Adding basement ADU outside of Chicago pilot zone

[Arthur Chou]

Hey guys, I've been a long time lurker - first time poster. I've been looking to buy a multifamily home in Chicago for the past few months now. I've been going through the motions of assessing properties and I've let a few properties slip through through analysis paralysis! At the same time it's given me a bit more confidence in my ability to find a good deal. I've recently come across a duplex property that seems like a good deal and the basement is unfinished with adequate ceiling height. The issue is that it's outside of the ADU pilot zone. Is it still possible to get a permit to add a basement unit if your property is sitting outside of the ADU pilot zone?

Also, I don't know much about zoning but it's zoned as RT-3.5 which I read is for two flats, SFH, low-density apartment buildings. So I wasn't sure if it allowed for a 3-flat building but I've seen other 3-flat properties in the same zone.

I guess at the very least I'd always have the option to duplex down into the basement instead of converting it into an ADU if the numbers worked out.

Thanks in advance for any help with this!