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Municipal Code of Chicago
MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO
TITLE 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
TITLE 2 CITY GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
TITLE 3 REVENUE AND FINANCE
TITLE 4 BUSINESSES, OCCUPATIONS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
TITLE 5 HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
TITLE 6 HUMAN RIGHTS*
TITLE 7 HEALTH AND SAFETY
TITLE 8 OFFENSES AFFECTING PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE
TITLE 9 VEHICLES, TRAFFIC AND RAIL TRANSPORTATION
TITLE 10 STREETS, PUBLIC WAYS, PARKS, AIRPORTS AND HARBORS
TITLE 11 UTILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
TITLE 12 RESERVED
TITLE 13 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
TITLE 14 RESERVED*
TITLE 14A ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS OF THE CHICAGO CONSTRUCTION CODES*
TITLE 14B BUILDING CODE*
TITLE 14C CONVEYANCE DEVICE CODE*
TITLE 14E ELECTRICAL CODE*
TITLE 14F FIRE PREVENTION CODE*
TITLE 14G FUEL GAS CODE*
TITLE 14M MECHANICAL CODE*
TITLE 14N 2022 ENERGY TRANSFORMATION CODE*
TITLE 14P PLUMBING CODE*
TITLE 14R BUILDING REHABILITATION CODE*
TITLE 14X MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS*
TITLE 15 FIRE PREVENTION
TITLE 16 LAND USE
TITLE 17 CHICAGO ZONING ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 17-1 INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 17-2 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
CHAPTER 17-3 BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS
CHAPTER 17-4 DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS
CHAPTER 17-5 MANUFACTURING DISTRICTS
CHAPTER 17-6 SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICTS
CHAPTER 17-7 OVERLAY DISTRICTS
CHAPTER 17-8 PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS
CHAPTER 17-9 USE REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 17-10 PARKING AND LOADING
CHAPTER 17-11 LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING
CHAPTER 17-12 SIGNS
CHAPTER 17-13 REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 17-14 ADMINISTRATION
CHAPTER 17-15 NONCONFORMITIES
CHAPTER 17-16 ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
CHAPTER 17-17 TERMINOLOGY AND MEASUREMENTS
LAND USE AND ZONING TABLES
TITLE 18 BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE
APPENDIX TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO (RESERVED)*
TABLES
Chicago Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Ordinance
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17-7-0570 Additional Dwelling Unit-Allowed Areas.
   17-7-0571 Purpose. Establish initial designated areas that allow for organic, contextual growth in the existing housing stock to create additional, unsubsidized, affordable housing for moderate- and low-income tenants, allow multi-generational living arrangements, allow owners to retain property ownership while downsizing living space or allow owners to create additional revenue streams to defray property tax costs, home maintenance costs, or other costs. These Additional Dwelling Unit-Allowed Areas represent a cross-section of neighborhood types in terms of market conditions, housing stock, and geography, and will allow for the evaluation of conversion units and coach houses in a variety of contexts in order to reassess best practices for the regulation, expansion, contraction or elimination of Additional Dwelling Unit-Allowed Areas.
   17-7-0572 Boundaries. Additional Dwelling Unit-Allowed Areas are defined and identified, as follows:
      North Zone is bounded by Devon, the lakefront, Lawrence, Clarendon, Halsted, Diversey, Lincoln, Belmont, the North Branch of the Chicago River, the North Shore Channel, Peterson, California, Granville, and Seeley.
      Northwest Zone is bounded by the Eisenhower Expressway, Sacramento, Fulton, Damen, Chicago, Western, Hirsch, Rockwell, North, Sacramento, Bloomingdale, Kedzie, Palmer, Kostner, Fullerton, Central Park, Belle Plaine, Lawndale, Montrose, Harding, Lawrence, Kedzie, Elston, California, Fullerton, Western, North, and Ashland.
      West Zone is bounded by the Eisenhower Expressway, Homan, the South Branch of the Chicago River, and 4600 West.
      South Zone is bounded by Cicero, 7500 South, Kedzie, 71st St., Halsted, 63rd St., 600 West, 47th St., King, 60th St., Dorchester, 65th St., Cottage Grove, 67th St., the Dan Ryan Expressway, 95th St., Ashland, and 87th St.
      Southeast Zone is bounded by 8300 South, the city limits, Torrence, 95th St., Commercial, 83rd Pl., and Houston.
Figure 17-7-0570
(Note: This map is provided for illustrative purpose only: Additional Dwelling Unit-Allowed Area boundaries may be amended only through text amendment procedures.)
(Added Coun. J. 12-16-20, p. 26066, § 12)
17-7-0580 Multi-Unit Preservation District.
   17-7-0581 Boundaries. The Multi-Unit Preservation (Pilsen) District consists of all parcels zoned RT4, RM4.5, RM5, RM5.5, RM6 and RM6.5 and within the area bounded by: 16th Street, Newberry Avenue, 18th Street, Peoria Street, Cermak Road, Racine Avenue, 21st Street, Laflin Street, Cermak Road, the alley next east of and parallel to Western Avenue, the alley next north of and parallel to Cermak Road, the alley next east of and parallel to Western Avenue, 19th Street, Western Avenue, the alley next north of and parallel to 18th Place, Leavitt Street, the alley next north of and parallel to 18th Street, Hamilton Avenue, the alley next north of and parallel to the alley next north of and parallel to 18th Street, a line 126 feet west of and parallel to a line 126 feet west of and parallel to Hoyne Avenue, a line 163 feet north of and parallel to the alley next north of and parallel to 18th Street, 17th Street and Wood Street.
   17-7-0582 Purpose. To reduce displacement of low- and moderate-income residents and maintain contextual density of housing typologies that often provide naturally occurring affordable housing.
   17-7-0583 Multi-Unit Preservation. In RT4, RM4.5, RM5, RM5.5, RM6, RM6.5, B or C districts, located in boundaries as identified in Section 17-7-0581, a detached house or two-flat may only be established when more than 50% of the zoning lots fronting on the same side of the street between the two nearest intersecting streets have been lawfully improved with buildings containing either a detached house or two-flat. Open land or zoning lots unimproved with principal buildings shall be considered as either detached houses or multi-unit residential buildings, at the discretion of the applicant, for purposes of the calculation described in this Section 17-7-0583 only.
Figure 17-7-0580
(Note: This map is for illustrative purposes only; the Predominance of the Multi-Unit Preservation (Pilsen) District boundaries may be amended only through text amendment procedures)
(Added Coun. J. 1-27-21, p. 27049, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 4-21-21, p. 29939, § 1)
17-7-0590 Predominance of the Block District.
   17-7-0591 Boundaries. The Predominance of the Block (606) District consists of all parcels zoned RS3 and RT3.5 and within the area bounded by: Addison Street, the North Branch of the Chicago River, Western Avenue, Division Street, California Avenue, North Avenue, Kedzie Avenue, Hirsch Street, Kostner Avenue, Fullerton Avenue, Pulaski Road.
   17-7-0592 Purpose. To reduce displacement of low- and moderate-income residents and maintain contextual density of housing typologies that often provide naturally occurring affordable housing.
   17-7-0593 Predominance of the Block.
      17-7-0593-A In the RS3 district, located in boundaries as identified in Section 17-7-0591, a detached house may not be established when more than 50% of the zoning lots fronting on the same side of the street between the two nearest intersecting streets have been lawfully improved with buildings containing more than one dwelling unit. In those instances, the minimum lot area per dwelling unit may be reduced to 1,500 square feet to allow construction of a two-flat. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in cases where a two-flat is required, pursuant to the block characteristic standards of this ordinance, a detached house may be established, if no two-flat can be provided pursuant to the applicable bulk and density standards including the aforementioned reduction of the required minimum lot area to 1,500 square feet. Open land or zoning lots unimproved with principal buildings shall be considered as either detached houses or multi-unit residential buildings, at the discretion of the applicant, for purposes of the calculation described in this Section 17-7-0593-A only.
      17-7-0593-B In the RT3.5 district, located in boundaries as identified in Section 17-7-0591, a detached house may not be established when more than 40% of the zoning lots fronting on the same side of the street between the two nearest intersecting streets have been lawfully improved with buildings containing more than one dwelling unit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in cases where a multi-unit residential building or two-flat is required, pursuant to the block characteristic standards of this ordinance, a detached house may be established, if no multi-unit residential building or two-flat can be provided pursuant to the applicable bulk and density standards. Open land or zoning lots unimproved with principal buildings shall be considered as either detached houses or multi-unit residential buildings, at the discretion of the applicant, for purposes of the calculation described in this Section 17-7-0593-B only.
Figure 17-7-0590
(Note: This map is for illustrative purposes only; the Predominance of the Block (606) District boundaries may be amended only through text amendment procedures)
(Added Coun. J. 1-27-21, p. 27053, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 9-18-24, p. 16736, § 2)
17-7-0600 Special character overlay districts generally.
   17-7-0601 Purpose.
      17-7-0601-A The purpose of this section is to expressly authorize the establishment of special character overlay districts for neighborhoods that have unique or distinctive physical characteristics that are not generally present in other areas of the city, or to protect and guide development in areas that have distinctive neighborhood characteristics. Such unique or distinctive physical characteristics may come in the form of:
         1.   Size, shape or lot configurations that deviate greatly from the platting pattern found in other parts of the city;
         2.   Building types or architectural styles that conflict with base district standards, yet make a positive contribution to the physical character or livability of an area;
         3.   Environmental or other physical features that would prevent reasonable development under applicable zoning standards;
         4.   Identifiable and cohesive neighborhood unit possessing similar development patterns and physical characteristics (for example, building features, site design, land use patterns, and natural or streetscape characteristics); or
         5.   May be located adjacent (that is, as a buffer area) to an existing Chicago Landmark District.
      17-7-0601-B The special zoning regulations that apply within special character overlay districts are intended to reduce conflicts between new construction and existing development, encourage city beautification and conserve the character of the city's most unique neighborhoods. Special character districts are not intended to serve as neighborhood-specific zoning rules that modify zoning standards merely because of dissatisfaction with development that complies with otherwise applicable standards. Such situations should be addressed through consideration of amendments to base district zoning standards that would apply citywide.
   17-7-0602 Minimum Requirements. An area will be eligible for designation as a special character overlay district after a recommendation by the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards if at the time of application it is located within any R, B, C, D or M district, and contains at least 4 contiguous acres of land area.
   17-7-0603 Authorized Regulations and Standards. Special character overlay district regulations may address any of the following:
      17-7-0603-A uses;
      17-7-0603-B floor area ratios;
      17-7-0603-C densities (lot area per dwelling unit);
      17-7-0603-D number of buildings on a zoning lot;
      17-7-0603-E lot area;
      17-7-0603-F building coverage;
      17-7-0603-G yards or setbacks;
      17-7-0603-H lot frontage;
      17-7-0603-I building heights;
      17-7-0603-J building entrances and/or orientation;
      17-7-0603-K exterior building materials and design;
      17-7-0603-L layout of public ways;
      17-7-0603-M vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns;
      17-7-0603-N amount or location of parking and loading; or
      17-7-0603-O other zoning-related standards that are necessary to address unique zoning, platting or development features.
      17-7-0603-P district-specific design guidelines for rehabilitation, new construction, and additions published by the Department of Planning and Development.
      17-7-0603-Q rehabilitation of character buildings as outlined in district-specific design guidelines. Character buildings have unique historical, architectural, or other impact on the district environment. Rehabilitation of identified character buildings is a priority in accordance with Section 17-7-0601-A.
   17-7-0604 Procedure for Establishment. Special character overlay districts must be established in accordance with the procedures of Sec. 17-13-0500.
   17-7-0605 Variations/Administrative Adjustments. Within any established special character overlay district, applicants may seek authorized administrative adjustments or variations, pursuant to the applicable administrative adjustment or variation procedures of Chapter 17-13.
   17-7-0606 Special Uses. Within any established special character overlay district, any applicant may seek approval of a special use allowed by the base district or Special Character District standards. In such cases, the applicant must demonstrate that the proposed special use meets the general applicable approval criteria for special uses and that the proposed use will comply with applicable special character overlay district regulations.
(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, § 246; Amend Coun. J. 10-7-20, p. 21785, § 1)
17-7-0700 SD-1, Norwood Park Special Character Overlay District.
   17-7-0701 Description. The SD-1, Norwood Park Special Character Overlay District is intended to permit low-density residential development that is compatible with the existing pattern of development within the core area of Norwood Park – commonly referred to as "Norwood Park Circle" – and adjacent streets.
   17-7-0702 Lot Area per Dwelling Unit. At least 7,500 square feet of lot area is required per dwelling unit.
   17-7-0703 Lot Frontage. Each lot must have lot frontage along a public street that is equal to the predominant lot frontage of the lots of record on the same side of the street between the two nearest intersecting streets or a minimum of 50 feet of lot frontage, whichever is greater. (See Sec. 17-17-0303 for rules governing the measurement of lot frontage.)
   17-7-0704 Front Setbacks. The minimum front setback is 30 feet or the predominant front yard depth of the lots of record on the same side of the street between the two nearest intersecting streets, whichever is greater, plus an additional one foot for every 2 feet by which the building's height exceeds 25 feet. A front yard must face onto a public street. (See Sec. 17-17-0306 for rules governing the measurement of front setbacks.)
   17-7-0705 Administrative Adjustments. In addition to the administrative adjustments authorized by Sec. 17-13-1000, the Zoning Administrator is authorized to permit a reduction of up to 10% of the minimum lot frontage required within the SD-1 district.
   17-7-0706 Variations. In addition to the variations authorized by Sec. 17-13-1100, the Zoning Board of Appeals is authorized to grant variations from the minimum lot frontage standards of the SD-1 district.
(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275)
17-7-0800 SD-2, Norwood Park Special Character Overlay District.
   17-7-0801 Description. The SD-2, Norwood Park Special Character Overlay District is intended to permit low- to moderate-density residential development that is compatible with the existing pattern of development within the core area of Norwood Park – commonly referred to as "Norwood Park Circle" – and adjacent streets.
   17-7-0802 Lot Area per Dwelling Unit. At least 5,750 square feet of lot area is required per dwelling unit.
   17-7-0803 Lot Frontage. Each lot must have lot frontage along a public street that is equal to the predominant lot frontage of the lots of record on the same side of the street between the two nearest intersecting streets or a minimum of 35 feet of lot frontage, whichever is greater. (See Sec. 17-17-0303 for rules governing the measurement of lot frontage.)
   17-7-0804 Floor Area Ratio. The floor area ratio may not exceed 0.50. (See Sec. 17-17-0305 for rules governing the measurement of floor area ratio.)
   17-7-0805 Front Yards. All front yards must face onto a public street.
   17-7-0806 Administrative Adjustments. In addition to the administrative adjustments authorized by Sec. 17-13-1000, the Zoning Administrator is authorized to approve an administrative adjustment allowing a reduction of up to 10% of the minimum lot frontage required within the SD-2 district.
   17-7-0807 Variations. In addition to the variations authorized by Sec. 17-13-1100, the Zoning Board of Appeals is authorized to grant variations from the minimum lot frontage standards of the SD-2 district.
(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275)
17-7-0900 SD-4A, North Southport Special Character Overlay District.
   17-7-0901 Description. The SD-4A, North Southport Special Character Overlay District (subdistrict A) is intended to conserve the existing low- density character of the North Southport area.
   17-7-0902 Lot Area per Dwelling Unit. At least 1,250 square feet of lot area is required per dwelling unit, except that on lots with a depth of more than 125 feet, the minimum lot area per dwelling unit is 1,500 square feet.
(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275)
17-7-1000 SD-8, Longwood Drive Special Character Overlay District.
   17-7-1001 Description. The SD-8, Longwood Drive Special Character Overlay District is intended to permit low-density residential use that is compatible with the existing pattern of neighborhood development.
   17-7-1002 Lot Width.
      17-7-1002-A Subdistricts A and B. In Subdistricts A and B, each lot must have at least 70 feet of lot frontage along a public street.
      17-7-1002-B Subdistrict C. In Subdistrict C, each lot must have at least 50 feet of lot frontage along a public street.
   17-7-1003 Setbacks from Longwood Drive.
      17-7-1003-A Subdistrict A. In Subdistrict A, all new buildings must be set back at least 130 feet from the property line along Longwood Drive.
      17-7-1003-B Subdistricts B and C. In Subdistricts B and C, all new buildings must be set back at least 85 feet from the property line along Longwood Drive.
      17-7-1003-C Corner or Through Lots. When corner lots or through lots are subdivided and lots are created without Longwood Drive lot frontage, the required setback of the base zoning district is to be measured from the adjoining streets.
   17-7-1004 Administrative Adjustments. In addition to the administrative adjustments authorized by Sec. 17-13-1000, the Zoning Administrator is authorized to approve an administrative adjustment allowing a reduction of up to 10% of the minimum lot frontage and setbacks required within the SD-8 district.
   17-7-1005 Variations. In addition to the variations authorized by Sec. 17-13-1100, the Zoning Board of Appeals is authorized to grant variations from the minimum lot frontage and setback requirements of the SD-8 district.
(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275)
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