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
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Waukegan Community Survey

    One of the goals of developing a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) is to implement the community vision created by Waukegan's 2020 Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The City of Waukegan and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) will work together to update the City's zoning and subdivision regulations, which include how land is developed and the use of buildings, parking, landscaping, and signage. 

    As a community member, we want to hear what kind of amenities you want in your city. Please fill out this brief survey to help us understand what types of development you would like to see in the future!

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