Amendment to zoning ordinance allows higher density development on select properties
In an effort to encourage small developments of affordable homes, Cook County has adopted a Residential Open Space Overlay district (ROSO) amendment to the Zoning Ordinance.
The Cook County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the ROSO at their May 27 meeting. The vote came after weeks of public presentations and discussion, and the endorsement of the Cook County Planning Commission.
The ROSO amendment is based on the open space subdivision ordinance that has been part of the county planning policy for some time. The ROSO allows property owners with Forest/Agriculture Residential (FAR) 2 and 3 zoned properties to build more residential structures, and, using the open space subdivision ordinance, place those homes closer together on the part of the property best suited for building. This could also allow the establishment of shared infrastructure like driveways and septic systems.
After the Board of Commissioners approved the plan, Interim Administrator Rena Rogers told WTIP that the commissioners were excited about the amendment. She described it as a “no brainer” for the board. She also complimented the way Planning and Zoning Administrator Neva Maxwell presented the plan and took feedback over the past few months.
With the significant shortage of housing in Cook County, Rogers also applauded the way the ROSO could be used to help fill the need for affordable homes, while being mindful of the limits of current infrastructure. She said, “This was a very thoughtful approach.”
While the approval did not trigger any immediate changes to the zoning classification of any properties, the amendment does allow property owners to request that their parcel be considered for a zoning. change.
Maxwell told WTIP that the rezoning process will happen on an individual basis. She said, “I think it’ll be very intentional in considering what areas are suitable. So just because somebody’s meeting the eligibility criteria doesn’t mean an automatic approval for the rezone if they apply for it.”
For property owners who are interested in having their property rezoned, Maxwell suggested that start by referencing the eligibility map on the county’s website. She added, however, that property owners should also contact her directly, since there may be some nuances to consider. “We would still want to vet that out on a site by site basis,” she said.
Maxwell acknowledged that not all residents of the county may support the idea of a ROSO district, or a denser housing development near their properties. She reminded those with reservations that there will be a public hearing process for any potential rezone, and that there are many steps in the planning process. “It’s easy to have a knee jerk reaction against new things,” she said. “I encourage people, as these things move forward, to try to remain open minded and optimistic, and also just participate in the process, you know, voice what your concerns are to the decision makers.”
Maxwell can be reached at in the Land Services office by phone at 218-387-3635, or by email at Neva.Maxwell@co.cook.mn.us.
Kirsten Wisniewski June 3, 2025
