ADU Initiative

Working to foster the successful creation of accessory dwelling units or ADUs in the City of Chicago.

Launched in August 2019, ULI Chicago’s Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) initiative was created to develop a framework for a successful and equitable ADU policy for the City of Chicago and to provide a potential model for communities across the region. Granny flats, mother-in-law units, coach houses, laneway houses, whatever their name, accessory dwelling units are gaining ground in cities around the country. ADUs can help create housing variety to serve a range of resident needs, from young couples who want a small footprint to seniors looking to downsize but remain in their neighborhood. ADUs can serve as a source of financial stability for homeowners, especially for those feeling the pinch of rising housing costs. Many types of ADUs, such as basement units, are likely to be more affordable than other types of units in their neighborhood, thereby increasing rental housing options for lower- and middle-income households.

ULI Chicago convened ULI members, partner organizations and community representatives to identify barriers—regulatory/policy, technical/design and financial—to building ADU housing stock in Chicago and to develop recommendations to overcome them. Through the collective effort of a diverse group of stakeholders, ULI Chicago has released the set of recommendations and final report that have been established as a result of these convenings.

Read the complete Accessory Dwelling Units Report (.pdf)
City of Chicago ADU Information
Watch the ADU Training Series, in partnership with AIA Chicago & The City of Chicago

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