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Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson, Ald. Bennett Lawson Celebrate Launch of ADU Expansion Ordinance

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CHICAGO — Today, the ordinance led by Mayor Brandon Johnson and Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th) which more than doubles the number of parcels eligible for establishing additional dwelling units (ADUs) takes effect. ADUs are now permitted by-right in all multi-unit residential and certain business and commercial zoning districts in addition to residential single-family zoning districts in 34 wards, marking a significant milestone in the Johnson administration's work to cut developmental restrictions and increase housing availability across Chicago.

"As we work to expand housing availability throughout our city, it's crucial we don't limit our ability to establish accessible options which serve an array of unique housing needs," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "As we continue to make the critical investments we need to build out the housing supply and cut the red tape which inhibits construction, we are empowering communities to participate in the solutions which are driving increased affordability across Chicago. I want to thank Ald. Lawson for his partnership on this ordinance and his continued advocacy as we work collectively to address the housing crisis."

In total, over 320,000 parcels are now eligible for ADUs, compared to the roughly 116,000 eligible under the pilot. Ordinance SO2024-0008918, which was sponsored by Ald. Lawson, received approval from the City Council last September. Two follow-on ordinances, SO2025-0020513 and SO2026-0022453, have passed since, further expanding eligible single-family areas.

"I've pushed to expand ADUs citywide since my first day as Alderman, so I'm especially proud to see this historic policy take effect," said Ald. Bennett Lawson. "ADUs will help create naturally-occurring affordable housing in our neighborhoods, while generating revenue for homeowners and supporting good-paying jobs. Now, Chicagoans have the opportunity to build and be part of the solution, and I look forward to seeing residents across the city take advantage of this bold initiative to address our housing crisis."

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ADU's, also known as couch houses or 'granny flats,' allow homeowners and developers to gently add to the city's housing stock while maintaining existing neighborhood character. They are well positioned to support multigenerational living and provide greater flexibility for growing families. When rented, ADUs can provide additional income to homeowners while offering housing opportunities which tend to be more affordable than nearby apartments.

The Department of Housing (DOH) led a collaborative engagement process spanning City Departments and community partners to build out a new digital application portal and dedicated ADU website (chicago.gov/adu) that features an interactive eligibility map designed to guide individuals and developers through the ADU pre-certification process.

"The Department of Housing has been hard at work improving the processes for eligible homeowners to start their pre-certification," said DOH Commissioner Lissette Castañeda. "We're excited about today's launch and that more Chicagoans now have the option to help expand our city's housing stock with ADUs."

The website shares information on the entire ADU pre-certification process from exploring initial project eligibility by searching the address on the new eligibility map to detailing additional limitations that may apply to residential districts within ADU-allowed RS areas. These limitations may include owner occupancy, annual block cap limits, and administrative adjustment requirements.

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The application portal provides immediate feedback to applicants, including instructions specific to each proposed ADU, to ensure a successful pre-certification experience.

The expanded ADU program continues two key elements of the pilot. First, property owners who are adding two or more ADUs are required to maintain 50% of those new units as legally affordable. These units must be rented to tenants making 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or less, for a minimum of 30 years.  Second, ADUs are prohibited from use as short-term rentals, ensuring Chicago residents share in the benefits of increased housing supply.

By allowing builders to waive parking requirements, the measure reflects the Johnson administration's commitment to streamlining development processes while making it easier to build new housing throughout the city.

In the first 12 hours after launch, DOH has already received over 30 applications. Residents should email adu@cityofchicago.org if they are experiencing technical issues.

Mayor Johnson has put the construction of accessible, affordable homes and a diversified housing stock at the center of his strategy to make Chicago more affordable for working people. The Johnson Administration is committed to a more fair, accessible, and sustainable housing market that prioritizes affordability, stability, and community-driven development.

For more information and to explore DOH's digital application portal, visit Chicago.gov/ADU.

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