La Grange Makes Rare Exception To Zoning

LA GRANGE, IL — Front yard fences are rare in La Grange. And that's for a reason: The village code doesn't allow them.

But the Village Board this week made an exception to its zoning rules. It allowed a family on Willow Springs Road to have a front yard fence, with officials saying it was a unique situation.

In doing so, the board overruled the Zoning Board of Appeals' rejection of the six-foot privacy fence. The property is across the street from Western Springs.

Months ago, Heather and James Zeman, who live at 5005 Willow Springs Road, made the request. Not long after they bought their house last October, police found that a naked man who left the nearby La Grange hospital took refuge in their shed. In the months afterward, Heather Zeman said she found medical debris, condoms, cigarettes and alcohol in their yard.

She also said the previous owner told her it was not the first time that someone had come onto the property and broken into the shed.

In response, zoning board members said a lot of residents would want front yard fences if the zoning board granted the Zemans' request.

At Monday's Village Board meeting, Zeman dismissed that argument.

"They thought it would open the floodgates for others to ask for fencing in front of their homes. I am the third request in 30 years," Zeman said. "If they think the floodgate is getting another one before the 40-year mark, I don't really think that's an issue."

She said she wasn't seeking a special privilege and just wanted to keep her family safe.

Village trustees noted that the Zemans' house was the only one on the east side of that section of Willow Springs Road that faces toward the street. The two houses to the south are on lots that go through from Hillberry Court to Willow Springs. The Zemans' front yard is next to their neighbors' back yards.

Trustee Beth Augustine said the village's rule against front yard fencing was appropriate, allowing for unified sight lines on streets. But she called the Zemans' home a "really unique property."

"There are very few people who have asked for something like this because they know they'll get turned down," Augustine said. "I don't think anyone would want to see a front yard fence in most of the areas of the community. It wouldn't look right. It's not necessary."

At the same time, Augustine said didn't see the danger factor as much of an issue because a lot of houses are near the hospital and don't have front yard fences.

But she said the Zemans' case was different in that surrounding structures that give the property cover may seem inviting to some. She also said the property was near Lyons Township High School's South Campus and a park.

"There's quite a bit of activity. I believe you when you say that you are worried and concerned," Augustine said.

Like other trustees, Augustine said she didn't like differing with the zoning board, which voted 4-2 against the fence.

Trustee Michael Kotynek said he favored the fence, saying he believed it would be his first time voting against a zoning board recommendation.

The board voted 5-1 for the fence. Trustee Peggy Peterson was the lone dissenter.