Dispensary Zoning: Chicago vs Des Plaines
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Des Plaines has fewer restrictions than Chicago.
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 →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Des Plaines permits adult-use cannabis dispensaries in designated commercial zoning districts subject to City zoning rules and special use approval. Locations are restricted from being near schools, daycares, and other sensitive uses. The City levies a Municipal Cannabis Retailers' Occupation Tax of up to 3 percent on adult-use cannabis sales as authorized by the Illinois CRTA.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Type | Special use permit from ZBA | - |
| School Distance | 500 ft minimum (property line to property line) | - |
| 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 | - |
| Dispensaries | - | Permitted with approval |
| Zoning | - | Special use required |
| State License | - | IDFPR required |
| Local Tax | - | Up to 3% MCROT |
| Separation | - | From schools/daycares |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Des Plaines FAQ
Are cannabis dispensaries allowed in Des Plaines?
Yes. The City permits adult-use cannabis dispensaries in designated commercial districts subject to special use zoning approval and state licensing through IDFPR.
What taxes apply to cannabis sales?
Illinois imposes excise taxes based on THC potency, plus the standard sales tax. Des Plaines also levies the Municipal Cannabis Retailers' Occupation Tax of up to 3 percent on adult-use sales.
Can I open a cultivation center in Des Plaines?
Cultivation centers, craft growers, and infusers require separate state licenses and would need specific zoning approval under Des Plaines's industrial zoning provisions, which may not currently allow these uses.
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