Mayor Johnson and Chair Lawson Target 120K-Unit Housing Shortage with Granny Flats Initiative

Mayor Brandon Johnson is considering a new policy that would allow single-family homeowners in Chicago to convert attics, basements, and garages into rentable "granny flats". This move aims to tackle the city's significant affordable housing shortage.

Initiative Details

The proposal, supported by acting zoning committee Chair Bennett Lawson, seeks to expand an existing pilot program for additional dwelling units (ADUs) beyond its current five designated areas. This initiative comes as Chicago faces a shortage of 120,000 affordable housing units.

Opposition and Concerns

Alderman Marty Quinn, who represents a Southwest Side ward with many single-family homes, has expressed cautious opposition. While not entirely against the idea, Quinn is concerned about potential issues such as increased parking, traffic, garbage, noise, and safety. He cited a fatal fire in an illegal attic apartment near Midway Airport five years ago to highlight the risks involved.

Call for Local Input

Quinn advocates for requiring single-family homeowners to obtain a special-use permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals, ensuring local aldermanic input and addressing resident concerns. He emphasized the importance of involving local constituents in the decision-making process to avoid negative impacts on neighborhoods.

Mayor's Office and Report

The mayor’s office has not commented on the ongoing negotiations. However, Johnson’s “Cut the Tape” report, which focuses on streamlining Chicago’s development approval process, includes the potential citywide expansion of ADUs. The report also suggests exploring universal affordability preferences to increase housing without triggering planned developments, provided the new units remain affordable.

Proposed Ordinance

Lawson's proposed ordinance, currently before the zoning committee, would allow ADUs by right in most districts, except for some areas zoned for single-family homes where a special-use permit would be required. Lawson pointed out that the pilot program has added a manageable number of ADUs in his north lakefront ward without significantly altering neighborhood dynamics. He urged colleagues to support the expansion, noting that many existing units are illegal and would benefit from legalization and regulation.

The debate over expanding the ADU program in Chicago highlights the balance between addressing the affordable housing crisis and managing local concerns about neighborhood impacts. The proposed ordinance aims to legalize and regulate ADUs while ensuring local input and maintaining neighborhood integrity.