On September 9, 2025, the Northbrook Village Board of Trustees will consider a draft Zoning Code that reflects two years of community engagement, research, and refinement. The current Zoning Code was adopted in 1988—before cell phones, electric cars, and even pickleball.
The new code aims to modernize the Village’s land use regulations, addressing today’s challenges, such as the national housing shortage, evolving retail and office needs, and affordability, while also ensuring flexibility for the decades ahead. Since authorizing the update in 2022, the Village has worked with Houseal Lavigne and created many opportunities for community participation and the code has evolved because of it.
Over the past two years, the Village has hosted six public engagement events and held 11 formal meetings, maintained a dedicated project website, and shared updates in Village newsletters mailed to every household in May 2023, May 2025 and July 2025, as well as through multiple weekly e-news updates.
As the draft code comes before the Board, the Village has published the following FAQ document to help residents better understand some of the proposed changes that have sparked public interest in the following topics:
- Housing Supply – The FAQ outlines the national and local housing shortages, the factors driving affordability, and how zoning can play a role.
- Cottage Courts – Cottage courts are small clusters of homes arranged around a shared green space. The FAQ explains where they would be allowed, design standards, and other requirements.
- Duplexes – The FAQ addresses common questions about duplexes, including where they would be permitted.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FAQ DOCUMENT
The proposed update brings Northbrook’s rules in line with today’s realities and provides flexibility for the next generation. Residents are encouraged to review the FAQs, the draft code, and follow the September 9 Village Board meeting as the draft code is considered.