On July 18, 2023, the Village Council adopted Ordinance No. MC-08-2023, An Ordinance Amending the Text of the Village Zoning Ordinance to Establish a Study and Permit Abeyance Period for Construction in the Steep Slope Area Along Lake Michigan. The general purpose of the proposed amendments is to establish a study period to pause construction activity in the steep slope zone to ensure the Village has time to adequately analyze and adopt any necessary regulations and examine the effects of construction on the Winnetka bluffs along Lake Michigan.
During the Permit Abeyance Period, from July 6, 2023, to April 6, 2024, the Village will not accept applications for, and will not issue, any permits for any construction within the steep slope zone that requires a building permit from the Village, with exceptions, including, but not limited to, repairs or general maintenance of the bluff or structures or utility facilities on the bluff, construction activity entirely within an existing building, or restoration of property, facilities, and structures that suffer a casualty loss. For a property containing a steep slope zone, the Village will continue to accept applications for construction activity located outside of the steep slope zone.
Learn more on our Lakefront Regulations page.