Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - basement and attic apartments, granny flats, and coach houses - are permitted throughout Chicago beginning April 1.

Visit the City's dedicated ADU webpage for the most up-to-date information about ADU policies and procedures.

ADUs will be permitted in all residential multifamily zones and most business and commercial zoning districts in the City. In the 30th Ward, single-family districts will allow ADUs, except in precincts 1, 4, 9, and 21. ADUs in single-family districts in the ward will be subject to the following restrictions:

Properties must be owner-occupied at the time of application.
Only a certain number of ADUs will be permitted per block face (i.e., the street side of properties) per year: 1 permit in RS-1 districts, 2 permits in RS-2 districts, and 3 permits in RS-3 districts.
Applications will be subject to the City's administrative adjustment process to allow additional review of proposed ADUs by the 30th Ward Office and City departments.

In addition, coach houses in any zoning district will have to be constructed or renovated by contractors who participate in an apprenticeship program registered with the US Department of Labor.