The first month of a three-year pilot program that legalizes the construction and conversion of coach houses—a local form of accessory dwelling unit—is responding to strong demand in Chicago.
Sarah Freishat reports: "Applications to build coach houses, basement units and attic apartments poured in during the first month of a pilot program in Chicago, as the addition of units became legal in the city for the first time in nearly 65 years."
In all, the city received more than 150 applications for coach house construction or conversion projects in the first month of the program, according to Freishat.
"The program is designed to expand access to moderate-cost and affordable housing, provide space for multigenerational living, and generate revenue property owners can use to offset taxes, maintenance and other home expenses," explains Freishat. For now, the program is limited to five zones within the city. The results of the pilot program will determine where and how to expand the program in the future.
More details on the opportunities and constraints of the new program can be found in the source article.
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