Thinking about turning your basement into a rental or adding a backyard coach house in East Garfield Park? You are not alone. ADUs can add flexibility for family, create steady income, and boost long‑term value. This guide breaks down what is allowed today, how long it takes, what changes in 2026, and how the new opt‑in rules affect East Garfield Park. Let’s dive in.
ADU basics in Chicago
What counts as an ADU
ADUs in Chicago come in two forms: interior conversion units, like basement or attic apartments inside your existing building, and detached coach houses in the backyard. Both are allowed under Chicago’s ADU program with different design and permitting steps. For a clear overview of the city’s framework, see this summary of the original pilot and rules that took effect in 2021 from a Chicago land‑use firm.
Where ADUs are allowed today
Chicago first legalized ADUs in five pilot zones on May 1, 2021. East Garfield Park appears within the Northwest and West pilot areas in local program materials, which means many addresses in the neighborhood are eligible under the pilot rules. Always confirm eligibility for your specific parcel using the city’s ADU intake and map, summarized on the Chicago Cityscape ADU page and the NHS Chicago ADU manual.
Key rules for East Garfield Park
Zoning and building limits
Coach houses have height and size limits, typically topping out around 22 feet in height with floor area capped by lot and setback rules. Interior conversions must fit within the existing building and meet building‑code standards such as ceiling heights. Chicago’s ADU program generally does not require adding new off‑street parking for an ADU, as outlined in the city’s parking adjustments described by Chicago Cityscape.
Use and occupancy restrictions
ADUs created under the ordinance cannot be used as short‑term rentals like Airbnb or VRBO. This restriction is a core rule of the program, confirmed in the city’s pilot overview by Elrod Friedman. In some pilot areas the city also applied owner‑occupancy requirements and per‑block permit caps. These rules varied by zone under the pilot and may still apply depending on your parcel’s location.
Affordability triggers for multiple units
If you add two or more interior ADUs in one building, affordability requirements tied to the City’s Affordable Requirements Ordinance can apply. These rules set income‑restricted rents for certain units for a period of time. Policy summaries of these thresholds are outlined in program analyses by Illinois Policy.
Timelines and process
Step‑by‑step path
- Confirm address eligibility and start the city’s ADU pre‑approval intake, as summarized on Chicago Cityscape’s ADU portal.
- Provide required neighbor and alderman notice, then file the notice affidavit with your application, outlined in the pilot summary.
- Hire an architect or engineer, prepare plans, and submit for Chicago Department of Buildings plan review and permits.
- Build, schedule inspections, and obtain final approval before occupancy.
How long it takes
Plan review and permitting usually take multiple months. Analyses of Chicago ADU permits show average times around 3 to 4 months from application to permit issuance, based on 2024 tracking reported by Illinois Policy. Construction time varies by scope, with interior conversions typically faster than new coach houses. Many projects span several months to a year from decision to move‑in.
Fees and costs
Expect city permit deposits and plan review fees, potential water or sewer fees, public‑way permits where needed, plus design and construction costs. Recent program reviews note that fees for a single ADU often run from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, with total project costs much higher depending on design and site conditions. See the cost discussion in Illinois Policy’s ADU analysis.
What changes on April 1, 2026
Citywide expansion and opt‑in
The City Council passed a substitute ordinance to expand ADUs citywide, scheduled to take effect April 1, 2026. The law opens ADUs in more zoning districts and creates an opt‑in system for many RS single‑family zones outside the original pilots, while treating the pilot areas as already opted in. You can review the legislative details on the City Council legislation page and a plain‑English summary from Abundant Housing Illinois.
East Garfield Park implications
If your East Garfield Park address falls within the original pilot map, you remain eligible under those rules. If your property is in an RS zone outside the pilot coverage, eligibility after April 1, 2026 will depend on your alderperson opting the area in. Residents who support ADUs should contact their alder office and neighborhood groups, since the new ordinance places local decision power at the ward level, as summarized by Abundant Housing Illinois.
Labor requirement for coach houses
Under the 2025 substitute ordinance, contractors building coach houses must participate in a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program. This condition is specific to coach house permits, so verify your builder’s qualifications early. See the requirement summarized in the ADU FAQ.
Financing and tax considerations
NHS grants and assistance
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago has operated ADU planning and construction grants targeted to the five pilot zones, which include parts of East Garfield Park. Programs have included planning grants up to $10,000 for eligible owner‑occupants, with forgivable construction grants subject to conditions. Availability changes over time, so review current details in the NHS ADU manual before applying.
Property tax and assessments
Adding an ADU generally increases your assessed value. The Cook County Assessor’s Office has stated that new units boost assessed value and that standard procedures apply, with a possible Home Improvement Exemption for a limited period after permitted work. Review the Assessor’s position and speak with your tax advisor, starting with this Assessor’s update on ADUs.
Quick checklist for East Garfield Park owners
- Confirm parcel eligibility on the city ADU intake and map, starting with the Cityscape ADU page.
- Decide on interior conversion or a detached coach house, then scope your budget and timeline.
- Line up an architect and contractor, and for coach houses confirm the apprenticeship program requirement.
- Complete neighbor and alder notice, submit pre‑approval, then file for permits.
- If you plan multiple interior ADUs, review affordability rules before finalizing plans.
- Explore grant options with NHS Chicago if you are an eligible owner‑occupant in the pilot area.
Ready to explore whether an ADU fits your property, budget, and goals in East Garfield Park? Get design‑forward guidance, a clear timeline, and a plan to maximize value with Julie Latsko.
FAQs
Are ADUs currently allowed in East Garfield Park?
- Many addresses fall within the city’s pilot zones covering East Garfield Park, but eligibility is parcel‑specific, so check your address via the city’s intake and map summarized on the Cityscape ADU page.
How long does an ADU permit take in Chicago?
- Plan for several months, with analyses showing roughly 3 to 4 months from application to permit issuance on average, plus construction time based on project scope.
Can I use my ADU as a short‑term rental?
- No, Chicago’s ADU rules prohibit using ADUs as short‑term or vacation rentals like Airbnb or VRBO.
What happens after April 1, 2026 with opt‑ins?
- The city expands ADUs, and RS single‑family areas outside the pilot will need aldermanic opt‑in, so contact your alder office if your block is not currently covered.
Will an ADU raise my property taxes in Cook County?
- Likely yes, since adding habitable space or units increases assessed value, and you should consult the Cook County Assessor about possible exemptions and timing.
