3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 7 cities in Cook County, Illinois.
Verified from official government sources
Cook County Zoning Ordinance (Ord. 01-O-30) establishes building setbacks varying by district. Side yard setbacks are at least 20 feet. Special uses may require front yard setbacks greater than 50 feet. Setbacks vary by residential district (R-1 through R-5).
Cook County Zoning Ordinance - Summary of Residential District Requirements (2014)
COOK COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE - SUMMARY OF RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS. Yard Requirements: Front - R1: 50 Feet; R2: 50 Feet; R3: 50 Feet; R4: 100 Feet/Sewer, 150 Feet/Septic; R5: 30 Feet; R5A: 40 Feet (50 Feet Corner); R6: 30/20 Feet; R7: 60 Feet; R8: 60 Feet. Interior Side - R1: 30 Feet; R2: 20 Feet; R3: 15 Feet; R4: 40 Feet; R5: 10 Feet; R5A: 20 Feet (Single Family) / 25 Feet (Multi Fami...
Cook County Zoning Ordinance limits building height by residential district. Height is measured from grade to the highest point of the structure. Variances may be granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals for additional height.
Cook County Zoning Ordinance - Summary of Residential District Requirements, Building Height (2014)
Building Height (Residential Districts): Single-Family - 2 1/2 Story or 35 Ft (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R5A, R6, R7, R8). Townhome - 2 1/2 Stories or 35 Ft (R5A, R6, R7, R8). Multifamily - 45 Feet (R5A, R6, R7, R8). Nonresidential - 40 Feet (R1, R2, R3, R5); 45 Feet (R5A, R6, R7, R8). Accessory - 15 Feet (all residential districts).
Cook County Zoning Ordinance limits the percentage of lot area that may be covered by buildings and impervious surfaces. Coverage maximums vary by zoning district. Stormwater detention requirements also affect impervious area.
Cook County Zoning Ordinance - Summary of District Requirements, Maximum Impervious Surface / Floor Area Ratio (2014)
Maximum Impervious Surface (Residential): R1: 20%; R2: 20%; R3: 25%; R5: 50%; R5A: 50%. Floor Area Ratio - Single-Family: R1: 0.10; R2: 0.10; R3: 0.15; R5: 0.25; R5A: 0.40; R6: 0.40; R7: 0.40; R8: 0.40. Multi-Family: R4: 0.50; R5A: 0.50; R6: 0.60; R7: 0.70; R8: 0.80. Commercial Maximum Lot Coverage: C5 Commercial Transition: 40%; C7 Office/Research Park: 30%.
7 cities in Cook County have their own building setbacks & zoning rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
3 verified rules • Lot Coverage Limits, Setback Rules
3 verified rules • Lot Coverage Limits, Setback Rules
3 verified rules • Lot Coverage Limits, Setback Rules
3 verified rules • Lot Coverage Limits, Setback Rules
3 verified rules • Lot Coverage Limits, Setback Rules
3 verified rules • Lot Coverage Limits, Setback Rules
3 verified rules • Lot Coverage Limits, Setback Rules
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