The Chicago Plan Commission reviews and holds public hearings on certain development projects within proximity of the City's Lake Michigan shoreline in accordance with the Lake Michigan and Chicago Lakefront Protection Ordinance.

Part II review involves a review of plans prior to construction to ensure that the development conforms with every aspect of the approved PD amendment.

The Planned Development (PD) zoning designation is required for certain projects to ensure adequate public review, encourage unified planning and development, promote economically beneficial development patterns that are compatible with the character of existing neighborhoods, allow design flexibility, and encourage the protection and conservation of the city's natural resources.

During the 2020 Budget process, the Chicago City Council amended the fee structure for Planned Development (PD) review fees in Section 17-13-0610 of the Municipal Code of Chicago.

Sign applications are created and processed on-line in the Department of Buildings E-permit section for signs.

Applications and fees for zoning map amendments must be submitted by the owner of the property to be rezoned or include written authorization from the owner. The City Council is the final decision-making body on zoning map amendments.