Board approves multiple building and zoning requests including daycare site plan and residential setback variances

LaGrange Park trustees approved several planning and zoning items on July 22, including site-plan and zoning variations to allow a Gardner School daycare at 545 Sherwood Road, multiple residential setback and porch-encroachment variances, and a garage replacement. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the applications by unanimous votes, and trustees concurred. Viking Development LLC’s proposal to demolish the existing commercial building at 545 Sherwood and construct a Gardner School received three variations: allow the primary entrance on the rear elevation, permit decorative fencing in front and corner-side yards, and allow additional wall signage. Conditions in the village ordinance require decorative black wrought-iron-style fencing of like kind, timers limiting fixture illumination to business hours (with limited pre- and post-hours allowances), screening of rooftop mechanical equipment, and that the north-facing wall sign remain unilluminated. Residential items included a setback variation for a replacement patio at 945 Meadowcrest (case 25-0009) — the Planning & Zoning Commission found the increased patio encroachment acceptable and recommended approval 6–0 — and approval of a porch-encroachment variation at 615 North Viola to replace a failing enclosed porch with an unenclosed porch. A request to rebuild a slightly larger detached garage at 814 Forest Road was approved with setback variations so the new structure would increase clearance between the garage and the house while meeting impervious-surface limits. Trustees asked and were told that stormwater management implications for larger patio projects would be reviewed by the village engineer at permitting. All listed variations and site-plan approvals passed by unanimous roll call.