City of Chicago :: 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, through its economic development and housing bureaus, employs a variety of resources to encourage business and real estate development, as well as a diverse and stable housing stock throughout the City.

Featured Services and Programs

Housing

Under the newly created Department of Housing, City staff provide assistance for singles, working families, seniors, first-time home buyers and renters.

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.

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.

Real Estate

DPD maintains a database of City-owned land and coordinates the purchase and redevelopment of City-owned property through a series of programs.

Commissions

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

Our Structure

DPD consists of more than 220 staff working within the Commissioner's Office and the bureaus of Housing, Economic Development, Zoning, and Planning, Historic Preservation & Sustainability.