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Cook County, IL Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

Code
Zoning Ord. 01-O-30
Varies By
Zoning district (R-1 to R-5)
Exceptions
Chimneys, antennas
Variance
Zoning Board of Appeals

Summary

Cook County Zoning Ordinance limits building height by residential district. Height is measured from grade to the highest point of the structure. Variances may be granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals for additional height.

City-specific rules exist: Chicago, Tinley Park, Arlington Heights, Evanston, Skokie, Schaumburg, and Oak Lawn have their own structure height limits rules that differ from Cook County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Building Height (Residential Districts): Single-Family - 2 1/2 Story or 35 Ft (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R5A, R6, R7, R8). Townhome - 2 1/2 Stories or 35 Ft (R5A, R6, R7, R8). Multifamily - 45 Feet (R5A, R6, R7, R8). Nonresidential - 40 Feet (R1, R2, R3, R5); 45 Feet (R5A, R6, R7, R8). Accessory - 15 Feet (all residential districts).

Source: Cook County Zoning District SummaryView official code

Full Breakdown

The Cook County Zoning Ordinance (Ord. 01-O-30) establishes maximum building heights for each zoning district in unincorporated areas. Residential districts have height limits that vary by classification (R-1 through R-5). Height is measured from the average finished grade to the highest point of the roof. Chimneys, antennas, and mechanical equipment may extend above the maximum height with limitations. Commercial and industrial districts have different height maximums. The Department of Building and Zoning reviews building permits for height compliance. Variances for additional height may be sought through the Cook County Zoning Board of Appeals. Accessory structures have separate, typically lower, height limits.

Violations & Fines

Height violation: stop-work order, $100–$1,000 fine. Structure may need to be modified or removed. Variance required for non-conforming height.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can I build in Cook County?
Height limits vary by zoning district. Contact Building and Zoning to determine the maximum height for your property's classification.
Can chimneys exceed the height limit?
Chimneys, antennas, and mechanical equipment may extend above the maximum building height with certain limitations per the zoning ordinance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cook County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsSetback RulesSome RestrictionsLot Coverage LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningFew Restrictions

All Cook County rules

Compare Cook County to another location·View the Illinois building setbacks & zoning overview

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Structure Height Limits in Cities Across Cook County

Chicago, ILEvanston, ILOak Park, ILSchaumburg, ILArlington Heights, ILSkokie, ILDes Plaines, ILOrland Park, ILTinley Park, ILOak Lawn, IL