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Building Setbacks & Zoning in Des Plaines, IL (2026)

3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Des Plaines, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Setback Rules

Des Plaines zoning ordinance requires minimum front, side, and rear yard setbacks that vary by district. Typical R-1 single-family lots require a 30-foot front, 7-foot side, and 30-foot rear setback. Variances require Zoning Board of Appeals approval.

Building Setback Rules in Des Plaines

Heavy Restrictions

Structure Height Limits

Des Plaines zoning limits residential building heights to 35 feet (2.5 stories) in most R districts. Commercial and downtown districts allow taller structures, but FAA Part 77 surfaces around O'Hare may impose stricter limits.

Structure Height Limits in Des Plaines

Heavy Restrictions

Lot Coverage Limits

Des Plaines zoning limits the percentage of a lot that may be covered by buildings and impervious surfaces. R-1 single-family lots typically allow 30-35% building coverage, with higher impervious-surface limits including driveways and patios.

Lot Coverage Limits in Des Plaines

Heavy Restrictions

Looking for Cook County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Des Plaines city rules.

Building Setbacks & Zoning in Cook County