A Field Guide to
Chicago Zoning Districts
A love letter to the City of Chicago — from its bungalow belts and two-flats, to its storefront strips and loft districts, and to the zoning code (Title 17) that shapes all of it. Whether you're an architect scoping a design, a developer sizing up a lot, a zoning attorney checking a citation, a homeowner planning an addition, or just curious what's allowed next door, this is designed to answer "what can be built here?" for any Chicago base zoning district in one place. Select a district code for the full reference page.
RS — Single-Unit Residential
Detached single-family houses on individual lots. RS districts are the city's lowest-density residential zones; density (minimum lot area per unit) and required yards tighten as the dash number drops.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS-1 | 0.5 | 6,250 sq ft | 6,250 sq ft | 30 ft | Avg of 2 nearest lots | Combined ≥30% width; each ≥5 ft or 10% | ≤50 ft or 28% depth |
| RS-2 | 0.65 | 5,000 sq ft | 5,000 sq ft | 30 ft | Avg of 2 nearest lots | Combined ≥30% width; each ≥4 ft or 10% | ≤50 ft or 28% depth |
| RS-3 | 0.9 | 2,500 sq ft | 2,500 sq ft | 30 ft | Avg of 2 nearest lots | Combined ≥20% width; each ≥2 ft or 8% | ≤50 ft or 28% depth |
RS-1
Residential Single-Unit (Detached House) District
- FAR
- 0.5
- Lot / Unit
- 6,250 sq ft
- Min Lot
- 6,250 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- Avg of 2 nearest lots
- Side Setback
- Combined ≥30% width; each ≥5 ft or 10%
- Rear Setback
- ≤50 ft or 28% depth
RS-2
Residential Single-Unit (Detached House) District
- FAR
- 0.65
- Lot / Unit
- 5,000 sq ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- Avg of 2 nearest lots
- Side Setback
- Combined ≥30% width; each ≥4 ft or 10%
- Rear Setback
- ≤50 ft or 28% depth
RS-3
Residential Single-Unit (Detached House) District
- FAR
- 0.9
- Lot / Unit
- 2,500 sq ft
- Min Lot
- 2,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- Avg of 2 nearest lots
- Side Setback
- Combined ≥20% width; each ≥2 ft or 8%
- Rear Setback
- ≤50 ft or 28% depth
RT — Two-Flat / Townhouse
Two-flats, townhouses and low-density apartment buildings. RT districts accommodate a mix of housing types at moderate density, with RT-4A offering bonus floor area for projects that include accessible units.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RT-3.5 | 1.05 | 1,250 sq ft | 2,500 sq ft | 35 ft | ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots | Combined ≥20% width; each ≥2 ft or 8% | ≤50 ft or 24% depth (< 20 units) |
| RT-4 | 1.2 | 1,000 sq ft | 1,650 sq ft | 38 ft | ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots | Combined ≥20% width; each ≥2 ft or 8% | ≤50 ft or 24% depth (< 20 units) |
| RT-4A | 1.2 | 1,000 sq ft | 1,650 sq ft | 42 ft | ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots | Combined ≥20% width; each ≥2 ft or 8% | ≤50 ft or 24% depth (< 20 units) |
RT-3.5
Residential Two-Flat, Townhouse and Multi-Unit District
- FAR
- 1.05
- Lot / Unit
- 1,250 sq ft
- Min Lot
- 2,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots
- Side Setback
- Combined ≥20% width; each ≥2 ft or 8%
- Rear Setback
- ≤50 ft or 24% depth (< 20 units)
RT-4
Residential Two-Flat, Townhouse and Multi-Unit District
- FAR
- 1.2
- Lot / Unit
- 1,000 sq ft
- Min Lot
- 1,650 sq ft
- Max Height
- 38 ft
- Front Setback
- ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots
- Side Setback
- Combined ≥20% width; each ≥2 ft or 8%
- Rear Setback
- ≤50 ft or 24% depth (< 20 units)
RT-4A
Residential Two-Flat, Townhouse and Multi-Unit District
- FAR
- 1.2
- Lot / Unit
- 1,000 sq ft
- Min Lot
- 1,650 sq ft
- Max Height
- 42 ft
- Front Setback
- ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots
- Side Setback
- Combined ≥20% width; each ≥2 ft or 8%
- Rear Setback
- ≤50 ft or 24% depth (< 20 units)
RM — Multi-Unit Residential
Medium- to high-density apartment buildings. RM districts carry the city's highest residential floor-area ratios; RM-6 and RM-6.5 require Planned Development review for tall buildings.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RM-4.5 | 1.7 | 700 sq ft | 1,650 sq ft | 45-47 ft | ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots | Combined ≥20% width; each ≥2 ft or 8% | ≤50 ft or 24% depth (< 20 units) |
| RM-5 | 2 | 400 sq ft | 1,650 sq ft | 45-47 ft | ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots | Combined ≥20% width; each ≥2 ft or 8% | ≤50 ft or 24% depth (< 20 units) |
| RM-5.5 | 2.5 | 400 sq ft | 1,650 sq ft | 47-60 ft | ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots | Combined ≥20% width; each ≥2 ft or 8% | ≤50 ft or 24% depth (< 20 units) |
| RM-6 | 4.4 | 300 sq ft | 1,650 sq ft | No limit (PD review) | ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots | None; or ≥10% width/ht if >50% lot coverage | ≤50 ft or 24% depth (< 20 units) |
| RM-6.5 | 6.6 | 300 sq ft | 1,650 sq ft | No limit (PD review) | ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots | None; or ≥10% width/ht if >50% lot coverage | ≤50 ft or 24% depth (< 20 units) |
RM-4.5
Residential Multi-Unit District
- FAR
- 1.7
- Lot / Unit
- 700 sq ft
- Min Lot
- 1,650 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45-47 ft
- Front Setback
- ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots
- Side Setback
- Combined ≥20% width; each ≥2 ft or 8%
- Rear Setback
- ≤50 ft or 24% depth (< 20 units)
RM-5
Residential Multi-Unit District
- FAR
- 2
- Lot / Unit
- 400 sq ft
- Min Lot
- 1,650 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45-47 ft
- Front Setback
- ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots
- Side Setback
- Combined ≥20% width; each ≥2 ft or 8%
- Rear Setback
- ≤50 ft or 24% depth (< 20 units)
RM-5.5
Residential Multi-Unit District
- FAR
- 2.5
- Lot / Unit
- 400 sq ft
- Min Lot
- 1,650 sq ft
- Max Height
- 47-60 ft
- Front Setback
- ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots
- Side Setback
- Combined ≥20% width; each ≥2 ft or 8%
- Rear Setback
- ≤50 ft or 24% depth (< 20 units)
RM-6
Residential Multi-Unit District
- FAR
- 4.4
- Lot / Unit
- 300 sq ft
- Min Lot
- 1,650 sq ft
- Max Height
- No limit (PD review)
- Front Setback
- ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots
- Side Setback
- None; or ≥10% width/ht if >50% lot coverage
- Rear Setback
- ≤50 ft or 24% depth (< 20 units)
RM-6.5
Residential Multi-Unit District
- FAR
- 6.6
- Lot / Unit
- 300 sq ft
- Min Lot
- 1,650 sq ft
- Max Height
- No limit (PD review)
- Front Setback
- ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots
- Side Setback
- None; or ≥10% width/ht if >50% lot coverage
- Rear Setback
- ≤50 ft or 24% depth (< 20 units)
B — Business
Pedestrian-oriented commercial and mixed-use districts on neighborhood shopping streets — storefronts at the sidewalk with dwelling units permitted above. The three B districts differ mainly in what they allow at street level and how broad a range of businesses they accommodate.
Neighborhood Shopping District
Neighborhood shopping along pedestrian-oriented streets. B1 prohibits drive-through and auto-oriented uses and permits residential dwelling units above the ground floor.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B1-1 | 1.2 | 2,500 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| B1-1.5 | 1.5 | 1,350 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| B1-2 | 2.2 | 1,000 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| B1-3 | 3 | 400 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| B1-5 | 5 | 200 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
B1-1
Neighborhood Shopping District
- FAR
- 1.2
- Lot / Unit
- 2,500 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
B1-1.5
Neighborhood Shopping District
- FAR
- 1.5
- Lot / Unit
- 1,350 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
B1-2
Neighborhood Shopping District
- FAR
- 2.2
- Lot / Unit
- 1,000 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
B1-3
Neighborhood Shopping District
- FAR
- 3
- Lot / Unit
- 400 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
B1-5
Neighborhood Shopping District
- FAR
- 5
- Lot / Unit
- 200 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
Neighborhood Mixed-Use District
Neighborhood mixed-use. Like B1 but allows residential on the ground floor, supporting a finer-grained mix of housing and storefronts.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B2-1 | 1.2 | 2,500 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| B2-1.5 | 1.5 | 1,350 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| B2-2 | 2.2 | 1,000 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| B2-3 | 3 | 400 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| B2-5 | 5 | 200 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
B2-1
Neighborhood Mixed-Use District
- FAR
- 1.2
- Lot / Unit
- 2,500 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
B2-1.5
Neighborhood Mixed-Use District
- FAR
- 1.5
- Lot / Unit
- 1,350 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
B2-2
Neighborhood Mixed-Use District
- FAR
- 2.2
- Lot / Unit
- 1,000 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
B2-3
Neighborhood Mixed-Use District
- FAR
- 3
- Lot / Unit
- 400 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
B2-5
Neighborhood Mixed-Use District
- FAR
- 5
- Lot / Unit
- 200 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
Community Shopping District
Shopping centers, large stores and retail storefronts, often along major streets. Allows a broader range of businesses than B1 and B2, with apartments permitted above the ground floor.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B3-1 | 1.2 | 2,500 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| B3-1.5 | 1.5 | 1,350 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| B3-2 | 2.2 | 1,000 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| B3-3 | 3 | 400 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| B3-5 | 5 | 200 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
B3-1
Community Shopping District
- FAR
- 1.2
- Lot / Unit
- 2,500 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
B3-1.5
Community Shopping District
- FAR
- 1.5
- Lot / Unit
- 1,350 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
B3-2
Community Shopping District
- FAR
- 2.2
- Lot / Unit
- 1,000 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
B3-3
Community Shopping District
- FAR
- 3
- Lot / Unit
- 400 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
B3-5
Community Shopping District
- FAR
- 5
- Lot / Unit
- 200 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
C — Commercial
More intensive, more auto-oriented commercial districts than the B family, permitting a broader range of business, service and even manufacturing uses. Residential is allowed above the ground floor in C1 and C2; C3 permits no dwelling units at all.
Neighborhood Commercial District
Neighborhood commercial. Allows more intensive, more auto-oriented uses than B1 — including taverns and liquor stores by-right — with residential permitted above the ground floor.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1-1 | 1.2 | 2,500 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| C1-1.5 | 1.5 | 1,350 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| C1-2 | 2.2 | 1,000 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| C1-3 | 3 | 400 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| C1-5 | 5 | 200 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
C1-1
Neighborhood Commercial District
- FAR
- 1.2
- Lot / Unit
- 2,500 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
C1-1.5
Neighborhood Commercial District
- FAR
- 1.5
- Lot / Unit
- 1,350 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
C1-2
Neighborhood Commercial District
- FAR
- 2.2
- Lot / Unit
- 1,000 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
C1-3
Neighborhood Commercial District
- FAR
- 3
- Lot / Unit
- 400 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
C1-5
Neighborhood Commercial District
- FAR
- 5
- Lot / Unit
- 200 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
Motor Vehicle-Related Commercial District
The highest-intensity commercial district, allowing nearly any business or service use, including outdoor operations and storage. Residential is permitted above the ground floor.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C2-1 | 1.2 | 2,500 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| C2-1.5 | 1.5 | 1,350 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| C2-2 | 2.2 | 1,000 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| C2-3 | 3 | 400 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
| C2-5 | 5 | 200 sq ft | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | ≥30 ft (with dwelling units) |
C2-1
Motor Vehicle-Related Commercial District
- FAR
- 1.2
- Lot / Unit
- 2,500 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
C2-1.5
Motor Vehicle-Related Commercial District
- FAR
- 1.5
- Lot / Unit
- 1,350 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
C2-2
Motor Vehicle-Related Commercial District
- FAR
- 2.2
- Lot / Unit
- 1,000 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
C2-3
Motor Vehicle-Related Commercial District
- FAR
- 3
- Lot / Unit
- 400 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
C2-5
Motor Vehicle-Related Commercial District
- FAR
- 5
- Lot / Unit
- 200 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- ≥30 ft (with dwelling units)
Commercial, Manufacturing and Employment District
Commercial, manufacturing and employment uses, intended to buffer manufacturing areas from other districts. Does NOT permit residential dwelling units.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C3-1 | 1.2 | — | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | None (no dwelling units permitted) |
| C3-1.5 | 1.5 | — | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | None (no dwelling units permitted) |
| C3-2 | 2.2 | — | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | None (no dwelling units permitted) |
| C3-3 | 3 | — | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | None (no dwelling units permitted) |
| C3-5 | 5 | — | — | Varies (§17-3-0408) | None (≥50% of adj. R lot) | None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering) | None (no dwelling units permitted) |
C3-1
Commercial, Manufacturing and Employment District
- FAR
- 1.2
- Lot / Unit
- —
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- None (no dwelling units permitted)
C3-1.5
Commercial, Manufacturing and Employment District
- FAR
- 1.5
- Lot / Unit
- —
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- None (no dwelling units permitted)
C3-2
Commercial, Manufacturing and Employment District
- FAR
- 2.2
- Lot / Unit
- —
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- None (no dwelling units permitted)
C3-3
Commercial, Manufacturing and Employment District
- FAR
- 3
- Lot / Unit
- —
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- None (no dwelling units permitted)
C3-5
Commercial, Manufacturing and Employment District
- FAR
- 5
- Lot / Unit
- —
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Varies (§17-3-0408)
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot)
- Side Setback
- None (adj. R lot front setback if bordering)
- Rear Setback
- None (no dwelling units permitted)
D — Downtown
The high-intensity heart of the city — high-rise offices, housing and mixed-use development in and around the Loop. Downtown districts carry the city's largest floor-area ratios and set building height through Planned Development review rather than a fixed cap.
Downtown Core District
Downtown Core — the highest-intensity downtown district for high-rise offices and apartments. Height is set through Planned Development review.
Downtown Residential District
Downtown Residential — high-rise housing in areas like the Gold Coast and Near North. Height is set through Planned Development review.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DR-3 | 3 | 400 sq ft | — | No limit (PD review) | ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots | None | ≤50 ft or 28–30% depth (≥18 ft above grade) |
| DR-5 | 5 | 200 sq ft | — | No limit (PD review) | ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots | None | ≤50 ft or 28–30% depth (≥18 ft above grade) |
| DR-7 | 7 | 145 sq ft | — | No limit (PD review) | ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots | None | ≤50 ft or 28–30% depth (≥18 ft above grade) |
| DR-10 | 10 | 115 sq ft | — | No limit (PD review) | ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots | None | ≤50 ft or 28–30% depth (≥18 ft above grade) |
DR-3
Downtown Residential District
- FAR
- 3
- Lot / Unit
- 400 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- No limit (PD review)
- Front Setback
- ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- ≤50 ft or 28–30% depth (≥18 ft above grade)
DR-5
Downtown Residential District
- FAR
- 5
- Lot / Unit
- 200 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- No limit (PD review)
- Front Setback
- ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- ≤50 ft or 28–30% depth (≥18 ft above grade)
DR-7
Downtown Residential District
- FAR
- 7
- Lot / Unit
- 145 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- No limit (PD review)
- Front Setback
- ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- ≤50 ft or 28–30% depth (≥18 ft above grade)
DR-10
Downtown Residential District
- FAR
- 10
- Lot / Unit
- 115 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- No limit (PD review)
- Front Setback
- ≤15 ft or 12% depth; or avg adj. lots
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- ≤50 ft or 28–30% depth (≥18 ft above grade)
Downtown Service District
Downtown Service — rail yards, warehouses and service uses at the edge of the downtown core.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS-3 | 3 | 400 sq ft | — | No limit (PD review) | None | None | 30 ft (dwelling units); else none |
| DS-5 | 5 | 200 sq ft | — | No limit (PD review) | None | None | 30 ft (dwelling units); else none |
DS-3
Downtown Service District
- FAR
- 3
- Lot / Unit
- 400 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- No limit (PD review)
- Front Setback
- None
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- 30 ft (dwelling units); else none
DS-5
Downtown Service District
- FAR
- 5
- Lot / Unit
- 200 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- No limit (PD review)
- Front Setback
- None
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- 30 ft (dwelling units); else none
Downtown Mixed-Use District
Downtown Mixed-Use — the Loop edge, River North and West Loop. A flexible high-intensity mix of office, residential and retail.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DX-3 | 3 | 400 sq ft | — | No limit (PD review) | None | None | 30 ft (dwelling units); else none |
| DX-5 | 5 | 200 sq ft | — | No limit (PD review) | None | None | 30 ft (dwelling units); else none |
| DX-7 | 7 | 145 sq ft | — | No limit (PD review) | None | None | None |
| DX-12 | 12 | 115 sq ft | — | No limit (PD review) | None | None | None |
| DX-16 | 16 | 100 sq ft | — | No limit (PD review) | None | None | None |
DX-3
Downtown Mixed-Use District
- FAR
- 3
- Lot / Unit
- 400 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- No limit (PD review)
- Front Setback
- None
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- 30 ft (dwelling units); else none
DX-5
Downtown Mixed-Use District
- FAR
- 5
- Lot / Unit
- 200 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- No limit (PD review)
- Front Setback
- None
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- 30 ft (dwelling units); else none
DX-7
Downtown Mixed-Use District
- FAR
- 7
- Lot / Unit
- 145 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- No limit (PD review)
- Front Setback
- None
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- None
DX-12
Downtown Mixed-Use District
- FAR
- 12
- Lot / Unit
- 115 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- No limit (PD review)
- Front Setback
- None
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- None
DX-16
Downtown Mixed-Use District
- FAR
- 16
- Lot / Unit
- 100 sq ft
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- No limit (PD review)
- Front Setback
- None
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- None
M — Manufacturing
Industrial districts ranging from light-industrial business parks to heavy manufacturing and processing. Allowed uses, intensity and permitted outdoor operations step up with the district number; residential is generally not a primary use.
Limited Manufacturing / Business Park District
Limited manufacturing and business-park uses — light industrial, office and some retail. The lowest-intensity manufacturing district.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1-1 | 1.2 | — | — | — | None | None | None |
| M1-2 | 2.2 | — | — | — | None | None | None |
| M1-3 | 3 | — | — | — | None | None | None |
M1-1
Limited Manufacturing / Business Park District
- FAR
- 1.2
- Lot / Unit
- —
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- —
- Front Setback
- None
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- None
M1-2
Limited Manufacturing / Business Park District
- FAR
- 2.2
- Lot / Unit
- —
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- —
- Front Setback
- None
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- None
M1-3
Limited Manufacturing / Business Park District
- FAR
- 3
- Lot / Unit
- —
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- —
- Front Setback
- None
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- None
Light Industry District
Light industry — auto, contractor and storage uses at moderate intensity.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M2-1 | 1.2 | — | — | — | None | None | None |
| M2-2 | 2.2 | — | — | — | None | None | None |
| M2-3 | 3 | — | — | — | None | None | None |
M2-1
Light Industry District
- FAR
- 1.2
- Lot / Unit
- —
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- —
- Front Setback
- None
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- None
M2-2
Light Industry District
- FAR
- 2.2
- Lot / Unit
- —
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- —
- Front Setback
- None
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- None
M2-3
Light Industry District
- FAR
- 3
- Lot / Unit
- —
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- —
- Front Setback
- None
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- None
Heavy Industry District
Heavy industry — the highest-intensity industrial district, for intensive manufacturing and processing uses.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3-1 | 1.2 | — | — | — | None | None | None |
| M3-2 | 2.2 | — | — | — | None | None | None |
| M3-3 | 3 | — | — | — | None | None | None |
M3-1
Heavy Industry District
- FAR
- 1.2
- Lot / Unit
- —
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- —
- Front Setback
- None
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- None
M3-2
Heavy Industry District
- FAR
- 2.2
- Lot / Unit
- —
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- —
- Front Setback
- None
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- None
M3-3
Heavy Industry District
- FAR
- 3
- Lot / Unit
- —
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- —
- Front Setback
- None
- Side Setback
- None
- Rear Setback
- None
PMD — Planned Manufacturing Districts
An industrial-preservation zoning classification (§17-6-0400) protecting Chicago's manufacturing base — only areas of 5+ contiguous acres qualify, and each PMD is established by its own rezoning ordinance. Manufacturing, warehousing and industrial-service uses are permitted by-right; most commercial uses are allowed too, subject to floor-area caps that vary by district. FAR is set per PMD (2.2–5.0) rather than one fixed citywide table.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMD | Varies | — | — | None | None (exceptions near R lots / ind. parks) | None (exceptions near R lots / ind. parks) | None; ≥30 ft if abutting R lot |
PD — Planned Development
Tall buildings, campuses and large developments that must be negotiated with city planners. Developers gain design flexibility but must work with the Department of Planning & Development to ensure the project serves the surrounding neighborhood. Standards default to the prior underlying zoning district.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PD | Negotiated | — | — | Negotiated | Prior underlying zoning | Prior underlying zoning | Prior underlying zoning |
T — Transportation
Preserves, protects and enhances road, rail and other transportation corridors (§17-6-0300), and ensures public review before any conversion to non-transportation use. Only roads, rail lines, bus ways, trails, minor utilities and their customary accessory uses are allowed by-right — any other use requires rezoning to a base district. Permanent buildings must directly relate to an allowed use and may not exceed a 1.5 floor area ratio.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T | 1.5 | — | — | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
POS — Parks and Open Space
Parkland and open space, ranging from major regional parks (Lincoln Park, Humboldt Park) to neighborhood playgrounds. Building standards are set by whichever local government agency owns and operates the park.
| District | FAR | Lot / Unit | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POS-1 | Govt. approved | — | — | Govt. approved | None (≥50% of adj. R lot if same street) | 1 ft per ft of building height | 1 ft per ft of building height |
| POS-2 | Govt. approved | — | — | Govt. approved | None (≥50% of adj. R lot if same street) | 1 ft per ft of building height | 1 ft per ft of building height |
| POS-3 | Govt. approved | — | — | Govt. approved | None (≥50% of adj. R lot if same street) | 1 ft per ft of building height | 1 ft per ft of building height |
| POS-4 | Govt. approved | — | — | Govt. approved | None (≥50% of adj. R lot if same street) | 1 ft per ft of building height | 1 ft per ft of building height |
POS-1
Parks and Open Space District
- FAR
- Govt. approved
- Lot / Unit
- —
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Govt. approved
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot if same street)
- Side Setback
- 1 ft per ft of building height
- Rear Setback
- 1 ft per ft of building height
POS-2
Parks and Open Space District
- FAR
- Govt. approved
- Lot / Unit
- —
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Govt. approved
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot if same street)
- Side Setback
- 1 ft per ft of building height
- Rear Setback
- 1 ft per ft of building height
POS-3
Parks and Open Space District
- FAR
- Govt. approved
- Lot / Unit
- —
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Govt. approved
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot if same street)
- Side Setback
- 1 ft per ft of building height
- Rear Setback
- 1 ft per ft of building height
POS-4
Parks and Open Space District
- FAR
- Govt. approved
- Lot / Unit
- —
- Min Lot
- —
- Max Height
- Govt. approved
- Front Setback
- None (≥50% of adj. R lot if same street)
- Side Setback
- 1 ft per ft of building height
- Rear Setback
- 1 ft per ft of building height
About this guide
This field guide is a free reference — no account or login required. Every Chicago base zoning district is here with its FAR, density, height, and setback rules, alongside a to-scale diagram of a typical building on a typical lot, so you can see at a glance what each district actually produces on the ground.
LotGrade takes this further for a specific property: search any Chicago address to see its exact zoning envelope, buildable area, unit count, and a full development pro forma — drawn to scale from real parcel data, not just the district's general rules.