All Forum Posts by: Ali Farhat

@Ali Farhat Jonathan is correct that you may still have some opportunity depending on the Zoning designation for the lot, and how many existing units are Legally Recognized by the City.
You can Check the Zoning Designation here on the Chicago Zoning Map
From there, you need to check the requirements for your lot based on the Chicago Zoning Ordinance (Note: RS-3 does not mean 3 Units. You need to check the Zoning Ordinance for more info).

Feel free to reach out to me directly with the property address if you would like some more assistance in determining how many units you can have "By Right" on the lot which is a calculation based on Total Lot Area dependent on the zoning designation. If you can't add any more units "By Right" and you are Not within any of the ADU Pilot areas, then the only current option would be to hire a Zoning Attorney and try to obtain a "Zoning Map Amendment" where you would legally change the zoning designation for your specific lot in order to permit you to add another unit.

Thanks for the reply. I sent you a DM to help me check if it is allowed "By Right" and how to proceed with new independent gas and electric lines.

0 Votes

Chicago, Illinois

Quote from @Henry Lazerow:

Making the basement a legal unit is costly but can be done as an ADU depending on your exact location (ADU zone maps are on City of Chicago site). Expect to spend a minimum of $100k+. If you are on the northside by making it an illegal basement you will increase the value of building and I have never seen any clients have issues. You can do it without permits for less then 1/3 the cost and buyers will still pay a significant premium for a building with an illegal basement. I have even seen twice city inspectors walk buildings for other issues that have illegal basement units and as long as unit looks like a legal unit (normal ceiling height and two egresses) they didn't even say anything.

Thanks. Yes I am in the Northside and unfortunately don't reside in a ADU zoning area. I don't feel comfortable building it illegally. Do I have to call a lawyer and get forms to make it legal?

0 Votes

Chicago, Illinois

Hello,

I have a basement that is 1700 sqftin a multi unit building . Basement unit fits 3 bed 2 baths. Building sits on a corner and all basement windows are above ground. It is a beautiful place I bought a few years ago and want to invest in the basement to then flip the building. Can someone guide me where to apply and obtain a license to build this basement unit to an official unit with its address, electric, and other amenities?

Thanks

1 Vote

Chicago, Illinois

All Forum Posts by: Ali Farhat

Ali Farhat has started 1 posts and replied 3 times.

Post: Can someone guide me how to obtain license to convert basement into apartment?

Post: Can someone guide me how to obtain license to convert basement into apartment?

Post: Can someone guide me how to obtain license to convert basement into apartment?