Overview

The Office of Alderman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez implements a Community Driven Zoning and Development (CDZD) process. If a property owner or developer in the ward requires an amendment for zoning (or a “zoning change”), the developer would apply for Aldermanic support. The Alderperson considers the input of ward residents and community organizations before making their decision. Residents’ knowledge of the needs and history of our communities is invaluable in the consideration of zoning changes. Our intent is to create a clear, consistent, participatory, and transparent zoning process.

For Applicants

Homeowners, property owners, developers, or businesses may request a letter of support from Alderman Rodríguez-Sánchez, especially when applying for a zoning district change, which requires approval by the City Council’s Zoning Committee.

Are you potentially interested in, or in need of a zoning map amendment? Please read carefully and follow these steps:

1. Complete a Community Driven Zoning and Development In-take Form. Be ready to provide detailed information on the concept, current zoning, commitment to affordable housing, community engagement and impact, and other relevant information.
2. Next, you will work with the 33rd Ward Office and the partnering neighbor-led organization(s) to schedule a public hearing. Depending on the scale of the project, this might require preliminary meetings with representatives from the neighbor-led organizations. You will also work with the corresponding neighbor-led organization(s) to distribute a 33rd Ward Office-approved written notice of the hearing.
3. Based on feedback from neighbor-led organizations and input from neighbors through the public hearing and online feedback form, the Alderman will make a determination of whether or not to submit a letter of support for your requested zoning map amendment.
4. The majority of our Community-Driven Zoning meetings and public hearings focus on Type-1 zoning changes or Planned Developments. These applications require a rigorous process to possibly obtain an Aldermanic Letter of Support. In addition, applicants may request a letter of support when applying for an Administrative Adjustment, which requires approval by the City’s Zoning Ordinance Administration.
5. When applying for Special Use or Zoning Variation requests, applicants must notify the Alderman’s office, but they do not require a letter of support. Those applications require approval by the City’s Zoning Board of Appeals. 
6. Information regarding all kinds of zoning requests in our Ward will be shared with our CDZD partnering organizations and made public. Our intent is to ensure that decision-making around zoning changes includes the input of our residents and encourage the sharing of important information among our community and the Alderman.

If you want to meet to understand more about the CDZD process, you can join us on Ward Night or send an email to our office rebecca@33rdward.org. Our office is committed to answer questions about our CDZD process, point you onto next steps, and share the overall vision for developments from members of our 33rd Ward community and our CDZD partnering organizations.

CDZD Partner Organizations