Plan Documents

2020 Comprehensive Land Use Plan

The Comprehensive Plan for the City of Waukegan serves as the City’s official land use and development guide. It is a planning framework for the next 10 to 20 years. The Comprehensive Plan is the City’s roadmap, which details a long-term vision and a policy agenda for critical issues including: land use, redevelopment, housing, economic development, infrastructure, transportation, parks and recreation, natural resources, and more. The Plan also represents a unified vision developed through the input of City residents, businesses, staff, officials, and the consultant team. Ultimately, the Plan answers the question, "What should Waukegan look like in 10 to 20 years and how do we get there?"

Northern Lakeshore Trail Connectivity Plan

The City of Waukegan, in addition to the communities of Beach Park, North Chicago, Winthrop Harbor, and Zion are well on their way to leading the Chicagoland area in bicycle and pedestrian-welcoming destinations for residents and visitors. With the support of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), these municipalities have engaged in a planning process that involved residents, businesses, trail users, and other stakeholders in working towards safer, greener, healthier, connected, and vibrant communities. Ultimately, the process resulted in the Northern Lakeshore Trail Connectivity Plan.

Lakefront Active Implementation Plan

This document will identify key projects and activities that can be undertaken in the near term (two to four years) to improve and activate Waukegan's lakefront area, along with a framework for longer term activities. The goal is to undertake activities that will stimulate economic development, preserve environmentally- and economically-valuable natural resources on the Waukegan lakefront, build upon and revitalize the identity and sense of place for Waukegan's people, and enhance their use and enjoyment of the lakefront. The focus is on projects that could be catalytic, spurring other activities and development to take place.

Beach Management Plan

The Beach Management Plan will meet identified needs by providing an outline of desired future beach/dune use, describing where these uses should be and how they will be managed, and outlining maintenance options. The Plan covers the need for permitting and approvals and provides guidelines for how/when these are to be obtained and from which regulatory agency. The goal of the Plan is to protect and manage Waukegan's unique beach and dune resources in a sustainable manner, both environmentally – to protect the natural areas as plant and wildlife habitat, and economically – so the City of Waukegan and partners can continue to maintain the beach moving forward.

Washington Street Commercial Corridor Plan (PDF)

2015-16 Sustainable Shoreline Plan (PDF)

River Road Corridor Plan (PDF)

South Sheridan Revitalization Plan - Final (PDF)

ULI Advisory Services Panel Report (PDF)

Lakefront Downtown Master Plan

This report highlights the major findings, ideas and recommendations of the Master Plan. It is intended to be used by City departments, other public agencies, the development community and the residents of Waukegan as a vision for the future and a guide to action. The summary is organized to address Waukegan's place in the region and the city of Waukegan first. Access, open space and development recommendations are offered. The report then addresses key places in turn: the Downtown, the South Lakefront, the Harborfront, the North Harbor and the North Lakefront.

1987 Comprehensive Plan (PDF)