Chicago ADU ordinance

[Joey Nakayama]

An ordinance was introduced this week to re-legalize the construction of new "accessory dwelling units" on existing Chicago properties. This includes coach houses and basement & attic units, which could be added without zoning changes to properties zoned RS-3, RT-3.5, RT-4, RM-4.5, RM-5, RM-5.5, RM-6 or RM-6.5.

If this passes and goes into effect in August, it would open up exciting possibilities for affordable housing supply and owners looking to add value to their current properties. 

Chicago investors, what would you build?

[John Westbrook]

Howdy fellow Chicagoans!  Thanks for starting this conversation @Joey Nakayama.

I was excited to wake up today to the news of this passing.  While most of my properties aren't in the pilot zone, you would think that it will expand shortly afterwards.  I have a few thoughts/questions, wondering if anyone has suggestions or advice on these ideas:

-BUILDING SIZE:  Is there a cap on # of units that a current property has to be eligible for additional units?  It seems like a green light for 6flats and below, but no specific language prohibiting a 20 units building in an R zoned area adding units(I'm most excited about this).  

-LENDERS: Do we anticipate that most projects applied for on 5/1/2021 be funded with cash, or will there be lenders that will interested in providing construction loans? Would love to connect with any lenders that are working to lend to ADU's in both the residential and commercial loan market.

-ARCHITECTS:  I'd love to connect with any and all architects that have been putting in time for this over the last 6 months.  I want to find someone that has out of the box ideas for coachhouses.  Specifically, how can we build a unit over a new masonry garage?  I owner/occupy a 3Flat that is set on the back of the lot, and would like to build a front facing coach house and match it to the architecture of the existing blonde brick building. I think this will be super fun, and the water service and sewer line already run under where the new structure will be.  

All in all, I'm excited to see how this shapes Chicago and connect with the minds of each trade that will make it successful.  

-JW