Dispensary Zoning: Arlington Heights vs Chicago
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Chicago, IL?
Arlington Heights and Chicago have similar restriction levels.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Arlington Heights has opted in to allowing cannabis dispensaries under state law but restricts them to specific commercial zoning districts. Dispensaries must meet distance requirements from schools, daycare centers, and residential zones. The Village requires a special use permit for cannabis dispensary operations.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago regulates cannabis dispensary locations through the Cannabis Zoning Ordinance (Zoning 17-9-0129.3), requiring special use permits from the Zoning Board of Appeals and maintaining distance requirements from schools and a Downtown Exclusion Zone.
View full Chicago rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Dispensaries Allowed | Yes, with special use permit | - |
| School Distance | 1,500 feet minimum | 500 ft minimum (property line to property line) |
| Municipal Tax | 3% on cannabis sales | - |
| Drive-Through | Not permitted | - |
| On-Site Consumption | Not permitted | - |
| Permit Type | - | Special use permit from ZBA |
| Downtown Exclusion | - | Division to Van Buren, State to Michigan (expanded) |
| Zoning Districts | - | C, D, M, PMD districts eligible |
| Code Section | - | Zoning 17-9-0129.3 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
Are cannabis dispensaries allowed in Arlington Heights?
Yes. Arlington Heights has opted in to allowing dispensaries but requires a special use permit and limits them to specific commercial zoning districts. Each application is reviewed individually through a public hearing process.
How far must a dispensary be from a school?
State law requires at least 1,500 feet from any pre-existing school or daycare center property line. The Village may impose additional distance requirements from residential areas and other sensitive uses.
What taxes apply to cannabis purchases in Arlington Heights?
Cannabis purchases are subject to state excise tax (based on THC content), state sales tax, Cook County cannabis tax, and a 3% Village municipal cannabis retailers' occupation tax.
Chicago FAQ
Where can a cannabis dispensary open in Chicago?
In certain Commercial, Downtown, Manufacturing, and Planned Manufacturing zoning districts with a special use permit from the ZBA. They must be 500+ feet from schools and outside the Downtown Exclusion Zone.
What is Chicago's Downtown Cannabis Exclusion Zone?
Dispensaries are banned from roughly Division Street to Van Buren between State and Michigan, extending along Michigan Avenue to 16th Street and the Navy Pier area. This protects the unique character and congestion of downtown.
Do I need a community meeting to open a dispensary in Chicago?
Yes. Applicants must hold at least one community meeting in the ward where the dispensary is proposed, to explain the proposal and solicit comments, before ZBA review.
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