Legalizing additional dwelling units across Chicago would expand housing options, support families and boost affordability without changing the character of single-family neighborhoods. Chicago’s mayor is ready to move on the issue.

Other cities unleashed small-scale housing. Chicago buried it in red tape. Now it’s hurting renters, seniors and working families.

House Bill 1813 would prevent municipalities from prohibiting the construction of accessory dwelling units such as granny houses or basement apartments, allowing more opportunity for naturally affordable housing solutions.

Published Jan. 23, 2025 Chicago’s 2020 Additional Dwelling Unit Ordinance, while well-intentioned, has stifled development. Despite 71% of Chicagoans being in favor of putting additional dwelling units on existing residential lots – higher than the national average – restrictive and inequitable regulations have ensured very few are built.1 Only 44% of pre-approved applications have received...