Parking mandates are so last year 🚗
While we're bummed that the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance was "deferred and published" at this month's City Council meeting, it did a greatjob diverting attention away from Ald. La Spata's parking reform ordinance. After the ADU debate concluded, parking reform was approved unanimously on a voice vote by City Council. So, what does this ordinance actually do, and why is it such a big deal?
- Applies to "transit-served locations" as defined by the Connected Communities Ordinance:
- Within 1,320 feet of specific CTA bus corridors 🚍
- Within 2,640 feet of CTA or Metra rail station entrances or exits 🚇
- The option to provide zero parking is extended to RS and RT zoning districts for the first time (these zoning districts are where the majority of detached houses and 2-to-6 flats exist and get built)
- The requirement to get an “administrative adjustment” for providing zero parking is eliminated, except in downtown and very small parts of the city where Metra is the primary transit option
All in all, the elimination of parking mandates across the vast majority of Chicago will help increase housing supply and lower housing costs. Many buildings and vacant lots no longer have the number of homes allowed constrained by how much parking is required to fit on a property. Eliminating parking requirements can also boost ADU construction; a backyard ADU in a transit-served location can now be constructed as a single-story, slab-on-grade structure with no parking, which could lower construction costs by 40%.
1840 N. Marcey is moving forward! 🏗
After a yearlong saga, Sterling Bay finally received Ald. Waguespack's blessing to build 590 new homes, including 20% affordable homes, in Lincoln Park. The $350 million project will contain 147 parking spots, a reduction of 60%from the 360 spots originally proposed. We appreciate Ald. Waguespack's recognition that the best way to mitigate concerns about traffic is to reduce the number of cars!
At the Zoning Committee hearing, Sterling Bay's Frederic Krol thanked "affordable housing advocates [who] helped to showcase the real strength and benefits of this $350M investment". This is another major project that would not have happened without our support. Great work, everyone! 💪
Thank Ald. Waguespack for supporting 590 new homes!
ADUs need your support (again!)
The ordinance to allow ADUs citywide was "deferred and published" by Ald. Quinn and Ald. Mitchell at the July 16 City Council meeting, pushing back a vote to September 25, 2025 at the earliest. ADUs are an essential part of reducing the shortage of homes in Chicago and providing more housing options in all neighborhoods.
Since we're not over the finish line yet, we need your help once more!
🥰 If you live in one of these wards - 1, 6, 12, 25, 26, 27, 30, 34, 35, 36, 43, 44, or 46 - please contact your alderperson and thank them for voting in favor of ADUs at the Zoning Committee meeting.
✉️ For residents of all other wards, we encourage you to write to your alder to ask or remind them to support the ADU ordinance. Some alders have already voted no in Zoning Committee, but there is still time to change minds. Describing how you or your loved ones would benefit from ADU legalization is the best way to win an alder over! If you're up for it, meeting with your alder in person can be even more impactful, especially if you coordinate with other AHIL members to attend as a small group (we can help with this!).
Look up your Alderperson and their contact info
Finally, please sign our ADU petition if you have not already done so and text the link to three people in Chicago you know.
Housing-a-thon on August 13th! 🏘️
On August 13th @ 6:30 pm, join Strong Towns Chicago, Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU), Abundant Housing Illinois (AHIL), and the Parking Reform Network for an evening of energizing, small-group discussions rotating around a variety of housing topics! We're excited to brainstorm effective ways to advocate for abundant housing and tackle our housing shortage. No prior experience is required!
Come celebrate Ratnika's AHIL achivements with us on August 14th! 😊
Our wonderful Lead Ratnika is moving back to San Francisco to take on the most notorious NIMBYs, but not before one last hurrah in Chicago! Join us on Ratnika's snazzy South Loop rooftop deck on August 14th @ 6:30 for a fun goodbye party / August abundant housing happy hour! This event will be BYOB but snacks will be provided.