Illinois lawmakers get chance to boost affordable family housing
Illinois House Bill 1814 would legalize more affordable options such as duplexes and townhomes for working families. If the bill passes, it will mark a win for affordability and housing choice.
Illinois is taking a positive step toward addressing its housing affordability challenges with House Bill 1814.
The “Missing Middle Housing Act” aims to expand housing options such as duplexes, quadplexes and townhomes. It would increase housing density and diversity, lowering prices, serving middle-income families and offering the next step-up in housing for low-income families.
In December, Gov. J.B. Pritzker called attention to the need to provide more housing for this “missing middle.” Part of the issue, as was pointed out in a report assembled by a working group, is that Illinois has lagged the national average in new housing construction since the pandemic.
HB 1814 would make it easier for developers to address that housing shortage with diverse housing types across the state, supporting working families. Starting in 2026, the bill mandates cities with populations of 25,000 or more must permit the development of these middle housing types on residential lots that exceed 5,000 square feet. Cities with populations between 10,000 and 25,000 are required to allow at least duplexes on residential lots currently zoned for single-family homes. While municipalities can regulate the siting and design of these housing types, such regulations will not be able to unreasonably discourage their development through excessive costs or delays.
Permitting diverse housing types addresses the supply-demand imbalance that Illinois currently faces and is expected to reduce housing costs. That’s especially important for the low- and middle-income families who need housing in a manageable price range. Additionally, higher density housing reduces urban sprawl and fosters socio-economic diversity.
Overall, this kind of legislation will move the state closer to a regulatory environment that blocks fewer developers from building affordable, quality housing. It will let more families build economic prosperity.