Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Chicago, IL (2026)
2 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Chicago, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Density Bonus Law
Downtown "D" district projects can buy extra floor area above the base FAR through Chicago's floor area bonus program.
Chicago Downtown Density Bonus Rules
Some RestrictionsChicago Zoning Ordinance § 17-4-1000 (§§ 17-4-1001, 17-4-1002, 17-4-1003-E)
17-4-1001 Purpose. The floor area bonus provisions of this section are intended to provide the opportunity for downtown area projects to achieve appropriate increases in floor area ratio above the base floor area ratios... 17-4-1003-E Minimum and Maximum Floor Area Bonus. 1. The minimum floor area bonus for any "D" district is 0.5 FAR. 2. Each of the following "D" districts shall have a maximum...
Downtown Design Guide
Buildings on designated downtown pedestrian streets must sit at the sidewalk, show 60% ground-floor glass, and skip curb cuts.
Chicago Downtown Pedestrian Street Design
Significant RestrictionsChicago Zoning Ordinance § 17-4-0504
The entire building façade that faces a designated pedestrian street must abut the sidewalk or be located within 5 feet of the sidewalk... A minimum of 60% of the street-facing building façade between 4 feet and 10 feet in height must be comprised of clear, non-reflective windows... Vehicle access to lots located along pedestrian streets must come from an alley. No curb cuts or driveways are al...
Looking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chicago city rules.
Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Cook County →