Dispensary Zoning: Chicago vs Evanston
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Chicago, IL and Evanston, IL?
Evanston 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 →Evanston, IL
Cook County
Evanston allows licensed cannabis dispensaries in designated commercial zoning districts with a special use permit. Dispensaries must maintain 1,500-foot buffers from schools, daycares, and other dispensaries. The city collects a 3% local cannabis retailers' occupation tax on sales. Evanston was among the first Illinois communities to establish a cannabis equity program.
View full Evanston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Evanston |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Zoning | - | Commercial districts, special use permit |
| Buffer Distance | - | 1,500 feet from schools/daycares |
| Local Tax | - | 3% cannabis retailers' tax |
| Equity Program | - | Revenue directed to impacted communities |
| Community Dev | - | (847) 448-4311 |
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.
Evanston FAQ
Where can cannabis dispensaries operate in Evanston?
Dispensaries may operate in designated commercial and mixed-use zoning districts with a special use permit. They must maintain a 1,500-foot buffer from schools, daycare centers, and other dispensaries. Contact Community Development at (847) 448-4311.
Does Evanston tax cannabis sales?
Yes. Evanston imposes a 3% local cannabis retailers' occupation tax on top of state and Cook County taxes. A portion of the revenue supports the city's cannabis equity program.
Can I open a cannabis dispensary in Evanston?
You need both a state license from IDFPR and a local special use permit from the Evanston City Council. The process includes Plan Commission review, public hearings, and community notification. Contact Community Development to start.
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