At the end of September, City Council will vote on ordinances to determine the future of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Chicago. Here’s everything you need to know.
We’ve been advocating for ADUs since 2021.
In 2021, our advocacy efforts led to the passing of a pilot program, permitting ADUs in specific zones throughout the city. We continue to advocate and push for citywide ADUs; the legislation up for a vote this September would extend ADUs to all 77 Chicago neighborhoods. Through the pilot program, it is estimated that roughly 400 ADUs have been created since it took effect in 2021. For more in-depth information on ADUs in Chicago, visit our issue summary page, and read our op-ed in the Chicago Tribune from July here.
We support the citywide legalization of ADUs.
ADUs help increase the housing supply, and REALTORS® firmly support policies that encourage building and construction. We also support the creation of ADUs because:
- We have record-low inventory, and we need more housing.
- Legalizing ADUs expands housing on existing lots.
- ADUs support seniors aging in place, young professionals entering the market and families living together.
- ADUs add affordable housing options, helping more residents access stable homes.
Ensure Your Alderpeople Hear Your Voice on This Issue.
Be on the lookout for a “Call for Action,” asking you to send a note to your alderpeople encouraging citywide ADU legalization. To stay up-to-date on ADUs & other advocacy issues, subscribe to REALTOR® Party Alerts by texting ‘REALTORS’ to 30644.
What are ADUS?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is an expansion to existing property, such as a garden unit in the basement or turning an attic space into a rental unit. These can include coach houses or a flat created on a property lot, not necessarily attached to the primary residence. In Chicago, there is an affordability component for property owners seeking to add more than one unit to a property.