Cook County Planning Commission supports overlay district plan

With unanimous support from the Cook County Planning Commission at their May 14 meeting, the proposed Residential Open Space Overlay (ROSO) district now moves to the next step toward becoming part of the county zoning ordinance.

The proposed amendment would create the option of a property owner requesting the establishment of a ROSO district, which would allow for higher density development on qualifying properties. This could allow property owners to consolidate infrastructure like a septic system, and help keep construction costs lower. Though the plan would allow for homes to be built closer together, it also requires that 50% of the original parcel be designated open space, where additional development would not be permitted.

Planning and Zoning Administrator Neva Maxwell previously told WTIP she hoped that the proposed plan would allow for the construction of more affordable homes, while still protecting the character of the area and the natural environment around the county.

The May 14 meeting included a public hearing to allow residents to weigh in on the plan. Several members of the public present at the meeting expressed their support for the proposal. Maxwell presented the ROSO district amendment to the Planning Commission. During that presentation, she said she received written comments from 10 individuals, including some members of the public and some county or local representatives and agents.

Maxwell said the majority of the comments she received were positive. During the meeting she said, “Generally speaking there is support for these initiatives.” She added, however, that some concerns were expressed, including the environmental impact of higher density developments and the impact the proposal could have on property use rights.

This was the second time that board has seen a version of the ROSO district proposal in the past few months. Maxwell also presented the plan to the Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) and during a Committee of the Whole work session for the Board of Commissioners. Between the initial presentation and the Planning Commission, Maxwell made adjustments to the language of the proposal, aiming to clarify policies and address some of the concerns raised through the public hearing process.

The ROSO district plan will next be discussed by the Board of Commissioners on May 27, who will ultimately decide whether to approve the proposed amendment to the current zoning ordinance.

Kirsten Wisniewski May 15, 2025