Planning board approves accessory apartment at 7 Finish Lane with mapping and signage conditions

The La Grange Planning Board voted to approve an accessory apartment at 7 Finish Lane on July 16, 2026, but conditioned the approval on county mapping and on-site signage.

At a public hearing the applicant, Maria Spinelli, told the board the downstairs kitchen and living area have existed since the house was built in 1977 and that she applied to regularize the unit so the property's title could clear following family transfers. "This apartment has been in existence since the home was built in 1977," Spinelli said, adding that interior upgrades were for accessibility and the exterior footprint remains unchanged.

Board members and members of the public raised technical questions about septic capacity and emergency mapping. The board noted a site inspection by Sarah Davis that described the contested room as an office rather than a bedroom. A neighbor who spoke at the hearing said he had no objection to the application.

The motion to grant approval listed two conditions: the applicant must contact county mapping so the accessory unit is designated in 911 records, and the applicant must confirm signage on the house showing the accessory designation. After the motion and second, the board voted in favor and the motion carried. The planning board said the applicant must provide written responses to any outstanding comments as part of the record.

Next steps: the applicant must verify county mapping and signage to satisfy the board conditions before the accessory apartment is recorded for title purposes.