOD is more likely to require relief from strict compliance with Zoning Ordinance requirements. Instead of using the traditional zoning and variance processes to consider this relief, the DOD provides a mechanism, the site plan review process, for allowing flexibility from the Zoning Ordinance requirements. Through the site plan review process, development proposals in the DOD can be reviewed on a more comprehensive level to ensure the goals and objectives of the district are met.