Charter One Bank embarked on an expansion effort in the Chicago metropolitan area to increase its market share of commercial and personal banking. To enhance its presence in the Northwest side of Chicago, Charter One Bank secured control over a parcel with the intent to construct a branch bank, and also negotiated with the landlord of another existing leased branch bank for the right to expand that facility.

To meet customer demand, the program for both locations called for providing drive-up facilities. The city of Chicago Zoning Ordinance requires approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals for any drive-up banking facility. The Zoning Board of Appeals must grant permission before building permits can be issued,

R.M. Chin & Associates, Inc. (RMCA) was hired by Charter One Bank to manage the Zoning Board of Appeals process, secure approval for both proposed branch bank drive- up facilities, and facilitate issuance of building permits. This role involved working closely with the Departments of Zoning and Planning and Development, the project architect, and a law firm that consulted with RMCA and Charter One Bank to coincide with the client's aggressive schedule to secure formal approval and initiate construction.

The Zoning Board of Appeals process involves substantial documentation and public notification. RMCA assisted Charter One Bank to secure the landlord's approval for the Zoning amendments.