ADU rules in Kane County, IL — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Unincorporated Kane County allows only one residential building per zoning lot, so a standalone accessory dwelling unit (second house) generally is not permitted by right. Detached structures may only be accessory, non-dwelling uses. A second dwelling requires a rezoning or special use through the Development Department.
Section 25-5-5 of the Kane County Zoning Ordinance limits each recorded zoning lot to one residential building plus not more than two detached accessory structures. Accessory structures are for storage or accessory uses, not independent living quarters. There is no by-right ADU provision in the county's unincorporated zoning; adding a second dwelling means seeking a map amendment or special use before the Zoning Board of Appeals and County Board. Inside Aurora, Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva and other municipalities, the city's own zoning controls ADUs, not the county.
Building or occupying an unpermitted second dwelling is a zoning violation enforced by the Zoning Enforcement Officer; abatement, stop-work orders, and fines apply.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Kane County's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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