Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards meeting, June 4, 2026
- When: Thu, Jun 4, 2026, 10:30 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928576?video=1198129358
- Transcript: full text (28,747 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 Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards Committee held a subject-matter hearing on a proposed ordinance to allow six-story residential buildings with a single stairwell. The meeting featured extensive public comment, testimony from fire-safety experts, developers, and housing advocates, and a detailed briefing by the sponsor and city officials. No vote on the ordinance was taken; the committee adjourned after discussion.
Topics: single-stair residential ordinance, fire safety and means of egress, housing affordability and unit density
Agenda items discussed
- 17:39 Motion to approve remote-attendance requests for Aldermen Harris, Mosley, Knutson, and Quesada: passed
- 17:49 Public comment period (40 minutes, 20 speakers): discussed
- 1:01:28 Ordinance O02025-001751 – amendment to Municipal Code §14B-10-1006 to permit single-stair buildings up to five stories (O02025-001751): discussed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Lamont J. Robinson (chair): Called the meeting to order at 10:43 a.m. (16:24); Announced that there would be no votes taken during the session. (16:39)
- Michelle A. Harris (chair): Noted that Aldermen Harris, Mosley, Knutson, and Quesada requested remote participation. (17:25); Confirmed her presence for a remote-attendance motion. (1:00:54)
- Bennett R. Lawson (vice chair): Made a motion to approve the remote-attendance requests. (17:49); Made a motion to allow Alderman Michelle A. Harris to participate remotely under Rule 59. (1:01:11)
- Daniel La Spata (alderperson)
- Brian Hopkins (alderperson)
- William E. Hall (alderperson)
- Anthony Beale (alderperson): Asked a question about the added cost of sprinkler systems versus a second stairway. (1:19:55)
- Julia M. Ramirez (alderperson)
- David H. Moore (alderperson)
- Ronnie L. Mosley (alderperson)
- Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson)
- Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson)
- Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Made a motion to adjourn the meeting. (3:03:20)
- Ruth Cruz (alderperson)
- William Conway (alderperson): Asked whether the Department of Buildings opposed the legislation. (1:47:45)
- Anthony J. Quezada (alderperson)
- Angela Clay (alderperson)
- Matthew J. Martin (alderperson): Presented the sponsor’s briefing, highlighting cost savings and housing needs. (1:02:54)
Exchanges between members
- 1:01:11 Vice Chair Bennett R. Lawson moved to allow Alderman Michelle A. Harris to participate remotely.