Board approves variation to rebuild collapsed garage with accessory dwelling at 300 S. La Grange Road

The Village of La Grange Board of Trustees unanimously approved a zoning-code variation on Feb. 9 allowing homeowners Tom and Jenny Hoxtra to reconstruct a previously legal nonconforming detached garage with an accessory dwelling unit at 300 South La Grange Road.

Trustee Peterson, who introduced the item and served as the board liaison to the Zoning Board of Appeals, said the ZBA held a public hearing on Jan. 15 and voted 4–0 to recommend approval, finding the reconstruction would not alter the essential character of the residential neighborhood and noting similar accessory structures in the La Grange Historic District. "I attended the meeting ... and I also want to thank the members of the ZBA," Peterson said.

Trustee Augustine commended the homeowners for their care in maintaining a historic property and said staff and the ZBA had been thorough. After trustee comments, Clerk Saladino called the roll; all trustees present voted in favor and the motion carried.

The applicants proposed to rebuild the accessory structure in the same location as the previous structure that collapsed in April 2025. Staff had initially noted zoning limitations on residential second-floor dwelling units in detached garages, but the ZBA determined the rules governing variations for reconstruction of previously existing nonconforming structures did not bar the requested relief.

Trustees congratulated the homeowners and the board moved on to other business. Construction timing, building permits and other implementation details were not specified during the meeting.