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Johnson Pushes Next Week’s Vote to Legalize Citywide ‘Granny Flats’

The mayor’s team is testing aldermanic support for by-right ADUs ahead of a tight mid-July deadline.

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Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks at a press conference at City Hall, July 3, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Overview

  • A Zoning Committee vote on the citywide by-right accessory dwelling unit ordinance is set for next week with a full City Council decision due by July 16.
  • Johnson’s proposal would remove the unwritten aldermanic veto by allowing homeowners to add basements, garages and coach houses as rental units without special permits.
  • Senior advisor Jason Lee argues that by-right approval would boost production of affordable units and help close Chicago’s 120,000-unit housing gap.
  • Bungalow-belt aldermen led by Marty Quinn and Bennett Lawson demand special use permits in R-1 and R-2 districts to protect parking, infrastructure and neighborhood character.
  • Council leadership is privately gauging vote totals and considering per-block limits as the August recess and budget season loom.