Chicago does not charge impact fees on ADUs. Standard Department of Buildings permit fees apply based on construction value under Chicago Municipal Code Section 14A-12-109. ADUs in three pilot zones qualify for the Chicago Recovery Plan ADU Grant of up to $50,000.
Chicago does not have a development-impact-fee framework like California cities; instead, DOB collects a tiered permit fee based on construction value under MCC 14A-12-109, plus zoning review fees, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trade permit fees. There is no separate school, parks, or transportation impact fee. DOH's Chicago Recovery Plan ADU Grant Program offers up to $50,000 per ADU for new construction or conversion in the West, Southeast, and South pilot zones, prioritizing owner-occupants below 120% AMI. Water and sewer connection fees from the Department of Water Management apply only if a new tap is required. The Cityscape pre-approved-plans program reduces plan review fees by skipping structural plan check on standard designs.
Filing an under-stated construction value to reduce DOB fees is fraud under MCC 14A-12-109 with administrative penalties up to $5,000. Improperly claiming the Chicago Recovery Plan ADU Grant triggers grant clawback and DOH ineligibility for future programs.
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