Mixed-Use and Missing Middle Housing Design Overlay District

Warrenville

DuPage County

In August 2024, the City of Warrenville adopted Warrenville by Design: a Mixed-Use and Middle Housing Overlay District that provides a by-right path for cottage courts, duplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, and second-story residential units above commercial spaces.

Background

The Warrenville by Design overlay advances the City’s vision for a vibrant, walkable historic core centered on Old Town and the Civic Center. It implements priorities from the Comprehensive Plan, Old Town/Civic Center Subarea Plan, and Homes for a Changing Region Housing Action Plan, including:

  • Supporting development that enhances Warrenville’s small-town character and scale.
  • Creating high-quality, mixed-use gateways and long-lasting buildings.
  • Allowing a mix of housing types, including middle housing.
  • Integrating landscape and plaza spaces along streets and between buildings.
  • Improving walkability and connectivity for all modes of transportation.=

The overlay complements other redevelopment efforts, such as transforming a contaminated former gas station site into a mixed-use development with public open space.

How It Works

The overlay district allows mixed-use and middle housing by-right on specified parcels, and new developments must meet design guidelines that ensure high-quality materials, appropriate landscaping, roof and balcony standards, and compatibility with the surrounding area. The overlay balances flexibility for developers with design standards to ensure new growth fits seamlessly into the community.

For example, cottage court homes must be arranged around a shared courtyard providing a communal green space for residents and feature 18% transparency on street-facing and courtyard facades. Other provisions include reduced setbacks and increased building coverage to encourage efficient land use.

Goal

To enable more housing options for groups such as seniors, first-time homebuyers, and renters while ensuring development fits seamlessly into the community.

Target

Warrenville’s historic Old Town and Civic Center.

Success

Created a replicable framework for future middle housing initiatives across Warrenville and similar suburban communities.

Lessons Learned

Clear, by-right standards can streamline approvals for developers while maintaining neighborhood character.

Public Involvement

The district is the result of a yearlong planning effort that engaged the community through listening sessions, a preference survey, open houses, and public hearings. Centered around Warrenville’s historic Old Town and Civic Center, Warrenville by Design serves as a model for future middle housing initiatives across the city.

Contact Information

City of Wareville Community Development Department, www.warrenville.il.us

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