Chicago City Council members skeptical of proposal to legalize 'granny flats,' or Accessory Dwelling Units
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago lawmakers are divided on legalizing the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs.

These secondary living spaces are illegal to build in most of Chicago, and political gridlock is keeping it that way.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

For over six years, city officials working with three different mayors have been striving to lift the ban on ADUs, which stand for accessory dwelling units. This includes transforming coach houses as well as unused basement or attic areas into livable apartments.

Advocates of legalizing ADUs, which include government officials and policy experts, frequently emphasize that these units are a taxpayer-free solution with minimal risks. They are seen as a way to effectively and modestly alleviate housing shortages, as demonstrated in other cities.

Yet, many members of the Chicago City Council remain doubtful about allowing ADUs, concerned it might reduce their influence over the development decisions within their wards. This skepticism is a key reason why the proposal to legalize these units citywide has been pending for over a year.

The Illinois Answers Project examined the history of AUDs and the uphill battle to legalize them. You can read more of their reporting at illinoisanswers.org.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Florida attorney general identifies wrongful charges under halted immigration law

Florida Attorney General Discovers Erroneous Charges Linked to Suspended Immigration Law

In late May, St. Johns County deputies arrested two men more than…
Rubio announces visa revocations on Brazilian judge for 'political witch hunt' against ex-president Bolsonaro

Rubio Reveals Visa Revocations for Brazilian Judge Over ‘Political Witch Hunt’ Against Former President Bolsonaro

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa restrictions on a Brazilian…
Ian Maxwell, brother of Ghislaine Maxwell, in an interview.

Ghislaine Maxwell’s Brother Worried for Her Life in Prison ‘Like Epstein’… Commits to Proving Her Innocence

GHISLAINE Maxwell’s brother is afraid she will be killed in prison “like…
Feel-Good Friday: Dad Who Gave Up His Truck to Support the Family Gets a New One for His 65th Birthday

Heartwarming Friday: Dad Who Sacrificed His Truck for Family Receives a New One on His 65th Birthday

Tardy explains in the video, Decades later, I’m now in a place…
Hilarious: Book Sheds New Light on Kamala Campaign's 'Tailspin' Over McDonald's Employment Claims

Funny Revelation: New Book Uncovers Kamala Campaign’s Chaos Over McDonald’s Job Claims

Among the most amusing and unexpected events of the 2024 general election…
The moment that put CC Sabathia on path to become Bronx legend

The Turning Point That Made CC Sabathia a Yankee Icon

In his debut season with the Yankees, CC Sabathia led the team…
Thousands of fire ants are forming rafts out of their own bodies

Countless fire ants create floating rafts using their own bodies

This army is in formation. Thousands of fire ants have been observed…

Tourist Boat Carrying 53 Capsizes in Vietnam: At Least 3 Dead, Search for Survivors Continues

AT least three people have died after a tourist boat capsized in…
Pilot with 'ideological motive' steals small aircraft and disrupts major international airport operations

Pilot Driven by Beliefs Hijacks Small Plane and Causes Major Airport Disruption

A security breach involving a stolen plane caused significant disruption at Vancouver…
New Jersey man exacts gruesome revenge on seagull who stole kid's snack

New Jersey Man Takes Drastic Action Against Seagull That Swiped Child’s Snack

That’s just not gonna fly.   A man from New Jersey has…
Alleged squatters move next-door to Illinois state Rep. Marcus Evans in Avalon Park, Chicago: 'Going to be calling the governor'

Squatters Allegedly Relocate Next to Illinois State Rep. Marcus Evans in Avalon Park, Chicago: ‘I’ll Be Reaching Out to the Governor’

CHICAGO (WLS) — The ABC7 Chicago I-Team is hearing from yet another…
Alligator Alcatraz detainee speaks from inside Everglades facility

An Interview with the Alligator Alcatraz Detainee: Insights from Inside the Everglades Facility

A young detainee, aged 21, is sharing his experience and anxieties about…