05/05/2026
REAL ESTATE NEWS!
Illinois lawmakers may pass a "package" of bills - the "BUILD" Plan - into law to increase housing supply across the State. The BUILD Plan is a package of several separate laws that provide for everything from additional housing to be built by the State, to Statewide legalization of "Accessory Dwelling Units" on existing single-family properties. Here's an article with further info:
https://www.wandtv.com/news/statehouse/build-plan-il-lawmakers-could-pass-housing-development-bills-before-session-ends/article_5aeef89a-ad1a-48db-b9c3-af4746829f0d.html
However, local Municipal/City governments aren't too happy about a Statewide law that does not take into account that each municipality is different, with different housing needs, and that the law basically takes away each city's right to determine its own housing laws. Here's an article with further info about that as well:
https://www.wandtv.com/news/statehouse/illinois-municipal-league-introduces-alternative-housing-development-plan-realtors-strongly-oppose/article_99352fc5-613a-465e-8402-3f3878a563ce.html
**An interesting part of the BUILD Plan is the inclusion of an Amendment to the Illinois Municipal Code that would allow any owner of a single-family property to build at least one "Accessory Dwelling Unit" ("ADU") on his/her property. An ADU includes above-garage apartments, carriage houses, etc. Many of you may find this interesting, as it provides a means of rental income for residential property owners. Many municipalities already allow ADU's. This new Amendment would create a uniform Statewide law. Below is a synopsis of that Amendment, as well as a link to the full Amendment:
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. If passed, provides that, beginning January 1, 2027, each municipality shall, by ordinance, authorize the development of accessory dwelling units. Provides that each municipality shall permit accessory dwelling units in all zoning districts that permit single-family dwellings without additional requirements for lot size, setbacks, aesthetic requirements, design review requirements, frontage, space limitations, or other controls beyond those required for single-family dwelling units without an accessory dwelling unit. Provides that a municipality is not required to allow more than one accessory dwelling unit for any single-family dwelling. Provides that accessory dwelling units may be constructed at the same time as the principal dwelling unit. Provides that no municipality shall: (A) require additional automobile parking spaces for a property with an accessory dwelling unit beyond the requirements for a single-family dwelling unit without an accessory dwelling unit; (B) require the establishment of a familial relationship between the occupants of an accessory dwelling unit and the occupants of a principal dwelling unit; or (C) establish a minimum or maximum limit on (i) square footage of an accessory dwelling unit or (ii) the number of bedrooms of an accessory dwelling unit. Limits home rule powers.
https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus/FullText?GAID=18&DocNum=4071&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=0&SessionID=114
**Please call Lohman Law Group LLC for all of your residential and commercial real estate needs, whether you're buying or selling your home, renting an office, purchasing a horse farm or industrial property, or having foreclosure issues, we are here to help you!
Call us if you have any questions about this post or the attached articles.
Municipal leaders believe lawmakers should preserve local authority to ensure housing growth aligns with infrastructure capacity, public safety and professional planning.
