Zoning Code Update

The Village of Northbrook’s current Zoning Code was adopted in 1988 and has been amended periodically. It is a traditional use-based “Euclidean” ordinance that segregates land use and bulk, space, height and yard requirements by zoning districts. Over the years however, the Village adopted new community goals, objectives, and strategies based on organic land development, market trends, new technologies, and an emphasis on environmental sustainability. Additionally, subsequent community plans have been adopted throughout the life of the Zoning Code, including the: Comprehensive Plan (2010), Master Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan (2018), Affordable Housing Plan (2020) and Climate Action Plan (2021). 

The Village now seeks to develop and adopt a new Zoning Code to comprehensively incorporate the priorities of these community plans, as well as: introduce new standards, streamline current entitlement procedures, and incorporate a plan that is user-friendly to best serve the residents, businesses, and all community stakeholders. 

As we move forward in this update we invite you to stay informed and active in this process by visiting the project website.

Search Your Property Zoning

Find and learn more about your property by using our Community Zoning Portal. The following Ordinances approved Zoning Code Amendments that occurred after the last codified amendment which occurred on February 22, 2022.  These amendments have been adopted and are in the process of being incorporated into the Northbrook Zoning Code.  Check back here for future updates to the Zoning Code.

Northbrook Zoning Code & Amendments

Ordinance 2023-6 - An Ordinance Amending the Northbrook Zoning Code to Increase the permitted Maximum height for Planned Developments within the VGRC Village Green Residential & Commercial District

Ordinance 2023-18 - An Ordinance Amending Part V of Article XI of the Northbrook Zoning Code (1988), as Amended, Regarding Authorized Exceptions

• Zoning Code Ordinance Revisions List 

• Article I - Title and Purpose (PDF)
• Article II - Zoning Districts and Official Zoning Map (PDF)
• Article III - Single Family Residential Districts (PDF)
  • Diagrams Illustrating Residential Zoning Regulations
    • R1 District (PDF)
    • R2 District (PDF)
    • R3 District (PDF)
    • R4 District (PDF)
    • R5 District (PDF)
    • Generators and Air Conditioning Units (PDF)
• Article IV - Multiple Family Residential Districts (PDF)
• Article V - Commercial Districts (PDF)
• Article VI - Office Districts (PDF)
• Article VII - Industrial Districts (PDF)
• Article VIII - Special Districts
  • Part I - Village Green Overlay District (PDF)
  • Part II - Flood Hazard Overlay District (PDF)
  • Part III - Open Space District (PDF)
  • Part IV - Institutional Buildings District (PDF)
  • Part V - Redevelopment Overlay District (PDF)
  • Part VI - Techny Overlay District (PDF)
  • Part VII - Mixed Residential and Commercial Districts (PDF)
• Article IX - District Regulations of General Applicability
  • Part 1-A - Accessory and Temporary Structures and Uses, Including Home Occupations (PDF)
  • Part 1-B - Parking and Loading Requirements (PDF)
  • Part 1-C - Sign Regulations (PDF)
  • Part 1-D - Buffers and Landscaping Requirements (PDF)
  • Part II - Supplemental Regulations for Particular Uses - Personal Wireless Services (PDF)
  • Part III - Affordable Housing in New Developments
• Article X - Nonconformities (PDF)
• Article XI - Zoning Administration and Enforcement (PDF)
  • Part I - Administrative Officials and Bodies
  • Part II - Planning Documents and Procedures
  • Part III - Zoning Applications and Hearings
  • Part IV - Zoning Certificates
  • Part V - Interpretations, Appeals and Variations
  • Part VI - Amendments and Special Approvals, Including Planned Developments, Site Plan Review, and Design Review
  • Part VII - Settlement of Litigation
  • Part VIII - Enforcement and Penalties
• Article XII - Applicability and Interpretation (PDF)
  • Part I - Applicability
  • Part II - Interpretation, Including Definitions
• Appendixes
  • Appendix A Northbrook Sic Code, Use Interpretation Guidelines (PDF)
  • Appendix B Land Use System, Master Use Table
    • PDF Version
  • Appendix C Illustrations (PDF)

• INTERPRETATIONS – TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Article 3 – Single Family

  • Access to Unfinished Attics
  • Attic Space in Computing Floor Area Ratio
  • Limitations on the Use of Dormers in Unfinished Attic Space
  • Clarification of the Average Front Setback
  • Clarification of the Average Front Setback – Replacement Home
  • Clarification of Bay Window and Computing Floor Area Ratio
  • Applicability of Combined Side Yard Standards
  • Applying Combined Side Yard Standards – Irregularly Shaped Lots
  • Clarification on Location of Generators and HVAC Equipment
  • Covered Porches and Computing Floor Area Ratio
  • Patios & Decks with Walking Surfaces 30 Inches or Less Above Grade
  • Categorizing Pergolas as Accessory Structures
  • Encroachment of an Open Porch into a Required Yard
  • Established Limitation on Window Well Encroachment

•  Article 5 – Commercial Districts

  • Establishment of Setback Standards for Accessory Drive-Thru Lanes

•  Article 6 – Office Districts

  • Classify the Land Use “Massage Therapist”
  • Land Use Classification of Yoga Studios in Office Districts

•  Article 7 – Industrial Districts

  • Accessory Retail Sales Activity – Bicycle Repair Facility
  • Craft Food and Beverages in the Industrial Zoning Districts
  • Health Practitioners Not Elsewhere Classified
  • Meaning of “Outdoor Vehicle Storage”

•  Article 9 – District Regulations of General Applicability

  Part - IA Accessory Storage

  • Detached Accessory Structures
    • Categorizing Pergolas as Accessory Structures
  • Clarification of Solar & Photovoltaic Systems as Accessory Structures

• Part - IB Parking

  • Parking for Child Educational Uses
  • Location of Loading Space

• Part - IC Signs

  • Temporary   Signs on Vacant Spaces
  • Calculation Allowable Signage Area for Window Signage
  • Signs on a Roof Not Visible from a Street

• Part - ID Buffers and Landscaping

  • Fence Heights on Certain Through Lots
  • Replacement Standards for Nonconforming Fences
  • Screening Requirements for Replacement of Rooftop Mechanical Equipment

•  Article 12 – Definitions

  • One on One Personal Fitness Training Facilities

• Appendix B 

  • The Meaning of the term “Live Entertainment”
  • Classify the Land Use “Massage Therapist”