The City Council recently passed another round of zoning updates designed to make Oak Forest more flexible, walkable and welcoming for residents, businesses and developers.
Parking Reform
We’ve eliminated our one-size-fits-all parking mandates citywide, giving property owners and small businesses more flexibility while making it easier to create walkable places.
- Businesses can grow or change hands without being burdened by costly parking requirements
- Encourages reuse and reinvestment in existing buildings instead of leaving them vacant
- Supports walkability and new public spaces by reducing the need for oversized parking lots
Simplified Height & Setback Standards
We’ve made it easier for builders and homeowners to understand what’s allowed by creating clear and user-friendly tables.
- Consolidated height and setback requirements into one easy-to-read format
- Reduced red tape and confusion for homeowners, builders and staff
These updates are another step toward creating a more people-friendly, economically resilient Oak Forest that supports small businesses, improves walkability and welcomes new investment.
If you’re a developer, builder or entrepreneur looking for a community that’s ready to work with you, contact Community Planner Hunter Heyman today at 708-444-4849 or hheyman@oak-forest.org. Or, learn more about our Planning Division.