Springfield, IL has no published owner-occupancy rule for ADU-style second units because it has no dedicated ADU ordinance. Owner-occupancy conditions, if any, are typically imposed case-by-case as conditions of a Special Use Permit by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Illinois has no statewide preemption banning such conditions (unlike California).
California's prohibition on local ADU owner-occupancy requirements (Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(7), extended indefinitely by AB 976 in 2023) has no Illinois equivalent. Illinois cities are free to impose owner-occupancy conditions on second-dwelling permits to the extent authorized by their zoning power. Because Springfield has no dedicated ADU ordinance, there is no published owner-occupancy rule. Where a Special Use Permit is approved for an accessory living quarters or carriage-house unit, the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council may attach conditions including owner-occupancy of one of the units, neighborhood-character preservation conditions, parking conditions, and a recorded deed restriction. Conditions vary case by case and are documented in the City Council ordinance approving the Special Use Permit.
Breach of a recorded Special Use Permit condition - including any owner-occupancy condition - is enforceable under Springfield Zoning Code Chapter 155 and the terms of the recorded restriction. Code Enforcement can issue administrative penalties, and the City may revoke the Special Use Permit, requiring the property to revert to single-family use.
Springfield, IL
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Springfield, IL
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Springfield, IL
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Springfield, IL
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See how Springfield's adu owner occupancy rules stack up against other locations.
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