Chicago: City Council Approves ADU Expansion In Additional Single-family Districts, Bringing Total To 28 Wards With Construction Eligibility
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago City Council Approves Expansion of Additional Dwelling Units in Single-Family Residential Districts

In a move to address the urgent need for more affordable housing, the Chicago City Council has approved an ordinance legalizing the construction of additional dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family residential (RS) districts in 28 wards. The amendment to the city-wide ADU Expansion ordinance, sponsored by Alderman Bennet Lawson (44th), creates 12 new districts where ADU construction will be legalized, expanding eligibility to areas previously restricted under the original framework.

Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his excitement about the council's decision, stating, "I'm thrilled so many communities across Chicago are signing onto our effort to expand ADU eligibility as we continue to come together as a city to combat the housing crisis." He added that today's action is a testament to their collective will to make housing a human right for all residents. The mayor also emphasized his commitment to working with the City Council to increase affordable housing construction and make it easier for residents to access dignified housing opportunities.

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Alderman Lawson echoed Mayor Johnson's sentiments, saying, "I'm proud to see the City Council pass an ordinance today that builds on our work to legalize additional dwelling units and create much-needed affordable housing." He believes that by legalizing ADUs across single-family home areas, they are sending a strong message that they will use bold and creative solutions to address the housing crisis facing their residents. Before the ordinance goes into effect on April 1st, they plan on adding single-family home areas in additional wards to the program.

The ordinance was first passed in September and legalized ADU construction by right in all non-single-family residential, business, and C1 and C2 commercial districts while allowing Aldermen to opt-in RS districts in their wards. The expanded ADU-allowed RS areas added today are subject to varying limitations based on community and aldermanic preference. These new districts add to the areas that were included in the 2021 ADU Pilot boundaries.

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According to Department of Housing Commissioner Lissette Castañeda, the expansion of ADUs in these wards will empower homeowners and provide more housing options without displacement or changing neighborhood character. She stated, "As we work to counter this longstanding housing crisis, DOH is committed to building on proven solutions that will bring diverse housing options to more Chicagoans."

Mayor Johnson has made the construction of accessible, affordable homes and a diversified housing stock a priority in his strategy to make Chicago more affordable for working people. His administration will continue to pursue reforms through the Mayor's Cut the Tape initiative, which streamlines development processes and makes it easier to build new housing throughout the city.

The expanded ADU ordinance is a significant step towards addressing the affordable housing crisis in Chicago and providing more options for residents. With collaboration between city officials and community members, they hope to continue finding solutions that will make housing a human right for all.

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