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ADU Initiative

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  1. Building ADUs in Chicago | Training Series

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

ADU Initiative In the News:

  • Chicago Agent Magazine | Chicago City Council passes Accessory Dwelling Unit pilot program (December 16, 2020)
  • Chicago Sun-Times | City Council OKs easing ban on coach houses (December 15, 2020)
  • Cityscape Chicago | Review the rules of the revised ADU ordinance adopted by City Council (December 15, 2020)
  • Medill Reports Chicago | Lawmakers rethink the ADU ordinance as advocates cast doubts on its ability to generate affordable housing (November 2, 2020)
  • Chicago Agent Magazine | A Push for Gentle Density in City Council (September 14, 2020)
  • Twitter | Chicago Cityscape Live Twitter Thread (July 7, 2020 Webinar hosted by ULI Chicago)
  • Chicago Cityscape | Coach houses & basement units will add more housing options, but will they be affordable? (May 20, 2020)
  • The Architect’s Newspaper | Chicago introduces highly anticipated ADU ordinance (May 20, 2020)
  • Chicago Cityscape | Chicago’s future ADU ordinance should learn from other cities’ mistakes (May 7, 2020)
  • Chicago Sun-Times | Chicago should legalize coach houses, new report concludes (May 7, 2020)
  • The Real Deal | Chicago might finally be embracing granny flats (May 7, 2020)
  • CURBED Chicago | How ADUs could transform Chicago into a more affordable, accessible place to live (February 28, 2020)

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