BLDG Projects and ADU Construction in Chicago
In December 2020, the Chicago City Council adopted an ordinance that re-legalized Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — commonly referred to as coach houses, granny flats, basement units, or backyard cottages. The ordinance established five pilot areas across the city: North, Northwest, West, South, and Southeast. Since the ordinance passed, demand for ADU construction has grown significantly, and BLDG Projects has positioned itself as one of the more active ADU contractors in the city, currently holding the third most active ADU construction permits in Chicago.
As an experienced ADU builder operating in Chicago, BLDG Projects specializes in ADU design and construction, helping property owners navigate the process of adding legal dwelling units to their existing properties. This includes coach house conversions, basement unit buildouts, attic conversions, and garage conversion projects — all within the framework of Chicago's ADU ordinance.
For homeowners, the ADU ordinance offers a practical path to adding living space or generating rental income without the need for rezoning. Every legalized unit can increase overall building value while also creating an additional income stream for the property owner.
ADU Eligibility and Pilot Zones
To qualify for an ADU, a property must be located within one of the five designated pilot zones and within an R-zoned district — either RM, RS, or RT zoning (with some exceptions). The City of Chicago provides an online zoning map to help property owners determine their district. Permits for ADU construction began being issued in May 2021.
The five ADU pilot zones are defined as follows:
- North Zone: Bounded by Devon, the lakefront, Lawrence, Clarendon, Halsted, Diversey, Lincoln, Belmont, the North Branch of the Chicago River, the North Shore Channel, Peterson, California, Granville, and Seeley.
- Northwest Zone: Bounded by the Eisenhower Expressway, Sacramento, Fulton, Damen, Chicago, Western, Hirsch, Rockwell, North, Sacramento, Bloomingdale, Kedzie, Palmer, Kostner, Fullerton, Central Park, Belle Plaine, Lawndale, Montrose, Harding, Lawrence, Kedzie, Elston, California, Fullerton, Western, North, and Ashland.
- West Zone: Bounded by the Eisenhower Expressway, Homan, the South Branch of the Chicago River, and 4600 West.
- South Zone: Bounded by Cicero, 7500 South, Kedzie, 71st St., Halsted, 63rd St., 600 West, 47th St., King, 60th St., Dorchester, 65th St., Cottage Grove, 67th St., the Dan Ryan Expressway, 95th St., Ashland, and 87th St.
- Southeast Zone: Bounded by 8300 South, the city limits, Torrence, 95th St., Commercial, 83rd Pl., and Houston.
What Counts as an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a secondary home or apartment that shares the lot of a larger, primary residence. Common forms of ADUs include:
- Backyard cottage or coach house
- Granny flat or in-law suite
- Built-out basement unit
- Dwelling space above a garage
- Attic conversion unit
BLDG Projects works with property owners across Chicago's eligible pilot zones to plan and build these types of units. Their active permit count reflects a consistent volume of ADU work within the city, making them a notable option for homeowners looking to explore accessory dwelling unit construction on their property.