Chicago, Illinois

Zoning Ordinance
   

For the City of Chicago, Duncan Associates advised Mayor Richard M. Daley's Zoning Reform Commission in its review and revision of the City's 44 year-old Zoning Ordinance. When Mayor Daley first came to office, he and his administration began taking a long overdue look at the Chicago Zoning Ordinance, which was first enacted in 1957. Over the years, he has taken several major steps toward enhancing and updating the Zoning Ordinance. These included higher design standards for drive-thru facilities, strip malls, townhomes and parking structures, landscaping requirements, riverfront and open space protection. But, in order to meet the more significant challenges of compatibility, sustainability and positive growth, a comprehensive overhaul was needed. Chicago decided that it needed to rewrite its Zoning Ordinance so that it is compatible with modern uses, and so that it meets the unique needs and goals of its neighborhoods. The Mayor decided that it was time to begin a public process where the people of Chicago can decide what is right for their community and for their city. In his mission statement, the Mayor said that "Chicago must continue to work to preserve, protect and strengthen the rich character and diversity of our neighborhoods. An overhaul of Chicago's Zoning Ordinance will be a large step in achieving our goals. The revision of the Ordinance must involve all the people of Chicago - from every neighborhood and background. To be effective, changes must protect our property values, enhance the character of our neighborhoods, strengthen our retail districts, and promote job growth. They must help maintain Chicago's neighborhoods as places where people want to live and can afford to live."

Period:    January 2001 - present                Contact:     Ed Kus
Team:      Duncan Associates                                        Project Manager
               Clarion Associates                                         312.744.6927 
               Applied Real Estate Analysis                                            
               Farr Associates
               Dyett&Bhatia
               Jacobs/Ryan Associates
               The Haymarket Group