Cook County, home to Chicago and a wide range of suburban and unincorporated areas, offers countless opportunities for new construction and redevelopment. From single-family infill projects to large-scale commercial ventures, developers are drawn to its strong market and strategic location. However, before moving forward with design fees and engineering costs, it’s crucial to use your feasibility period to fully understand what is—and isn’t—possible on your site.

Your feasibility window allows you to identify zoning restrictions, code requirements, and potential hidden costs before making substantial financial commitments.

Research Zoning and Local Land Use Rules

In Cook County’s unincorporated areas, the Department of Building and Zoning oversees development standards. Determining your property’s zoning district is a critical first step. Zoning regulations govern:

• Permitted uses, such as single-family, multi-family, retail, office, or industrial

• Minimum lot sizes and frontage requirements

• Floor area ratios, building height limits, and maximum lot coverage

• Required setbacks from property lines and public streets

Some parcels may also be affected by overlay districts or special flood hazard designations. Verifying these details early helps confirm whether your proposed use is allowed outright or whether you’ll need a variance or special use permit.

Develop a Strong Preliminary Site Plan

During feasibility, creating a well-organized conceptual site plan is vital for uncovering potential challenges. In Cook County, a preliminary site plan typically includes:

• Accurate property lines and any existing easements

• Proposed building footprints and access points

• Driveway layouts, parking lots, and pedestrian pathways

• Stormwater drainage features and topographic considerations

• Utility connection points for water, sewer, and electrical service

• Planned landscaping, buffer zones, and green space preservation

A detailed conceptual layout helps clarify how much usable space you truly have and whether the site can accommodate required circulation, parking, and setbacks.

Estimate Permit Fees and Review Timelines

In Cook County, permit fees depend on factors such as building type, use, and total project valuation. During feasibility, you should estimate:

• Building permit fees for new construction or major alterations

• Additional costs for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits

• Site development and grading permit charges

• Possible fees for inspections or special approvals

Average review times can also vary significantly depending on project complexity and whether your project involves public hearings or additional environmental review. Planning for these timelines now helps avoid delays later.

Consider a Pre-Submittal Meeting for Early Feedback

Cook County offers pre-submittal meetings to help applicants understand code requirements and submission expectations before investing in full design plans. At this meeting, you can receive:

• Clarifications on zoning compliance and required variances

• Insights into potential challenges with drainage or utilities

• Advice on supporting technical studies or reports that may be required

• An overall sense of whether your project is likely to be approved as proposed

Taking advantage of this option helps avoid costly design revisions later in the process.

Identify Additional Technical Studies and Special Reviews

Certain projects may trigger the need for additional analyses or external approvals. Examples include:

• Stormwater management reports to comply with local and regional drainage standards

• Soil and geotechnical studies for structural safety and foundation design

• Traffic impact assessments for commercial or multi-unit residential developments

• Floodplain development permits for parcels within special hazard zones

• Environmental impact assessments for larger or sensitive sites

Incorporating these requirements into your feasibility review helps ensure your budget and schedule remain realistic.

Understand Inspections and Final Approval Steps

While still in the feasibility stage, mapping out Cook County’s inspection and final approval process can help you prepare for the construction phase. Typical inspections include:

• Pre-pour foundation and footing checks

• Structural framing and fire safety inspections

• Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-in reviews

• Site grading and final landscaping inspections

• Certificate of Occupancy inspection before final use or tenant occupancy

Knowing these steps early lets you set realistic construction milestones and anticipate potential delays.

Cook County Feasibility Period Checklist

• Research zoning district regulations and overlay restrictions

• Prepare a conceptual site plan tailored to local requirements

• Estimate permit fees and potential plan review timeframes

• Schedule a pre-submittal meeting for preliminary feedback

• Identify required technical studies and agency clearances

• Understand inspection steps and final sign-off requirements

Ready to Move Forward with Your Cook County Project?

If you’re in your feasibility period and want to confidently determine your site’s potential before committing to design costs, we can help. Our team specializes in creating detailed preliminary site plans and providing thorough feasibility assessments that follow Cook County’s development standards. With clear, up-front guidance, you can make smart go/no-go decisions and move ahead with confidence.