Planning & Zoning

The Development & Planning Services Department maintains the Village's Comprehensive Plan and assists with the review of proposed land uses and development projects in order to ensure compatibility with the Comprehensive Plan and applicable governing codes. The department also assists in implementing long range planning initiatives and special studies which impact the development of the community.

The department processes applications requesting annexation, rezoning, site plan approval, special use permits, subdivisions, variations, and planned developments. Each application received is given careful consideration and guidance through the public review process while ensuring a timely completion to continue moving development forward in Northbrook. Some of the recently approved, and under construction, projects can be viewed on the Development Tracker page. The department also oversees the compliance with administering the Northbrook Affordable Housing Plan.

The department provides staff liaisons to the Electrical Commission, Plan Commission,  and Zoning Board of Appeals. 

Property Information

Find information about your property, such as size and zoning district designation, using our Online Community Portal.

General Zoning Regulations & Information

It is always important to first check with the Village to verify whether or not your use is allowed on a specific property. This can be accomplished by submitting a completed Zoning Analysis form to the department. 

Each zoning district in the Village has a specific list of uses which are permitted by right, require a special use permit, or allowed with conditions. The specific details of which use is allowed in each district can be found in the Zoning Code by searching the various zoning districts. The Village Zoning Map can be used to find a specific properties zoning designation.

Requesting Relief from Standard Zoning Code and Subdivision Requirements

Variations of the Zoning Code

While the Zoning Code is intended to be comprehensive, it cannot reasonably consider all possible applications. There are times when applying the Code as written creates practical difficulties or undue hardship. In other words, when the regulations are applied to a particular property the resulting effect does not match the common or intended outcome. Because the code regulates physical elements of development, often the cause of the disproportionate impact is rooted in the physical features or circumstances of a given property. When this occurs, a pathway for relief from the Code is offered, and is known as a Variance. If you would like to learn more about this process, or are interested in applying for a variance, see the links provided below:

Rezoning, Code Amendments, Special Use Permits, Subdivisions & Consolidations, and Plan Developments

Interested parties seeking to propose a development project, a business that requires a special use permit, rezonings, subdivision of lots, consolidation of lots, planned developments, and site plan approval, or amendments to the Northbrook Comprehensive Plan or Zoning Code should review the Zoning and Subdivision Relief Application Process. The process generally involves a meeting with the Plan Commission and/or the Village Board of Trustees.

Requests for Annexation

The Development & Planning Services assists property owners seeking Annexation as well as Pre-Annexation

Requests for Changes to Sites, Buildings, and Signage in Downtown Northbrook

Property owners and/or business owners in the Village Green Overlay District (downtown Northbrook) require a VG-O District Design Review Permit for any development or redevelopment that will impact between 10,000 square feet and 50,000 square feet of gross floor area or total development site area. The applications submitted for a VG-O District Design Review Permit are reviewed by both staff and the Zoning Board of Appeals to determine compliance with the Village Green Overlay District Design Review Guidelines.