The City Council recently passed another round of zoning updates designed to make Oak Forest more flexible, walkable and welcoming for residents, businesses and developers.

Parking Reform

We’ve eliminated our one-size-fits-all parking mandates citywide, giving property owners and small businesses more flexibility while making it easier to create walkable places.

• Businesses can grow or change hands without being burdened by costly parking requirements
• Encourages reuse and reinvestment in existing buildings instead of leaving them vacant
• Supports walkability and new public spaces by reducing the need for oversized parking lots

Simplified Height & Setback Standards

We’ve made it easier for builders and homeowners to understand what’s allowed by creating clear and user-friendly tables.

• Consolidated height and setback requirements into one easy-to-read format
• Reduced red tape and confusion for homeowners, builders and staff

These updates are another step toward creating a more people-friendly, economically resilient Oak Forest that supports small businesses, improves walkability and welcomes new investment.

If you’re a developer, builder or entrepreneur looking for a community that’s ready to work with you, contact Community Planner Hunter Heyman today at 708-444-4849 or hheyman@oak-forest.org. Or, learn more about our Planning Division.

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Part 1

In July, the City Council passed major updates to the Oak Forest zoning code to make it easier for businesses and developers to invest in our community. These changes reduce barriers and open the door to a wide range of development opportunities.

Residential & Mixed-Use Development
We’re supporting new housing options and walkable neighborhoods.

• Duplexes permitted by right in all residential districts  Mixed-use development permitted by right in multifamily and commercial districts
• Corner stores permitted by right in multifamily zones and by special use in all other residential districts
• Restaurants and limited-service eating places permitted by right in multifamily districts and by special use in all other residential districts

General Business & Commercial Approvals
We're creating a more flexible, business-friendly environment.

• Hotels and motels permitted by right in all non-residential districts
• Educational services permitted by right  Restaurants and bars permitted by right
• Outdoor patios permitted by right
• Retail and office uses permitted by right  Among many more uses permitted by right 

Cannabis-Related Uses
Oak Forest is welcoming cannabis-related businesses with a comprehensive set of zoning updates.

• Dispensaries permitted by right in all commercial districts
• On-site cannabis consumption now allowed
• Cannabis cultivation centers, processing centers, infusion facilities, and lounges permitted in industrial districts