Accessory Structures in Chicago, IL (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Chicago, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Chicago ADU Ordinance: permanent program effective April 1, 2026 citywide (with aldermanic opt-in for single-family RS zones). Pilot program active in 5 zones since 2021. Coach houses up to 1,200 sq ft.
Chicago Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Chicago regulates ADUs through the Additional Dwelling Unit pilot program codified at Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 17-2 and Section 17-9-0118, adopted by ordinance in December 2020. The pilot operates in five designated zones citywide, with permits issued by the Department of Buildings.
Chicago ADU Permit Process Under Pilot
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Chicago does not charge impact fees on ADUs. Standard Department of Buildings permit fees apply based on construction value under Chicago Municipal Code Section 14A-12-109. ADUs in three pilot zones qualify for the Chicago Recovery Plan ADU Grant of up to $50,000.
Chicago ADU Permit Fees and Exemptions
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Chicago Municipal Code Section 17-9-0118-D requires owner-occupancy of either the principal unit or the ADU for the first five years after permit issuance in some pilot zones, recorded by a covenant. The South and Southeast zones have no owner-occupancy requirement.
Chicago ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Chicago Municipal Code Section 4-14 (Shared Housing Ordinance) requires every short-term rental unit to be licensed individually. ADUs and coach houses in the pilot program at MCC 17-9-0118 cannot be operated as short-term rentals.
Chicago ADU Short-Term Rental Rules
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Sheds and accessory structures require Chicago Building Code permit. MCC Title 13 governs. Setback and size requirements per zoning. Contact Chicago Dept of Buildings.
Chicago Shed & Accessory Structure Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Chicago authorizes garage conversions to coach houses (detached ADUs) and conversion units (attic/basement ADUs) under the Additional Dwelling Unit Ordinance. The pilot ordinance (effective May 2021) was made permanent and city-wide by Ordinance SO2024-0008918, which the City Council passed 46-0 on September 25, 2025, with permits accepted starting April 1, 2026. ADUs are now allowed in single-family zones within the original pilot areas plus all multifamily zones citywide (except downtown).
Chicago Garage Conversion to Coach House / ADU
Some RestrictionsChicago Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance, expanded September 2025
The Additional Dwelling Units (ADU) Ordinance was first approved by Chicago City Council in 2020, resulting in the creation of five ADU Pilot Areas. In September 2025, City Council voted to expand the ADU ordinance beyond the pilot program allowing for ADU access more broadly across Chicago. The City of Chicago Municipal Code distinguishes ADUs between "conversion" and "coach house" units. A co...
Carport Rules
Carports in Chicago are regulated as accessory structures under the Zoning Ordinance (Title 17, Section 17-9-0200). They must comply with setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for the applicable zoning district.
Chicago Carport Regulations
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Chicago does not have specific tiny home regulations. Tiny homes on foundations are treated as standard dwelling units under the Building Code and Zoning Ordinance. The recently adopted ADU ordinance provides a pathway for accessory dwelling units but does not specifically address tiny homes on wheels.
Chicago Tiny Home Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chicago city rules.
Accessory Structures in Cook County →