Chicago is on the verge of a significant change in its housing policy as Mayor Brandon Johnson prepares to advocate for the legalization of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) across all residential zones in the city.
This proposal comes amid a pressing affordable housing crisis affecting thousands of residents.
In light of the city’s shortage of over 120,000 affordable housing units and the state’s need to build 227,000 units in the next five years, the urgency for expansion in housing options is palpable.
The ordinance, introduced by Ald. Bennett Lawson from the 44th Ward, aims to allow homeowners the ability to construct additional dwelling units such as granny flats, coach houses, and basement apartments.
Mayor Johnson is determined to bring this ordinance to a vote at the city council meeting scheduled for July 16, marking the last opportunity before summer break.
However, the proposal is meeting resistance from several city council members, particularly those representing districts primarily zoned for single-family housing.
These aldermen argue that broadening the development of ADUs could compromise the character and quality of life in their neighborhoods.
Proponents of the ordinance, however, counter that the actual visual impact of these additional units is minimal, often akin to building a shed or a detached garage.
In many cases, the units are constructed in non-intrusive locations such as attics, basements, or garages, making their presence nearly invisible from the street.
The benefits of these units extend far beyond aesthetics.
Families like that of Louise D’Agostino, who built a conversion unit, find that these spaces allow aging parents to remain close to family, enhancing family dynamics and overall wellbeing.
ADUs also provide young people, like Joseph Miscimarra, an opportunity for affordable housing in desirable neighborhoods like Lakeview.
Joseph explained that without ADUs, the lack of housing inventory would dramatically increase rent prices, leaving him with fewer affordable options further from his preferred area.
ADUs not only enhance affordability in sought-after neighborhoods but also contribute to increased walkability and elevated home values.
Far from diluting the character of single-family neighborhoods, proponents argue that these units can strengthen them by fostering more inclusive communities.
Chicago’s current zoning laws have a long history of restricting such units, following a ban implemented in 1957 that promoted exclusivity and control over affordability in housing.
The 2020 pilot program offering limited unit construction in select areas proved insufficient, generating only 109 permits, drastically lower than cities like Los Angeles, which granted over 7,000 permits in a single year.
Statistically, Cityscape estimates show that only 373 ADUs have been built in Chicago since the pilot’s introduction, with most units concentrated in the city’s North and Northwest areas due to extra restrictions in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods.
Regulations such as owner-occupancy mandates, vacant lot bans, and permit caps effectively suppress investment and hinder the development of low-cost housing options where they are severely needed.
Legalizing accessory dwelling units citywide would provide homeowners the autonomy to adapt their properties according to their needs while simultaneously offering a potential source of rental income.
This initiative has the potential to support multigenerational households and enhance the overall housing supply without disrupting the existing charm of neighborhoods.
Chicago’s aldermen now face a critical choice: expand housing availability to counteract the pressing affordable housing crisis or maintain the status quo, risking deeper issues of housing inequity.
The upcoming city council vote will provide clarity on the future of housing in Chicago and whether the city is ready to embrace a more inclusive, affordable approach to residential living.
image source from：illinoispolicy
