Shape Oak Park and state-wide zoning reform

Shape Oak Park is conducting community workshops this week to get feedback on Oak Park's future zoning plans.

https://engageoakpark.com/shape

Monday March 2nd (tonight), from 7–8:30 p.m. at the Oak Park Community Recreation Center (229 Madison Street)

Wednesday March 4th, from 6–7:30 p.m. at the Oak Park Public Library - Main Branch (834 Lake Street)

Build Up IL Developers, or BUILD (gotta love a recursive acronym) is Gov Pritzker's plan to increase housing supply in Illinois. https://capitolnewsillinois.com/.../pritzker-to-propose.../

Pritzker rightfully sees local zoning restrictions as the problem. The new regulations will attempt to override local control for some forms of housing. This has been tried in California already, with limited success.

The biggest change in the plan would forbid localities from preventing owners building multifamily housing on any lot larger than 2500sq ft. This would effectively legalize multifamily housing everywhere in Oak Park.

"Lots between 2,500 and 5,000 square feet could hold up to four units; those between 5,000 and 7,500 square feet up to six units; and lots larger than 7,500 square feet up to eight units. The plan would also bar municipalities from requiring minimum lot sizes greater than 2,500 square feet for detached single-family homes."

That's a sea change, allowing four units on almost every single family lot in Oak Park, and even more in the 'estate' sections of Oak Park.