Northbrook board adopts new zoning code, removes cottage-court and duplex permissions after months of debate

The Village of Northbrook Village Board on Sept. 9 adopted a comprehensive rewrite of the village zoning code but removed provisions that would have explicitly allowed cottage courts and duplexes in the village's R4 and R5 residential districts.

The measure, presented by the Department of Planning and Development Services as the final adoption step in a process that began in 2023, was approved after attorney and staff clarifications and extended public comment. Trustee Israel moved for adoption with amendments; Trustee Cassidy seconded the motion. A roll-call vote recorded all trustees in favor and the motion carried unanimously.

The new code replaces a version first adopted in 1988 and reorganizes use tables and district standards, with staff saying the rewrite aims to “preserve community identity, prioritize user experience, and promote sustainability initiatives.” Director McEwen told the board the effort included town halls, open houses and hundreds of public participants over more than two years. “I first want to start off by saying how excited I am to be here tonight to review this new zoning code,” Director McEwen said.

Why it matters: The rewrite is the most extensive zoning update the village has considered in decades. It changes lot-area thresholds, decision‑making tables, parking standards and use categories intended to reduce friction for routine permitting and to offer new housing choices in some locations. Supporters said it modernizes an outdated code and creates predictable procedures for small projects and redevelopment; opponents said neighborhood character and infrastructure need more study before new residential types are allowed by rule.

What the board changed: The board accepted the staff proposal for the new code but explicitly removed two items from the R4 and R5 rules: cottage courts in…