Planning and Zoning

Planning and zoning staff work with the North Chicago community to design and implement the City's Comprehensive Plan for the future. Staff work to ensure the design of our City supports the needs and desires of residents, businesses, visitors, and employees.

North Chicago's 2024 Comprehensive Plan gives an oversight of the community in the present, the goals the City has for the future, and the roadmap to accomplish those goals. In 2024, the North Chicago Comprehensive Plan won the Daniel Burnham Award for Outstanding Comprehensive Plan from the Illinois Chapter of the American Planning Association.

Planning

Planning involves envisioning how the community wants to look in the future and creating plans to guide development according to that vision. Information on any ongoing planning activities will be posted below, along with information on how community members may get involved in the process.

Zoning

The North Chicago Zoning Ordinance regulates the the character, design, and type of buildings and improvements that can be constructed in the City. It also regulates what properties may be used for based on their location in the City. The Zoning Map shows the current zoning for every property in the City. Staff also provide technical support to the Planning and Zoning Commission, which holds public hearings on different development and zoning processes as outlined in the zoning ordinance. Information on the different zoning processes can also be found in the FAQ section below. The City's Subdivision Ordinance contains additional regulations for the development and division of larger parcels of land.

Planning Projects
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)

The City of North Chicago has issued a Request for Proposals seeking a highly qualified consulting firm to lead the creation of a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) that will replace our existing zoning and subdivision ordinances. This is a major step in modernizing our development framework and aligning it with the city’s long‑term vision.

This new UDO will build on the momentum of several recent initiatives that strengthen North Chicago’s identity and support high‑quality growth—including our citywide rebranding campaign, the launch of our new website, transformative redevelopment efforts on key sites, and the creation of a non‑residential appearance code.

Planning and Zoning Commission Vacancies
The North Chicago Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) currently has two vacancies. Information on the PZC and how to apply to fill one of the vacancies can be found on the PZC page.
How do I get involved?
Each planning project will have varying methods for public participation or input, from surveys to open houses and everything in between. Details on how to get involved with each project will be posted on this page when a new plan development project begins.
Zoning Processes
What is a Special Use Permit?
Some uses for property are allowed by the zoning ordinance, but must first go through a public hearing process and receive approval from City Council. These are called "Special Uses." Contact the Department of Economic and Community Development for more information on the application and approval process.
What is a Variance?
Property owners may receive relief from some of the standards in the zoning ordinance if relief is needed due to the unique or extraordinary characteristics of a property. Petitioners must go through a public hearing process and receive approval from City Council. Contact the Department of Economic and Community Development for more information on the application and approval process.
What is a Map Amendment?
Any person owning or having interest in a specific property within the City of North Chicago may petition for a Zoning Map Amendment to change the current zoning district of the property to another. This changes which standards of the zoning ordinance apply to the property. Contact the Department of Economic and Community Development for more information on the application and approval process.
What is a Text Amendment?
Any person owning or having an interest in a specific property in the City may petition for a Zoning Text Amendment. This changes the content of the zoning ordinance. All text amendment petitions must first go through a public hearing process and receive approval from City Council. Contact the Department of Economic and Community Development for more information on the application and approval process.