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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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17-7-0500 Burling Street Special Setback Overlay District.
   17-7-0501 Purpose. The Burling Street Special Setback Overlay District is intended to preserve established development patterns and to protect the area's special character.
   17-7-0502 Boundaries. The Burling Street Special Setback Overlay District applies to all properties abutting North Burling Street between the first alley north of and parallel to West Fullerton Avenue and the first alley south of and parallel to West Wrightwood Avenue.
   17-7-0503 Standards. All buildings within the Burling Street Special Setback Overlay District must be set back at least 30 feet from the property line adjacent to Burling Street.
(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275
17-7-0550 North Greenview Avenue Special Setback District.
   17-7-0551 Purpose. The North Greenview Avenue Setback District is intended to require larger front setbacks for new residential development consistent with the existing pattern of front yards on that portion of North Greenview Avenue as described below.
   17-7-0552 Boundaries. The North Greenview Avenue Setback District applies to properties abutting North Greenview Avenue within the following specific subdistricts:
      Subdistrict A bounded by: West Berteau Avenue; the alley next east of and parallel to North Greenview Avenue; West Irving Park Road; North Greenview Avenue; West Belle Plaine Avenue; and the alley next west of and parallel to North Greenview Avenue.
      Subdistrict B bounded by: West Cullom Avenue; North Greenview Avenue; a line 276.9 feet north of and parallel to West Berteau Avenue; and the alley next west of and parallel to North Greenview Avenue.
      Subdistrict C bounded by: West Cullom Avenue; the alley next east of and parallel to North Greenview Avenue; West Hutchinson Street; and North Greenview Avenue.
      Subdistrict D bounded by: West Hutchinson Street; a line 190 feet east of and parallel to North Greenview Avenue; the alley next south of and parallel to West Hutchinson Avenue; the alley next east of and parallel to North Greenview Avenue; West Berteau Avenue; and North Greenview Avenue.
   17-7-0553 Front Setbacks.
      The minimum front setback in Subdistrict A is forty (40) feet.
      The minimum front setback in Subdistrict B is forty-five (45) feet.
      The minimum front setback in Subdistrict C is thirty (30) feet.
      The minimum front setback in Subdistrict D is forty (40) feet.
   See Section 17-17-0306 for rules governing the measurement of front setbacks.
(Added Coun. J. 1-11-06, p. 68318, § 1)
17-7-0560 Adult Use Cannabis Dispensary Exclusion Zone.
   17-7-0561 Purpose. To exclude an area in and around the central business district which, because of its unique character, configuration and intensive pedestrian, tourism and entertainment related traffic, presents a higher level of congestion, public safety, and security concerns.
   17-7-0562 Exclusion Zone Boundaries. The area in which adult use cannabis dispensaries are prohibited is bounded by the parcels adjacent to the following area: beginning at the intersection of the west side of State Street and the north side of Division Street; then east on the north side of Division street to the east side of Michigan Avenue; then south on the east side of Michigan Avenue to the north side of Ohio Street; then east on the north side of Ohio Street extended to Lake Michigan; then south along the shoreline of Lake Michigan to the south side of Illinois Street extended; then west on the south side of Illinois Street extended to the east side of Michigan Avenue; then south on the east side of Michigan Avenue to the south side of 16th Street; then west on the south side of 16th Street to the west side of Michigan Avenue; then north on the west side of Michigan Avenue to the south side of Van Buren Street; then west on the south side of Van Buren Street to the west side of State Street; then north on the west side of State Street to the place of beginning.
Figure 17-7-0560
 
Adult Use Cannabis Dispensary exclusion zone
 
(note: this map is provided for illustrative purpose only; Adult Use Cannabis Dispensary exclusion zone boundaries may be amended only through text amendment procedures)
(Added Coun. J. 10-16-19, p. 7854, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 9-20-21, p. 36844, §§ 4, 5)
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)
17-7-1100 SD-10, Roscoe Street.
   17-7-1101 Description. The SD-10, Roscoe Street Special Character Overlay District is intended to conserve the existing low-density, multi-use commercial and residential character of the portion of West Roscoe Street generally located between North Damen Avenue and North Western Avenue. The existing pattern of development is two- and three-story structures with pedestrian-oriented retail at street level and dwelling units above. The Roscoe Street District seeks to maintain the street's existing scale and to limit construction of taller four- and five-story buildings. In addition, the District regulations seek to maintain the street-front orientation of existing buildings by requiring this orientation for new construction and by encouraging conformity to the front setbacks, if any, of the prevailing street wall.
   17-7-1102 Building Height. New construction may not exceed 36 feet in height. (See Sec. 17-17-0311 for rules governing the measurement of building height.)
   17-7-1103 Building Orientation. All new construction must have a principal entrance or the design of a principal entrance oriented toward Roscoe Street. Such orientation or apparent orientation must be evidenced by a principal doorway (excluding garage doors), front yard, or front porch. All parking must be located and accessed off the alley.
   17-7-1104 Lot Area. At least 1,400 square feet of lot area is required per dwelling unit.
   17-7-1105 Administrative Adjustments. In addition to the administrative adjustments authorized by Sec. 17-13-1000, the Zoning Administrator is authorized to allow the following as administrative adjustments:
      17-7-1105-A a building height increase of up to 10%; and
      17-7-1105-B waiver or modification of the building orientation and parking access requirements for parcels lacking alley access or when other circumstances impose hardship conditions.
   17-7-1106 Variations. In addition to the variations authorized by Sec. 17-13-1100, the Zoning Board of Appeals is authorized to grant the following variations:
      17-7-1106-A a building height increase of up to 10%; and
      17-7-1106-B waiver or modification of the building orientation and parking access requirements for parcels lacking alley access or when other circumstances impose hardship conditions.
(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 5-12-10, p. 92105, § 1)
17-7-1200 Midway International Airport Height Overlay District.
   17-7-1201 Purpose. The Midway International Airport (for purposes of this section "Airport") Height Overlay District is intended to preserve the public safety and general welfare by preventing the establishment of vertical obstructions within the airport's approach and departure zones, which may present a hazard to air navigation.
   17-7-1202 Boundaries. The Midway International Airport Height Overlay District consists of all those properties which lie within the Airport's approach and departure zones. For purposes of this section only, the approach and departure zones shall be centered on the extended runway centerline of each runway and shall extend a distance of 1,550 feet on either side of each extended runway centerline beginning at the Airport boundary and extending away from the Airport, parallel to the runway centerlines, a distance of 9,500 feet or to the city limits, whichever is reached first.
   17-7-1203 Height Limits.
      17-7-1203-A No building, structure, equipment or any portion thereof located on any lot within the Midway International Airport Height Overlay District shall exceed a height above grade of 30 feet or one foot vertically for every 50 feet horizontally measured from the nearest point on the Airport boundary to the object, whichever is greater.
      17-7-1203-B If the provisions of the Midway International Airport Height Overlay District conflict with provisions or regulations of the underlying zoning district, the more restrictive provision will control. The more restrictive provision is the one that imposes greater restrictions or more stringent controls on development.
(Added Coun. J. 12-14-11, p. 18120, § 2)
Editor's note – Coun. J. 3-9-05, p. 44391, deleted former § 17-7-1200.
17-7-1300 SD-23 Sheridan Park North Special Character Overlay District.
   17-7-1301 Description. The SD-23, Sheridan Park North Special Character Overlay District is intended to require larger front setbacks for new residential development, consistent with the existing pattern of front yards in the neighborhood.
   17-7-1302 Front Setbacks.
      17-7-1302-A The minimum front setback is 30 feet, except that within Subdistrict A, where the minimum front setback is 40 feet. (See Sec. 17-17-0306 for rules governing the measurement of front setbacks.)
      17-7-1302-B Porches and terraces may not encroach within the required front setback within Subdistrict A. Outside of Subdistrict A, porches and above-grade, open terraces (including roofed terraces) are permitted within the required front setback, provided such structures do not project more than 10 feet and provided a minimum 20-foot front setback is maintained.
(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275)
17-7-1400 SD-24 Sheridan Park South Special Character Overlay District.
   17-7-1401 Description. The SD-24, Sheridan Park South Special Character Overlay District is intended to require larger front setbacks for new residential development, consistent with the existing pattern of front yards in the neighborhood.
   17-7-1402 Front Setbacks.
      17-7-1402-A The minimum front setback is 30 feet, except that within Subdistrict A, where the minimum front setback is 20 feet. (See Sec. 17-17-0306 for rules governing the measurement of front setbacks.)
      17-7-1402-B Porches and terraces may not encroach within the required front setback within Subdistrict A. Outside of Subdistrict A, porches and above-grade, open terraces (including roofed terraces) are permitted within the required front setback, provided such structures do not project more than 10 feet and provided a minimum 20-foot front setback is maintained.
(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275)
17-7-1500 Milwaukee Avenue Special Character Overlay District.
   17-7-1501 Boundaries. The Milwaukee Avenue Special Character Overlay District generally consists of all lots adjacent to Milwaukee Avenue, between Western Avenue on the south and Ridgeway Avenue on the north, except that the overlay district shall not apply to Planned Developments approved prior to July 1, 2024, Parks and Open Space zoning districts, or areas, districts, places, buildings, structures, or works of art designated as Chicago Landmarks.
   17-7-1502 Purpose. The purpose of the Milwaukee Avenue Special Character Overlay District is to preserve the unique and distinctive character of the Milwaukee Avenue commercial corridor and provide design guidelines for the rehabilitation of existing buildings and new construction. The distinctive character of the Milwaukee Avenue commercial corridor includes a diagonal street layout resulting in unique patterns and lot configurations, one- and two-part commercial block, enframed window wall, false front, freestanding, two-part vertical block, and residential building types, as well as Romanesque Revival, Queen Anne, Italian Renaissance, Tudor Revival, Beaux-Arts Classicism, Late Classical Revival, Neoclassical, Spanish Revival, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, and Commercial Vernacular architectural styles.
   17-7-1503 Publication. Any building built, added, altered, or rehabilitated within the Milwaukee Avenue Special Character Overlay District must be consistent with the Milwaukee Avenue Urban Identity Design Guidelines published by the Department of Planning and Development (“Guidelines”). These Guidelines shall be published by ordinance and made available for view online on the Department of Planning and Development website. The Guidelines shall be applicable to:
      1.   New construction or exterior modifications to existing buildings requiring a building permit application.
      2.   New construction or exterior modifications requiring applications for Zoning Map Amendments.
   17-7-1504 District-specific Guidelines. Design guidelines for rehabilitation, additions, alterations, and new construction in the Milwaukee Avenue Special Character Overlay District are detailed in the Guidelines. The Guidelines address various aspects of design for existing buildings and new construction. Proposed projects must be consistent with the Guidelines.
      1.   For existing buildings, these Guidelines set requirements for:
         (a)   Masonry repair or replacement
         (b)   Architectural metal cladding repair or replacement
         (c)   Storefronts
         (d)   Canopies
         (e)   Building lighting
         (f)   Exterior facade repair or replacement
         (g)   Entrances/doors to upper floors
         (h)   Windows
         (i)   Roofs/rooflines/cornices
         (j)   Siting
         (k)   Scale
         (l)   Design and compatibility
         (m)   Materials
      2.   For new construction, these Guidelines set requirements for:
         (a)   Parking and services areas
         (b)   Building setback and orientation
         (c)   Height and scale
         (d)   Massing
         (e)   Building width
         (f)   Materials
         (g)   Ground floor entries and storefronts
         (h)   New or replacement canopies
         (i)   Building lighting
         (j)   Articulation at upper floor facades and rooflines
   17-7-1505 Administrative Adjustments. In addition to the administrative adjustments authorized by Section 17-13-1000, the Zoning Administrator or their designee is authorized to approve an administrative adjustment to waive or modify any district-specific guideline specified in Section 17-7-1504. Such an administrative adjustment may be approved only when the Zoning Administrator or their designee determines that the proposed adjustment meets the following criteria:
      1.   The proposed adjustment results in a development quality equal to or better than what would have been required without the adjustment; and
      2.   The proposed adjustment will be in keeping with the established character of the Milwaukee Avenue Special Character Overlay District; and
      3.   The proposed adjustment meets the general approval criteria of Section 17-13-1007-B.
   17-7-1506 Prohibited Uses. The following uses are expressly prohibited within the boundaries of the Milwaukee Avenue Special Character Overlay District:
      1.   Strip centers;
      2.   Drive-through facilities;
      3.   Vehicle sales and service uses involving any outdoor storage of vehicles or goods or car washes;
      4.   Gas stations; and
      5.   Residential storage warehouses.
   17-7-1507 Character Buildings. Character buildings are buildings that have been identified as having a 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. For the purposes of this section, the following buildings have been identified as Character Buildings. The Appendix to the Guidelines may provide additional information regarding Character Buildings identified in this Section.
      Building Address
      1950-1956 N Milwaukee Ave
      1958 N Milwaukee Ave
      1960 N Milwaukee Ave
      1965 N Milwaukee Ave
      2016-2030 N Milwaukee Ave
      2040-2044 N Milwaukee Ave   
      2043 N Milwaukee Ave
      2046-2048 N Milwaukee Ave
      2066 N Milwaukee Ave
      2092 N Milwaukee Ave
      2094 N Milwaukee Ave
      2100 N Milwaukee Ave
      2101 N Milwaukee Ave
      2122-2124 N Milwaukee Ave
      2165-2171 N Milwaukee Ave   
      2206 N Milwaukee Ave
      2208 N Milwaukee Ave
      2214 N Milwaukee Ave
      2226 N California Ave
      2280 N Milwaukee Ave
      2300-2302 N Milwaukee Ave
      2301-2313 N Milwaukee Ave   
      2315 N Milwaukee Ave
      2317-2319 N Milwaukee Ave
      2320-2322 N Milwaukee Ave   
      2323 N Milwaukee Ave
      2327 N Milwaukee Ave
      2332 N Milwaukee Ave
      2333 N Milwaukee Ave
      2337 N Milwaukee Ave
      2339 N Milwaukee Ave
      2341 N Milwaukee Ave
      2344 N Milwaukee Ave
      2345 N Milwaukee Ave
      2349 N Milwaukee Ave
      2351 N Milwaukee Ave
      2355 N Milwaukee Ave
      2357 N Milwaukee Ave
      2363 N Milwaukee Ave
      2367 N Milwaukee Ave
      2381-2385 N Milwaukee Ave
      2392 N Milwaukee Ave
      2403 W Homer St
      2410-2414 N Milwaukee Ave
      2413 N Milwaukee Ave
      2417 N Milwaukee Ave
      2418 N Milwaukee Ave
      2419 N Milwaukee Ave
      2421 N Milwaukee Ave
      2423 N Milwaukee Ave
      2427 N Milwaukee Ave
      2432 N Milwaukee Ave
      2441 W Armitage Ave
      2443-2447 N Milwaukee Ave
      2449-2451 N Milwaukee Ave
      2451 N Sacramento Ave
      2453 N Milwaukee Ave
      2455-2457 N Milwaukee Ave
      2471-2475 N Milwaukee Ave
      2515 N Milwaukee Ave
      2521 N Milwaukee Ave
      2523 N Milwaukee Ave
      2525 N Milwaukee Ave
      2529-2531 N Milwaukee Ave
      2620 N Milwaukee Ave
      2624 N Milwaukee Ave
      2628 N Milwaukee Ave
      2630 N Milwaukee Ave
      2636-2656 N Milwaukee Ave
      2639-2641 N Milwaukee Ave
      2643-2651 N Milwaukee Ave
      2653 N Milwaukee Ave
      2655 N Milwaukee Ave
      2664-2718 N Milwaukee Ave
      2715-2729 N Milwaukee Ave
      2731-2739 N Milwaukee Ave
      2821 N Milwaukee Ave
      2822 N Milwaukee Ave
      2829 N Milwaukee Ave
      2831 N Milwaukee Ave
      2832-2834 N Milwaukee Ave
      2833-2837 N Milwaukee Ave
      2839-2841 N Milwaukee Ave
      2840 N Milwaukee Ave
      2843-2845 N Milwaukee Ave
      2854 N Milwaukee Ave
      2864-2866 N Milwaukee Ave
      2867 N Milwaukee Ave
      2868 N Milwaukee Ave
      2869 N Milwaukee Ave
      2871 N Milwaukee Ave
      2874 N Milwaukee Ave
      2875 N Milwaukee Ave
      2880 N Milwaukee Ave
      2882 N Milwaukee Ave
      2883 N Milwaukee Ave
      2885 N Milwaukee Ave
      2888 N Milwaukee Ave
      2889 N Milwaukee Ave
      2890 N Milwaukee Ave
      2891 N Milwaukee Ave
      2894-2896 N Milwaukee Ave
      2898 N Milwaukee Ave
      2909 N Milwaukee Ave
      2912 N Milwaukee Ave
      2915 N Milwaukee Ave
      2918 N Milwaukee Ave
      2919 N Milwaukee Ave
      2922 N Milwaukee Ave
      2923 N Milwaukee Ave
      2924 N Milwaukee Ave
      2928 N Milwaukee Ave
      2930 N Milwaukee Ave
      2934 N Milwaukee Ave
      2935 N Milwaukee Ave
      2943 N Milwaukee Ave
      2953 N Milwaukee Ave
      2955 N Milwaukee Ave
      2956-2972 N Milwaukee Ave
      2957 N Milwaukee Ave
      2978 N Milwaukee Ave
      2988 N Milwaukee Ave
      3002-3010 N Milwaukee Ave
      3004 N Elbridge Ave
      3350 W Diversey Ave
   17-7-1508 Demolition. An application for the demolition of a Character Building shall include an affidavit certifying that the applicant has provided written notice to the local alderman at least thirty (30) days prior to filing the application. This notice shall include: (a) the street address of the existing Character Building; and (b) the name and mailing address of the applicant.
(Added Coun. J. 7-17-24, p. 14576, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 12-16-24, p. 22233, § 8)