Illinois looks at adding more granny houses to boost affordability

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.

Many Illinois residents struggle to find affordable living space, and a lack of supply is often to blame thanks to outdated zoning restrictions on accessory dwelling units.

House Bill 1813 seeks to reverse that by allowing the smaller dwelling units to be built on existing residential lots in municipalities across the state.

Accessory dwelling units are small residences built on or within existing housing structures. Whether a coach house in a yard or a basement unit, they increase density and housing options without radically changing the character of a neighborhood.

A recent report by the Illinois Policy Institute showed additional dwelling units serve as a naturally affordable housing option when restrictions are loosened. They are especially suited to serve Chicago’s low-income families.

Many cities in Illinois, including Chicago, continue to heavily regulate or ban this type of housing. For example, of the 824 pre-approvals for additional dwelling units granted to Chicago property owners, only 262 (44%) were able to get a permit. Red tape and the costs associated with it have kept the rest from building.

HB 1813, also known as the Accessory Dwelling Unit Permissibility Act, offers a practical solution by promoting the development of accessory dwelling units across the state. The bill would prevent municipalities from prohibiting construction or use of these units.

While some municipalities may have reservations about relinquishing control over the units, HB 1813 strikes a balance by allowing local governments to implement reasonable regulations, provided those regulations do not effectively prohibit construction. For example, Chicago could still regulate the size of additional dwelling units, but they would no longer be limited to the five small pilot areas where the city now allows their construction.

This would give property owners the freedom to build accessory dwelling units if they want to, boosting the value of their main home and potentially earning rental income. It would offer families the flexibility to accommodate aging parents, adult children or extended family members. It would promote efficient use of existing residential lots and give everyday people the opportunity to help provide the additional housing Illinois needs.

Those have been the experiences in Los Angeles, Seattle and Portland. Illinois could access those opportunities, too.

Passing HB 1813 can help alleviate Illinois’ housing affordability challenges. Enabling the construction and use of accessory dwelling units will create more housing options, support families and promote sustainable community development.