Chicago's City Council decided to remove a 63-year-old ban on Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) in December 2020 to increase affordable housing availability. Many people are still not convinced that it was the right decision for Chicago's future.

Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) are small outbuildings that typically lack a garage. They are also known as coach houses, laneway houses, rear houses, granny flats, carriage houses, or mother-in-law apartments. The ordinance passed in 2020 allows people to reclassify existing buildings as ADU's and be constructed on empty residential lots or as add-ons to existing buildings.

In the past, coach houses could only be used as main standalone residential units with burdensome and expensive zoning changes. Existing structures in basements or attics must be at least 20 years old and be located in a residential zoning district (RM, RS, or RT, except RS-1).

Proponents of lifting the ban believe ADUs will help increase density and affordable housing in the city. They say this is an innovative way for Chicago to combat the rising #housing challenge by adding cheap accommodation inventory, giving residents financial stability, and energizing neighborhoods.

Opponents of this program believe that increasing housing density will fall short of its goal and ultimately negatively impact communities. This includes more noise, fewer parking options, and decreased privacy, among other concerns.

The question up for debate: Should Chicago have reversed its longtime ban on coach houses and Additional Dwelling Units?