Waukegan Unified Development Ordinance

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The Unified Development Ordinance has been approved and this project has been completed.

Aerial view of Waukegan

Project Overview

As part of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning's (CMAP) Local Technical Assistance (LTA) Program, the City of Waukegan began the process of updating and modernizing their Zoning, Subdivision, Sign, and Landscape and Tree Preservation Ordinances to create a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Originally approved in 1987, the zoning ordinance has since had numerous amendments, and would benefit from a comprehensive review and overhaul.

The City of Waukegan, CMAP, and local stakeholders will embark on a community-based process that will align Waukegan's development regulations, land-use practices, and community vision with its 2020 Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The UDO will help direct Waukegan's future growth and build its economic strength.

Key Topics

  • Zoning district updates
  • Allowable uses
  • Subdivision standards
  • Zoning applications
  • Special uses, variations, and amendments
  • Parking and lighting
  • Landscaping
  • Signage

Community Background

The City of Waukegan is the most populous city in- and the county seat of- Lake County, Illinois. The City is located within the Chicago metropolitan area along Lake Michigan, situated 40 miles north of the City of Chicago. As of the 2020 census, the population of the City was 89,321. Waukegan offers commuter rail service to Chicago and PACE Bus service. Waukegan features a growing lakefront and downtown area with an active marina, and diverse neighborhoods. The City utilizes several planning documents to guide land use decision-making:

Community Feedback

We want to hear from you! Public input is crucial and encouraged to develop an ordinance that fits the needs of the community. There are many ways to participate and engage in the planning process, starting on this page:

  • Follow the Plan Updates Tab
  • Complete the Community Survey
  • Connect with the Project Contacts
  • Attend Future Community Meetings

Project Overview

As part of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning's (CMAP) Local Technical Assistance (LTA) Program, the City of Waukegan began the process of updating and modernizing their Zoning, Subdivision, Sign, and Landscape and Tree Preservation Ordinances to create a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Originally approved in 1987, the zoning ordinance has since had numerous amendments, and would benefit from a comprehensive review and overhaul.

The City of Waukegan, CMAP, and local stakeholders will embark on a community-based process that will align Waukegan's development regulations, land-use practices, and community vision with its 2020 Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The UDO will help direct Waukegan's future growth and build its economic strength.

Key Topics

  • Zoning district updates
  • Allowable uses
  • Subdivision standards
  • Zoning applications
  • Special uses, variations, and amendments
  • Parking and lighting
  • Landscaping
  • Signage

Community Background

The City of Waukegan is the most populous city in- and the county seat of- Lake County, Illinois. The City is located within the Chicago metropolitan area along Lake Michigan, situated 40 miles north of the City of Chicago. As of the 2020 census, the population of the City was 89,321. Waukegan offers commuter rail service to Chicago and PACE Bus service. Waukegan features a growing lakefront and downtown area with an active marina, and diverse neighborhoods. The City utilizes several planning documents to guide land use decision-making:

Community Feedback

We want to hear from you! Public input is crucial and encouraged to develop an ordinance that fits the needs of the community. There are many ways to participate and engage in the planning process, starting on this page:

  • Follow the Plan Updates Tab
  • Complete the Community Survey
  • Connect with the Project Contacts
  • Attend Future Community Meetings
Share Future Improvements: Interactive Mapping Tool on Facebook Share Future Improvements: Interactive Mapping Tool on Twitter Share Future Improvements: Interactive Mapping Tool on Linkedin Email Future Improvements: Interactive Mapping Tool link

Future Improvements: Interactive Mapping Tool

over 2 years

Comment Map

Use our interactive map to share input, concerns, ideas, and suggestions about specific locations in Waukegan. Consider the current zoning ordinance and what changes you would like to see. What types of businesses would you like to see? What types of residential buildings would you like to see? What other concerns or suggestions do you have about zoning? 

  • Step 1: Click the plus (+) sign 
  • Step 2: Drag pin onto the map
  • Step 3: Add comment / photo


Legend

___ Municipal Boundary

Current Zoning:  
___ Residential Single Family 
___ Residential Mixed Single and Multi-Family 
___ Commercial 
___ Industrial 
___ Office/Institutional 
___ Conservation Recreation 



CLOSED: This map consultation has concluded.