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.