State legislation would preempt local governments that block the construction of accessory dwelling units, known locally as coach houses, to increase the supply of affordable housing options in the state.
"A proposal before the Illinois General Assembly would overturn half a century of resistance to granny flats, coach houses and other 'accessory dwelling units,' paving the way for these lower-cost housing types to flourish in towns all over Illinois," reports Dennis Rodkin.
Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) proposed HB4869 to preempt local governments that prohibit construction or use of accessory dwelling units—referred to in local parlance as coach houses.
Proponents of the legislation argue that legalizing accessory dwelling units responds to a need for more low-cost, smaller size housing units. A December report published by Zillow, "estimated that loosening the restrictions on ADUs would make room for a quarter-million new housing units in the Chicago area," according to Rodkin.
While HB4869 has support from state legislators representing parts of Chicago, the city of Chicago has been unable to complete similar legislation in recent years. A recent attempt at a citywide ADU ordinance stalled as opponents expressed concern that ADUs would only be used for short-term rentals.
Read the full story: This bill would make coach houses welcome in Illinois
Chicago ADU Law Gives Alderpeople Veto Power
After years of debate, the city approved an ordinance that legalizes ADUs in some neighborhoods, but gives alderpeople the power to restrict them in single-family zones.
Vermont Issues Missing Middle Housing Toolkit
The state wants to encourage mid-density development to ease the housing crisis and provide a wider variety of housing options for residents.
Small Cities Relax Accessory Dwelling Units Regulations Too
A city of about 40,000 residents across the Puget Sound from Seattle has relaxed zoning regulations to entice more homeowners to build accessory dwelling units.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
Satanic Place Names
From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority