Garage conversion rules in Arlington Heights, IL β sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions β govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Converting a garage to living space in Arlington Heights is heavily restricted. The Village zoning ordinance requires residential properties to maintain a minimum number of enclosed parking spaces. Converting a garage to habitable space typically requires providing replacement off-street parking and obtaining building permits for the conversion.
Arlington Heights zoning ordinance requires single-family homes to maintain a minimum of two enclosed off-street parking spaces, typically provided by an attached or detached garage. Converting a garage to living space, a home office, or any other non-parking use requires that replacement enclosed parking be provided on the property. This effectively means a new garage must be built before the existing one can be converted. A building permit is required for any garage conversion, and the work must comply with residential building code standards for habitable space including insulation, egress windows, ceiling height, HVAC, electrical, and fire separation requirements. Converting a garage without providing replacement parking is a zoning violation. The conversion must also comply with lot coverage maximums for the zoning district. If the converted space would create a separate dwelling unit (with its own kitchen and entrance), ADU restrictions apply and the conversion would not be permitted without special zoning approval. Detached garage conversions are subject to the same requirements. The Village Building Division reviews all conversion plans for code compliance before issuing permits.
Unpermitted garage conversions are subject to fines and an order to restore the garage to its original use or provide compliant replacement parking. Fines may range from $100 to $750 per day of violation. The Village may deny future permits until the violation is resolved. Contact Community Development at (847) 368-5100.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle garage conversions.
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