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!

[Jonathan Klemm]

First off, congrats for jumping out of the darkness @Arthur Chou!  I've been in your shoes and know that it only gets easier over time so keep on posting more and more.

You've already got some great info above!  I think that you can't go wrong either way when you are getting started, especially if you are looking to house-hack with a low down payment loan.   In my opinion, it's only a matter of time before Chicago allows ADUs everywhere.  

What worked for me was finding a 2 unit in a decent neighborhood where I wanted to live and paying less for my overall mortgage than I would have if I rented in that area.  Happy to dive into more details with you if that would help.