# Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 17-7 by adding new Section 17-7-0510 establishing Cicero Avenue Light Equipment Sales/Rental Overlay District to remove nonconforming use status for any new businesses seeking limited business license for auto sales and modifying Section 17-15-0303 limiting expansion of such nonconforming use

[Votes](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/legislation) › [Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/zoning-landmarks-and-building-standards) › [31st Ward: Felix Cardona Jr.](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/31)

- Record number: **O2025-0018447**
- Type: Ordinance; category: Municipal Code Amendments
- Status: Final
- Sponsor: [Felix Cardona Jr.](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/31) (31st Ward)
- Committee: [Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/zoning-landmarks-and-building-standards)
- Introduction Date: Jul 16, 2025
- Final Action Date: May 20, 2026
- Official record: [Office of the City Clerk](https://chicityclerkelms.chicago.gov/Matter/?matterId=5D8AF3C7-5D57-F011-877A-001DD80501E6)

## Roll call: Passed May 20, 2026

**50 yea, 0 nay.** On motion of Alderperson Villegas, and unsuccessful motion to reconsider by Alderperson Mitchell, the matter was Passed. Voted at the [City Council meeting of May 20, 2026](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CE41BA5E-FF38-F111-88B3-001DD8033B18).

**Yea (50)**: [Daniel La Spata](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/1) (1), [Brian Hopkins](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/2) (2), [Pat Dowell](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/3) (3), [Lamont J. Robinson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/4) (4), [Desmon C. Yancy](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/5) (5), [William E. Hall](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/6) (6), [Gregory I. Mitchell](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/7) (7), [Michelle A. Harris](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/8) (8), [Anthony Beale](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/9) (9), [Peter Chico](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/10) (10), [Nicole T. Lee](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/11) (11), [Julia M. Ramirez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/12) (12), [Marty Quinn](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/13) (13), [Jeylú B. Gutiérrez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/14) (14), [Raymond A. Lopez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/15) (15), [Stephanie D. Coleman](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/16) (16), [David H. Moore](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/17) (17), [Derrick G. Curtis](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/18) (18), [Matthew J. O'Shea](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/19) (19), [Jeanette B. Taylor](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/20) (20), [Ronnie L. Mosley](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/21) (21), [Michael D. Rodriguez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/22) (22), [Silvana Tabares](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/23) (23), [Monique L. Scott](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/24) (24), [Byron Sigcho-López](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/25) (25), [Jessica L. Fuentes](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/26) (26), [Walter R. Burnett](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/27) (27), [Jason C. Ervin](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/28) (28), [Chris Taliaferro](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/29) (29), [Ruth Cruz](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/30) (30), [Felix Cardona Jr.](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/31) (31), [Scott Waguespack](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/32) (32), [Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/33) (33), [William Conway](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/34) (34), [Anthony J. Quezada](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/35) (35), [Gilbert Villegas](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/36) (36), [Emma Mitts](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/37) (37), [Nicholas Sposato](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/38) (38), [Samantha Nugent](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/39) (39), [Andre Vasquez Jr.](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/40) (40), [Anthony V. Napolitano](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/41) (41), [Brendan Reilly](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/42) (42), [Timothy R. Knudsen](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/43) (43), [Bennett R. Lawson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/44) (44), [James M. Gardiner](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/45) (45), [Angela Clay](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/46) (46), [Matthew J. Martin](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/47) (47), [Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/48) (48), [Maria E. Hadden](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/49) (49), [Debra L. Silverstein](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/50) (50)

## Plain-language summary

> Written by AI (claude-opus-5-5) from the ordinance text only: [Cicero Avenue Light Equipment Sales Rental Overlay District.pdf](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/matterattachmentspublic/aa6dafb4-8ba2-4d9c-a39d-f01d967167af.pdf). AI can make mistakes; the official document always wins.

This ordinance would create a special zoning area along part of Cicero Avenue that limits used car lots and other light equipment sales or rental businesses on lots with less than 200 feet of street frontage. These businesses, which are allowed to stay only because they existed before current zoning rules, would lose that right if they close, stop operating for 30 days, lose their license, or change owners, tenants, or management. The ordinance also bans these businesses from expanding.

- Creates the Cicero Avenue Light Equipment Sales/Rental Overlay District.
- Applies to light equipment sales/rental uses, including auto sales, on lots with less than 200 feet of frontage.
- A business loses its nonconforming use rights if it is closed for 30 straight days, stops operating, lacks a valid business license, or changes tenancy, ownership, or management.
- Once those rights are lost, the use cannot be re-established, and new businesses cannot take over that status.
- These businesses may not be expanded within the district.

**Who**: Used car dealerships and other light equipment sales/rental businesses on smaller lots in the district, their owners and potential buyers, and nearby residents would be affected.

**Where**: Both sides of Cicero Avenue between Belden Avenue and Belmont Avenue, and the west side of Cicero Avenue between Belmont Avenue and Addison Avenue (sponsored by Alderman Felix Cardona Jr.., 31st Ward).

## Timeline

- Jul 16, 2025: Referred, City Council. The matter was Referred to Committee.
- May 19, 2026: Recommended to Pass, Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards. The matter was recommended to Pass by controlling legislative body.
- May 20, 2026: Passed, City Council (50 yea, 0 nay), at the [City Council meeting](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CE41BA5E-FF38-F111-88B3-001DD8033B18). On motion of Alderperson Villegas, and unsuccessful motion to reconsider by Alderperson Mitchell, the matter was Passed.

## Documents

- [ZLB 5-19-2026.pdf](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/matterattachmentspublic/8c3f14de-a032-41e6-92de-65752bd3e17e.pdf) (Committee Letter)
- [Cicero Avenue Light Equipment Sales Rental Overlay District.pdf](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/matterattachmentspublic/aa6dafb4-8ba2-4d9c-a39d-f01d967167af.pdf) (Legislation)

## Related legislation

**More from Felix Cardona Jr.**

- [Amendment of Municipal Code Title 4 by modifying various sections and adding new sections regarding nuisance abatement processes and…](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/O2026-0028775-title-4-modifying-adding-new-regarding) (O2026-0028775, introduced Sep 23, 2026, Referred)
- [Chief Procurement Officer directed to take all necessary actions pertaining to procurement process](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/O2026-0028837-chief-procurement-officer-directed-take-all) (O2026-0028837, introduced Sep 23, 2026, Referred)
- [Amendment of Annual Appropriation Ordinance to transfer funds from 31st Ward Aldermanic Expense to Wage Allowance Account for Year 2026](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/SO2026-0024173-annual-appropriation-ordinance-transfer-funds-31st) (SO2026-0024173, introduced Apr 15, 2026, Passed as Substitute)

**More on Municipal Code Amendments**

- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 9-24-065 regarding ability to pay pilot program](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/O2026-0029654-regarding-ability-pay-pilot-program) (O2026-0029654, introduced Dec 8, 2026, Council Introduction)
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 3, 4 and 8 regarding technical and scriveners' corrections (2027 Municipal Code Corrections Ordinance)](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/O2026-0029649-titles-3-4-8-regarding-technical) (O2026-0029649, introduced Oct 21, 2026, Referred)
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14A, 15, 17 regarding management, structure, powers and functions of various…](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/O2026-0029644-titles-2-4-6-7-8) (O2026-0029644, introduced Oct 21, 2026, Referred)

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/O2025-0018447-adding-new-cicero-avenue-light-equipment · Chicago Politics, an independent tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt