The Chicago Committee on Zoning has approved plans to upzone a large stretch of Broadway across the Far North Side. Earlier this year, we covered the announcement of the new initiative led by the Department of Planning and Development, aimed at upzoning lots along the thoroughfare between Montrose Avenue to the south and Devon Avenue to the north.

The change comes as many of the nation’s major cities grapple with the effects of restrictive zoning regulations, which have led to issues with housing supply, affordability, and stagnant population growth and tax bases. Given its high transit accessibility, the stretch is a prime example of the broader changes seen in places like California under SB 79, which is aimed at increasing housing stock.

Here in Chicago, this portion of Broadway has one of the city’s highest percentages of workers who commute via the L, which was recently reconstructed. Currently, there are over 20 different zoning classifications on the street. Chicago YIMBY - has further details.