Real Estate and Zoning in Chicago

Closings that finish on schedule. Zoning and land use that fit your plan. Building issues resolved with clear next steps.

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Chicago skyline and river

Why work with us

Deals that close and zoning that clears

Chicago process fluency

We work with DPD, the Zoning Administrator, ZBA, DOB, and the Department of Administrative Hearings. Filings arrive complete and on time.

Diligence that prevents delays

We flag survey conflicts, title defects, condo risks, and permit holds early so schedules and budgets stay intact.

Predictable fees

Flat or staged fees that match scope. You see what is included before we start.

Direct updates

Short check-ins and written next steps. No guesswork about documents or dates.

Chicago City Hall and zoning boards

Rezoning

How zoning changes move in Chicago

Map or text amendments are reviewed by the Department of Planning and Development and the Zoning Administrator, then heard by the City Council Committee on Zoning. Variations and special uses are heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Permit reviews route through Zoning Administration.

  • Map amendments and text changes for rezonings
  • Special uses and variations before the ZBA
  • Administrative adjustments and parking relief in transit areas
Zoning map and planning

Design impacts

When city rules change your layout

  • Affordable Requirements Ordinance. Residential projects with certain rezonings or City assistance may need on site affordable units or a fee in lieu. We scope compliance early so budgets pencil.
  • Transit oriented options. The Connected Communities rules expand where reduced parking can be approved near transit and along key corridors. We map eligibility to protect unit count and site design.
  • Accessory Dwelling Units. The ADU ordinance allows coach houses and accessory units in defined areas with location rules. We confirm eligibility and required approvals.

Transactions

Residential and commercial closings

Buyer and seller

Contract review, inspection credits, title and survey, lender and HOA coordination, and a clean closing package.

Associations

Condo disclosures, 22.1 documents, delinquencies, special assessments, and building rules that affect the deal.

Title issues

Liens, encroachments, easements, judgments, and authority. We clear defects or plan around them.

Closing documents and transfer

Chicago specifics

What most closings in Chicago require

  • Full Payment Certificate for water and sewer to obtain City transfer stamps.
  • MyDec electronic transfer tax declaration for State, County, and City stamps.
  • Final walkthrough and confirmation that open permits or violations are addressed.

We prepare applications, track status, and coordinate stamps so the deed can record on schedule.

Building inspections and hearings

Compliance

Building violations and permits

We respond to building violations, coordinate inspections, and represent owners at the Department of Administrative Hearings when required. We manage permit routing through Zoning Administration and plan review.

  • Violation responses with photos and affidavits
  • Permit routing and zoning review before plan sets
  • Follow up inspections and compliance tracking

Owners and operators

Landlord tenant and property tax appeals

Rental compliance

We keep leases aligned with Chicago rental rules, required summaries, deposit or alternatives, and notice timelines.

Tax appeals

Assessment reviews, comparable analysis, filings within the township window, and coordination with the Assessor or Board of Review.

Process

Straight steps from intake to outcome

1. Intake

We gather contracts, notices, title, survey, and any violation records. We confirm goals and timing.

2. Plan

We map approvals, hearings, or closing tasks. You approve the scope and fee.

3. File

We submit clean packages for permits, hearings, or lender title requirements. We keep the calendar tight.

4. Close

We secure approvals, resolve holds, or finalize the closing. You get a short memo of what to watch post close.

FAQ

Quick answers

Do all rezonings go to City Council?

Only map or text amendments go to City Council. Variations and special uses are heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Where are building violations heard?

Most City building cases are heard at the Department of Administrative Hearings. Some can be cleared before a hearing with the right proof.

What do Chicago rental rules require?

Landlords must give tenants the current summary, follow deposit or alternative rules, and meet notice timelines. We keep leases compliant.

How long do I have to appeal my assessment?

Appeal windows are township based. You typically have about 30 days from your notice. We track your window and file on time.

Talk to us today

Send your contract, notice, or PIN. We will review quickly and lay out the fastest route to your closing or approval in Chicago.

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