Evanston, IL Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- R1 height cap
- 35 feet
- Story cap
- 2.5 stories
- Measured from
- grade to highest point
Summary
Evanston limits principal structures in the R1 single-family district to 35 feet or two and a half stories, whichever is less, measured from grade.
The maximum building height for any principal structure in the R1 district, including any exterior knee-wall, shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet, measured from grade to the highest point of said structure, or two and one-half (2 1/2) stories, whichever is less.(B)Any building or structure legally existing as of the effective date of Ordinance 72-O-12 shall be deemed compliant with this maximum building height requirement and, with regards to height, shall have the status of a legally permitted building or structure, not a noncompliance. Such conforming status shall continue in the event said building is destroyed by a means not within control of the owner thereof and shall allow for construction of a replacement building or structure at the height of the destroyed building or structure. (Ord. 70-O-07; Ord. No. 72-O-12, § 2, 10-22-2012)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 21).
Full Breakdown
Section 6-8-2-9(A) caps the maximum building height for any principal structure in the R1 district, including any exterior knee-wall, at thirty-five feet measured from grade to the highest point, or two and one-half stories, whichever is less. Buildings lawfully existing as of Ordinance 72-O-12's effective date are deemed compliant regardless of height and keep that status even if rebuilt after destruction outside the owner's control. Height limits are set per residential district and can differ outside R1.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the height limit without a variation blocks a certificate of zoning compliance and can draw a Code violation citation before the Division of Administrative Adjudication, fined $20 to $750 per day under Section 1-4-1.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be in Evanston's R1 district?
Are older, taller R1 houses in violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evanston
Compare Evanston to another location·View the Illinois building setbacks & zoning overview
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Structure Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle structure height limits.