Peoria does not have a streamlined ADU permit pathway. A second self-contained dwelling on a single-family parcel requires either (1) the parcel to be re-zoned to a two-family or multi-family district, or (2) a use variation or special use permit through the Zoning Board of Appeals. Once zoning approval is obtained, the standard Residential Building Permit and trade permits issue from the Building Safety Division (309-494-8600). Illinois has no statewide ADU enabling statute.
Unlike California (SB 9, SB 13, AB 1033), Oregon (HB 2001), or Washington (HB 1337), Illinois has not enacted statewide ADU enabling legislation as of 2026. Authority sits entirely with each home-rule municipality under Article VII Section 6 of the Illinois Constitution and the Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/). Peoria, as a home-rule city (population approximately 113,150), has not adopted a streamlined ADU pathway in Appendix B (Zoning Ordinance). The only way to legally establish a second dwelling unit on a Peoria single-family parcel is to: (1) confirm the parcel lies in a zoning district that permits two or more dwelling units as principal uses (R-2 two-family, R-3 multi-family, or higher); (2) apply for and receive a rezoning of the parcel to a district that permits multiple units; or (3) obtain a use variation or special use permit from the Peoria Zoning Board of Appeals after a public hearing showing practical difficulty or particular hardship. Once zoning approval is in hand, the new unit requires a Residential Building Permit (often a New Single-Family Permit or an addition/alteration permit) from the Building Safety Division at 419 Fulton Street Room 203 (309-494-8600), plus separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trade permits. The unit must meet IRC requirements for habitability, Illinois Smoke Detector Act (425 ILCS 60) and Illinois Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act (430 ILCS 135) alarm standards, and Appendix B off-street parking minimums. HOA-governed properties face additional architectural review under 765 ILCS 160/.
Building a second dwelling unit without zoning approval and building permits is a serious violation of Chapter 5 and Appendix B of the Code of Ordinances. Code Enforcement can issue a stop-work order, require an after-the-fact application (often denied), order discontinuation of any unauthorized residential use, and refer the property for utility disconnection. Building Safety can require exposure of concealed framing, electrical, and plumbing work for inspection. Unauthorized rental of an unpermitted unit may also constitute violations of Peoria's rental registration framework.
Peoria, IL
Peoria adopts the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) through Chapter 5 (Buildings). IPMC Section 303.2 (Enclosures) requires private swimming poo...
Peoria, IL
Peoria's Appendix B (Zoning Ordinance) regulates fence material and finish standards in residential districts. Barbed wire and electrified fences are restric...
Peoria, IL
Illinois has no statewide 'good neighbor' fence cost-sharing statute, and Peoria does not require neighbor consent before installing a boundary fence. The Il...
Peoria, IL
Peoria requires a Fence Permit from the Building Safety Division (419 Fulton Street, Room 203, 309-494-8600) before installing most residential fences. Appli...
Peoria, IL
Peoria regulates residential fence heights through Appendix B (Zoning Ordinance) of the Code of Ordinances. Typical residential standards limit fences in fro...
Peoria, IL
Peoria's Code of Ordinances Chapter 5 (Animals) does not impose a specific numerical cap on dogs or cats per household, but excessive numbers that result in ...
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