# Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards meeting, November 3, 2025

- When: Mon, Nov 3, 2025, 10:00 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: 201A, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: [Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/zoning-landmarks-and-building-standards)
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928576?video=1132344151
- Transcript: [full text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/1132344151.txt) (33,898 words, automatic captions)

## Meeting notes

> AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.

The Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards, chaired by Vice Chair Bennett R. Lawson, held public comment and a subject matter hearing on the Hazel Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance (O2025-0016697), for which a substitute was accepted. Department of Environment, Planning and Public Health staff described the cumulative impact study, review timelines and an advisory environmental justice board; members asked about study timelines, which businesses would be covered, the board's role and the effect on business attraction, and the item was deferred with no vote on its merits. The committee then passed two landmark designations, including the Bankers Building over the objection of a lender to its lower-floor owner, two landmark permit fee waivers, large sign orders, the 95th Street Corridor rezonings and a series of private map amendments. Several items were deferred at the start of the meeting and two Congress Parkway items were deferred at the alderperson's request.

Topics: Hazel Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance, Environmental justice, Industrial permitting, Landmark designations, Bankers Building, Landmark fee waivers, 95th Street Corridor rezoning, Zoning map amendments, Affordable housing, Business climate

### Agenda items discussed

- [18:40](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=1120) Deferral of items at 3735-3737 W. Belmont, 1738-1740 W. Division and W. Lawrence/N. Laramie/N. Avondale: deferred
- [20:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=1209) Public comment: discussed
- [50:47](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=3047) Hazel Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance text amendment (subject matter hearing on substitute): deferred
- [2:43:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=9813) Landmark designation: Fred C. Beeson House No. 4, 5830 W. Midway Park (29th Ward) (O2025-0019665): passed
- [2:45:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=9933) Landmark designation: Bankers Building, 105 W. Adams St. (34th Ward) (O2025-0020463): passed
- [2:54:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=10453) Landmark permit fee waiver: 310 W. Concord Place (2nd Ward): passed
- [2:55:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=10532) Landmark permit fee waiver: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (5th Ward) (OR2025-0020320): passed
- [2:57:28](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=10648) Large sign orders in the 22nd, 27th, 29th, 34th, 42nd, 47th and 48th wards: passed
- [2:58:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=10710) A-9018: sunset of Planned Development 836 to B3-1, 3250-3256 W. Franklin Blvd. (27th Ward): passed
- [2:59:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=10785) 95th Street Corridor Plan map amendments in the 6th, 8th and 21st wards: passed
- [3:07:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=11259) 22910: 4624 S. Ellis Ave., RM5 to RM5.5 (4th Ward): passed
- [3:09:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=11381) 22903: 2637-2643 S. Harding Ave., RS3 to C1-1 (22nd Ward): passed
- [3:10:47](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=11447) 22845-T1: 5054-5060 N. Ashland Ave., RS3 to B2-3 (40th Ward), as substituted: passed
- [3:12:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=11539) 22897-T1: 1138 N. California Ave. theater, B3-1 to B3-1 (26th Ward): passed
- [3:16:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=11787) 22906-T1: 1480 W. Huron St., RS3 to RM4.5 (27th Ward): passed
- [3:17:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=11878) 22907-T1: 2333 W. Huron St., RS3 to RT4 (36th Ward): passed
- [3:19:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=11981) 22911-T1: 935 W. Willow St., RT4 to RM5 (43rd Ward): passed
- [3:21:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=12076) 21170-T1: 2334-2336 S. Hoyne Ave., RS3 to B2-3 (25th Ward): passed
- [3:23:47](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=12227) 22905-T1: 6148 W. Diversey Ave./2821 N. Nashville Ave., to C2-1 (30th Ward): passed
- [3:25:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=12359) 22899-T1 and 22900: 2401-2411 W. Congress Parkway (28th Ward): deferred
- [3:26:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=12389) 22895-T1: 1313 S. Talman Ave., RT4 to RM4.5 (28th Ward): passed
- [3:27:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=12453) 22896-T1: 2249 W. Belmont Ave., C1-1 to B2-2 (32nd Ward): passed
- [3:28:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=12521) 22902: 1120 W. Fullerton Ave., RT4 to B3-2 (43rd Ward): passed
- [3:29:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=12597) 22838: 3650 N. Clark St., B3-2 to C1-2 for a cannabis dispensary (44th Ward): passed
- [3:31:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=12694) 22908-T1: 136 N. Kedzie Ave., affordable housing development, to B3-3 (28th Ward): passed
- [3:34:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=12853) 22909-T1: 3530-3536 N. Milwaukee Ave., C1-1 to B2-3 (30th Ward): passed
- [3:36:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=13002) 22898: 2852-2856 N. Southport Ave., B3-2 to B1-2 (32nd Ward): passed
- [3:38:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=13107) 22879-T1: 1030 W. 21st St., M1-2 to B3-3 event venue (25th Ward): passed
- [3:39:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=13198) 22877-T1: 930 W. Huron St., rezoning to DR-5 as substituted (27th Ward): passed
- [3:43:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=13425) 22888: 2505 N. Lincoln Ave., B3-3 to C1-3 (43rd Ward): passed
- [3:45:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=13531) 22885: Planned Development 306 amendment, 554-628 W. Diversey Parkway (44th Ward): passed

### Alderpersons who spoke

- [Bennett R. Lawson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/44) (chair): Asked staff whether there is a defined list of users that qualify as intensive manufacturing, production and industrial service. ([1:37:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=5825)); Asked what the advisory board would provide if it does not review individual projects. ([1:39:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=5981)); Clarified that under the substitute the advisory board will not make recommendations on individual projects. ([2:20:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=8433))
- [Daniel La Spata](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/1) (alderperson): Thanked Alderperson Julia M. Ramirez for her leadership on the ordinance. ([1:14:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=4446)); Said the argument that jobs and a tax base require accepting pollution has been made for decades and that the city is now addressing that injustice. ([1:16:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=4560)); Asked staff to confirm that the review timelines are maximums and decisions can be made sooner. ([1:16:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=4608))
- [Gilbert Villegas](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/36) (alderperson): Said he submitted questions, sees a path forward through compromise, and has asked opponents to propose substitute language rather than just say no. ([1:22:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=4966)); Raised concern about subjectivity in the new environmental review's economic and other impact components and asked how they would be approved or disapproved. ([1:25:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=5127)); Asked how many qualifying projects were approved in the past five years and, on hearing about 20 with none denied, asked what problem the ordinance solves. ([1:28:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=5317))
- [David H. Moore](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/17) (alderperson): Asked how the ordinance could pass if the time to complete a cumulative impact study has not been determined. ([1:30:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=5450)); Asked what 'certain' industrial facilities means in the ordinance. ([1:34:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=5694)); Asked how many members the advisory board would have and whether they are mayoral appointees. ([1:35:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=5750))
- [Julia M. Ramirez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/12) (alderperson): Said the advisory board's non-project-specific role was negotiated and she is willing to move forward with it if colleagues agree. ([1:45:44](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=6344)); Said research and engagement on the ordinance have been ongoing since 2022 and invited colleagues to raise ward-specific concerns. ([2:30:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=9029)); Described an asphalt plant sited in the 12th Ward without community engagement next to a school and park, and said she sees the requirements as protections rather than hurdles. ([2:31:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=9063))
- [Anthony Beale](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/9) (alderperson): Said he worked with Hazel Johnson and supports the spirit of the ordinance but that it should not move forward until the added time for development is known. ([1:46:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=6379)); Asked how many businesses would be affected and how many would become nonconforming. ([1:47:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=6441)); Confirmed that existing businesses would be subject to the ordinance when they expand. ([1:49:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=6581))
- [Pat Dowell](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/3) (alderperson): Asked whether changes to rail yard configurations or adjacent land purchases would trigger the ordinance. ([2:00:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=7202)); Asked whether the ordinance addresses idling trains in residential communities. ([2:02:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=7333)); Asked whether the environmental review includes noise. ([2:03:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=7406))
- [Byron Sigcho-López](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/25) (alderperson): Recognized Hazel and Cheryl Johnson and asked to clarify that only new or expanded uses would be affected. ([2:05:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=7512)); Asked whether a defined permitting process would reduce uncertainty, citing a cement plant approved in his ward without an evaluation mechanism. ([2:06:28](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=7588)); Asked how the economic impact component was added to the ordinance. ([2:08:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=7701))
- [Walter R. Burnett](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/27) (alderperson): Asked at what stage businesses currently complete air and traffic studies relative to zoning. ([2:15:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=8131)); Asked what happens if zoning staff disagree with a departmental recommendation. ([2:16:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=8218)); Said he wanted the environmental recommendations to result in actual changes to site plans. ([2:19:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=8370))
- [William Conway](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/34) (alderperson): Supported landmarking the Bankers Building, citing a TIF-supported conversion to 400 units, 121 affordable, and construction jobs with 44% MBE participation. ([2:47:47](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=10067)); Said the lower-floor owner did not respond for months, which led to an ordinance the council passed unanimously. ([2:51:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=10272))

### Exchanges between members

- [1:14:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=4446) La Spata thanked Ramirez for her leadership and collaboration on the ordinance.
- [1:13:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=4434) Moore told the chair his hand was up, and the chair acknowledged him.
- [1:31:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=5492) The chair reminded Moore the hearing was subject matter only, and Moore said he understood.
- [1:38:04](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=5884) The chair told Moore he was limiting each member to ten minutes.
- [1:42:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=6126) Moore asked the chair whether the committee was moving to budget, and the chair explained he was applying budget-style time limits.
- [1:45:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=6342) The chair asked Ramirez whether she wanted to clarify anything about the advisory board.
- [1:58:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=7126) The chair told Beale he had been given leeway on time.
- [1:58:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=7129) Beale said he would finish his remarks, and the chair allowed him to continue.
- [2:20:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=8433) The chair clarified for Burnett that the advisory board will not review individual projects.
- [2:31:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=9072) Ramirez referenced La Spata's remarks about her predecessor in describing her ward's experience.
- [2:47:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=10063) The chair asked Conway whether he had anything to add on the Bankers Building.
- [2:51:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=10260) Beale asked Conway whether he had met with both owners of the Bankers Building.
- [2:51:10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=10270) Conway answered that the other owner did not respond for months, which led to an earlier ordinance.
- [3:36:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6?t=12979) The chair added context to La Spata's question about how the affordable unit would be secured.

## Documents

- [Summary](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/fc93b257-111b-47d0-87d7-6bb704cf19f9.pdf)
- [Notice](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/5ad0d102-81b1-4650-87a0-f8437e05b95c.pdf)
- [Agenda](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/0c9d7d46-2d6d-47df-9d9c-663ac2aabc6b.pdf)
- [Notice](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/ea247c19-f95b-4b3d-9d71-dbfb0eda5837.pdf)

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/5EEBB1AB-6FAB-F011-BBD2-001DD80D6AB6 · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt