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Accessory

Dwelling

Units

Primer

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Accessory

Dwelling

Units

Primer

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What is an ADU?

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Accessory dwelling units, typically expressed in Chicago as detached coach houses and finished basement apartments, were a common form of housing in the city in previous generations.

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However, all forms of ADUs are essentially banned via changes made to zoning and building codes, and the zoning district map.

What is an ADU?

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https://blog.chicagocityscape.com/bring-back-the-coach-houses-e806f5cf8415

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  1. Increase the supply of affordable housing
  2. Increase income for homeowners
  3. Support aging in place and multigenerational housing - ADUs give families flexibility to share property and living spaces with extended family members
  4. Increase work for small and local architects and contractors
  5. Boost local businesses by allowing more neighbors to support them

What are ADUs’ benefits?

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Chicago, like many large cities in the United States, has a major housing affordability gap – there aren't enough affordable units for the families who need them, and so many people are rent burdened (paying more of their household income than is recommended).

Why ADUs matter?

Lower-income Cook County residents need 181,794 more affordable homes than currently exist.

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–Institute of Housing Studies

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What are examples of ADUs?

Coach and Rear Houses

Garden

Apartments

Attic

Additions

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Why were ADUs banned?

  • Chicago's population was 3.6 million in 1950
  • Fear of overcrowding in coach houses
  • Accessory "homes" banned in 1957
  • Accessory "buildings" banned in 2004

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A drawing of the “modern coach house” on Talman Ave. which according to the building permit in 2001 is a “non paying guest house” and has no kitchen. The zoning code at the time said such a place could not be rented out.

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https://blog.chicagocityscape.com/bring-back-the-coach-houses-e806f5cf8415

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https://blog.chicagocityscape.com/bring-back-the-coach-houses-e806f5cf8415

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ADUs are legal in many cities...

https://accessorydwellings.org/adu-regulations-by-city/

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Can they be legal again in Chi?

Yes, they can

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How:

  • City Council adopted a 5-year housing plan
  • Planning Dept. intends to propose legislation
  • Sign the petition
    • Find it on Change.org
    • Find it on the Chicago Cityscape blog

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