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HB 3843

Relating to state financial administration.

2025 Regular Session

HB 3843 would require a 150-foot setback from arterial streets for new developments in Cook County (pop >3,000,000), shaping site layouts and costs.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 3843

Summary — HB 3843 (104th General Assembly, 2025‑2026)

Title: Relating to state financial administration (amendment to the Counties Code)
Bill number / citation: HB 3843 — adds 55 ILCS 5/5‑1192 (new)
Introduced: 2/18/2025 by Rep. Harry Benton
Status (most recent): In committee upon adjournment (6/28/2025)

Purpose / Intent

HB 3843 would add a new county‑level setback requirement for "arterial streets." Its stated intent is to require that new developments in very large counties be set back a minimum distance from arterial roadways.

Key provisions

  • Adds Section 5‑1192 to the Counties Code (55 ILCS 5/5‑1192 new).
  • Defines “arterial street” to include:
    • any U.S. or State numbered route,
    • controlled‑access highways, and
    • other roads designated by local authorities as part of a major arterial (major radial or circumferential streets/highways).
  • Requires that, in counties with population over 3,000,000, the minimum setback distance for new developments be 150 feet away from any arterial street.

Who/what would be affected

  • Geographic scope: The requirement applies only to counties with population greater than 3,000,000. Under current Illinois population figures, that effectively targets Cook County (which contains Chicago).
  • Affected parties include: property developers, landowners, county zoning and planning authorities, municipal governments within those counties, and transportation/road agencies.
  • Types of development: The bill refers broadly to “new developments” but does not define the term; this could include buildings, subdivisions, site plans, or other permitable development activities depending on implementing/local rules.

Implementation, enforcement, and gaps

  • The bill sets a clear numeric standard (150 feet) but does not specify:
    • how the setback is measured (from centerline, edge of right‑of‑way, or property line),
    • whether exceptions or variances are allowed,
    • who enforces the setback (county planning/zoning office is implied),
    • whether existing approved projects are grandfathered.
  • Local designation authority over what constitutes an “arterial” remains in place.

Legislative history / timeline highlights

  • Filed/First reading: 2/18/2025 (Rep. Harry Benton).
  • Referred to multiple committees (Rules; Counties & Townships; Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans; Human Services).
  • Counties & Townships Committee: Do Pass (3/20/2025; vote 7–3).
  • Read and placed on 2nd Reading; held on Calendar (3/26/2025).
  • Current status: In committee upon adjournment (6/28/2025).

Potential impacts to note

  • Development pattern: Could reduce buildable area adjacent to major roads and change site layouts, parking, access points.
  • Public safety/transportation: Setbacks can improve sightlines and buffer traffic noise, but effects depend on how applied.
  • Economic: May increase development costs or constrain redevelopment near arterial corridors; potential implications for property values and municipal tax base.
  • Local planning: Counties/municipalities will need to clarify definitions, measurement methods, and variance/permit procedures if the law is enacted.

This summary highlights the statute text and practical issues to watch (definitions, measurement, exemptions, enforcement) if HB 3843 advances.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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