“[ADUs are] an incremental way to gently insert density into established neighborhoods, while allowing those who own those houses to stay in their house and generate additional income.”

(DPD) Commissioner Maurice Cox
Hyde Park Herald / March 2020

Details
Chicago, Illinois
On the Boards

Architect Notes
In December 2020 the City Council re-legalized “accessory dwelling units” (SO2020-2850). Commonly known as coach houses, granny flats, backyard homes, basement apartments, or attic units - and by the catchall term “ADUs” - these small residences have been a mainstay of Chicago’s housing stock for decades, and we are excited for their return.

While the primary use of ADUs is housing, that doesn’t mean it’s the only use. We see numerous possibilities for how these backyard homes can serve dual purposes throughout the year, and benefit the homeowner in unexpected ways. Perhaps it serves as a home office, then converts to a long-term guest suite for visiting family members. Maybe your college-age kid needs a space of their own, until they leave the nest and you gain a workout room. And of course it can always be rented out as an independent apartment, providing valuable monthly income for the long-term homeowner faced with increasing property tax bills.

There is a lot of potential with this new building type, and a lot of questions, too. Our designers have loads of experience in the design of efficient and stylish small spaces. Reach out and let us know what you’d like to do with your new ADU!

Additional Resources
City of Chicago / Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance

Chicago Cityscape / Accessory Dwelling Units Portal
Chicago Cityscape / FAQs (December 2020)
Chicago Cityscape / Pilot Areas Map

Chicago Architect / “Not Your Granny’s Granny Flat (October 2022)
ULI / “Unlocking Accessory Dwelling Units in Chicago” (May 2020)
Curbed / “How ADUs Could Transform Chicago …” (February 2020)