The Chicago City Council's Zoning Committee voted 13-7 on July 15, 2025, to advance a proposal legalizing the construction of "granny flats" and coach houses citywide with limited restrictions. This measure would allow homeowners to build basement, attic, and coach house dwellings without needing special permission from city officials, aiming to increase affordable housing options. The proposal includes safeguards to protect the Bungalow Belt neighborhood. The measure was scheduled for a full City Council vote on July 16, 2025. However, the vote was blocked by Aldermen Marty Quinn and Greg Mitchell through a parliamentary procedure, delaying the decision until the next City Council meeting. Negotiations to move the proposal forward fell apart, and opponents prevented a vote on the measure. Meanwhile, the City Council is also considering a separate proposal to approve a 590-unit apartment complex in Lincoln Park, backed by developer Sterling Bay. Additionally, new rules for backyard and basement apartments were released by the city. The debate reflects ongoing tensions around housing development and zoning reforms in Chicago, with some advocates calling for further changes such as eliminating parking minimums citywide.
Opponents of a proposal to allow Chicagoans to build basement, attic and coach house dwellings across the city without obtaining special permission from city officials blocked a vote on the measure Wednesday, after last-minute negotiations fell apart. https://t.co/2QpzLKVlQr
This is huge for Chicago, but we will not rest until parking minimums are eliminated CITY-WIDE! https://t.co/xFvyHZpi1t
Ald Beale says it’s time to end allowing aldermen remote access to City Council meetings. @ChiCouncil https://t.co/jvWUqNYX98