26th Ward Zoning Process

Alderperson Fuentes uses a community-driven zoning review process, which centers community input on 26th Ward zoning and development issues in order to ensure transparency and equity.

The 26th Ward community-driven zoning process requires that anyone requesting a zoning change must first complete a zoning intake form. Once their intake form has been reviewed they will be invited to present their zoning request to the 26th Ward Zoning Advisory Committee where they can answer additional questions. When applicable, the person requesting a zoning change may also be required to present their zoning request to the broader public during a community input meeting.

Please send questions and feedback regarding zoning cases to alexis@the26thward.org.

How to Request a Zoning Change

If you would like to request a zoning change, you can do so by completing the steps outlined here.

  1. Complete the 26th Ward Zoning Intake form, linked here.

    • If you would prefer to fill out the 26th Ward Zoning Intake form by hand you are welcome to pick up a printed copy in English or Spanish at the 26th Ward office during business hours.

  2. Present your request to the 26th Ward Zoning Advisory Committee.

    • The Zoning Advisory Committee meets the last week of every month.

  3. Provide additional information as needed.

Pending Zoning Change Requests

  • 1354 N Artesian

    Current Zoning: RS-3
    Proposed Zoning: RT-4
    Date Submitted: 5/8/2024
    Current Use: 3-flat
    Reason for the request: To add an accessory dwelling unit in the basement.

  • 1617 N Drake

    Current Zoning: RS-3
    Proposed Zoning: RT-4
    Date Submitted: 4/22/2024
    Current Use: Artist commune/studios
    Reason for the request: To modify the existing building into a 4-unit property.

    See Project Details Here

  • 1941 N Sawyer Ave

    Current Zoning: RS-3
    Proposed Zoning: RT-4
    Date Submitted: 3/26/24
    Current Use: Single-family home
    Reason for the request: Demolish small single-family and build 4 new construction dwelling units with 4 parking spaces.

    See Project Details Here

Past Zoning Change Requests

The following list includes all zoning change requests received by the 26th Ward office during Alderperson Fuentes’s first term beginning May 15, 2023.

  • 3909 W Armitage

    Current Zoning: M1-1
    Proposed Zoning: C1-1
    Date Submitted: 2/17/24
    Status: This request was supported.
    Reason for the request: To allow the retail sale of auto-related goods and to build an upper-floor addition

  • 4116 W North Ave

    Current Zoning: B1-1
    Proposed Zoning: C1
    Date Submitted: 3/3/2024
    Status: This request was supported.
    Reason for the request: To allow for expanded commercial storefront and business use on the first floor.

  • 3219 W. Crystal Ave

    Current Zoning: RS-3
    Proposed Zoning: RT-4
    Date Submitted: 3/8/2024
    Status: This request was supported.
    Reason for the request: To add an accessory dwelling unit in the basement.

  • 1828 N. Ridgeway Ave

    Current Zoning: M1
    Proposed Zoning: C1, C2, or C3.
    Date Submitted: 2/25/2024
    Status: This request was supported. However, this city-owned lot is no longer available, and Alder. Fuentes will be seeking another city-owned lot for this project.
    Reason for the request: Creating an urban farm with the mission of increasing education and access to nature and local food.

  • 1705 N Richmond

    Current Zoning: R3
    Proposed Zoning: B2-3
    Date Submitted: 2/23/2024
    Status: The developer withdrew their request. This request is now void.
    Reason for the request: To convert the church into an 8 unit apartment building, for a total of 9 residences.

  • 2626 W Division Street

    Current Zoning: B1-1
    Proposed Zoning: B2-5
    Date Submitted: 2/23/2024
    Status: This request was supported.
    Reason for the request: To construct a new community center and trade school called the “Tu Casa” project.

  • 1649 N. Spaulding Ave

    Previous Zoning: RS3
    Proposed Zoning: RT4
    Date Submitted: 12/17/2023
    Status: This request was supported.
    Reason for the request: To add an accessory dwelling unit in the basement.

  • 3322 W Pierce Ave

    Previous Zoning: RS3
    Proposed Zoning: RM6
    Date Submitted: 12/4/2023
    Status: This request was incomplete and no decision has been made.
    Reason for the request: To convert an unused church building into condos and apartments with 7 of 23 total units being affordable.

  • 3354 W Beach Ave

    Previous Zoning: RS3
    Proposed Zoning: RT4
    Date Submitted: 12/4/2023
    Status: This request was supported.
    Reason for the request: To convert the basement to an ADU to accommodate legal renting.

  • 1726 N California Ave.

    Previous Zoning: C1-1
    Proposed Zoning: B2-3 or a Special use permit to build 3+ units.
    Date Submitted: 11/15/2023
    Status: This request was supported.
    Reason for the request: “To construct a building containing 4 units with a mix of 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms.”

  • 912 N Richmond St

    Previous Zoning: RS3
    Proposed Zoning: RM5
    Date Submitted: 10/6/2023
    Status: A decision on this request has been deferred pending further information.
    Reason for the request: “We want to legally add a 7th dwelling unit in the basement.”

  • 1249 N Campbell Ave

    Previous Zoning: RS3
    Proposed Zoning: RM-4.5
    Date Submitted: 10/2/2023
    Status: A decision on this request has been deferred pending further information.
    Reason for the request: To permit a three-story building containing six (6) dwelling units.

  • 3305 W Division St

    Previous Zoning: Mix of B1-2 and B3-1 zoning
    Proposed Zoning: B3-3
    Date Submitted: 9/21/2023
    Status: This request was supported.
    Reason for the request: “This zoning is needed to allow for a development of the height, density and FAR needed to build an economically viable affordable housing building.”

  • 1446 N St Louis

    Previous Zoning: RS3
    Proposed Zoning: R3.5
    Date Submitted: 9/12/2023
    Status: This request was incomplete and no decision has been made.
    Reason for the request: “To convert a vacant dilapidated commercial space to a residential unit.”

  • 1850 N Keeler Ave

    Previous Zoning: RS3
    Proposed Zoning: ”Modify to add 3 units”
    Date Submitted: 8/15/2023
    Status: This request was incomplete and no decision has been made.
    Reason for the request: “It is currently zoned single family would like to build more units 3 units minimum.”

  • 2739 W Evergreen Ave

    Previous Zoning: RS3
    Proposed Zoning: RT4
    Date Submitted: 7/19/2023
    Status: This request was supported.
    Reason for the request: “We are requesting a zoning change so we can finish a garden unit in the basement.”

  • 3941 W Dickens Ave

    Previous Zoning: M1-1
    Proposed Zoning: RM-4.5
    Date Submitted: 6/23/2023
    Status: This request was supported.
    Reason for the request: “To convert a former manufacturing lot into a residential property so that we can construct dwelling units for our multi-generational family.”

  • 1635 N Spaulding Ave

    Description Previous Zoning: RS3
    Proposed Zoning: RT4
    Date Submitted: 6/23/2023
    Status: This request was opposed.
    Reason for the request: To create a garden unit in a couch house.

  • 1626 N California Ave.

    Previous Zoning: RT4
    Proposed Zoning: RM-4.5
    Date Submitted: 6/23/2023
    Status: This request was supported.
    Reason for the request: To convert existing commercial/office space on the second floor of the property into residential dwelling units

  • 911 N Mozart St.

    Previous Zoning: RT4
    Proposed Zoning: RM-4.5
    Date Submitted: 6/23/2023
    Status: This request was supported.
    Reason for the request: “This request was made in order to separate the vacant neighboring lot at 913 N Mozart. A zoning change at 911 N Mozart was needed so the existing building could stand alone and adhere to zoning bulk and density standards.”

  • 1800, 1804, 1806 N. Monticello Ave.

    Previous Zoning: RS3
    Proposed Zoning: RM5
    Date Submitted: 6/8/2023
    Status:     This request was supported.
    Reason for the request: “To build 4 affordable units on each lot and legalize one unit in the current building.”

  • 4111 W. Armitage Ave.

    Previous Zoning: B3-1
    Proposed Zoning: B3-2
    Date Submitted: 6/1/2023
    Status:     This request was supported.
    Reason for the request:
    The applicant wanted to construct a one-story rear addition to expand the floor area of the grade-level retail unit from 840 sq. ft to 2,569 sq. ft. The requested zoning change permits the resulting floor area ratio.

  • 3508 W Armitage

    Current Zoning: B3-3
    Proposed Zoning: B3-2
    Date Submitted: April 2023
    Status: The zoning change was supported by then-Alderman Maldonado. It was ratified by City Council in April 2023, before Alder Fuentes took office. However, it was on hold due to a clerical error and was passed in April 2024.
    Reason for the request: To construct renovations and additions to a mixed-use building. The program called for a retail unit and 5 residential units. 1 of the residential units would be at grade level behind the retail space.