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Zoning board approves garage setbacks, pool and hotel sign replacement; votes at a glance
Summary
The La Grange ZBA approved area variances June 1 for two accessory garages, a small in-ground plunge pool and a sign-face replacement for a hotel; the board recorded motions and unanimous assent and directed applicants to apply for building permits.
At its June 1 meeting the La Grange Zoning Board of Appeals approved several area variances and a sign replacement request, granting relief after hearing applicants’ site constraints and mitigation plans.
Daniel Busch, the owner of a 3-acre lot on Gidley Road, told the board he bought his property three years ago and that topography, a pond and septic siting left only one feasible location for a prefabricated single-story metal garage. "I purchased this house 3 years ago... the pond takes up the majority of the backyard," Busch said, describing why he could not meet the 40-foot side-yard setback. The board weighed statutory variance criteria including character of the neighborhood, alternatives and mitigation (lighting and screening) and approved the variance, telling Busch to pursue required permits with the building department.
At 2 Park Drive applicants William and Lena Gilbert asked for a 24-by-24 two-car garage. The applicant said the lot is narrow and there are limited locations that would not affect privacy or existing features. The board acknowledged the variance was substantial but found the proposal consistent with neighborhood character and approved the setback relief; the applicant was instructed to contact the building department for permits.
Brad Lois, speaking for SignLight Incorporated on behalf of the hotel at 477 Freedom Lane, requested to replace plastic sign faces and retain the existing 12-foot illuminated sign face where the code allows 8 feet, arguing additional height was necessary for visibility from the road. The board discussed hours of illumination and context (nearby taller signs) and authorized the replacement and reuse of existing fixtures, subject to standard permitting.
Finally, a resident who identified herself at the microphone as Jeanne Coletti (the meeting agenda listed the applicants as Wayne and Jeanie Paletti) requested a variance to install a small 10-by-20 plunge pool in the front yard of a 6.2-acre property, saying back and side yards are constrained by slope and paddocks and that the pool is intended for grandchildren. The board found the property large and distant from the road, judged neighborhood impacts minimal despite the substantial variance, and approved the request; the building department will issue permits and advise on next steps.
Votes at a glance
- Daniel Busch, area variance for garage (setback to 2.5 ft where 40 ft required): approved (board recorded affirmative votes). - William and Lena Gilbert, variance for accessory garage at 2 Park Drive (setback relief): approved. - SignLight Incorporated / hotel at 477 Freedom Lane, sign-face replacement/height allowance (retain 12-ft face vs. 8-ft allowed): approved; board requested address placement change on sign graphic and standard permitting. - Jeanne Coletti (agenda: Paletti), inground 10x20 plunge pool in front yard on 6.2-acre lot: approved; applicant to await building-department permit notification.
Each approval was moved, seconded and recorded by the board during the meeting; applicants were directed to apply for building permits and comply with any standard permit conditions.
