Lake County, IL Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies in
- AG, E, R-1, R-2, R-3 districts
- 50% open space
- 5% density bonus
- 60% open space
- 10% density bonus
- 70%+ open space
- 15% density bonus
- Coverage
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Unincorporated Lake County grants a 5-15% density bonus for conservation developments that set aside extra open space beyond the minimum ratio.
Cluster bonuses shall be given to developments in the AG, E, R-1, R-2, and R-3 Districts that set aside open space above the minimum requirements. A 5% density bonus (above the maximum number of units permitted by applicable density standards) is given to developments that provide at least 50% open space; a 10% density bonus is given to projects with a minimum of 60% open space; and 15% density bonus is given to projects with at least 70% open space.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 26-0618, passed 6-9-2026 | State legislation current through ILCS Pamphlet 2025 #5).
Full Breakdown
In unincorporated Lake County, conservation residential developments in the AG, E, R-1, R-2, and R-3 zoning districts can build more units than the base density table allows if they preserve more open space. The Unified Development Ordinance's density table ties the bonus directly to the open space percentage: 50% open space earns a 5% density bonus, 60% earns 10%, and 70% or more earns 15%, calculated above the maximum unit count otherwise permitted.
Violations & Fines
No violation framework: this is an optional incentive, not a mandate. A developer who doesn't dedicate the extra open space simply builds at the base density set by Table 151.125(3); Lake County Planning, Building and Development reviews the plat to confirm the open space ratio before approving the bonus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this density bonus apply inside Waukegan or Highland Park?
What triggers the bonus?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
Compare Lake County to another location·View the Illinois zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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