At the La Grange Plan Commission Meeting on 1/13/2026, we will propose an amendment to the La Grange Zoning Code to prohibit a developer from modifying the code in a way that would adversely affect a single-family residence, so that developers with special and/or large buildings cannot adversely affect single-family residences.  

Navigating the complexities of real estate development regulations has been an immensely challenging experience for me. When personally faced with being the neighbor with the proposed 112 Burington development, it became evident how overwhelmingly difficult it is for single-family homeowners to adequately understand and defend themselves against code modifications that could significantly impact their properties. During the hearing, a shocking revelation became clear: each person was allotted only three minutes for discussion, leaving just 20 seconds to address each code modification. This timeframe is entirely insufficient for homeowners to prepare a thorough defense or to articulate concerns about modifications that could infringe on the value and integrity of their homes.

A code modification lets a planned development applicant propose changes to the zoning code through the planned development process. This process is not meant to allow code violations but to provide equivalent alternatives that meet the code’s intent. For instance, instead of a required 30-foot setback, an applicant could request a 28-foot setback plus an 8-foot brick screen, as both options serve a similar purpose. That is the intent of the code modification process, not to violate the code, but to modify the code in a way that covers the same intentions of the original code provision as an equivalent to the code requirements.   

In our situation, it was difficult to understand what provisions of the codes were even being requested for modification, and then we were not allowed more than 3 minutes at the Plan Commission Hearing to attempt to defend ourselves from these modifications by sharing our perspective and opinion.  The developer was extremely aggressive with their code modification requests. When the setback to our residence was supposed to be 29 feet 7 inches, they proposed reducing it to 11 feet and providing a 6-foot-tall wood fence as a screen that does not even block the first level of balconies, so it is nowhere close to being equivalent.  Additionally, the loading space where the trash goes out every week is not supposed to be in a side yard, but the developer proposed it be allowed, so the loading space is 3 feet from our property line when the code requires 29 feet 7 inches, so again, nowhere close to being equivalent.  We were not even given adequate time at the hearing to adequately bring these situations to the attention of the plan commission.  Since La Grange does not appear to have an adequate procedure for a single-family owner to protect their rights, we are proposing eliminating the option for the developer to propose a code modification that affects a single-family residence.  

Such a situation is not only unjust but detrimental to the peace and security that homeowners expect when they've invested in a single-family home. Single-family owners, due to their lack of expertise and resources, find themselves ill-equipped to counter such swift and complex changes that developers propose. As the 112 Burington case shows, these homeowners face an enormous disadvantage, often battling against financially and legally adept developers. The current provisions allow for these rapid amendments, leaving a significant gap in protection for those who are essentially stranded without adequate means of defending their rights.

A critical review and amendment of the existing provisions governing code changes affecting adjoining single-family dwellings are urgently needed. We call for an end to any code modifications that could impact single-family homes. Government bodies and planning commissions must ensure that homeowners are not steamrolled by developers simply due to a lack of time or resources.

Help us urge our local governments and city councils to stand up for single-family homeowners' rights. Implement a fair, informed, and balanced process for considering development code changes by signing this petition. Together, we can create a system that respects and protects the interests of all community members.

Feel free to email me at jrtssc@gmail.com with any questions or comments.  

Feedback to the Village, positive or negative, can be emailed to:  kquinn@lagrangeil.gov  Reference PC Case #286.  As long as it is in by the close of business the day of the meeting, it should be provided to the Plan Commission for their consideration.

Completed Formal Application Link:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qFEriM1tacVhMLNXA8Ntgk46W4trVC-N/view?usp=drive_link 

Complete Description: https://lagrangezoningchange.wordpress.com/2026/01/02/protect-the-character-of-la-grange-new-zoning-proposals/

Links to all 4 Proposed Provisions Petitions for 1/13/2026 Plan Commission Meeting:

A - https://www.change.org/PlanCommissionRecording

B - https://www.change.org/NeighborhoodMeeting

C - https://www.change.org/No4StorybySingleFamily

D - https://www.change.org/NoCodeModsTowardSingleFamily