The Yes Oak Park Platform

To support housing abundance and drive a gentle but significant increase in density in Oak Park, we support the following modifications to Oak Park zoning codes.

1. End Exclusionary Zoning. Oak Park should end its de facto ban on multi-family housing and allow the 'next increment' in density in all zoning districts. Single-family districts should be modified to allow two- and three-flats. Districts that currently allow two- and three- flats should in turn allow small apartment buildings. (read more)
2. Remove parking minimums. Municipalities around the country are scaling back or eliminating parking minimums in favor of transit-oriented development. Parking requirements increase the cost of multi-family buildings, decrease density, and make Accessory Dwelling Units (“granny flats”) uneconomical.(read more)
3. Embrace mixed-use.  The most enjoyable, vibrant parts of Oak Park mix commercial and residential uses, allowing residents to walk to restaurants, retail, and grocery stores. But these districts were developed long ago. The Oak Park of today discourages new mixed use development. Everywhere Oak Park zones for apartment buildings should allow first-floor retail, and every commercial zone should allow upper-floor residential. (read mode)
4. Restore sensible preservation. The historical districts in Oak Park include almost half of our single family homes. These districts burden home owners with onerous preservation rules that significantly restrict redevelopment and renovation. Most of the homes in the historical districts aren't themselves historical, they just 'contribute' to the character of the district. Preservation rules should cover only buildings with true historic significance. (read more)