Skokie's zoning code limits residential building heights to approximately 30-35 feet in single-family districts. Commercial and mixed-use downtown districts have taller allowances, with high-density nodes near Downtown Skokie and the Yellow Line permitting multi-story development.
The Skokie Zoning Ordinance sets maximum height limits by district. Single-family R2 zones typically cap buildings at approximately 30 feet (2.5 stories). R3 two-family and R4 multi-family districts allow 35-45 feet. Downtown Core and Transit-Oriented Development districts near the CTA Yellow Line Dempster-Skokie and Oakton-Skokie stations permit mid-rise and high-rise buildings up to 75-120 feet with approved planned developments. Measurement is typically taken from average grade to the mean roof height for pitched roofs or parapet for flat roofs. Rooftop equipment, elevator penthouses, chimneys, and antennas may exceed the limit subject to specified allowances. Variances or planned-development approvals are required for any structure exceeding district maximums.
Exceeding height limits: stop-work order, fines up to $1,000 per day, and required reduction of building height. Planned developments provide a legal path for exceeding base heights.
Skokie, IL
Aircraft overflight noise in Skokie is regulated by the FAA, not the Village. Skokie lies within the O'Hare International Airport noise corridor, and residen...
Skokie, IL
Skokie restricts lawn equipment use — including gas and electric leaf blowers — to 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunda...
Skokie, IL
Skokie enforces a village-wide overnight parking ban from 2:00 AM to 6:00 AM on all public streets. Residents and guests must obtain an overnight parking per...
Skokie, IL
Skokie Village Code Chapter 98 prohibits parking recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, and campers on residential streets or in front yards. RVs and boats ...
Skokie, IL
Skokie prohibits parking of commercial vehicles over 8,000 pounds gross weight on residential streets and driveways overnight. Box trucks, semi-tractors, and...
Skokie, IL
Skokie limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots have additional sight-line restrictions at intersect...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle structure height limits.
See how Skokie's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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