Politics
River North Mayor's Zoning Reform Ordinance Expands Housing Options for Local Families
The ordinance adjusts density rules in four River North neighborhoods and takes effect October 1, allowing more apartment construction near existing transit stops.
How we reported this
The River North mayor's office confirmed on July 7 that the Zoning Reform Ordinance passed city council last month and will change building height limits along the North River corridor and three adjacent wards.
Housing costs in River North rose 18 percent between 2023 and 2025 according to the city's annual housing report released in March, pushing median rents for a two-bedroom unit above $2,100. The ordinance responds to that pressure by permitting buildings up to six stories on lots previously capped at four stories when at least 20 percent of units meet affordability targets set by the housing department.
Residents who work in the central business district stand to gain most because new units must be located within 800 meters of existing bus or rail stops. A single parent living on the 300 block of North Canal Street, for example, would face shorter walks to both employment and child-care centers once the first projects open in 2027.
Local voices on implementation details
Policy analysts at the regional planning agency note that the ordinance requires developers to file site plans with the planning commission within 90 days of the October start date. Local advocates note that the same rules also mandate ground-floor commercial space in buildings taller than five stories, which could bring additional retail options to blocks that currently lack grocery stores.
The city budget document for fiscal year 2027 allocates $4.8 million for staff review of the new applications and for a matching grant program that covers up to $15,000 per unit in infrastructure upgrades. The planning department projects the changes will result in 850 additional housing units by the end of 2029 if approval rates match the average from the prior two zoning programs.
Public information sessions begin July 22 at the River North community center, after which the planning commission will accept written comments through August 15. Final administrative rules are scheduled for release in September.