Download the Landmarks Designation Process information sheet

1. Preliminary Summary of Information Report by Commission Staff

Commission staff researches the historic and architectural significance of the building or the district and submits a report to the commission.

2. Preliminary Recommendation

The Commission votes whether to initiate the consideration process for a proposed designation. A positive vote puts in place the Commission’s authority to review building permits during the consideration process.

3. Report from Department of Planning and Development

Statement of how the proposed landmark designation affects neighborhood plans and policies.

4. Commission Requests Owner Consent

The Commission contacts each owner and requests consent. Owner consent is advisory—not required—for designation (except for houses of worship). When an owner does not consent, a public hearing is held.

5. Public Hearing

A public hearing is held to gather relevant facts and information to assist the Commission in its consideration of the proposed landmark designation.

6. Final Commission Recommendation

After a review of the entire record, the Commission votes whether to recommend the proposed landmark designation to the City Council.

7. Hearing by City Council’s Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards

The Commission’s recommendation is referred to the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards, which votes on whether to recommend the designation to the full City Council.

8. Vote on Designation by City Council

Designation of a Chicago Landmark is a legislative act of the Chicago City Council.

* The overview above is offered as context for the landmark designation process as set forth in sections 2-120-630 through 2-120-730 of the Municipal Code and does not supplant the provisions of the code. Interested persons are therefore urged to consult the code.