Trending...
- Freedomtech Solutions creates 'Global Data Centre Network (IDCN)'
- Naperville: Downtown Parking Garage Fire Sprinkler Line Upgrades Begin on April 27
- Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Joins Airport Partners to Celebrate Start of Vertical Construction on the New Concourse D At O'Hare
CHICAGO — Today, the ordinance led by Mayor Brandon Johnson and Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th) which more than doubles the number of parcels eligible for establishing additional dwelling units (ADUs) takes effect. ADUs are now permitted by-right in all multi-unit residential and certain business and commercial zoning districts in addition to residential single-family zoning districts in 34 wards, marking a significant milestone in the Johnson administration's work to cut developmental restrictions and increase housing availability across Chicago.
"As we work to expand housing availability throughout our city, it's crucial we don't limit our ability to establish accessible options which serve an array of unique housing needs," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "As we continue to make the critical investments we need to build out the housing supply and cut the red tape which inhibits construction, we are empowering communities to participate in the solutions which are driving increased affordability across Chicago. I want to thank Ald. Lawson for his partnership on this ordinance and his continued advocacy as we work collectively to address the housing crisis."
In total, over 320,000 parcels are now eligible for ADUs, compared to the roughly 116,000 eligible under the pilot. Ordinance SO2024-0008918, which was sponsored by Ald. Lawson, received approval from the City Council last September. Two follow-on ordinances, SO2025-0020513 and SO2026-0022453, have passed since, further expanding eligible single-family areas.
"I've pushed to expand ADUs citywide since my first day as Alderman, so I'm especially proud to see this historic policy take effect," said Ald. Bennett Lawson. "ADUs will help create naturally-occurring affordable housing in our neighborhoods, while generating revenue for homeowners and supporting good-paying jobs. Now, Chicagoans have the opportunity to build and be part of the solution, and I look forward to seeing residents across the city take advantage of this bold initiative to address our housing crisis."
More on illi News
ADU's, also known as couch houses or 'granny flats,' allow homeowners and developers to gently add to the city's housing stock while maintaining existing neighborhood character. They are well positioned to support multigenerational living and provide greater flexibility for growing families. When rented, ADUs can provide additional income to homeowners while offering housing opportunities which tend to be more affordable than nearby apartments.
The Department of Housing (DOH) led a collaborative engagement process spanning City Departments and community partners to build out a new digital application portal and dedicated ADU website (chicago.gov/adu) that features an interactive eligibility map designed to guide individuals and developers through the ADU pre-certification process.
"The Department of Housing has been hard at work improving the processes for eligible homeowners to start their pre-certification," said DOH Commissioner Lissette Castañeda. "We're excited about today's launch and that more Chicagoans now have the option to help expand our city's housing stock with ADUs."
The website shares information on the entire ADU pre-certification process from exploring initial project eligibility by searching the address on the new eligibility map to detailing additional limitations that may apply to residential districts within ADU-allowed RS areas. These limitations may include owner occupancy, annual block cap limits, and administrative adjustment requirements.
More on illi News
The application portal provides immediate feedback to applicants, including instructions specific to each proposed ADU, to ensure a successful pre-certification experience.
The expanded ADU program continues two key elements of the pilot. First, property owners who are adding two or more ADUs are required to maintain 50% of those new units as legally affordable. These units must be rented to tenants making 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or less, for a minimum of 30 years. Second, ADUs are prohibited from use as short-term rentals, ensuring Chicago residents share in the benefits of increased housing supply.
By allowing builders to waive parking requirements, the measure reflects the Johnson administration's commitment to streamlining development processes while making it easier to build new housing throughout the city.
In the first 12 hours after launch, DOH has already received over 30 applications. Residents should email adu@cityofchicago.org if they are experiencing technical issues.
Mayor Johnson has put the construction of accessible, affordable homes and a diversified housing stock at the center of his strategy to make Chicago more affordable for working people. The Johnson Administration is committed to a more fair, accessible, and sustainable housing market that prioritizes affordability, stability, and community-driven development.
For more information and to explore DOH's digital application portal, visit Chicago.gov/ADU.
"As we work to expand housing availability throughout our city, it's crucial we don't limit our ability to establish accessible options which serve an array of unique housing needs," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "As we continue to make the critical investments we need to build out the housing supply and cut the red tape which inhibits construction, we are empowering communities to participate in the solutions which are driving increased affordability across Chicago. I want to thank Ald. Lawson for his partnership on this ordinance and his continued advocacy as we work collectively to address the housing crisis."
In total, over 320,000 parcels are now eligible for ADUs, compared to the roughly 116,000 eligible under the pilot. Ordinance SO2024-0008918, which was sponsored by Ald. Lawson, received approval from the City Council last September. Two follow-on ordinances, SO2025-0020513 and SO2026-0022453, have passed since, further expanding eligible single-family areas.
"I've pushed to expand ADUs citywide since my first day as Alderman, so I'm especially proud to see this historic policy take effect," said Ald. Bennett Lawson. "ADUs will help create naturally-occurring affordable housing in our neighborhoods, while generating revenue for homeowners and supporting good-paying jobs. Now, Chicagoans have the opportunity to build and be part of the solution, and I look forward to seeing residents across the city take advantage of this bold initiative to address our housing crisis."
More on illi News
- Karen D. Gentry Announces New Book Focused on Relationships and Personal Growth
- New Investigative Analysis Performed on Kevin Riley's Transition From Newsroom to Advisor at Sage
- New plusOne Research Finds the Orgasm Gap Is a 30-Point Chasm — and Confirms It Isn't Biology
- CCHR Report Links 145 Violent Incidents to Psychiatric Drug Exposure, Urges National Oversight and Action
- Food Journal Magazine Unveils Its Latest 'Best of Los Angeles' Culinary Discoveries
ADU's, also known as couch houses or 'granny flats,' allow homeowners and developers to gently add to the city's housing stock while maintaining existing neighborhood character. They are well positioned to support multigenerational living and provide greater flexibility for growing families. When rented, ADUs can provide additional income to homeowners while offering housing opportunities which tend to be more affordable than nearby apartments.
The Department of Housing (DOH) led a collaborative engagement process spanning City Departments and community partners to build out a new digital application portal and dedicated ADU website (chicago.gov/adu) that features an interactive eligibility map designed to guide individuals and developers through the ADU pre-certification process.
"The Department of Housing has been hard at work improving the processes for eligible homeowners to start their pre-certification," said DOH Commissioner Lissette Castañeda. "We're excited about today's launch and that more Chicagoans now have the option to help expand our city's housing stock with ADUs."
The website shares information on the entire ADU pre-certification process from exploring initial project eligibility by searching the address on the new eligibility map to detailing additional limitations that may apply to residential districts within ADU-allowed RS areas. These limitations may include owner occupancy, annual block cap limits, and administrative adjustment requirements.
More on illi News
- Boston Industrial Solutions Launches Natron® 717S Series: A New Flexible UV LED Ink for Ricoh GH2220 Printheads
- 5 Things NYC Courier Services Won't Tell You About How Same-Day Delivery Actually Works
- Tropidelic Links Up With International Reggae Star Collie Buddz and Eli Mac for Feel-Good Breakthrough Single "Follow Your Nature"
- Save 15 Percent on Florida Keys Accommodations with KeysCaribbean's 'Advance Purchase Rate Discount'
- STLE Hosts Virtual Symposium on Additives, July 21-22, 2026
The application portal provides immediate feedback to applicants, including instructions specific to each proposed ADU, to ensure a successful pre-certification experience.
The expanded ADU program continues two key elements of the pilot. First, property owners who are adding two or more ADUs are required to maintain 50% of those new units as legally affordable. These units must be rented to tenants making 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or less, for a minimum of 30 years. Second, ADUs are prohibited from use as short-term rentals, ensuring Chicago residents share in the benefits of increased housing supply.
By allowing builders to waive parking requirements, the measure reflects the Johnson administration's commitment to streamlining development processes while making it easier to build new housing throughout the city.
In the first 12 hours after launch, DOH has already received over 30 applications. Residents should email adu@cityofchicago.org if they are experiencing technical issues.
Mayor Johnson has put the construction of accessible, affordable homes and a diversified housing stock at the center of his strategy to make Chicago more affordable for working people. The Johnson Administration is committed to a more fair, accessible, and sustainable housing market that prioritizes affordability, stability, and community-driven development.
For more information and to explore DOH's digital application portal, visit Chicago.gov/ADU.
0 Comments
Latest on illi News
- Janie's Art Journals Selected to Showcase at Inaugural Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival, May 1-3, 2026
- Chris The Wiz Releases "Fly In"
- Chicago: CTA Celebrates Start of The Historic Red Line Extension Project by Breaking Ground at The Future Michigan Avenue Station
- Mayor Brandon Johnson, City Of Chicago, And Community Partners Celebrate Arbor Day with Tree Planting Event
- Documented Pattern of Racial Bias Linked to Former Newspaper Editor Spans Two Major U.S. Newsrooms
- Advanced TeleSensors Appoints AgeTech Innovator Tiffany Wey, MBA as Vice President of Sales & Marketing
- Daniel Kaufman Real Estate Venture LoneStar Kaufman Development Partners Expands
- Brian D Chase Selected to the 2026 Nation's Top One Percent Personal Injury Lawyers
- Most Americans Choose Their Water Brand Because of Its Natural Source — Yet Fewer Than 3 in 10 Understand What Spring Water Actually Is
- Unlocking Multi-Sector Growth; Graphite Acquisition Powers EV Entry While Streamlined Consumer Snack Business Fuels Growth: (N A S D A Q: SOWG)
- Permian Museum Adds Carbonaceous Chondrite Reference Photos
- L2 Aviation Receives FAA STC and PMA for Klatt Works SAVED™ Smoke Vision System
- Axencis Launches Performance Partnership for Brand Protection
- Naperville: Downtown Parking Garage Fire Sprinkler Line Upgrades Begin on April 27
- CCHR Says New OIG Report Raises Concerns about Drugging Elderly with Antipsychotics
- Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Joins Airport Partners to Celebrate Start of Vertical Construction on the New Concourse D At O'Hare
- Project Pretzel Introduces a New System for Running Renovation Projects with Built In Contracts and Real Time Execution
- Naperville Residents Invited to 'Chat with the Chief' on May 6
- Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Cuts Ribbon on Sankofa Village Wellness Center, Bringing Community Healthcare Resources to West Garfield Park
- Freedomtech Solutions creates 'Global Data Centre Network (IDCN)'