Development Process for the 48th Ward

Structures & Processes

Thank you for your interest in continuing the development of the 48th ward. Our office is excited at the prospect of promoting equitable and quality development in the ward. Please view these guidelines to better understand Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth’s priorities, as well as the process for developers seeking a zoning change. 

The ward’s priorities regarding development in the 48th ward are:

  • Protect and improve the quality of housing affordability in the ward.

  • Support, encourage, and expand Equitable Transit Oriented Development (ETOD) in our surrounding communities and connecting development to our modes of transportation.

  • Ensure best practices on sustainable design and quality development.

  • Support, maintain, and enhance our cultural, historic, recreational, and ecological resources.

  • Protect the diversity of our unique neighborhoods and increase the economic health of the community.

  • Promote residential density and revitalization efforts of our commercial corridors.

Intake

Developers interested in a zoning change should use this intake form.

Once the form has been filled out and submitted, the Director of Development will share the information with the Zoning Advisory Council (ZAC) prior to publishing it for public view.

Community Feedback (Evaluation) 

After the ZAC has reviewed the application, the following steps will be taken:

  • The documents will be posted on our website where neighbors will have the opportunity to review them and provide feedback. 

  • The 48th ward Director of Development will also share the documents with neighborhood associations and relevant Chambers of Commerce. Additionally, the applicant will be instructed to contact the occupants of the buildings that are immediately adjacent to the site of the proposal. 

  • We will give approximately 30 days to garner public feedback/comments, and give ZAC members enough time to gather questions, and identify possible areas of the project that may need clarification. 

Meeting the ZAC (Evaluation)

  • Applicants will then be put onto the agenda for the subsequent ZAC meeting to make a presentation on the proposed development that will last no more than 15 minutes. 

    1. The applicant is required to send over the slide deck of their presentation no later than 72 hours prior to the meeting

  • The ZAC will then be given the opportunity to ask any questions that they may have. Ideally, this should be no more than 15 minutes.

Recommendation

  • The Director of Development will get an initial assessment from each ZAC member on the overall project proposal.

  • The ZAC will then deliberate and have a constructive discussion on the proposed project and how it relates to the zoning change request and the overall vision/mission of the ward (see below under next steps/meeting). Out of respect for the time of our ZAC members, the discussion will not exceed 45 minutes

  • A summary of the ZAC’s feedback will be recorded by the Director of Development, and be delivered to the Alderwoman 

    1. The ZAC has the right to motion an idle period for ZAC members to mull over the proposed plan and collect their thoughts. 

      1. Someone must second the motion for this to be granted. If granted, the Director of Development will give ZAC members at least two weeks before a special meeting is held, with the final decision to come from the 48th ward office. 

    2. The ZAC has the right to motion the need for further community engagement via public meeting. Suggested need for community engagement will be brought forth if there are at least 8 ZAC members that agree to this motion, with the 48th ward office making the final decision. ZAC members will be required to attend these meetings. 

      1. The Alderwoman has the right to call a community meeting as she sees fit. 

    3. ZAC members hold the right to be neutral/abstain from providing assessment on any proposal.

  • Deliberation on a specific development project shall not exceed 2 meetings, unless the Alderwoman deems that a 3rd meeting to negotiate with developers is necessary. 

Notice of Decision (In Memorandum)

  • After reviewing both the feedback of constituents and the ZAC, Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth will notify the ZAC of her final decision and give her reasoning behind the decision through a memorandum. 

  • Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth will inform the applicant of the decision and the memorandum will be posted online on our website. 

  • The Alderwoman’s decisions may include:

    1. Accepting and recommending the proposed development project as is and granting the zoning change request.

    2. Rejecting the proposed development project and denying the zoning change request.

    3. Informing the applicant that there are outstanding issues with the project that need to be addressed.

For questions about information on this page, email development@the48thward.org.