Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Chicago, IL (2026)
3 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Chicago, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Specific Plans Overview
Chicago does not use specific plans like California cities; instead the Chicago Plan Commission adopts the Chicago Sustainable Development Policy plus dozens of community-area plans that guide zoning amendments and planned developments under MCC 17.
Chicago Comprehensive and Community Area Plans
Few RestrictionsDensity Bonus Law
The Affordable Requirements Ordinance MCC 2-44-080 requires residential projects with ten-plus units that receive city support or upzoning to dedicate 10 to 30 percent affordable units, paying in-lieu fees or earning density and FAR bonuses.
Chicago Affordable Requirements Density Bonuses
Some RestrictionsTransit-Oriented Communities (TOC)
Chicago's TOD Ordinance MCC 17-10-0102 reduces parking minimums and allows higher density and FAR bonuses for residential and mixed-use projects within walking distance of CTA rail or high-frequency bus corridors.
Chicago Transit-Oriented Development Ordinance
Few RestrictionsLooking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chicago city rules.
Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Cook County →