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What is Zoning & Why Does it Matter?
Think of zoning as the rules that determine what can be built where in our community. These regulations decide whether a lot can have a business, public space, or residence. If it is a residence, then the rules will determine whether it is a single-family home, a duplex, or a small apartment building. They set requirements for parking, building height, and lot coverage. While zoning might sound technical, it directly shapes who can afford to live in Oak Park, what housing choices are available, and how our neighborhoods evolve.
Zoning codes don’t always align with their community's current needs, wants, or values. That's where this strategic update to key zoning standards comes in—we're refining these rules to create more housing opportunities while preserving Oak Park's cherished character, walkability, and scale.
What is Missing Middle Housing?
Missing Middle Housing is a range of buildings with multiple units compatible in scale and form with detached single-family homes and located in existing neighborhoods. Missing Middle Housing provides diverse housing options and include the following types:
These buildings support walkability, locally-serving retail, and public transportation options. They provide solutions along a spectrum of affordability to address the mismatch between the available housing stock and shifting demographics combined with the growing demand for walkability.