- When: 2025/03/12
- Address: 3116 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL
- City: Chicago
- State: IL
- Category: Spot Rezoning
- Subcategory: Commercial Rezoning
- Asset Class: Commercial
- Property Type: Retail
Chicago City Council passed a zoning reclassification of the property at 3116 N Western Ave from B3-2 to C1-3 to allow expanded commercial activity beyond the constraints of neighborhood-serving zoning. The shift to C1-3 opens up opportunities for higher-impact commercial uses, including automotive and warehouse-adjacent businesses, while maintaining compatibility with surrounding mixed-use development. This transition reflects the site's strategic location on a high-traffic corridor with commercial and light industrial characteristics. The change also facilitates potential redevelopment that leverages the site’s visibility and access, without the limitations of B3 zoning.
Why it Matters
The rezoning enhances development flexibility and allows more intensive commercial operations in a key corridor. It aligns with city goals of revitalizing underutilized sites through expanded commercial zoning.
Source
Allowed Uses: C1-3 zoning permits a broad range of commercial uses including auto-related services, storage facilities, wholesale sales, and typical retail or office functions. This includes uses like auto repair, contractor shops, and retail per 17-3-0200 and 17-4-0200.
Density: C1-3 zoning allows a FAR of 3.0. Residential density is governed by minimum lot area per unit: 400 sq ft for studios, 500 sq ft for one-bedrooms (17-3-0405, 17-3-0408).
Minimum Lot Size: 400 sq ft per unit for efficiency; 500 sq ft per one-bedroom unit (17-3-0408).
Maximum Building Height: C1-3 zoning typically accommodates buildings up to 65 feet, but no absolute height limit is specified. Stepbacks and design review may apply (17-3-0403).
Lot Coverage: Regulated through FAR and setback rules rather than a strict lot coverage limit (17-3-0400 series).
Previous Zoning: B3-2 Community Shopping District