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 Mayor Lightfoot 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.

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

ALERT: COVID-19 guidance from DPD

Most Recent News (Planning and Development)

What We Do

Supporting Information

City Data

Rules and Regulations

Active Planning Initiatives

INVEST South/West
Citywide

We Will Chicago
Citywide

Design Excellence
Citywide

Industrial Corridor Modernization Initiative
Citywide

Federal Review of Jackson Park Improvements
Woodlawn and Hyde Park

C40 Reinventing Cities Competition
The Loop and East Garfield Park

Near West Side Housing Analysis
East Garfield Park and Near West Side

Wild Mile
Near North Side

Large Development Projects

Former Michael Reese Hospital Site
Near South Side and Douglas

The 78
Near South Side

Lincoln Yards
Lincoln Park and West Town

Department Main Office