Legalizing a non-conforming in Chicago ADU Zone

[Noah Lomax]

Hi Folks,

Just days before closing on a multi-unit in west Wicker Park we learned the city had revoked the permit for the garden unit of our building. After sorting out that headache, we went through with purchasing the property as a 3-unit with a non-conforming garden unit. The building is in the ADU zone, so now we are beginning that process.

It does look like everything in the unit was done to code, so I expect minimal work would be needed. But it looks like the city still requires me to work with GC and architect to apply for the permit. I have a great GC who is willing to go through the process, but it's new for both of us. Does anyone have experience applying for a permit to legalize an already-existing unit under Chicago's new ordinance? The seller agreed to an escrow account to get the re-permitting completed but I have a time window in which I must use it. 

[Tom Shallcross]

Yes - there is an initial intake application, and then you will need to pay for full architectural plans and submit these plans to obtain your permit. Once the permit is approved, you go through the full plans/permit inspection process. 

Although you may check the box on some obvious items like ceiling height and two forms of egress, you may not be out of the woods. The city will have rough and final inspections for electric, HVAC, construction, and plumbing which may lead to additional work. Given your property will be 4-units, the city will request 5 electric boxes, one for each unit and then the common area.  Depending on your current bathroom count, you may be required to update the water service line which can be a 20-30k hit depending on if the main line is on your side of the street or you need to cross the street and pave it. 

@Samuel Pavlovcik is a self-cert architect that I've worked with in the ADU zone and can help you get started.