Custom homes and remodels in La Grange, planned around the zoning numbers.
La Grange, IL
Five single-family districts, each with its own limits
F. D. Cossitt laid out La Grange in 1879, and the village still describes itself through its historic homes, traditional downtown business districts, schools and parks. RL Builders builds custom homes, additions and high end remodels here. The village has Metra BNSF Line stops at La Grange Road and Stone Avenue, and it lists a Historic District and Historic Downtown La Grange among its historic areas.
We can set up tours of finished RL homes and give you references. Frank Lello is on site every day, and you work with one contact the whole way.
County
Cook County
Population
16,321 (2020)
Permits
What clients say
Homeowners on working with Frank
Frank and his team built our dream home through COVID, and the quality has been exceptional. Years later he still checks in seasonally and stays a call or text away, which is rare and appreciated.
Julie Morris, homeownerFrank handled our kitchen renovation and we could not be happier with the final project. He was on site every day, used skilled craftsmen, and made what could have been stressful feel easy.
Homeowner, kitchen renovation
Zoning, stormwater and permits in La Grange
La Grange sorts its single-family lots into districts R-1 through R-5, and the numbers change a lot between them. Minimum lot area runs from 16,000 square feet in R-1 and 12,500 in R-2 down to 5,000 in R-5. Building height is limited to 2.5 stories or 35 feet, with a 38 foot maximum. Minimum dwelling size is 2,000 square feet in R-1 and R-2.
Coverage is the number that shapes a floor plan. On an interior lot, building coverage tops out at 25 percent in R-1 and R-2, 30 percent in R-3 and R-4 and 35 percent in R-5, and total lot coverage is capped at 45 percent in all five districts. The village also has a zoning code update site and a South La Grange Road corridor plan, so check with the village whether a rule has changed before you buy plans.
Permit applications go through the village's OpenGov portal, and staff will help by appointment at Village Hall if you can't finish online. The village says an initial plan review takes 10 to 15 working days, with later reviews usually under 10. Contractors must register, and inspections are requested through the portal with at least 24 hours notice.
Water is its own topic here. On-site stormwater detention is required for every new single-family home, and additions and patios have to show they meet the village's grading and stormwater requirements. For older houses, the village runs a flood mitigation program that waives building permit fees for flood-related repair and flood control work on existing construction. RL coordinates permits and lines your plans up with the district limits. See custom homes.
Sources: La Grange applying for a building permit, La Grange zoning, Article III, La Grange permit FAQ, La Grange history, La Grange flood control permit fee waiver
Services
What we build in La Grange
Custom Homes
New custom homes on your lot, typically $1M to $3.5M, finished in under a year for homes up to 10,000 sq ft.
Upscale Remodeling
High end kitchen, bathroom and main living remodels with the owner on site every day.
Complete Renovations
Whole home renovations that rework layout, finishes and systems as one project.
Basement Build Outs
Finished basements from framing through final trim, built to last below grade.
Additions and Extensions
Bedrooms, baths and living space that match the house and look original.
Specialty Projects
Fire restoration, demolition and select commercial build outs.
Projects
RL projects near La Grange
Shadow Ridge
A 12,000 sq ft custom home with copper turrets, limestone block masonry and a home theater under a high strength garage floor. Built in under a year and featured on Comcast's "Builders & Buyers".
All the Bells and Whistles
A Mediterranean inspired estate of more than 10,000 sq ft with 6 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a home theater and indoor and outdoor pools. Built start to finish in under a year.
Homer Glen Ranch
A custom ranch home in Homer Glen with durable materials, clean detailing and covered outdoor areas. Completed in 2018.
FAQ
Building in La Grange: questions
How much of a La Grange lot can I build on?
Building coverage on an interior lot is capped at 25 percent in R-1 and R-2, 30 percent in R-3 and R-4 and 35 percent in R-5. Total lot coverage is limited to 45 percent in all five single-family districts. Check which district your lot is in first.
How long does La Grange take to review a plan?
The village says an initial plan review takes 10 to 15 working days from submittal, and later reviews are usually under 10 working days. Applications are filed online through the OpenGov portal, and staff can help by appointment if needed.
Does a new La Grange home need stormwater detention?
Yes. On-site stormwater detention is required for all new single-family homes. Additions and patios also have to show they meet the village's grading and stormwater requirements. The village waives permit fees for flood-related repair and flood control work on existing buildings.
Does RL Builders build in La Grange?
Yes. We take custom home and remodel work in La Grange. Frank Lello is on site daily, and we can arrange tours of portfolio homes and share references.
Planning a build in La Grange?
Call (708) 301-0700 or send a few details, and Frank will talk through your lot, budget and timing.
