Illinois • US zoning
Chicago zoning guide
An introduction to Chicago Zoning Ordinance, selected zoning districts, overlays and the review process in Chicago. Confirm the current zoning designation and applicable provisions for the parcel.
Use this overview to plan your research. Verify current requirements and site-specific conditions against the relevant primary sources. Read our data sources, coverage and limits guide.
Official ordinance and source-check scope
Code location, published revision cutoff and the need to distinguish ARO requirements checked. The former blanket 20% rezoning claim has been removed. District dimensions, individual eligibility and later legislation have not been verified. Checked 2026-09-12.
Before applying a number to a parcel
Confirm the current mapped district, lot geometry, permitted use, qualifying housing category, special districts and overlays. A listed FAR example is not a buildable floor-area calculation. Height, setbacks, exclusions, bonuses and other controls require their own checks.
Selected district references
| Code | District reference | FAR source example | Height | Review limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS-1 | Single-Unit (Detached House) | Check current code; no verified value here | Check mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptions | Confirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source. |
| RS-3 | Single-Unit (Detached House) | Check current code; no verified value here | Check mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptions | Confirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source. |
| RT-4 | Residential Two-Flat, Townhouse, Multi-Unit | Check current code; no verified value here | Check mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptions | Confirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source. |
| RM-5 | Residential Multi-Unit | Check current code; no verified value here | Check mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptions | Confirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source. |
| B3-2 | Community Shopping | Check current code; no verified value here | Check mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptions | Confirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source. |
| DX-12 | Downtown Mixed-Use | Check current code; no verified value here | Check mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptions | Confirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source. |
| M1-1 | Limited Manufacturing | Check current code; no verified value here | Check mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptions | Confirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source. |
Overlay and approval questions
- Does a special district, historic designation, shoreline or flood rule apply?
- Which discretionary approvals or project-specific streamlining criteria must be satisfied?
- Are state or federal provisions relevant, and what conditions or exclusions do they impose?
Review-process context
Start with Title 17, Chapter 17-13 for the applicable review and approval procedure. Check the Affordable Requirements Ordinance separately for its project triggers, location categories and compliance options; a single affordable-housing percentage is not a reliable summary for every rezoning. The publisher lists the code as current through the Council Journal of 17 June 2026, so check subsequent legislation with the city.
Questions
What zoning ordinance applies in Chicago?
Chicago Zoning Ordinance
How does the review process work in Chicago?
Start with Title 17, Chapter 17-13 for the applicable review and approval procedure. Check the Affordable Requirements Ordinance separately for its project triggers, location categories and compliance options; a single affordable-housing percentage is not a reliable summary for every rezoning. The publisher lists the code as current through the Council Journal of 17 June 2026, so check subsequent legislation with the city.
Explore a site in Chicago
Start with the parcel location and inspect the available site context. Confirm zoning and development requirements with the responsible local authority.
Explore site analysisReview current plans and usage and source coverage for your project.