Commercial

Commercial Districts serve many of the same functions as Business Districts.  They protect neighborhoods by preventing businesses that create nuisances from encroaching on residential areas.  Essentially they separate uses that do not make good neighbors.  For example, a popular night club near a children's art program would not be a good combination.

The main distinction between commercial and business districts deals with location and use. Commercial districts are often in areas that have higher volumes of traffic near major intersections and require more access to vehicle parking.  They also allow for a wider range of uses of the space.  However, like Business Districts these spaces are often found in groupings with several buildings.

The primary designations for commercial districts are C1, C2 and C3.

Commercial Districts are the only areas in Chicago that allow both Ordinance-defined artist live/work space and artisan manufacturing/production uses, though not always together.

The primary purpose of the C1 - Neighborhood Commercial District is to accommodate a very broad range of small-scale business, service and commercial uses. C1 zoning is distinguished from B1 zoning by the range of uses allowed. C1 permits more intensive and more auto-oriented commercial use than B1.  Meaning, the space will have more access to parking. Spaces with this designation may not exceed 25,000 square feet.

The C1 District allows for Ordinance-defined artist live/work space in above ground-level unit, and with special use approval for ground-floor units. In addition, artisan manufacturing/production is allowed in C1 spaces.

The primary purpose of the C2 - Motor Vehicle-Related Commercial District is to accommodate a very broad range of business, service and commercial uses. In terms of permitted uses, C2 represents the highest intensity of any business or commercial zoning district. It allows practically any type of business, service or commercial use, including those involving outdoor operations and storage.

Like the B3, development in C2 will generally be destination-oriented.  This means that a very large percentage of people will arrive at the District via vehicle or public transportation.  There are no size limitations on businesses that are in a C2 district.

However, businesses that exceed 75,000 square feet require additional review and approval in accordance with planned development procedures.

For additional information on planned development procedures, contact the Department of Planning and Development at 312.744.4190.

The C2 district also allows for Ordinance-defined artist live/work space in above ground-level units, and with special use approval for ground-floor units.  In addition, artisan manufacturing/production is allowed in C1 spaces.

The primary purpose of the C3 - Commercial, Manufacturing and Employment District is to accommodate retail, service, commercial and manufacturing uses. This District is intended to serve as a buffer between manufacturing zoned areas and other B, C and residential areas. Unlike C1 and C2 districts, the C3 district does not permit any type of residential or Ordinance defined Artist Live/Work Space, not even with Special Use Approval.

There are no size limitations on businesses that are in a C3 District. However, for businesses that exceed 75,000 square feet additional review and approval in accordance with planned development procedures are required.

For detailed information on planned development procedures, view the Department of Zoning’s Website.

Download the attachments  to access the chart Commercial District Art Uses