Chicago is on the cusp of a significant change that could reshape the city's residential landscape by legalizing the construction of additional dwelling units (ADUs) citywide. The City Council’s zoning committee is currently reviewing a proposal that follows a pilot program initiated in 2021. The pilot program was a test to re-legalize garden apartments, attic-to-housing conversions, and coach houses in five areas of Chicago. According to the Chicago Tribune, the program resulted in permits for 250 additional dwelling units, indicating a "gentle increase in density" and a "consistent, but not overwhelming demand."
The aim of the new legislation is not to quickly fix the housing crisis in Chicago but to add a significant piece to the housing puzzle. Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th) expects to push the ordinance through a committee vote later this month, with a hopeful eye towards a full-council vote in July, as detailed by the Tribune. The proposal, backed by 14 other alderpeople, pivots on allowing homeowners a new income source and offers naturally occurring affordable rental units.
During the pilot, nearly all of the issued permits were for North or Northwest Side buildings with two to six units. This stands in stark contrast to the South, Southeast, and West Side pilot zones, which only saw 10 permits out of 215 issued, raising concerns of uneven development across the city. The uneven distribution of ADUs, noted in an interview by Block Club Chicago, was a point of contention for some City Council members, like Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) and Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez (25th), argued for subsidy programs to promote expansion in varied neighborhoods.
The updated proposal also aims to ease the path for homeowners, allowing constructions in commercially zoned areas and eliminating some parking requirements. Matthew Stern from Chicago’s Department of Housing emphasized the benefits, stating that these units add housing without changing neighborhoods and produce affordable places without subsidies, according to a statement published by Block Club Chicago. Public comments largely support the expansion, with residents and business owners expressing a desire to leverage ADUs for various purposes – from accommodating aging relatives to supplementing income.
As Chicago stands at the precipice of a new housing era, the proposal reflects a shift towards a more inclusive approach to urban living. The city looks to rebalance its housing supply with this investment in ADUs, offering a small-scale solution that could potentially have a large-scale impact on making the city more livable for its diverse population.
