Accessory Structures in Aurora, IL (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Aurora, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Aurora permits detached ADUs on lots with single-family homes on lots over 6,000 sq ft. Maximum ADU size is 650 sq ft and 24 ft height. Property owner must occupy either the primary or ADU. ADUs may be used as short-term rentals by owner-occupants.
Aurora IL ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Aurora, Illinois does not have an 'accessory dwelling unit' as a defined use category in Chapter 49 (Zoning Ordinance) of the Aurora Code of Ordinances. Single-family districts permit only one dwelling unit per lot; a second self-contained dwelling generally requires the parcel to lie in a two-family or higher-density district, or for the owner to obtain a variance or special use approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Illinois has no statewide ADU enabling statute as of 2026, so all authority sits with the home-rule city under 65 ILCS 5/1-2-1 and Article VII Section 6 of the Illinois Constitution.
Aurora IL ADU Permits (No Codified ADU Use — Chapter 49 Zoning Ordinance Controls)
Heavy RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Illinois does not have a statewide development impact fee enabling statute. Aurora, as a home-rule municipality, may impose impact fees under 65 ILCS 5/1-2-1, but the city does not levy general residential impact fees. New residential construction inside Aurora pays standard building permit fees calculated on construction valuation, plus school and park land/cash donations under the city's subdivision and annexation ordinances when a parcel is subdivided or platted. Because Aurora has no codified ADU use, no separate ADU-specific impact fee exists.
Aurora IL ADU Impact Fees (No General Impact Fee on Residential — School/Park Donations Possible)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Aurora's Chapter 49 Zoning Ordinance does not contain an explicit owner-occupancy requirement for accessory dwellings because the city does not recognize ADUs as a defined use. Where second dwelling units have been approved through use variations or special use permits, the Zoning Board of Appeals has typically attached conditions tied to the specific parcel. Aurora's rental property licensing (Chapter 22 of the City Code) requires all rental dwelling units in the city to be licensed annually, regardless of owner-occupancy.
Aurora IL ADU Owner-Occupancy (No Codified Rule — Variance Conditions and Rental Licensing Apply)
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Long-term rental of any dwelling unit in Aurora (including any second unit lawfully created through a variance) requires an annual rental property license under Chapter 22 of the Aurora Code of Ordinances, with a per-unit fee, designated local agent, and periodic inspections. Short-term rentals under 30 days are regulated through the city's home-occupation and special-use provisions in Chapter 49 and remain disfavored in single-family districts. Illinois prohibits municipal rent control under 50 ILCS 825/ (Rent Control Preemption Act).
Aurora IL ADU Rental Rules (Rental Licensing Under Ch. 22; No State Rent Control)
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Aurora requires permits for accessory structures. Sheds must comply with setback requirements from property lines. Maximum building coverage limits apply. Sheds must be consistent with the residential character of the neighborhood.
Aurora IL Shed & Storage Building Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Aurora requires building permits for garage conversions to living space. Converted space must meet habitable space building code requirements. Lost parking may need to be replaced depending on zoning requirements.
Aurora IL Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Aurora requires permits for carport construction. Carports must meet setback requirements and may count toward lot coverage maximums. Open-sided structures still require engineering review in snow-load areas.
Aurora IL Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Aurora's ADU provisions allow detached dwelling units up to 650 sq ft on qualifying lots. Tiny homes on wheels are generally not permitted as permanent residences. All dwelling units must meet building code minimum standards.