Beware with legal non conforming units - NEW CHICAGO "POLICY"

[Henry Lazerow]

I have noticed the City of Chicago has changed their policy on legal non-conforming. Previously you could easily get these units legalized and keep them legalized. I have now noticed several cases where we have X number zoning doc from few years ago and when go to pull a new doc the city refuses to re-issue with X number and goes 1 less. I want to keep addresses private for client confidentiality but had this happen in bronzeville on a 4 unit city claimed 3 even with our 8 year old 4 unit doc, Avondale old doc from 2 years ago said 3 but city argued it was a mistake and it's 2 now, Logan Square 3 unit from 7 years ago but city refused to give us a 3 unit doc saying it's a 2 (this one I think I could of legalized though if put the time in). When this happens clients have option of closing or killing deal as your attorney puts a X zoning doc contingency, typically you will renegotiate down the price if still comfortable in the deal. 

I believe this change in policy is due to ADU soon being allowed throughout entire city, so they want to get permit fees, etc. vs giving out a quick X unit doc that produces no city revenue. You can view some of these legal 2 units but that clearly were 3 units as a long term play. If look in permits and past permits show 3 units or FOIA water bills show 3 you have a strong shot at either ADU these or as city policies revert back/with an attorney legalizing to create equity.

[Tom Shallcross]

@Henry Lazerow - +1 as I just saw this as well. As you mentioned, even if seller has an older zoning cert, make sure you have the zoning cert contingency aligned to the number you expect to see.