Lake Bluff Village Board considers lifting fencing covenant for Lansdowne Subdivision

The Village of Lake Bluff held a meeting on May 21, 2025, where the primary focus was a resolution to terminate a restrictive covenant for the Lansdowne Subdivision. This covenant currently prohibits the construction of accessory structures, including fences, within designated landscape buffer yards.

The discussion centered around the request from Jonathan Bach, a homeowner in the subdivision, who sought to remove this restriction to allow for the installation of a fence on his property. Bach explained that he has been actively working to clear invasive buckthorn from his yard and has invested significantly in landscaping efforts to enhance the area. He emphasized that the removal of the restriction would enable him to continue beautifying his property while providing necessary privacy as the newly planted trees mature.

During the meeting, concerns were raised regarding the process of notifying adjacent property owners about the proposed changes. Some board members expressed the importance of ensuring that all neighbors were informed and had the opportunity to voice their opinions before any decisions were made. A resident highlighted that the original approval of the subdivision included commitments to maintain a vegetative buffer, and altering this could impact the neighborhood's character.

After considerable discussion, the board proposed a compromise: they would approve the removal of the restrictive covenant specifically for Bach's property while tabling the broader issue for further review. This would allow for immediate action on Bach's request while ensuring that neighboring property owners could be notified and have their concerns addressed at a future meeting.

The board's decision reflects a balance between supporting individual property improvements and maintaining community standards. The next steps will involve notifying adjacent homeowners and revisiting the broader implications of the covenant change in the coming weeks.