Waukegan Unified Development Ordinance
The Unified Development Ordinance has been approved and this project has been completed.
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:
- 2020 Comprehensive Land Use Plan
- Northern Lakeshore Trail Connectivity Plan
- Lakefront Active Implementation Plan
- Washington Street Commercial Corridor Plan
- River Road Corridor Plan
- South Sheridan Revitalization Plan
- Lakefront Downtown Master Plan
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
The Unified Development Ordinance has been approved and this project has been completed.
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You're Invited! UDO Public Open House Events
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You’re invited to attend a public open house to learn about the Waukegan Unified Development Ordinance. The first event will take place at City Hall on March 7, 2024, from 4pm to 7:30pm (100 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue). The second event take place at the Waukegan Park District Field House (800 Baldwin Avenue) on March 19, 2024, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) will modernize the current land use and zoning ordinances with changes to signs, landscaping, parking, and more. Please attend to learn more about how the changes will impact you and provide feedback to help shape the future of Waukegan.
Please visit the project page for more information: https://engage.cmap.illinois.gov/waukeganudo
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Benefits of Trees Presentation - Nov 9!
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You're invited to attend a public presentation about the benefit of trees at City Hall on November 9, 2023 at 5:30 pm (100 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue). Zach Wirtz, Community Manager for the Chicago Region Trees Initiative at the Morton Arboretum, and Natalie Burgos, Outreach Assistant for the Chicago Region Trees Initiative at the Morton Arboretum, will be giving a presentation on the benefit of trees in community infrastructure. Following the presentation, there will be a Q/A with the guest speakers.
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Off-Street Parking Reform Presentation - August 24
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You're invited to attend a public presentation about off-street parking at City Hall on August 24, 2023 at 6:00 pm (100 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue). The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) will modernize the current land use and zoning ordinances, including changes to off-street parking requirements. Linday Bayley, Program Lead for Safe and Complete Streets at CMAP and the Co-Founder of the Parking Reform Network, will present information about the role of parking, potential changes, and what that means for Waukegan.
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What's Your Zoning District?
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Do you know your zoning district? Check out the online zoning map. Not only can you see what district you live in, but you can also explore the different Place Types as defined by the 2020 Waukegan Comprehensive Land Use Plan, see lot sizes, and view lots that are considered "non-conforming" based on minimum lot size. A non-conforming lot is a parcel that does not meet the minimum area as required by the current Zoning Ordinance. The new UDO will look to reduce non-conformities througout the city.
Who's Listening
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Phone 312-386-8640 Email ssthomas@cmap.illinois.gov -
Phone (312) 386-8706 Email jjackson@cmap.illinois.gov
Videos
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In this video, learn more about Unified Development Ordinances, zoning and subdivision regulations, and how these tools affect you and your community.
