An analysis of city-issued permits shows that homeowners in gentrified wards are building accessory dwelling units at much higher rates than those in less well-off communities.
In an evaluation of Chicago’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) program, “The city’s Housing Department ran the data and found, at this early stage, the program is working in some ways but is challenged in others. It might just be adding expensive units in already expensive neighborhoods.”
As David Roeder reports for the Chicago Sun-Times, The program began as an experiment in “gently” expanding the housing supply to lower rents and create a revenue source for families. The city found that the program has not made an impact in neighborhoods with many vacant lots, nor are ADUs technically permitted to operate as short-term rental units to assuage concerns about transient occupancy.
According to the analysis, “83% of the approved units are slated to go in zones on the North or Northwest sides,” the more affluent parts of the city. This means that “In places plagued by crime and disinvestment, little is happening with ADUs.”
According to Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara, the discrepancy comes as no surprise. “By itself, the program can’t do much about longstanding inequity in real estate. Owners with greater disposable incomes are investing in the units while being in a high-rent area creates an incentive to build.” And while the city has made some grants available for ADU projects, Steven Vance of the Chicago Cityscape real estate information service says it could do more to support ADU construction for homeowners who can’t afford the upfront costs.
FULL STORY: City’s test of additional dwelling units finds most takers in gentrified wards
Montana Judge Blocks Zoning Reforms
The decision reverses new laws once dubbed the ‘Montana Miracle.’
A Look at Milwaukee’s Zoning Reform Proposal
The ‘Growing MKE’ plan calls for allowing ADUs, reducing barriers to new construction, and expanding the types of housing available in the city’s residential areas.
More ADUs Than Single Homes Being Built in Seattle
Permits for accessory dwelling units jumped by 250 percent between 2019 and 2022.
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.
Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.
San Francisco Turns On California’s First Speed Cameras
The city is the first in the state to use automated traffic enforcement to reduce speeding and traffic deaths.
Shaping LA’s Future: Public Voting Opens for LA2050 Grants
The LA2050 Grants Challenge invites Angelenos to vote on the top issues facing Los Angeles, helping direct $3 million in funding to organizations working to build a more connected and resilient region.
Chicago Transit Agencies on Brink of Major Crisis
Without additional funding, regional transit agencies will be forced to cut services by 40 percent.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Florida Atlantic University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
City of Piedmont, CA
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland