Supporting Information
A Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs
"A Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs" was created by World Business Chicago under the direction of Mayor Rahm Emanuel to leverage the the city's unique economic assets.
Adjacent Neighbors Land Acquisition Program (ANLAP)
The Adjacent Neighbors land Acquisition Program (ANLAP) enables homeowners in certain areas of Chicago to purchase vacant, city-owned lots for less than market value.
Administrative Adjustments
Administrative adjustments are intended to provide a streamlined approval procedure for minor modifications of selected zoning standards.
Altenheim Line Planning Study
A “rails with trails” planning study is underway for North Lawndale’s CSX Altenheim railroad corridor through the coordination of the Chicago departments of Planning and Development (DPD), Transportation (CDOT), Housing (DOH), and the offices of Alds. Michael Scott, Jr. (24th) and Jason Ervin (28th).
Belmont Triangle
Community-driven planning for the redevelopment of Avondale's "Belmont Triangle."
Business Improvement District (BID) Program
The Special Service Area program is a mechanism to fund expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy within contiguous industrial, commercial and residential areas.
C40 Reinventing Cities Competition
The City of Chicago is moving forward with one development plan in East Garfield Park from the 2019 Reinventing Cities competition. City planning staff also released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for another site in The Loop as a part of the 2020 Reinventing Cities competition.
Cannabis Zoning Ordinance
The Cannabis Zoning Ordinance, approved by City Council in October 2019, regulates where new adult use recreational cannabis dispensaries may open in the City of Chicago.
Central City Recovery
The Central City Recovery Roadmap report was issued in June 2021 by the City of Chicago and the Chicago Central Area Committee to provide downtown recovery strategies in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Certificate of Zoning Compliance
A Certificate of Zoning Compliance certifies the number of residential dwelling units at the property that are legal under the Chicago Zoning Ordinance.
Chatham Commercial Design Guidelines
In 2017 and 2018, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) worked in partnership with the Congress for New Urbanism (CNU), the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and Farr Associates to engage Chatham residents, businesses and stakeholders in a planning exercise to create a set of design guidelines and other recommendations aimed at enhancing Chatham’s commercial corridors.
Chicago Air Quality Ordinance
The Air Quality Ordinance, approved by City Council in March 2021, regulates the construction and expansion of certain facilities that create air pollution.
Chicago Development Fund
The Chicago Development Fund (CDF) is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation, and has qualified as a Community Development Entity as defined by the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund.
Chicago Fire Football Club Training Facility
The Chicago Fire Football Club and the City of Chicago held discussions on a performance and training facility for Chicago’s Major League Soccer team in the Roosevelt Square area on the Near West Side.
Chicago Green Roofs
The City of Chicago's Green Roof dataset and corresponding map provides the location, satellite images, and square footage of existing green roofs within the City of Chicago.
Chicago Plan Commission
Established in 1909 to implement the Burnham Plan for Chicago, the Chicago Plan Commission is responsible for the review of proposals that involve Planned Developments (PDs), the Lakefront Protection Ordinance, Planned Manufacturing Districts (PMDs), Industrial Corridors and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts.
Chicago Recovery Grant Application: Up to $250,000
The Chicago Recovery Plan provides additional opportunities for the City to invest in catalytic local development, expanding upon DPD’s existing investments and support.
Chicago Recovery Grant FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about Chicago Recovery Plan grant applications.
Chicago River Design Guidelines
The City of Chicago updated its Chicago River Design Guidelines in 2019, building upon the successful implementation of the Chicago Riverwalk, the visions and feedback received from the River Edge Ideas Lab exhibit, and previous plans and guidelines.
Chicago Sustainable Development Policy
The Chicago Sustainable Development Policy has been continually implemented since June 2004. The goal of the policy is to enhance the sustainable performance of projects receiving City assistance. It requires development projects that are receiving financial assistance or special approvals from the City to include sustainable elements.
City-Owned Land Inventory
A Negotiated Sale is a process that facilitates the sale of City-owned properties. The City of Chicago makes real estate available for purchase and redevelopment, and the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is one of the City departments authorized to accept purchase applications.
Citywide Retail Market Analysis
This abbreviated version of the Citywide Retail Market Analysis includes 16 submarket profiles that represent Chicago’s neighborhood retail activity.
Commission on Chicago Landmarks
The Commission on Chicago Landmarks is responsible for recommending buildings, structures, sites and districts for legal protection as official Chicago landmarks.
Commission on Chicago Landmarks - Archive of Meeting Minutes, 2009-2022
The Commission on Chicago Landmarks is responsible for recommending buildings, structures, sites and districts for legal protection as official Chicago landmarks. This is the archive for Commission meeting minutes beginning in 2009.
Commissions
A list of commissions to which DPD staff provides staff support and representation.
Committee on Design
The Committee on Design is an informal advisory committee currently under formation by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD). The committee will advise Commissioner Maurice Cox and DPD staff on design excellence for major development projects and urban design initiatives.
Committee on Design FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about the Committee on Design, which advises the commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and staff on achieving design excellence for proposed public and private construction projects.
Community Area 2000 Census Profiles
The following Community Area maps include tables that show demographic profiles compiled in 1990 and 2000 by the U. S. Census Bureau, and feature data changes in population, housing, social, and economic characteristics.
Community Area 2000 and 2010 Census Population Comparisons
The following table compares the City's population compiled in 2000 and 2010 by the U. S. Census Bureau and arranged by Community Area.
Community Development Commission
The Community Development Commission (CDC) was established by the Chicago City Council in 1992 to assume the duties of the former Commercial District Development Commission and the Department of Urban Renewal. The CDC reviews and recommends action on TIF-related matters. It is comprised of 15 members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council.
Community and Strategic Plans
Information on Community and Strategic Plans
Delegate Agency Documents
These are documents that are needed to complete the delegate agency contract process.
Demolition Delay
The Demolition-Delay Ordinance, adopted by City Council in 2003, establishes a hold of up to 90 days in the issuance of any demolition permit for certain historic buildings in order that the Department of Zoning and Land Use Planning can explore options, as appropriate, to preserve the building, including but not limited to landmark designation.
District Annual Reports (2023)
The 2023 annual reports are the most recent financial audits for the City of Chicago's TIF districts.
District Maps, Narratives and Redevelopment Agreement Information
View detailed information about the the City of Chicago's TIF district designations and the projects within them.
Economic Development Incentives
The department administers various business assistance programs for new and expanding companies.
Enterprise Zone Program
The Enterprise Zone Program provides state and city incentives to help local businesses expand. Enterprise zones are geographic areas designated by the city and certified by the state of Illinois to receive various tax incentives and other benefits.
Federal Review of Jackson Park Improvements
The City of Chicago, through the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), is working on several roadway improvement projects in Jackson Park that will support the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) and the South Lakefront Framework Plan update.
Focal Point Community Campus
The Chicago Southwest Development Corporation (CSDC) is proposing to develop the mixed-use Focal Point Community Campus on approximately 30 acres of land at the southwest corner of West 31st Street and South Kedzie Avenue in the Little Village neighborhood.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests
How to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD).
Fulton Market Innovation District
The Fulton Market Innovation District (FMID) Plan was adopted by the Chicago Plan Commission in July 2014 and identifies a vision to preserve existing jobs while accommodating private sector investments that reinforce the area’s expanding role as an innovation-driven employment center.
Green Healthy Neighborhoods
Green Healthy Neighborhoods is a 10- to 20-year planning strategy to maximize the use of vacant land and other neighborhood resources within Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood.
Industrial Corridor Modernization Initiative
The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) initiated a public process in spring 2016 to refine land use policies for continued growth and private investment in the City’s Industrial Corridor system
Jobs and Wages in Chicago's Industrial Corridors
The Department of Planning and Development, in conjunction with AECOM Technical Services, conducted an analysis of employment data acquired from the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Landmarks Designation Process
A brief description of the process by which the City's Commission on Chicago Landmarks designates a building, site or neighborhood area as a Chicago Landmark.
Landscape Ordinance
The City of Chicago's Landscape Ordinance requires landscape features to be incorporated into all new or substantially renovated business, commercial buildings and large residential buildings.
Large Lots Program
The Large Lot Program was a City of Chicago neighborhood stabilization initiative to help homeowners, block clubs and non-profit groups to purchase City-owned land for $1 per parcel.
Lincoln Yards
Sterling Bay, a Chicago-based real estate developer, has received City approval to construct a 15-million-square-foot development on 53 acres of riverfront land on Chicago's North Side.
Little Village Framework
A community-based process led by the Department of Planning and Development to review and enhance the Little Village Industrial Corridor began in April 2018.
Local Industrial Retention Initiative (LIRI)
A list of Local Industrial Retention Initiative (LIRI) Councils
Near West Side Housing Analysis
The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is performing an analysis of housing trends and opportunities in the Near West Side and East Garfield Park neighborhoods in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Ald. Walter Burnett (27th) and Ald. Jason Ervin (28th).
Neighborhood Opportunity Bonus: Leveraging Downtown Zoning to Foster Neighborhood Development and Central Area Growth
Updates to the Chicago zoning code's downtown floor area bonus system and downtown zoning district geography were approved by City Council in May 2016. Coordinated as the Neighborhood Opportunity Bonus, the changes simplify and update the downtown floor area bonus system; accommodate ongoing central area growth through an expanded downtown zoning district; and provide new funding sources to encourage commercial development in neighborhoods lacking private investment.
Neighborhood Opportunity Fund
The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund has promoted equitable neighborhood development since its creation in 2016. The fund provides resources to encourage development in West, Southwest and South Side commercial corridors.
North Branch Framework Plan, Design Guidelines and Implementation
Land use framework plan and design guidelines for the North Branch Industrial Corridor.
North Park Commercial Corridors Study
In 2019, DPD conducted a market study of commercial corridors in Chicago's North Park neighborhood, primarily along Foster Avenue, Bryn Mawr Avenue and Kedzie Avenue.
North Union
JDL Development’s “North Union” mixed-use development project is being proposed for a portion of the Moody Bible Institute campus on the Near North Side. JDL would purchase and redevelop 8.1 acres of land from Moody Bible, which would continue to own and operate an educational institution and media ministry on its remaining 9.4 acres.
Notice of Cannabis Business Establishment Application - 2020
Illinois state law requires the City of Chicago to post notice online when the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) receives an application for the establishment of a cannabis business establishment. Non-dispensary businesses, which may or may not require ZBA approval, are listed on this page.
Notice of Cannabis Business Establishment Applications
Illinois state law requires the City of Chicago to post notice online when the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) receives an application for the establishment of a cannabis business establishment. Non-dispensary businesses, which may or may not require ZBA approval, are listed on the pages as well.
ONE Central
The ONE Central mixed-use development project from Landmark Development is proposed to be constructed on approximately 32 acres of lakefront-adjacent land, currently occupied mostly by the rail yards located between McCormick Place and the Museum Campus on the Near South Side.
October 2021 Committee on Design Meeting
The Committee on Design will meet virtually at 1 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021.
Office of the Zoning Administrator
Information for sending correspondence to the Office of the Zoning Administrator
Open Space Section
The Open Space Section of DPD's Sustainable Development Division works to increase the amount of publicly accessible open space in Chicago.
Opportunity Zones
The State of Illinois is participating in the Opportunity Zone program, offered through the Tax Cuts and Job Act signed into law on December 22, 2017.
Ordinance, Publications and Additional Chicago Landmark Information
A list of landmark-related publications by Commission on Chicago Landmarks, including the Landmarks Ordinance, Permit Review schedule and guidelines, and the "U.S. Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings."
Parking Determination Letter (PDL) Requests
Parking Determinations are required for certain types of uses, such as daycare centers, community centers, shelters and more.
Part I Review
Part I Planned Development applications undergo a thorough review process, per Sec. 17-13, that may include Department of Planning and Development (DPD) staff, the Committee on Design (CoD), the Chicago Plan Commission (CPC) and the Chicago City Council.
Pershing Road RFP
Short-listed responses to the City's July 2022 Request for Proposals (RFP) for City-owned property at 1769 W. Pershing Road in McKinley Park.
Plan Examination
The Department of Planning and Development reviews building permit applications to ensure plans are in compliance with the Chicago Zoning Ordinance.
Public Outdoor Plaza (POP!) program
The Department of Planning and Development's Public Outdoor Plaza (POP!) program is designed to help community-based organizations revitalize underutilized land along neighborhood retail corridors.
Qualified Investment Areas Criteria
The Qualified Investment Areas (QIAs) used by Neighborhood Opportunity Bonus programs were selected in 2016 by analysis of individual Census tract data from the previous four decades.
Ready Build
Ready Build is a new DPD program that provides concept plans for the redevelopment of vacant lots and/or buildings on key commercial corridors with ground-level stores and upper-story residences.
Reports for Proposed/Designated Chicago Landmarks
Information on proposed/designated Chicago landmarks
Requests for Proposals/Qualifications
Active Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) for neighborhood redevelopment opportunities issued by the Department of Planning and Development.
Resolution to Amend the Rules and Regulations of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks
Resolution to Amend the Rules and Regulations of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks information.
Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF)
The SBIF program uses tax increment financing (TIF) revenues to help owners of commercial and industrial properties within specific TIF districts to repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants.
Solar Zoning Policy
The purpose of the Solar Zoning Policy is to provide guidance for the zoning review of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in the City of Chicago and to make zoning design requirements transparent for solar PV system applicants.
South Shore Corridor Study
The South Shore Corridor Study, adopted by the Chicago Plan Commission in May 2020, provides for a series of 10 "ideas for action" to build on the strength of 75th Street and 79th Street from Stony Island to the lakefront.
Special Service Area (SSA) Provider List
List of Special Service Areas in Chicago
Sustainable Development Form
A form for developers to use for each project that must comply with the Chicago Sustainable Development Policy.
TIF District Annual Reports 1997-present
TIF annual reports are the most recent financial audits for the City of Chicago's Tax Increment Financing districts. Annual reports are usually issued on June 30th every year for the previous fiscal year.
TIF Meetings
The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is required by state and local regulations to host public meetings in order to create or significantly amend a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district.
TIFWorks Program
TIFWorks is the primary workforce development initiative of the City of Chicago. Financed by Tax Increment Financing, the program trains new and existing workers in new fields of expertise.
The 78
The 78 is a $7 billion mixed-use project planned by developer Related Midwest for 62 acres of former railroad property along the South Branch of the Chicago River in the Near South Side community area.
Urban Agriculture FAQ
Interested in growing food for sale in the City of Chicago? Thinking about starting a community garden? Recently adopted changes to the Chicago Zoning Ordinance allow agricultural uses like community gardens and urban farms in many parts of the city. Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the rules and regulations that growers should consider when planning an urban agriculture project.
West Loop Design Guidelines
In 2017, DPD developed design guidelines to foster excellence in design within the West Loop. As the West Loop has evolved, the City of Chicago has undertaken planning efforts to encourage the thoughtful re-development of this area.
West Loop Resource Guide
To better guide the development of the West Loop, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) has gathered maps, plans, ongoing initiatives, and other resources in one place for easier access.
Wild Mile Chicago
Wild Mile Chicago is a planned floating eco-park located on the North Branch Canal of the Chicago River, a manmade channel along the east side of Goose Island between Chicago Avenue and North Avenue.
Woodlawn Community Development
The City of Chicago, through its Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and Department of Housing (DOH), is engaged with the Woodlawn community in several ways in order to steer and manage development related to, and driven by, larger investments in the neighborhood, particularly the Obama Presidential Center and the University of Chicago.
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals reviews land use issues that pertain to the Chicago Zoning Ordinance, including proposed variations from the zoning code, special uses that require review to determine compatibility with adjacent properties, and appeals of decisions made by the Zoning Administrator.
Zoning Map Amendments
The offices of the Zoning Administrator and the Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development receive and review applications for zoning amendments.