Chicago Air Quality Zoning Ordinance

The Air Quality Ordinance, approved by City Council in March 2021, regulates the construction and expansion of certain facilities that create air pollution. 

The regulations require a formal City review process and expand public engagement opportunities for the zoning, public health and transportation implications of many types of intensive manufacturing and industrial operations. For more information about the process and the types of businesses are impacted, visit DPD’s webpage. 

As part of its site plan submittal, the business must include a traffic study, which will be reviewed by CDOT, and an air quality impact study, which will be reviewed by CDPH. 

Both CDOT and CDPH will provide opportunities for public review and comment on the traffic and air quality studies, and together provide a joint recommendation on the proposal to the City of Chicago’s Zoning Administrator. 

Additionally, the business must host or co-host a neighborhood meeting in the ward in which the project is proposed to give residents and community stakeholders an opportunity to learn more about the proposed project. 

We have prepared guidance to businesses for preparing the air quality impact study: CDPH Air Quality Impact Evaluation Interim Guidance.

Public Comment

Members of the public are invited to comment on the traffic and air quality impact studies.  

The CDOT Plan Review Committee will receive public comments emailed to CDOTPRC@CityOfChicago.org.  

Written comments on the air quality impact study should be submitted to CDPH at envcomments@cityofchicago.org within 30 days of posting. Emails should use the subject line “Public Comment RE: (Project Address).” These comments will be considered as CDPH prepares a written recommendation to the Zoning Administrator ahead of a decision on site plan approval. 

  • Previous projects and comments: