Chicago zoning MCC Ch. 17 controls mansionization through floor area ratio caps, lot coverage limits, and rear-yard standards that vary by district, restricting oversized single-family rebuilds in RS, RT, and RM neighborhoods.
Chicago Zoning Ordinance MCC Ch. 17 sets bulk standards for residential districts. RS-1 caps floor area ratio at 0.5; RS-2 at 0.65; RS-3 at 0.9 to 1.2 with attic bonuses; RT-3.5 at 1.05; RT-4 and RM districts climb higher. Lot coverage maxes at 40 to 65 percent, with mandated rear yards of at least 28 feet or 30 percent of depth. Front-yard setbacks generally must match the established context, and overall building height in RS districts is 30 feet plus pitched-roof bonus. Chicago does not have an LA-style anti-mansionization overlay; instead, the Pedestrian Streets, Downzoning amendments, and 2020 Connected Communities reform adjusted bulk in select wards.
Permit denial, work-stop orders, and demolition orders for over-built additions under MCC 17-16. Civil fines run $500 to $2,500 per day. Owners may be ordered to remove non-conforming floor area or restore yards.
Chicago, IL
Chicago's Zoning Ordinance (Title 17, Section 17-2-0300) sets maximum building heights that vary by zoning district, from 30 feet in RS1 to no fixed limit in...
Chicago, IL
Chicago's Zoning Ordinance (Title 17, Chapters 17-2 through 17-6) establishes detailed setback requirements that vary by zoning district. Front, side, and re...
See how Chicago's anti-mansionization rules stack up against other locations.
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