Revision of Zoning Code

Following the adoption of the Lincoln Avenue Zoning Amendments on July 19, 2007, the PC/ZBA has conducted Public Hearings on the remaining zoning articles on October 24,2007 and December 19, 2007. A third Public Hearing on the remaining zoning amendments will be conducted on April 30, 2008.

For further information on proposed zoning amendments being considered by the PC/ZBA on April 30, 2008, please click the following links:

Lincoln Avenue Zoning Updated

On July 19, 2007, the Village Board adopted the first phase of the Zoning Code amendments. Since March 2006, the Village has held four Zoning Code Workshops, two public meetings, and the proposed amendments have been heard at two Village Board Meetings. The Zoning Code also needed to be updated because it was difficult to administer, and that the code has not been comprehensively updated since 1962.

The first phase of the Zoning Code amendments represents a dramatic new vision for Lincoln Avenue. The Village desires to create a strong community identity with attractive developments, character and environment. New design and appearance standards will provide a new framework for future development and promote the creation of vibrant retail areas that encourage pedestrian activity. Other concepts that have been incorporated into the amendments of the Zoning Code are mixed-use hubs, transition areas, and a Village Center Planned Development District.

Specifically the amendments to the Zoning Code include:

Mixed-Use Hubs
Two mixed-use hubs will be created at Lincoln/Pratt/Crawford Avenues and at Lincoln/Devon Avenues, which represent the Lincoln Avenue Corridor's principal commercial centers. The ground floor of buildings in the mixed use hubs will be limited to retail and other nonresidential uses that encourage pedestrian activity. Upper floors may be residential or office.

B-3 Village Center Planned Development District
A separate B-3 Village Center Planned Development District has been created for the Village Center located at Lincoln and Touhy Avenues.

Transition Areas
Included in the amendments to the Zoning Code are Transition Areas. The purpose of the transition areas is to have a gradual changeover between the more intense uses in the mixed-use hubs and B-3 Village Center Planned Development District, with residential and retail development.   

Permitted Uses
A use matrix that clearly details all permitted, special uses, and prohibited uses for all zoning districts has been incorporated into the Zoning Code. A wider variety of retail and business uses will be permitted uses to reduce the number of special uses, which require the conduction of a public hearing and Village Board approval.

Build-to- Lines
In lieu of the traditional front yard setback requirements, maximum build-to-lines are being proposed to locate new buildings closer to the public sidewalk to provide a pedestrian oriented window shopping environment.