5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Cook County, Illinois.
Verified from official government sources
Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Cook County are subject to the Cook County Zoning Ordinance (Ord. 01-O-30). ADUs may be permitted in certain zoning districts as accessory uses. A building permit and zoning compliance are required.
Cook County Zoning Ordinance Administration — Variance/Special Use
Administration of the zoning ordinance shall be exercised through a person in the Department of Building and Zoning designated as the Zoning Administrator. All permits for use of land or buildings and certificates of occupancy, except as otherwise provided by the zoning ordinance, shall be reviewed and approved by the Department of Building and Zoning. The Zoning Administrator shall affix a cer...
Cook County requires a permit for all new sheds and detached garages, including prefabricated or modular structures over 4 feet tall. The Cook County Zoning Ordinance governs setbacks and placement in unincorporated areas.
Cook County ePermit — Shed/Detached Garage
Shed/Detached Garage — A permit is required for all new sheds/detached garages. This also includes prefabricated or modular sheds or outdoor storage structures above 4'-0". When repairing or replacing an existing non-conforming structure, a variance will be needed to bring it into compliance with Cook County building codes and Zoning Ordinance. A shed or detached garage larger than 144 square f...
Converting a garage to living space in unincorporated Cook County requires a building permit and zoning compliance. The conversion must meet the 2009 International Residential Code for habitable space. Off-street parking requirements must still be satisfied.
Cook County Department of Building and Zoning — Mission and Jurisdiction
The Department of Building and Zoning's mission is to promote the health, safety and welfare of all constituents throughout unincorporated Cook County. In order to perform its mission, the Department conducts plan reviews and responsible, timely inspections of buildings and properties, as well as enforces all applicable building codes and zoning ordinances. The Department's work involves review...
Carports in unincorporated Cook County require a building permit from the Department of Building and Zoning. They are classified as accessory structures under the Zoning Ordinance and must comply with setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for the applicable residential district.
Cook County Building Permit Requirement Guidelines
Building Permit Requirement Guidelines — All permits must now be submitted in digital format. To facilitate the approval of a building permit application, please review the requirements for your construction project as listed on the flyers available in the right-hand column in alphabetical order, and make your submission digitally. Please choose the applicable flyer for your specific project(s)...
Cook County does not have a specific tiny home ordinance. Tiny homes in unincorporated areas must comply with the adopted International Building Code (2009 IBC) under Chapter 102 and the Cook County Zoning Ordinance. ADUs are not broadly permitted by right; a zoning variation may be required.
10 cities in Cook County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
9 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
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