CHAPTER 17-2
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS

17-2-0100   District descriptions.

17-2-0200   Allowed uses.

17-2-0300   Bulk and density standards.

17-2-0400   Character standards.

17-2-0500   Townhouse developments.

17-2-0100 District descriptions.

   17-2-0101 Generally. The “R”, residential districts are intended to create, maintain and promote a variety of housing opportunities for individual households and to maintain the desired physical character of the city's existing neighborhoods. While the districts primarily accommodate residential use types, nonresidential uses that are compatible with residential neighborhoods are also allowed.

   17-2-0102 RS, Residential Single-Unit (Detached House) Districts. The primary purpose of the RS districts is to accommodate the development of detached houses on individual lots. It is intended that RS zoning be applied in areas where the land-use pattern is characterized predominately by detached houses on individual lots or where such a land use pattern is desired in the future. The Zoning Ordinance includes three RS districts – RS1, RS2 and RS3 – which are differentiated primarily on the basis of minimum lot area requirements and floor area ratios.

   17-2-0103 RT, Residential Two-Flat, Townhouse and Multi-Unit Districts. The primary purpose of the RT districts is to accommodate detached houses, two-flats, townhouses and low-density, multi-unit residential buildings at a density and building scale that is compatible with RS districts. The districts are intended to be applied in areas characterized by a mix of housing types. The districts are also intended to provide a gradual transition between RS districts and higher density RM districts. The RT districts are differentiated primarily on the basis of allowed density (minimum lot area per unit) and floor area ratios.

   17-2-0104 RM, Residential Multi-Unit Districts.

      17-2-0104-A General. The primary purpose of the RM districts is to accommodate detached houses, two-flats, townhouses and multi-unit residential buildings. Although the districts accommodate a wide range of housing types, they are primarily intended to accommodate moderate- to high-density, multi-unit residential buildings in areas where such development already exists or where it is desired in the future. The Zoning Ordinance includes 5 RM districts – RM4.5, RM5, RM5.5, RM6 and RM6.5. These districts are differentiated primarily on the basis of allowed density (minimum lot area per unit), floor area ratio and allowed building heights.

      17-2-0104-B RM4.5. The RM4.5 district is intended to serve as a transition district between the RT4 and RM5 classifications. It is primarily intended to accommodate multi-unit buildings.

      17-2-0104-C RM5 and RM5.5. The RM5 and RM5.5 districts are intended to accommodate multi-unit residential buildings. The RM5 district differs from the RM5.5 district only in terms of the maximum building height allowed. Applicable height limits in RM5 generally limit buildings to a maximum of 3 1/2 to 4 stories, whereas larger lots in the RM5.5 district could contain 5-story structures. RM5.5 zoning is intended to be applied only in areas where the established neighborhood character is defined by buildings taller than 4 stories or in areas where there is no established neighborhood character, due to a lack of buildings.

      17-2-0104-D RM6. The RM6 district is a high-density zoning classification that permits mid-rise and high-rise residential buildings in those areas where such building types already exist or where such buildings would be consistent with an area's established development pattern and character.

      17-2-0104-E RM6.5. The RM6.5 district is high-density zoning classification that permits high-rise residential buildings. The district is primarily intended to be applied to lots containing existing high-rise buildings that do not comply with RM6 bulk and density standards.

   17-2-0105 “A” Suffix Designation.

      17-2-0105-A The “A” suffix designation indicates the existence of special standards that are designed to accommodate and promote multi-unit buildings containing accessible dwelling units.

      17-2-0105-B The designation may be applied in combination with any RT4 zoning district classification, in accordance with the rezoning procedure of Sec. 17-13-0300.

      17-2-0105-C Special floor area ratio and building height standards apply in districts with an “A” suffix. (See Sec. 17-2-0304 and Sec. 17-2-0311) Otherwise, districts with an “A” suffix are subject to the same standards that apply in non-suffix districts.

(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 3-9-05, p. 44391; Amend Coun. J. 7-20-22, p. 50878, § 3)

17-2-0200 Allowed uses.

   17-2-0201 Use Groups and Categories. Use Groups and Use Categories are described in Sec. 17-17-0100.

   17-2-0202 Permitted Uses. Uses identified with a “P” are permitted by-right in the subject zoning district, subject to compliance with all other applicable standards of this Zoning Ordinance.

   17-2-0203 Special Uses. Uses identified with an “S” may be allowed if reviewed and approved in accordance with the special use procedures of Sec. 17-13-0900, subject to compliance with all other applicable standards of this Zoning Ordinance.

   17-2-0203.5 Planned Developments. Uses identified with a “PD” may be allowed if reviewed and approved in accordance with the planned development procedures of Sec. 17-13-0600. Other uses and development activities may also require review and approval as a planned development based on their size, height or other threshold criteria. (See the mandatory planned development thresholds of Sec. 17-8-0500)

   17-2-0204 Prohibited Uses. Uses identified with a “-” are expressly prohibited. Uses that are not listed in the table are also prohibited.

   17-2-0205 Use Standards. The “Use Standard” column of the following Use Table identifies use- specific standards that apply to some uses. Compliance with such standards is required regardless of whether the use is a Permitted (P) or special use (S).

   17-2-0206 Parking Standards. The “Parking Standard” column of the following Use Table contains a reference to the applicable off-street parking ratio for the listed use. Off-street parking regulations are located in Chapter 17-10.

   17-2-0207 Use Table and Standards.

For a printer-friendly PDF version of Table 17-2-0207, please click here.

USE GROUP		Zoning Districts								Use Standard	Parking Standard
Use Category		RS	RS	RS	RT	RT	RM	RM	RM
	Specific Use Type	1	2	3	3.5	4	4.5	5-5.5	6-6.5
P= permitted by-right S = special use approval req'd PD = planned development approval req'd - = Not allowed
RESIDENTIAL
A. Household Living
1.	Detached House	P	P	P	P/-	P/-	P/-	P/-	P/-	§ 17-2-0303-B	§ 17-10-0207-A
2.	Elderly Housing	-	-	-	P	P	P	P	P		§ 17-10-0207-A
3.	Two-Flat	-	-	P	P	P	P/-	P/-	P/-	§ 17-2-0303-B	§ 17-10-0207-A
4.	Townhouse	-	-	-	P	P	P	P	P	§ 17-2-0500	§ 17-10-0207-A
5.	Multi-Unit (3+ units) Residential	-	-	-	P	P	P	P	P	§ 17-2-0303-B	§ 17-10-0207-C
6.	Single-Room Occupancy	-	-	-	-	P	P	P	P		§ 17-10-0207-B
7.	Conversion Unit within Additional Dwelling Unit-Allowed Areas	-	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	§ 17-2-0303-C & § 17-9-0131
8.	Coach House within Additional Dwelling Unit-Allowed Areas	-	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	§ 17-9-0201-F
B. Group Living
1.	Assist. Living (Elderly Custodial Care)	-	-	-	-	P	P	P	P		§ 17-10-0207-Q
2.	Convents and Monasteries	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P		§ 17-10-0207-Q
3.	Community Home, Family	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P		§ 17-10-0207-Q
4.	Community Home, Group	S	S	S	S	P	P	P	P		§ 17-10-0207-Q
5.	Domestic Violence Residence, Family	S	S	S	P	P	P	P	P		§ 17-10-0207-Q
6.	Domestic Violence Residence, Group	-	-	S	S	P	P	P	P		§ 17-10-0207-Q
7.	Domestic Violence Shelter	-	-	-	-	S	S	S	S		§ 17-10-0207-Q
8.	Nursing Home (Skilled Nursing Care)	-	-	-	-	S	S	S	S		§ 17-10-0207-Q
*10.	Temporary Overnight Shelter	-	-	S	S	S	S	S	S	§ 17-9-0115	§ 17-10-0207-Q
11.	Transitional Residences	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	§ 17-9-0115	§ 17-10-0207-Q
12.	Transitional Shelters	-	-	S	S	S	S	S	S	§ 17-9-0115	§ 17-10-0207-Q
13.	Group Living Not Otherwise Classified	-	-	-	-	S	S	S	S		§ 17-10-0207-Q
PUBLIC AND CIVIC
C. Colleges and Universities		-	-	-	-	P	P	P	P		§ 17-10-0207-E
D. Cultural Exhibits and Libraries		P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P		§ 17-10-0207-F
E. Day Care		P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P		§ 17-10-0207-E
F. Hospital		-	-	-	-	P	P	P	P		§ 17-10-0207-G
G. Lodge or Private Club		-	-	-	-	S	S	S	S	§ 17-9-0111	§ 17-10-0207-H
H. Parks and Recreation (except as more specifically regulated)		P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P		§ 17-10-0207-E
1.	Community Centers, Recreation Buildings and Similar Assembly Use	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S		§ 17-10-0207-E
2.	Community Garden	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	§ 17-9-0103.5	§ 17-10-0207-E
I. Public Safety Services
1.	Police Station	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S		§ 17-10-0207-E
2.	Fire Station	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P		§ 17-10-0207-E
J. Religious Assembly		P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P		§ 17-10-0207-I
K. School		P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P		§ 17-10-0207-E
L. Utilities and Services, Minor		P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P		§ 17-10-0207-E
M. Utilities and Services, Major		S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S		§ 17-10-0207-E
COMMERCIAL
*O. Funeral and Interment Service
* Editor's note – Coun. J. 9-13-06, p. 84870, did not provide an entry for “N.”
1.	Cemetery/ Mausoleum/ Columbarium	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P		§ 17-10-0207-Q
2.	Cremating	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S		§ 17-10-0207-Q
P. Lodging
1.	Bed and Breakfast	-	-	-	-	P	P	P	P	§ 17-9-0103	§ 17-10-0207-S
2.	Vacation Rental	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
3.	Shared Housing Unit	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
Q. Medical Service
1.	Government-operated Health Center	-	-	-	-	S	S	S	S		§ 17-10-0207-T
R. Office
1.	Foreign Consulates	-	-	-	-	P	P	P	P	§ 17-9-0108	§ 17-10-0207-Q
2.	Philanthropic and Eleemosynary Institutions	-	-	-	-	P	P	P	P	§ 17-9-0113	§ 17-10-0207-Q
S. Parking, Non-Accessory		-	-	-	-	P/S	P/S	P/S	P/S	§ 17-9-0111.5	None Req'd
T. Residential Support Service		-	-	-	-	-	-	P	P	§ 17-9-0114	None Req'd
OTHER USES
U. Wireless Communication Facilities
1.	Co-located	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	§ 17-9-0118	None Req'd
2.	Freestanding (Tower)	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	§ 17-9-0118	None Req'd
ACCESSORY
V. Accessory Uses		P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	§ 17-9-0200	None Req'd
W. Coke & Coal Bulk Material		-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	§ 17-9-0117-B	None Req'd
X. Manganese-bearing Material Operation		-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	§ 17-9-0117-D	None Req'd

 

(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 9-1-04, p. 30490; Amend Coun. J. 3-9-05, p. 44391; Amend Coun. J. 9-13-06, p. 84870, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 6-30-10, p. 96060, § 4; Amend Coun. J. 11-3-10, p. 104527; Amend Coun. J. 9-8-11, p. 7541, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 4-30-14, p. 80394, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 6-22-16, p. 27712, § 12; Amend Coun. J. 3-28-18, p. 74512, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 12-16-20, p. 26066, § 10; Amend Coun. J. 7-20-22, p. 50878, § 3)

17-2-0300 Bulk and density standards.

   17-2-0301 Lot Area.

      17-2-0301-A Minimum Lot Area Standards. All development in R districts is subject to the following minimum lot area standards except as expressly allowed in Sec. 17-2-0301-B:

 

District	Minimum Lot Area* (square feet)
RS1	6,250
RS2	5,000
RS3	2,500
RT3.5	2,500
RT4 to RM6.5	1,650

 

(*See Sec. 17-17-0302 for rules governing the measurement of lot area.)

      17-2-0301-B Exemptions.

         1.   Contextual Standard for RS1 and RS2 Districts. In the RS1 and RS2 districts, when more than 50% of similarly zoned lots on a block face have a minimum lot area per unit less than prescribed in Sec. 17-2-0301-A, the minimum lot area per dwelling unit standard will be established based on the predominant lot area of all zoning lots fronting on the block face. In no case, however, may the minimum lot area established pursuant to this contextual standard be less than 3,750 square feet.

         2.   Lots of record. A detached house may be established on any lot of record regardless of the size of the lot, provided that all other requirements of this Zoning Ordinance are met. This exemption also applies if a lot of record is increased in area and still does not comply with applicable minimum lot area standards.

      17-2-0301-C Exceptions. Any application seeking a zoning map amendment, pursuant to Section 17-13-0300, in order to establish a residential, day care, hospital, parks and recreation, school or outdoor assembly use that is proposed to be established within 660' of any (a) windrow composting facility, (b) intensive manufacturing, production and industrial service use, (c) Class III, Class IVA, Class IVB and Class V recycling facility, (d) warehousing, wholesaling, and freight movement use, (e) container storage, (f) freight terminal, (g) outdoor storage of raw material as a principal use, (h) waste-related use, or (i) manganese-bearing material operation use may be allowed only if further reviewed and approved in accordance with the special use procedures of Section 17-13-0900, unless it otherwise meets a planned development threshold of Section 17-8-0500.

   17-2-0302 Lot Frontage.

      17-2-0302-A Minimum Lot Frontage Standards. Except as expressly allowed in Sec. 17-2-0302-B, all lots in RS1 and RS2 districts must have a minimum lot frontage of 25 feet or the predominant lot frontage of similarly zoned lots on the same block face, whichever is greater. (See Sec. 17-17-0303 for rules governing the measurement of lot frontage.)

      17-2-0302-B Exemption. A detached house may be established on any lot of record regardless of its lot frontage, provided that all other requirements of this Zoning Ordinance are met. This exemption also applies if a lot of record is increased in area and still does not comply with applicable minimum lot frontage standards.

   17-2-0303 Lot Area per Unit (Density).

      17-2-0303-A Minimum Lot Area per Unit Standards. All development in R districts is subject to the following minimum lot-area-per-unit standards. These standards are not to be interpreted as a guarantee that allowed densities can be achieved on every lot. Other factors, such as off-street parking, height limits, dwelling unit sizes and lot configuration may work to limit density more than these standards.

District	Minimum Lot Area per Unit* (square feet)
RS1	6,250
RS2	5,000
RS3	2,500, except as expressly allowed in Sec. 17-2-0303-B
RT3.5	1,250
RT4	Dwelling units: 1,000 Efficiency units: 1,000 SRO units: 500
RM4.5	Dwelling units: 700 Efficiency units: 700 SRO units: 500
RM5	Dwelling units: 400 Efficiency units: 400 SRO units: 200
RM5.5	Dwelling units: 400 Efficiency units: 400 SRO units: 200
RM6	Dwelling units: 300 Efficiency units: 135 SRO units: 135
RM6.5	Dwelling units: 300 Efficiency units: 135 SRO units: 135

 

(*See Sec. 17-17-0304 for rules governing the measurement of lot area per unit.)

      17-2-0303-B Exemptions.

         1.   In the RS3 district the minimum lot area per dwelling unit may be reduced to 1,500 square feet when 60% or more 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 or (ii)* when the property is located within the “Predominance of the Block” boundaries as defined by Section 17-7-0591. This exemption will only allow for the establishment of a two-unit building.

Editor’s note – Coun. J. 9-18-24, p. 16736, § 4, added clause (ii) in this subsection but did not designate clause (i); future legislation will correct if needed.

         2.   Ground floor Type A units, except those provided in detached houses, are exempt from inclusion in minimum lot area per dwelling unit calculations, in RS3, RT3.5, and RT4 districts.

         3.   Newly established detached houses are a prohibited use in RT and RM districts that are within community preservation areas, as that term is defined in Section 2-44-085 (B), and are also within 2,640 feet of a CTA or METRA rail station entrance or exit or within 1,320 feet of a CTA bus line corridor roadway segment listed in Table 17-17-0400-B, except in RT districts where a two-flat is permitted but cannot be established pursuant to the applicable bulk and density standards, a detached house may be established.

         4.   Newly established two-flats are a prohibited use in RM districts that are within community preservation areas, as that term is defined in Section 2-44-085 (B), and are also within 2,640 feet of a CTA or METRA rail station entrance or exit or within 1,320 feet of a CTA bus line corridor roadway segment listed in Table 17-17-0400-B, except in RM districts where a multi-unit residential building cannot be established pursuant to the applicable bulk and density standards, a two-flat may be established. Furthermore, only in those instances when no two-flat can be established pursuant to the applicable bulk and density standards, a detached house may be established.

      17-2-0303-C Conversion Unit. Within Additional Dwelling Unit-Allowed Areas, in the case of building permit applications for the repair, remodeling, or alteration of residential buildings that are located in any RS2, RS3, RT or RM zoning district and that have been in lawful existence for 20 or more years, the density of such residential buildings may be increased in accordance with Section 17-9-0131 by 33% of the number of lawfully established dwelling units, other than conversion units, that have been in existence in the residential building for 20 or more years; provided, however, that if such residential building contains a single dwelling unit, the density of such residential building may be increased by one dwelling unit. If this 33% calculation results in a fractional number, any fractional result of 0.5 or more must be rounded up to the next consecutive whole number; and any fractional result of less than 0.5 must be rounded down to the previous consecutive whole number.

   17-2-0304 Floor Area Ratio.

      17-2-0304-A Standards. All development in R districts is subject to the following maximum floor area ratio standards:

District	Maximum Floor Area Ratio*
RS1	0.50
RS2	0.65
RS3	0.90
RT3.5	1.05
RT4	1.20 (See accessible dwelling unit exceptions, Sec. 17-2-0304-B)
RM4.5	1.70
RM5	2.00
RM5.5	2.50
RM6	4.40; premium may apply - See Sec. 17-2-0304-C
RM6.5	6.60; premium may apply - See Sec. 17-2-0304-C

 

(*See Sec. 17-17-0305 for rules governing the measurement of floor area ratio.)

      17-2-0304-B Reserved.

      17-2-0304-C Premiums. Multi-unit residential buildings located in an RM6 or RM6.5 district on lots that permit 50 or more dwelling units, based on the lot's zoning classification, are eligible for floor area ratio premiums in accordance with the following: For each one percent decrease in the number of dwelling units below the maximum number permitted under Section 17-2-0303-A, a 0.50% increase in the allowable floor area ratio is allowed, provided that the floor area ratio is not increased by more than 25% over the otherwise applicable maximum under Section 17-2-0304-A.

      17-2-0304-D Exemption. Ground floor Type A units, except those provided in detached houses, will not be counted as floor area for the purpose of calculating floor area ratio in RS3, RS3.5, and RT4 districts.

   17-2-0305 Front setbacks.

      17-2-0305-A Buildings and structures in RS districts must be set back from the front property line a distance equal to the average front yard depth that exists on the nearest 2 lots on either side of the subject lot, excluding the lot with the least front yard depth. In those cases when the least front yard depth is identical for 2 or more lots, only a single lot shall be excluded from the calculation.

      17-2-0305-B Buildings and structures in RT, RM and DR districts must be set back from the front property line a distance equal to either: the minimum front setback standard of 15 feet (or 12% of lot depth, whichever is less) or the average front yard depth that exists on the nearest 2 lots on either side of the subject lot. In RT, RM and DR districts the decision to comply with the fixed front setback standard or the average front setback standard is left to the builder / property owner except in the case of lots with lot frontage on a primary boulevard, as defined in Sec. 17-17-02124, where buildings and structures must be set back from the front property line a distance equal to the average front yard depth that exists on the nearest 2 lots on both sides of the subject lot; there is no maximum depth to the required setback along a primary boulevard as defined in Sec. 17-17-02124. (See Sec. 17-17-0306 for rules governing the measurement of front setbacks)

      17-2-0305-C If one or more of the lots required to be included in the averaging calculation are vacant, such vacant lots will be deemed to have the following front yard depths:

 

District	Assumed Setback on Vacant Lots
RS1 to RS3	20 feet or 16% of lot depth, whichever is less
RT3.5 to RM6.5 + DR	15 feet or 12% of lot depth, whichever is less

 

Figure 17-2-0305-C

         1.   Lots that front on a different street than the subject lot or that are separated from the subject lot by a street or alley may not be used in computing the average.

Figure 17-2-0305-C1

         2.   When the subject lot is a corner lot, the average setback will be computed on the basis of the nearest 2 lots that front on the same street as the subject lot.

         3.   When the subject lot abuts a corner lot fronting on the same street, the average setback will be computed on the basis of the abutting corner lot and the nearest 2 lots that front on the same street as the subject lot.

      17-2-0305-D The setback provisions of this section (Sec. 17-2-0305) do not apply to townhouses. Townhouses are subject to the standards of Sec. 17-2-0500.

      17-2-0305-E If the averaged front yard is 50% or less then the fixed front yard setback, then the features allowed to encroach in required setbacks established in Sec 17-17-0309 do not apply.

   17-2-0306 Rear Setbacks.

      17-2-0306-A In all R districts, the minimum rear setback for buildings that contain no more than 19 dwelling units and in which at least 33% of the units are accessible dwelling units is 24% of lot depth or 50 feet, whichever is less. (See Sec. 17-17-0307 for rules governing the measurement of rear setbacks.)

      17-2-0306-B In all R districts, the minimum rear setback for detached houses is 28% of lot depth or 50 feet, whichever is less. (See Sec. 17-17-0307 for rules governing the measurement of rear setbacks.)

      17-2-0306-C In all R districts, the minimum rear setback for principal buildings other than detached houses is 30% of lot depth or 50 feet, whichever is less.

      17-2-0306-D In RM5 and RM 5.5 districts, the required rear setback applies to all portions of the building that are 6 feet or more above grade.

      17-2-0306-E In RM6 and RM6.5 districts, the required rear setback applies to all portions of the building that are 18 feet or more above grade.

      17-2-0306-F In all R districts other than RM5, RM5.5, RM6 and RM6.5, the required rear setback applies to all portions of the building.

   17-2-0307 Rear Yard Open Space. All development in RS, RT, RM4.5 and RM5 districts is subject to the following minimum rear yard open space standards, except as expressly allowed under the townhouse development standards of Section 17-2-0500.

District	Minimum Rear Yard Open Space (square feet per dwelling unit/% of lot area, whichever is greater)	Diameter (in feet) of a Circle That Must Fit Within Rear Yard Open Space
RS1	400/6.5	20
RS2	400/6.5	20
RS3	225/6.5	15
RT3.5	100/6.5	12
RT4	65/6.5	12
RM4.5	50/6.5	10
RM5	36/5.25	10

 

      17-2-0307-A Location and Design.

         1.   Rear yard open space refers to the amount of lot area required to be preserved as open space within the rear yard.

         2.   Required rear yard open space must be located within the rear yard, at ground level or, if located on a terrace or patio, within 4 feet of ground level. In RM5 and RM5.5 districts, where structures are located in the rear setback and do not exceed 6 feet in height, required rear yard open space may be located directly above such structures.

         3.   When located at ground level, the open space area must be substantially covered with grass, ground cover, shrubs, plants, trees, or usable outdoor open space features, such as walkways or patios.

         4.   Off-street parking areas and driveways may not be used to satisfy rear yard open space requirements. Bollards, curbs, wheel stops or other similar features must be provided to ensure that required rear yard open space is not used for off-street parking, loading or vehicle circulation.

         5.   If a rear setback is reduced by a variation or administrative adjustment, the rear yard open space must either be located in the rear setback, or between the established rear setback or accessory building and any principal building. The required open space may also be provided on the roof of an accessory building as allowed in Sec. 17-13-1003-K and Sec. 17-13-1101-A.

   17-2-0308 On-Site Open Space in RM5.5, RM6 and RM6.5 Districts.

      17-2-0308-A Amount and Dimensions. Except as expressly allowed under the townhouse development standards of Sec. 17-2-0500, all development containing dwelling units located in RM5.5, RM6 and RM6.5 districts must provide at least 36 square feet of useable on-site open space per dwelling unit. Required open space must have minimum dimension of at least 5 feet on any side if private or 15 feet on any side if provided as common open space.

      17-2-0308-B Additional Standards.

         1.   Required open space must be located on the same lot as the dwelling unit it serves.

         2.   Required open space must be outdoors and designed for outdoor living, recreation or landscaping, including areas located on the ground and areas on decks, balconies, porches or roofs.

         3.   The required open space area is not required to be contiguous, but each open space area, whether common or private, must comply with minimum dimensional standards. Common open space areas must be accessible to all residents of the subject development.

         4.   When located at ground level, required open space area must be substantially covered with grass, ground cover, shrubs, plants, trees, or usable outdoor open space features, such as walkways or patios.

         5.   Off-street parking areas, loading facilities, driveways or required vehicular use landscape areas may not be used to satisfy open space requirements. Bollards, curbs, wheel stops or other similar features must be provided to ensure that required open space areas are not used for off-street parking or any other vehicular use.

         6.   Required open space areas may not be occupied by mechanical equipment, dumpsters or service areas.

         7.   All required open space areas must be located and designed to take advantage of sunlight and other climatic advantages of the site.

   17-2-0309 Side Setbacks.

      17-2-0309-A Standards. All development in R districts is subject to the following minimum side setback standards, except as expressly allowed under the townhouse development standards of Section 17-2-0500. Reversed corner lots are subject to Section 17-2-0309-B. (See Section 17-17-0308 for rules governing the measurement of side setbacks.)

District	Minimum Side Setback
RS1	Principal residential building: Combined total width of side setbacks must equal 30% of lot width with neither required setback less than 5 feet or 10% of lot width, whichever is greater Principal nonresidential building (e.g., religious assembly and school buildings): 15 feet or 50% of building height, whichever is greater
RS2	Principal residential building: Combined total width of side setbacks must equal 30% of lot width with neither required setback less than 4 feet or 10% of lot width, whichever is greater Principal nonresidential building (e.g., religious assembly and school buildings): 15 feet or 50% of building height, whichever is greater
RS3	Principal residential building: Combined total width of side setbacks must equal 20% of lot width with neither required setback less than 2 feet or 8% of lot width, whichever is greater Principal nonresidential buildings (e.g., religious assembly and school buildings): 12 feet or 50% of building height, whichever is greater
RT3.5	Townhouse: See Sec. 17-2-0500 All other principal buildings: Combined total width of side setbacks must equal 20% of lot width with neither required setback less than 2 feet or 8% of lot width, whichever is greater; no side setback is required to exceed 5 feet in width; See also note 1, below
RT4	Townhouse: See Section 17-2-0500 All other principal buildings: Combined total width of side setbacks must equal 20% of lot width with neither required setback less than 2 feet or 8% of lot width, whichever is greater; no side setback is required to exceed 5 feet in width; See also note 1, below
RM4.5	Townhouse: See Sec. 17-2-0500 All other principal buildings: Combined total width of side setbacks must equal 20% of lot width with neither required setback less than 2 feet or 8% of lot width, whichever is greater; no side setback is required to exceed 5 feet in width; See also note 1, below
RM5	Townhouse: See Sec. 17-2-0500 All other principal buildings: Combined total width of side setbacks must equal 20% of lot width with neither required setback less than 2 feet or 8% of lot width, whichever is greater; no side setback is required to exceed 5 feet in width; See also note 1, below
RM5.5	Townhouse: See Sec. 17-2-0500 All other principal buildings: Combined total width of side setbacks must equal 20% of lot width with neither required setback less than 2 feet or 8% of lot width, whichever is greater; no side setback is required to exceed 5 feet in width; See also note 1, below
RM6	Townhouse: See Sec. 17-2-0500 All other principal buildings: None abutting street or alley or for buildings covering 50% or less of the lot; buildings covering more than 50% of the lot must provide individual side setbacks equal to at least 10% of the lot width or 10% of the total building height, whichever is greater, provided that no side setback is required to exceed 20 feet in width
RM6.5	Townhouse: See Sec. 17-2-0500 All other principal buildings: None abutting street or alley or for buildings covering 50% or less of the lot; buildings covering more than 50% of the lot must provide individual side setbacks equal to at least 10% of the lot width or 10% of the total building height, whichever is greater, provided that no side setback is required to exceed 20 feet in width

 

[1] When a side lot line abuts an alley or street, no side setback is required on the side of the building abutting the street or alley. In such cases, the side setback on the other (non-street or alley) side must be at least 10% of the lot's width.

      17-2-0309-B Reversed Corner Lot Setback Standards. In all R districts, the minimum side setback on a reversed corner lot must be equal to at least 50% of the front yard that exists on the lot abutting the rear of the reversed corner lot. If the abutting lot to the rear is vacant, the 50% is to be calculated on the basis of the abutting lot's required front setback. Moreover, no accessory building on a reverse corner lot may be located within 5 feet of a rear lot line that abuts a side lot line of an RS1-, RS2-, or RS3-zoned lot.

Figure 17-2-0309-B

      17-2-0309-C Through Lots. On through lots both (opposing) street lines are considered front property lines and front setback standards apply. Rear setback standards do not apply. On through lots that are at least 125 feet in depth one of the following must be provided on each floor of the building containing residential dwelling units:

         1.   unobstructed open space located midway between the streets on which such lot fronts and running the full width of the lot. This required open space must provide at least 10 feet of separation between buildings or segments of buildings located on the zoning lot, plus an additional 2 feet of separation for every 5 feet or fraction thereof by which the lot depth exceeds 125 feet. In RM5, RM5.5, RM6 and RM 6.5 districts, the required open area may begin the same distance above grade as the required rear setback. Regardless of lot depth, this open area need not provide more than 60 feet of building separation; or

         2.   unobstructed open space along all property lines other than street property lines. This open space must be at least 5 feet in width, plus an additional one foot for every 5 feet or fraction thereof by which the lot depth exceeds 125 feet. Regardless of lot depth, this open space need not exceed 30 feet in width.

Figure 17-2-0309-C

   17-2-0310 Building (Wall) Separation.

      17-2-0310-A Purpose; Applicability. The building separation standards of this section are intended to ensure adequate separation between exterior building walls that serve as a primary source of natural light and air for dwelling units. These standards apply to courtyard buildings, buildings with car courts, or other developments where dwelling units face or are adjacent to one another. Townhouse developments are exempt from these standards; they are subject to the standards of Sec. 17-2-0500.

      17-2-0310-B General. Unless otherwise expressly stated, exterior building walls are subject to the minimum setback standards of the underlying zoning district.

      17-2-0310-C Front and Rear Walls.

         1.   Facing Interior Side Property Line.

            (a)   When a front wall faces the subject property's interior side property line, the front wall must be setback from the interior side property line a distance equal to at least 12 feet. (See Sec. 17-17-0310 for rules governing the measurement of building wall separation.)

            (b)   When a rear wall faces the subject property's interior side property line, the rear wall, must be setback from the interior side property line a distance equal to at least 10% of the lot width or 12 feet, whichever is less.

Figure 17-2-0310-C1

         2.   Facing Other Front or Rear Walls. When the front wall or rear wall of a dwelling unit faces the front wall or rear wall of another dwelling unit located on the same zoning lot, the minimum required separation between such walls (excluding minor building projections allowed under Sec. 17-2-0500-H4) is as follows:

 

District	Minimum Separation (feet)
RT3.5	30
RT4	30
RM4.5	30
All other R districts	26

 

Figure 17-2-0310-C2

      17-2-0310-D End Walls Facing Front or Rear Walls. When the end wall of a dwelling unit faces the front wall or rear wall of a dwelling unit located on the same zoning lot, the minimum required separation between such walls is 20 feet. Balconies and minor building projections allowed under Sec. 17-2-0500-H4 are allowed to encroach into required separation areas.

Figure 17-2-0310-D

   17-2-0311 Building Height.

      17-2-0311-A Standards. All residential buildings in R districts are subject to the following maximum building height standards except as expressly allowed in Section 17-2-0311-B:

District	Maximum Building Height (feet)
RS1	Principal residential buildings: 30 Principal nonresidential buildings: None
RS2	Principal residential buildings: 30 Principal nonresidential buildings: None
RS3	Principal residential buildings: 30 Principal nonresidential buildings: None
RT3.5	Principal residential buildings: 35 Principal nonresidential buildings: None
RT4	Principal residential buildings: 38 Principal nonresidential buildings: None
RM4.5	Principal residential buildings: Lot Frontage of less than 32 feet: 45 Lot Frontage of 32 feet or more: 47 Principal nonresidential buildings: None
RM5	Principal residential buildings: Lot Frontage of less than 32 feet: 45 Lot Frontage of 32 feet or more: 47 Principal nonresidential buildings: None
RM5.5	Principal residential buildings: Lot Frontage of 75 feet or less: 47 Lot Frontage of more than 75 feet: 60 Principal nonresidential buildings: None
RM6	Principal residential buildings: None (tall buildings require Planned Development approval in accordance with Section 17-13-0600) Principal nonresidential buildings: None
RM6.5	Principal residential buildings: None (note: tall buildings require Planned Development approval in accordance with Section 17-13-0600) Principal nonresidential buildings: None

 

(See Section 17-17-0311 for rules governing the measurement of building height.)

      17-2-0311-B Exemptions.

         1.   The building height limits of Section 17-2-0311-A do not apply to residential construction in the "Wrigley Field Adjacent Area", as defined in Chapter 4-388 of the Municipal Code.

         2.   Multi-unit residential buildings in the RT4 district that contain no more than 19 dwelling units and in which at least 25% of the dwelling units are Type A units are subject to a maximum building height standard of 42 feet.

   17-2-0312 Average Dwelling Unit Size. The gross residential floor area developed on a lot divided by the total number of dwelling units on such lot may not be less than 500 square feet. Existing residential uses may not be converted to conflict with or further conflict with this standard. The average dwelling unit size standard of this section does not apply to government-subsidized or elderly housing developments.

   17-2-0313 Number of Efficiency Units.

      17-2-0313-A Standards. In those R districts in which efficiency units are allowed, the total number of efficiency units may not exceed the following standards except as expressly allowed in Section 17-2-0313-B:

 

District	Maximum Number of Efficiency Units (% of total units)
RT4	20
RM4.5	20
RM5	20
RM5.5	25
RM6	30
RM6.5	40

 

      17-2-0313-B Exemption. The limits on efficiency units do not apply to government-subsidized or elderly housing developments, provided that the Zoning Administrator determines that such developments constitute bona fide government-subsidized or elderly housing developments.

(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 3-9-05, p. 44391; Amend Coun. J. 11-30-05, p. 62716; Amend Coun. J. 9-13-06, p. 84870, §§ 2, 3; Amend Coun. J. 11-5-08, p. 45002, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 4-15-15, p. 106130, § 14; Amend Coun. J. 12-16-20, p. 26066, § 11; Amend Coun. J. 3-24-21, p. 29065, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 4-21-21, p. 29942, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 7-20-22, p. 50878, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 1-18-23, p. 59796, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 9-18-24, p. 16736, § 4)

 

Notes

2-44-085	The hyper-linked material is not part of the Chicago Land Use and Zoning infobase and therefore is not included herein. The material is included in other provisions of the Chicago Municipal Code. The complete Chicago Municipal Code is available for purchase from American Legal Publishing in both print and Folio® versions. Please click here for the appropriate American Legal order form in printable Adobe® PDF format. For additional information, you may visit American Legal's website by clicking here.
2-44-085	The hyper-linked material is not part of the Chicago Land Use and Zoning infobase and therefore is not included herein. The material is included in other provisions of the Chicago Municipal Code. The complete Chicago Municipal Code is available for purchase from American Legal Publishing in both print and Folio® versions. Please click here for the appropriate American Legal order form in printable Adobe® PDF format. For additional information, you may visit American Legal's website by clicking here.
4-388	The hyper-linked material is not part of the Chicago Land Use and Zoning infobase and therefore is not included herein. The material is included in other provisions of the Chicago Municipal Code. The complete Chicago Municipal Code is available for purchase from American Legal Publishing in both print and Folio® versions. Please click here for the appropriate American Legal order form in printable Adobe® PDF format. For additional information, you may visit American Legal's website by clicking here.

17-2-0400 Character standards.

   17-2-0401 Blank Walls.

      17-2-0401-A To avoid the appearance of blank walls and ensure “eyes on the street”, windows and/or main entrance doors must comprise at least 17.5% of the area of each building façade that faces a street.

      17-2-0401-B For purposes of this provision, the façade includes the entire exterior plane of the building measured from grade to the top of the parapet on a flat roof or to the roof peak on a pitched-roof building.

      17-2-0401-C Windows used to meet this standard must allow views from the building to the street.

      17-2-0401-D Glass block, windows in garages and doors that do not provide pedestrian entrances to the building do not count toward meeting this standard.

Figure 17-2-0401

   17-2-0402 Access to Off-Street Parking.

      17-2-0402-A In all R districts except RS1 and RS2, all off-street parking must be accessed off the abutting alley except that direct street access to off- street parking is allowed in the following cases:

         1.   when the subject zoning lot lacks access to an improved alley;

         2.   when the street access leads to a common parking area for a townhouse development or row of townhouse units; or

         3.   when the street access leads to a multi-level parking garage in a multi-unit residential building.

         3.   when the street access leads to a multi-level parking garage in a multi-unit residential building.

         4.   when the subject zoning lot is located in an RS3 District and is improved with a single-unit detached house; or

         5.   when the use is a permitted public or civic use.

      17-2-0402-B In all R Districts, all parking serving townhouses, detached houses, two-flats and three-flats that is accessed directly from a public street, must have a setback of at least 20 feet from the front property line to prevent obstruction of the sidewalk by parked cars. This setback may be reduced or eliminated on zoning lots which have substandard lot depths as defined in Sec. 17-17-02174 by the Zoning Administrator or the Zoning Board of Appeals as referenced in Sec. 17-13-1003-S and 17-13-1101-A.

(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 3-9-05, p. 44391; Amend Coun. J. 9-13-06, p. 84870, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 12-12-07, p. 17737, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 2-15-12, p. 20910, § 1)

17-2-0500 Townhouse developments.

      17-2-0500-A Purpose. The purpose of these standards is to establish setback, building spacing, landscaping and design standards that are tailored to townhouse developments. Such standards are intended to ensure that townhouse developments are compatible with the traditional character of Chicago's neighborhoods.

      17-2-0500-B Applicability. The townhouse development standards of this section apply in all districts in which townhouses are allowed.

      17-2-0500-C Number of Buildings on Zoning Lot. Multiple townhouse buildings are expressly allowed on a single zoning lot in those townhouse developments that comply with the townhouse development standards of this section (Sec. 17-2-0500), provided that each building contains no more than 9 townhouse units.

      17-2-0500-D Lot Frontage. The minimum lot frontage for a townhouse development is 35 feet.

(See Sec. 17-17-0303 for rules governing the measurement of lot frontage.)

      17-2-0500-E Building Setbacks for Front and Rear Walls.

         1.   Front and Rear Walls Defined. Front walls and rear walls are those walls that are generally perpendicular to party walls. These walls are typically the primary sources of light and air for a townhouse unit.

         2.   Front or Rear Walls Facing a Public Street.

            (a)   Front walls and rear walls that face a public street must be set back from the street property line as follows:

District	Minimum Setback (feet)
RT3.5	12
RT4	12
RM4.5	12
B/C dash 1	12
B/C dash 1.5	12
B/C dash 2	12
All other districts	10

 

            (b)   Required front wall and rear wall setbacks may be reduced to match the predominant setbacks of adjoining structures on the same side of the street between the nearest intersecting streets or alleys, provided that a minimum setback of 3 feet is provided in all cases. Landscaping must be installed within these required setbacks.

         3.   Front or Rear Walls Facing a Side or Rear Property Line.

            (a)   When a front wall or rear wall faces the side property line or rear property line of adjoining property, the minimum required building setback is as follows:

District	Minimum Setback (feet)
RT3.5	12
RT4	12
B/C dash 1	12
B/C dash 1.5	12
B/C dash 2	12
RM4.5	12
All other districts	10

 

            (b)   When a rear wall adjoins property improved with a railroad or CTA elevated right-of-way, no building setback is required.

         4.   Front or Rear Walls Facing an Alley.

            (a)   When a front wall (a wall with the principal pedestrian access) faces an alley, the minimum required building setback is 3 feet.

            (b)   When a rear wall faces an alley, no building setback is required, provided that an on-site storage area is provided for trash receptacles and clearly identified on building plans.

         5.   Separation Between Front and Rear Walls.

            (a)   When the front wall or rear wall of one row of townhouse units faces the front wall or rear wall of another row of townhouse units, the minimum required separation between such buildings (excluding minor building projections allowed under Sec. 17-2-0500-H4) is as follows:

District	Minimum Separation (feet)
RT3.5	30
RT4	30
RM4.5	30
B/C dash 1	30
B/C dash 1.5	30
B/C dash 2	30
All other districts	26

 

(See Sec. 17-17-0310 for rules governing the measurement of building wall separation.)

            (b)   Driveways and open parking areas may be located within this minimum separation area.

            (c)   The minimum separation at the ground-floor only may be reduced to 20 feet for interior drives with garages doors facing garage doors, provided the upper-story living spaces comply with the separation requirements of Sec. 17-2-0500-E5(a).

      17-2-0500-F Building Setbacks for End Walls.

         1.   End Walls Defined. An end wall is a wall that is generally parallel to party walls and located at the end of a row of townhouse units. Such walls are typically a secondary source of light and air for townhouse units.

         2.   End Wall Facing Public Street.

            (a)   End walls that face a public street must be set back from the street property line as follows:

District	Minimum Setback (feet)
RT3.5	12
RT4	12
RM4.5	12
B/C dash 1	12
B/C dash 1.5	12
B/C dash 2	12
All other districts	10

 

            (b)   Required end wall setbacks may be reduced to match the predominant setbacks of adjoining structures on the same side of the street between the nearest intersecting streets or alleys, provided that a minimum setback of 3 feet is provided in all cases. Landscaping must be installed within these required setbacks.

         3.   End Wall Facing Side or Rear Property Line. When an end wall adjoins a side property line or rear property line, the minimum required building setback is 3 feet. This required setback distance may be reduced to 2.5 feet if the building does not exceed 30 feet in height. Secondary stairs required by the Building Code may encroach into this required setback.

         4.   End Wall Facing Alley. When an end wall adjoins an alley, no building setback is required, provided an on-site storage area for trash receptacles is provided on-site and clearly identified on building plans.

         5.   Separation Between End Walls and Front or Rear Walls.

            (a)   When the end wall of a row of townhouse units faces the front wall or rear wall of another row of townhouse units, the minimum required separation between such buildings (excluding minor building projections allowed under Sec. 17-2-0500-H4) is 20 feet in all districts. (See Sec. 17-17-0310 for rules governing the measurement of building wall separation.)

            (b)   Driveways and open parking areas may be located within this minimum separation area, provided that landscaped planting areas with a minimum depth of 4 feet from one building face are provided.

         6.   End Walls Facing Other End Walls. When an end wall of one row of townhouses faces the end wall of another row of townhouses, the minimum required separation between the facing end walls is 10 feet.

      17-2-0500-G Building Setbacks on Corner Lots. On a corner lot, the required building setback on one (street-facing) side of the lot may be reduced to 5 feet. This setback may be further reduced to match the predominant setbacks of adjoining structures on the same side of the street between the nearest intersecting streets or alleys, provided that a minimum setback of 3 feet is provided in all cases. Landscaping must be installed within these required setbacks.

      17-2-0500-H Private Yard Requirement.

         1.   Private yards must be provided for each townhouse unit within a townhouse development. Each required private yard must have the following minimum area:

District	Minimum Contiguous Area (square feet)
RT3.5	200
RT4	200
RM4.5	200
B/C dash 1	200
B/C dash 1.5	200
B/C dash 2	200
All other districts	175

 

         2.   A required private yard may be located adjacent to a front wall, rear wall, or end wall provided that it is immediately adjacent to the townhouse unit it serves and directly accessible from the townhouse unit by way of a door or stair. Required private yards must be at grade or, if located on a terrace or patio, within 4 feet of grade. All private yards provided at grade must be landscaped so that they are substantially covered with grass, ground cover, shrubs, plants, trees, or other landscape improvements, such as walkways or patios.

         3.   Required private yards may be located on a deck or patio more than 4 feet above grade if approved as an administrative adjustment by the Zoning Administrator in accordance with Sec. 17-13-1003-J. Required private yards may also be located within a common open space area (See Sec. 17-2-0500-I) provided that (a) such common area is contiguous and directly accessible to the townhouse unit and (b) the private yard area is in excess of any common open space (See Sec. 17-2-0500-I).

         4.   The following may encroach into required private yards:

            (a)   those encroachments allowed by Sec. 17-17-0309;

            (b)   open stairs exceeding 4 feet in height; and

            (c)   multi-story bay windows that project no more than 3 feet.

         5.   No driveways or parking spaces (open or enclosed) may be located within required yards.

      17-2-0500-I Common Open Space.

         1.   In addition to required private yards (See Sec. 17-2-0500-H), any townhouse development of 40 or more townhouse units must provide a minimum of 150 square feet of common open space per townhouse unit.

         2.   Required common open space must be located in one or more usable, common areas, each with a minimum dimension of 25 feet and a minimum area of 2,000 square feet.

         3.   Common open space areas must be accessible to all townhouse units and must be improved with landscaping, recreational facilities, and/or walkways.

         4.   Trees must be planted within common open space areas at the rate of one tree for every 1,000 square feet of required common open space. Such trees must have a minimum 2.5-inch caliper.

         5.   Interior car courts that are at least 36 feet wide may be counted toward satisfying up to 50% of required common open space, provided such car courts include special paving materials (such as bomanite or brick pavers), pedestrian walkways and landscaping as required by Sec. 17-2-0500-J.

      17-2-0500-J Landscaping of Interior Drives. At least 5% of the vehicular use area in interior driveways must be landscaped. Interior driveway areas must include at least one tree (minimum 2.5-inch caliper) for every 4 dwelling units adjoining the driveway. Landscaping and trees in private yards adjoining interior driveways may count toward fulfillment of this requirement. These landscaping requirements do not apply to interior drives that are bordered by garage doors that face other garage doors and that contain no pedestrian entrances.

      17-2-0500-K Building Façades Facing Public Streets.

         1.   To avoid the appearance of blank walls, building façades that face public streets must include elements of a front façade, including doors and/or windows.

         2.   Garage door entrances for individual townhouses are not allowed to face a public street whenever an alley exists or when interior driveways may be used. This provision is not intended to prohibit garage doors that serve common parking areas for a row of townhouse units.

         3.   When garages for individual townhouse units must face a public street, the garage door must be set back at least 20 feet from the property line to prevent obstruction of the sidewalk by parked cars.

(Amend Coun. J. 9-13-06, p. 84870, §1)