Overview

• The Zoning Committee backed Ald. Bennett Lawson’s compromise to legalize accessory dwelling units across R-1 to R-3 zones by a 13-7 vote
• The ordinance includes block-level caps of one to three ADUs per block per year, homeowner-occupancy requirements, a ban on short-term rentals, a 20-year building-age threshold and annual reporting
• Supporters say the expansion could deliver a couple hundred new housing units annually to help close Chicago’s 120,000-unit gap and ease upward pressure on rents
• Lawson worked with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office and the Department of Housing to craft the compromise and secure broad backing without weakening neighborhood protections
• Opponents led by Ald. Marty Quinn argue the measure undermines bungalow belt autonomy and plan to pursue opt-out provisions or procedural delays before the full City Council vote