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1. Applications for amendments to the text of this Zoning Ordinance must be filed with the Zoning Administrator.
2. Upon determining that an application is complete, the Zoning Administrator must forward applications to the City Clerk.
3. The City Clerk must file all text amendment applications with the City Council at its next regular meeting.
17-13-0202 Recommendations – Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator must review each proposed text amendment application and forward a recommendation on the proposal to the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards before the Committee's public hearing. The recommendation of the Zoning Administrator must also be forwarded to the City Council when the report of the City Council Committee on Zoning is initially submitted to the City Council.
17-13-0203 Hearing – City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards. The City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards must hold a hearing on all Zoning Ordinance text amendments. Published Notice of the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards' public hearing must be provided in accordance with Sec. 17-13-0107-B.
17-13-0205 Exception. Any proposed text amendment involving the establishment of a casino in the City of Chicago which is referred to the City Council Special Committee on the Chicago Casino is excepted from the procedures outlined in Sections 17-13-0201, 17-13-0202, and 17-13-0203.
(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 3-9-05, p. 44391; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. VII, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, §§ 260, 261; Amend Coun. J. 5-25-22, p. 48413, § 11)

17-13-0301 Applicability. The Zoning Map Amendment procedures of this section apply to all proposed rezonings except planned developments. Planned developments are subject to the review and approval procedures of Sec. 17-13-0600.
1. A Type 1 application is required for proposals:
(a) to rezone property to a zoning district that allows a floor area ratio that is 2 or more times higher than the subject property's existing zoning classification must submit a Type 1 application (for example, rezoning from RT4 to a B or C dash 3 classification would require a Type 1 application, since the FAR allowed under dash 3 [3.0] is more than double that of the RT4 district [1.2]);
(b) to rezone property from a zoning district that does not impose maximum height limits to a zoning district that does impose maximum height limits;
(c) to rezone property from a zoning district that does not allow household living uses to a zoning district that does allow household living uses (for example, rezoning from an M district to an R district); or
(d) to reduce the minimum lot area per unit standards or increase the maximum height limits as allowed in Sections 17-3-0402-B, 17-3-0408-B and 17-4-0404-C.
(e) to rezone property in order to establish a residential, day care, hospital, parks and recreation, school, eating and drinking establishment with an outdoor patio or outdoor assembly use that is proposed to be established in any R, B, C or POS zoning district and within 660' of any (i) windrow composting facility, (ii) intensive manufacturing, production and industrial service use, (iii) Class III, Class IVA, Class IVB and Class V recycling facility, (iv) warehousing, wholesaling, and freight movement use, (v) container storage, (vi) freight terminal, (vii) outdoor storage of raw material as a principal use, (viii) waste-related use, or (ix) manganese-bearing material operation use.
(f) to establish a cannabis business establishment in a within* the area bounded by Division Street, Lake Michigan, Roosevelt Road, and Halsted Street.
* Editor’s note – As set forth in Coun. J. 5-22-24, p. 12069, § 5; future legislation will correct if needed.
2. Any other applicant may elect to submit a Type 1 application.
17-13-0302-C Effect. The designation of a Zoning Map Amendment application as "Type 1" or "Type 2" determines the extent of information required to be submitted with the application, as described in Sec. 17-13-0303-C. Type 1 applications are also subject to Sec. 17-13-0310. All other rezoning procedures of this section (Sec. 17-13-0300) apply uniformly to Type 1 and Type 2 Zoning Map Amendment applications.
17-13-0303-B Filing. Zoning Map Amendment applications must be filed with the Zoning Administrator. Upon determining that an application is complete, the Zoning Administrator must transmit the application to the City Clerk. The City Clerk must file all such applications with the City Council at its next regular meeting.
1. A (narrative) zoning and development analysis describing the proposed development's:
(a) floor area ratio;
(b) density (lot area per dwelling unit);
(c) off-street parking;
(d) setbacks; and
(e) building height.
2. Drawings, photographs and/or plans illustrating:
(a) building orientation and setbacks;
(b) building bulk and scale in relation to nearby buildings;
(c) curb cuts;
(d) sidewalks;
(e) parking and loading areas;
(f) landscaping;
(g) useable on-site open space;
(h) garbage storage facilities; and
(i) such additional information as is necessary to demonstrate compliance with applicable standards of this Zoning Ordinance.
17-13-0303-D Optional Administrative Adjustment and Variation. In addition to the information required to be submitted with all Zoning Map Amendment applications, pursuant to other applicable portions of Section 17-13-0300, Type I applications may include relief available pursuant to Sections 17-13-1000 or 17-13-1100; in such instances, City Council approval of a Type I application containing said elements shall preclude subsequent review otherwise required pursuant to Sections 17-13-1000 or 17-13-1100, provided that no Type I application permits issued may be in violation of Section 17-13-0310.
17-13-0304-A Whenever the subject property is in a land trust, the applicant must disclose the identity of each beneficiary of such trust, including the name, address, and percentage of interest of each beneficiary of each trust. Such disclosure must be a statement under oath and must be filed at the time of filing the application.
17-13-0304-B Whenever the applicant is a partnership or association of two or more persons holding a joint or common interest, the names and addresses of each partner or associate must be listed and such disclosure must be a statement under oath and must be filed at the time of filing the application.
17-13-0304-D Whenever the applicant is a corporation, the names and addresses of all shareholders owning shares equal to or in excess of 3% of the proportionate interest, the names, addresses and percentage of each therein must be disclosed. Such disclosure must be a statement under oath and must be filed at the time of filing the application.
17-13-0304-E Whenever the applicant is either the Mayor or a member of the City Council, the applicant must disclose if he is the property owner of the property or has any direct or indirect interest in the property subject to the proposed amendment. In addition, any member of the City Council, and the Mayor if the applicant is a member of the City Council, who is the property owner of the property or has any direct or indirect interest in the property subject to the proposed amendment must disclose the nature of the interest.
17-13-0304-F In the event the amendment is adopted by the City Council, the Mayor or any member of the City Council who acquires any direct or indirect interest in the property which is the subject of the amendment within 3 years of its passage must file a sworn statement disclosing the nature of the interest acquired and the date of acquisition.
17-13-0304-G Pursuant to Chapter 2-154 of the Municipal Code of Chicago, an Economic Disclosure Statement and Affidavit are required to be filed. If the applicant is not the owner of the property, a disclosure statement must be filed for both the applicant and the owner.
17-13-0305 Recommendations – Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator must review each proposed zoning map amendment application and forward a recommendation on the proposal to the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards before the Committee's public hearing. The recommendation of the Zoning Administrator must also be forwarded to the City Council when the report of the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards is initially submitted to the City Council.
17-13-0306 Hearing – City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards. The City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards must hold a hearing on all zoning map amendments. Written, Published and Posted Notice of the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards' public hearing must be provided in accordance with Sec. 17-13-0107-A, Sec. 17-13-0107-B and Sec. 17-13-0107-C.
17-13-0307 Final Action – City Council. The City Council is the final decision-making body on zoning map amendments. The City Council may act by simple majority vote unless a valid written protest against the proposed amendment is filed with the City Clerk at least 3 days before the date that the City Council votes on the proposed amendment.
1. the property owners of 20% of the land proposed to be rezoned; or
2. the property owners of land immediately touching, or immediately across a street, alley, or public way from at least 20% of the perimeter of the land to be rezoned.
17-13-0308 Review and Decision-Making Criteria. The act of amending the zoning map is a legislative action that must be made in the best interests of the public health, safety and general welfare, while also recognizing the rights of individual property owners. In reviewing and making decisions on proposed zoning map amendments, review bodies and decision- making bodies should consider at least the following factors:
17-13-0309 Inaction by City Council. If the City Council does not take action on a proposed zoning map amendment within 180 days of the day the application is filed by the City Clerk with the City Council, the application will be considered to have been denied, unless the application meets the definition of an inclusionary application.
17-13-0309-A City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards Approval of Inclusionary Applications. Except for planned development amendment inclusionary applications addressed in Section 17-13-0608-A, if the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards fails to vote within 300 days of the filing of a complete inclusionary application with said Committee, as determined jointly by the Zoning Administrator and the Commissioner of Housing, the applicant may submit a written notification to the Chairman of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards requesting that the Committee act on the inclusionary application. If the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards fails to vote within 60 days of the receipt of such written notification and the requirements of Section 17-13-0309-B have been satisfied, the Committee shall report the application to the City Council for consideration at the next regular City Council meeting with a "do pass" recommendation.
17-13-0309-B Community Meetings for Inclusionary Applications. Before any applicant may submit a written notification to the Chairman of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards requesting that the Committee act on the inclusionary application pursuant to Section 17-13-0309-A, the applicant must hold at least one community meeting in the ward in which the project is proposed to be located for the purpose of explaining the proposal and soliciting comments on it. Notice for such community meeting must be issued, pursuant to this Section, no later than two weeks prior to such community meeting. The applicant must notify the Alderman of the ward in which the project is proposed to be located in writing of the time, place and purpose of the community meeting.
17-13-0310 Effect of Approval of Type 1 Zoning Map Amendment. Once a Type 1 application is approved, no permits may be issued except those that the Zoning Administrator determines to be in strict compliance with the density shown on the development plan approved by the City Council and in substantial compliance with the setbacks, floor area ratio, parking and building height shown on the development plan that was approved by the City Council. Proposals to make substantial modifications to City Council-approved development plans must be processed in accordance with the Zoning Map Amendment procedures of this section (Sec. 17-13-0300).
17-13-0311 Lapse of Approval of Type 1 Zoning Map Amendment. Except within a D district, a building permit must be obtained within 2 years of the effective date of an ordinance approving a Type 1 Zoning Map Amendment. If a building permit is not obtained within that period, the Zoning Administrator must initiate a Zoning Ordinance Map Amendment to rezone the subject property to the zoning classification that applied to the subject property before approval of the Type 1 Zoning Map Amendment, in accordance with the procedures of Sec. 17-13-0300.
(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 3-9-05, p. 44391; Amend Coun J. 5-14-07, p. 106483, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. VII, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. VIII, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, §§ 262 – 264; Amend Coun. J. 9-11-13, p. 60173, § 8; Amend Coun. J. 3-18-15, p. 105476, § 9; Amend Coun. J. 3-24-21, p. 29065, § 10; Amend Coun. J. 7-20-22, p. 50878, § 7; Amend Coun. J. 12-13-23, p. 7823, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 5-22-24, p. 12069, § 5)
17-13-0401 Procedure. Except as expressly modified by this section (Section 17-13-0400), requests to rezone land within an industrial corridor from an M district classification to another M, or a P.M.D., P.O.S. or T zoning district classification must be processed in accordance with the Zoning Map Amendment procedures of Section 17-13-0300.
17-13-0402 Hearing – Plan Commission. In addition to the hearings required under Sec. 17-13-0300, the Plan Commission must hold a public hearing on requests to rezone land within an industrial corridor from an M, PMD, POS or T zoning district classification to any other zoning district classification, and make a recommendation to the City Council before the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards's public hearing. Notice of the Plan Commission's public hearing must be provided in accordance with Sec. 17-13-0107-A, Sec. 17-13-0107-B and Sec. 17-13-0107-C.
17-13-0403 Review and Decision-Making Criteria. In reviewing and making decisions on proposed zoning map amendments within industrial corridors, review bodies and decision-making bodies must consider the criteria established in Sec. 17-13-0308 as well as whether the proposed rezoning would adversely affect the continued industrial viability of the industrial corridor. With respect to industrial viability, review bodies and decision-making bodies must consider the following factors:
(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 7-26-06, p. 82612, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 9-13-06, p. 84870, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 5-14-07, p. 106483, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, § 265)
17-13-0501 Initiation of Special Character Overlay District Amendment. An amendment to create a special character overlay district must be processed in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 17-13-0300, except to the extent that this section imposes additional requirements.
17-13-0502-A Applications to establish a special character overlay district must include the following: 1) an in-depth written description of the physical characteristics and criteria eligibility of the neighborhood that necessitate the establishment of an overlay district; 2) a map of the proposed district boundary; 3) a list of all of the PINs, property addresses, and property owners within the area; 4) a letter from the Department of Planning and Development supporting the proposed overlay district.
17-13-0502-B Public notice of an application for an amendment to create a special character overlay district must be given in the same manner as for other Zoning Map Amendments under Sec. 17-13-0300 except as expressly provided in this section.
17-13-0502-E In addition to the persons to whom written notice must be provided under Sec. 17-13-0300, written notice of the filing of the application and of the community meeting required by Sec. 17-13-0503 must also be sent to the property owners of property within the proposed special character overlay district, as determined from the authentic tax records of Cook County.
17-13-0503 Community Meeting. Before a public hearing is held by the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards, as provided for in Sec. 17-13-0300, to consider recommending the designation of any area as a special character overlay district, the Department of Planning and Development must hold at least one public meeting in the ward in which the proposed district is located for the purpose of explaining the proposal, soliciting comments on it, and making findings regarding the factors listed in Sec. 17-13-0505. The Department of Planning and Development must notify the Alderman or Aldermen of the ward(s) in writing of the time, place and purpose of the meeting and must also publish notice of the public meeting in a newspaper of general circulation within the ward(s). The Department of Planning and Development shall make all of the information presented at the meeting available to the public and shall provide a meeting summary of public input received.
17-13-0504 Report and Recommendation. The Department of Planning and Development must submit a written report and recommendation on the proposed special character overlay district Amendment to the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards before the date scheduled for a formal public hearing before that Committee.
17-13-0505-A whether the property within the proposed special character overlay district meets the minimum requirements of Sec. 17-7-0602;
(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. VII, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-17-10, p. 106597, Art. IX, § 11; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, §§ 266 – 269; Amend Coun. J. 11-26-13, p. 67481, Art. I, § 30; Amend Coun. J. 10-7-20, p. 21785, § 1)

17-13-0601 Purpose. The section sets forth the procedures for review and approval of planned developments. (See Chapter 17-8 for planned development guidelines and standards)
1. Planned development applications must be filed with the Zoning Administrator.
2. The Zoning Administrator must transmit an original copy of the application without delay to the City Clerk, who must record it in the proceedings of the City Council at its next regular meeting.
3. The Zoning Administrator must also, within 5 days of application filing, transmit copies of the application to the Plan Commission.
17-13-0603 Recommendations – Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator must review each planned development and forward a recommendation on the proposal to the Plan Commission before the Plan Commission's public hearing. The recommendation of the Zoning Administrator must also be forwarded to the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards.
17-13-0604-B Written, Published and Posted Notice of the Plan Commission public hearing must be provided in accordance with Sec. 17-13-0107-A, Sec. 17-13-0107-B and Sec. 17-13-0107-C.
17-13-0604-D The Plan Commission's public hearing must be concluded within 30 days of commencement, provided that the Plan Commission may grant such extensions of time as the applicant may request. If the applicant requests or agrees to an extension of time, such action will be deemed a waiver of the 30-day public hearing period.
17-13-0606 Hearing – City Council Committee on Zoning. The City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards must hold a public hearing on all planned development proposals for the purpose of reviewing the proposed project and taking testimony. Written, Published and Posted Notice of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards' public hearing must be provided in accordance with Sec. 17-13-0107-A, Sec. 17-13-0107-B and Sec. 17-13-0107-C.
17-13-0608 Inaction by City Council. If the City Council does not take action on a proposed planned development amendment application within 180 days of the day the Plan Commission recommendation is filed with the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards, the application will be considered to have been denied, unless the application meets the definition of an inclusionary application.
17-13-0608-A City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards Approval of Inclusionary Applications. If the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards fails to vote on a proposed planned development amendment inclusionary application within 300 days of the day the Plan Commission recommendation is filed with the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards, the applicant may submit a written notification to the Chairman of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards requesting that the Committee act on the inclusionary application. If the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards fails to vote within 60 days of the receipt of such written notification and the requirements of Section 17-13-0608-B have been satisfied, the Committee shall report the application to the City Council for consideration at the next regular City Council meeting with a "do pass" recommendation.
17-13-0608-B Community Meetings for Inclusionary Applications. Before any applicant may submit a written notification to the Chairman of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards requesting that the Committee act on the inclusionary application pursuant to Section 17-13-0608-A, the applicant must hold at least one community meeting in the ward in which the project is proposed to be located for the purpose of explaining the proposal and soliciting comments on it. Notice for such community meeting must be issued, pursuant to this Section, no later than two weeks prior to such community meeting. The applicant must notify the Alderman of the ward in which the project is proposed to be located in writing of the time, place and purpose of the community meeting.
17-13-0609-A whether the proposed development complies with the standards and guidelines of Sec. 17-8-0900;
17-13-0610 Effect of Planned Development Approval. After the adoption of a planned development ordinance, every application for a permit or license within the planned development boundaries must be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator for a determination that the proposed use, building or structure complies with all provisions of the planned development ordinance ("Part II review"). A Part II review fee shall be assessed by the Department of Planning and Development and paid by the Applicant as set forth in this section. The Part II review fee is $0.50 per square foot of buildable floor area, as identified in the planned development Bulk and Density Table. One-half of the permit review fee is due at the time of filing the planned development application (the "first installment"), and one-half of the review fee is due at the time of the Part II review (the "second installment"); provided, however, if the planned development is constructed in phases or subareas, and each phase or subarea is identified separately in the Bulk and Density Table and is subject to separate site plan approval or Plan Commission review, the permit review fee may be paid in phases. The fee for each phase shall continue to be paid in installments, with the first installment due at the time of filing the planned development application (for the initial phase) or at the time of filing for site plan review pursuant to Section 17-13-0800 (for subsequent phases), and with the second installment due at the time of Part II review for such phase. If the buildable floor area square footage changes between payment of the first installment and payment of the second installment, the second installment will be adjusted accordingly. Zoning certifications may be issued by the Zoning Administrator for uses, buildings or structures within the planned development only upon the Zoning Administrator's written approval. Any permit, license or certificate issued in conflict with the planned development ordinance may be revoked in accordance with Section 17-16-0505.
1. a change in the character of development;
2. an increase in the maximum permitted floor area ratio for the total net site area, provided that phases of the development may temporarily exceed the maximum floor ratio for a sub- area;
3. an increase in the number of dwelling units in excess of the lesser of 3 units or 5% of the maximum number of dwelling units allowed in the approved planned development. Increases in the maximum number of units may not be made if such increase conflicts with the approved parking ratio, decreases approved setbacks, adversely affects the character of the development or exceeds the approved floor area ratio. Increases in the maximum number of units may be made only once per planned development or, if applicable, once per sub-area; or
4. a reduction in the minimum required distance between structures or in periphery setbacks, provided that setback requirements may be adjusted when necessary to permit consistency with the typical pattern or architectural arrangement of surrounding structures.
17-13-0611-B Proposed changes that do not meet the criteria for Minor Changes, as provided in Sec. 17-13-0611-A, may be approved only in accordance with the review and approval procedures for planned developments, as provided in Sec. 17-13-0602 through Sec. 17-13-0610.
17-13-0611-C An approved minor change is valid for 12 months from the date of the letter granting such approval unless action to implement the minor change is commenced within such time period and thereafter diligently pursued to completion, including, if applicable, construction consistent with the minor change as authorized by a building permit. If action to implement the minor change, including construction, does not begin within the time set forth, or does not proceed with reasonable diligence, then the approval will lapse and become null and void.
17-13-0612-B The 6-year period may be extended by up to one additional year if, before expiration, the Zoning Administrator receives a written request from the applicant stating the reasons for the proposed extension, and the Zoning Administrator determines that good cause for an extension is shown.
17-13-0612-D If construction does not begin within the time set forth, or the construction does not proceed with reasonable diligence, or if construction in a multi-phase development does not proceed according to the specific schedule set forth in the planned development ordinance, then the planned development ordinance will lapse and be null and void.
17-13-0612-E Should a planned development ordinance lapse, as provided in this section, the Zoning Administrator must initiate a Zoning Ordinance Map Amendment to rezone the subject property to the zoning classification that applied to the subject property before approval of the planned development, in accordance with the procedures of Sec. 17-13-0300.
17-13-0613 Special rule– Property within Airport Layout Plan. Upon annexation, land located within the Airport Layout Plan shall be deemed to be included within, and subject to all the applicable provisions of, the "Airport Planned Development," as defined in an ordinance passed by the City Council on January 23, 1964, and appearing in the Journal of Proceedings of that date at page 2203. Such inclusion shall not be subject to the review and approval requirements contained in Section 17-13-0602 through Section 17-13-0610 to be effective. For the purposes of this section, the term "Airport Layout Plan" shall mean the future airport layout plan for Chicago O'Hare International Airport approved by the Federal Aviation Administration in a Record of Decision issued in September 2005, and as amended from time to time.
(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 3-9-05, p. 44391; Amend Coun J. 5-14-07, p. 106483, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 11-13-07, p. 15814, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. VII, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. VIII, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 2-9-11, p. 112461, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 12-14-11, p. 18122, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, §§ 270 – 273; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-14, p. 98037, § 15; Amend Coun. J. 3-18-15, p. 105476, § 10; Amend Coun. J. 11-26-19, p. 11514, Art. III, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 9-9-20, p. 20676, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 12-15-21, p. 42674, § 9; Amend Coun. J. 7-20-22, p. 50878, § 7)
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