Manufacturing/Industrial

Manufacturing Districts are classified as M1, M2 and M3. Performance standards in these districts include restrictions on such nuisances as odor, vibration, noise, fire and explosive hazards. Restrictions are the most severe in M1 districts, which accommodate manufacturing uses producing a minimum of nuisance; and M3 districts which are designed for heavy manufacturing operations.

Ordinance defined Artist live/work space, as well as most other types of residential uses are prohibited in Manufacturing Districts. However, Artisan Manufacturing/Production, which includes fine art work space, is permitted in Manufacturing/Industrial Districts.

M1: Limited Manufacturing/Business Park District

The primary purpose of the M1 - Limited Manufacturing/Business Park District is to accommodate low-impact manufacturing, wholesaling, warehousing and distribution activities that occur within enclosed buildings. The M1 District is intended to promote high-quality new development and reuse of older industrial buildings.

The primary purpose of the M2 - Light Industry District is to accommodate moderate-impact manufacturing, wholesaling, warehousing and distribution uses, including storage and work-related activities that occur outside of enclosed buildings. The M2 district is generally intended to accommodate more land-intensive industrial activities than the M1 district.

Artisan Manufacturing/Production, which includes fine art work space, is permitted in the District.

M3: Heavy Industry District

The primary purpose of the M3 - Heavy Industrial District is to accommodate high-impact manufacturing and industrial uses, including extractive and waste-related uses.

Artisan Manufacturing/Production, which includes fine art work space, is permitted in the District.

PMD: Planned Manufacturing Districts

This specialized zoning designation is intended to foster Chicago’s industrial base.  PMD areas must be at least five or more adjacent acres to be eligible for this designation. There are 10 primary PMD districts:

• PMD 1 (A/B) - Clybourn Corridor
  
• PMD 2 (A/B) - Elston Corridor
  
• PMD 3 - Goose Island
  
• PMD 4 (A/B) - Kinzie Corridor
  
• PMD 5 - Chicago/Halsted Corridor
  
• PMD 6 - Lake Calumet
  
• PMD 7 (A/B) - Western/Ogden
  
• PMD 8 - Stockyards
  
• PMD 9 - Northwest
  
• PMD 10 - West Pullman

A/B designations represent areas that are further defined within the District’s boundaries.  Each PMD has its own set of uses, which are listed in Section 17-6-0403 in the zoning ordinance. Click here to visit the Department of Zoning’s website, for more information about each of these Districts

Artisan Manufacturing/Production, which includes fine art work space, is permitted in PMD Districts.