Planning and Development

As the principal planning agency for the City of Chicago, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) promotes the comprehensive growth and sustainability of the City and its neighborhoods. The department also oversees the City’s zoning and land use policies and employs a variety of resources to encourage business and real estate development, historic preservation, accessible waterfronts, walkable neighborhoods, and related community improvements.

Featured Services and Programs

We Will Chicago

We Will is a three-year, citywide planning initiative that will encourage neighborhood growth and vibrancy while addressing social and economic inequities that impair Chicago’s legacy as a global city.

INVEST South/West

INVEST South/West is an unprecedented cross-departmental initiative from DPD to marshal City resources toward 10 neighborhoods on Chicago’s South and West sides.

Zoning

The Zoning Ordinance Administration Division reviews building permit applications to ensure compliance to the Chicago Zoning Ordinance.

Economic Development

DPD's economic development initiatives include a wide spectrum of financial assistance programs, business development efforts, and related quality-of-life endeavors for local neighborhoods.

Land Sales

DPD offers opportunities to purchase and redevelop City-owned vacant land in line with community priorities.

Planning and Sustainability

DPD's Planning and Sustainability divisions work together on citywide and neighborhood land use plans including the development of open space and sustainability policies.

Historic Preservation

DPD's Historic Preservation Division works with property owners, city departments, sister agencies, and the general public to promote the preservation of Chicago's historic resources.

Commissions

DPD staff provides support and representation on a number of commissions of the City of Chicago.

Our Structure

DPD consists of more than 150 staff working within the Commissioner's Office and the bureaus of Economic Development, Zoning, and Planning, Historic Preservation & Sustainability.