Rezoning FAQ

REZONINGS: Fears, Facts &

Frequently-Asked Questions

This page addresses some of the more frequently-asked questions regarding rezonings – when a proposal is made to change the designated zoning district for one or more properties.  This is officially called a “Map Amendment” in the Zoning Ordinance.  A similar type of zoning change is a “Text Amendment, which is a proposal to make a change to the regulations within a specific zoning district.  Although this flyer only addresses how map amendments (re-zonings) work, either way, it means that the rules that govern what you can or can’t do on your property – and what you can and can’t build on your property – may be changing.

 

Q: Why is my property being rezoned?

There are many reasons why a re-zoning might be proposed.  A planning study may recommend the change as part of a much broader rezoning effort to implement one or more of the plan’s goals.  A community may petition their Alderman to bring their area’s zoning more into line with the existing structures, or to provide a good transition from a higher intensity district to a lower intensity one.  Or, an area may have changed over time and its original zoning district may not allow many uses that are economically feasible and/or desirable given the current location and conditions.

One criterion that all rezonings must meet, however, is that the rezoning must provide a positive benefit for the larger community, and hopefully for the property owner as well.  A rezoning that only benefits the property owner will usually fail.

 

Q: As the property owner, don’t I have any say in whether my property gets rezoned or not?

As the property owner, you have the biggest interest in the property, and so you have the biggest say in the rezoning deliberation.  But because the way a property is used can have profound effects on everyone else, you don’t have the only say, nor do you have “veto power” over anyone else that is part of the discussion.  It is possible for a property to be rezoned even if the owner actively opposes the re-zoning, but that is a very rare situation.

 

Q: Who decides if a property gets rezoned?

Ultimately, the City Council decides all re-zonings in the City of Evanston by taking a vote.

 

Q: My existing building won’t meet the requirements of the new zoning district.  Will I need to alter it to be in compliance?

Again, no.  It is a “legally noncomplying structure” and can continue to exist, be repaired or refurbished indefinitely.  You would not be able to expand it, however, nor would you be permitted to replace any non-complying part of the structure, should it be destroyed.

 

Q: How can I find out what zoning district my property is in?

http://www.cityofevanston.org/planning-zoning/zoning


Q: How can I find out the specific regulations for my zoning district?

Consult the zoning code (www.cityofevanston.org – city council – city code – go to Title 6)…or come by the Zoning Office.