Release of Evanston’s Guide to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

We’re happy to introduce Evanston’s Guide to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

Co-authored by EDC and the City of Evanston, this comprehensive 20-page resource covers the options for what you can build in your backyard, key zoning regulations, and important topics like financing and permitting.

The Guide is written based on new regulations for ADUs which were passed by Evanston City Council in September of 2020, which were highlighted in the Washington Post in 2021. As a result of this Ordinance, “internal” ADUs within the primary residence and garage conversions are now permitted. The ADU Guide explores all the options allowed in Evanston today, and it provides a summary of the zoning rules which apply to each structure.

The Guide also provides information and graphics on reduced parking regulations for ADUs, which were relaxed in the September 2020 ADU Ordinance. As of now, a homeowner that builds an ADU in Evanston only needs to maintain or replace the existing parking on their property. They do not need to add any additional off-street parking when building an ADU. EDC views these policies, along with amendments to the definition of “building lot coverage,” as vital steps towards accessibility and age friendliness in the built environment, given that these regulations help facilitate design options for ground-level living.

As a community-owned social enterprise, EDC is proud to partner on education and advocacy initiatives around housing types, policies and programs that promote socio-economic diversity in all Evanston neighborhoods. When looking at ADUs through a racial equity lens, EDC believes that Evanston’s ADU Ordinance shifts our city away from exclusionary, “single-family only” zoning policies. Our cooperative also sees ADUs as more sustainable from an energy consumption and land use perspective than a “one lot and one house per family” mindset.

The Guide was made possible through generous support from an AARP Community Challenge grant, which are quick-action projects that strive to help make communities more livable for people of all ages. AARP has published an array of resources on ADUs as a flexible housing option for America’s older adults, and their Illinois office commended the City of Evanston for its work on ADUs during the September 29, 2020 City Council meeting.

EDC designs and builds energy-efficient ADUs for Evanston homeowners and residents. As a local worker cooperative, we pursue initiatives focused on housing affordability, racial equity, and climate resiliency. Our work on ADUs has been covered by Crain’s Chicago Business, the Evanston RoundTable, and Evanston Now.

For more information, please contact us at info@evanston.coop or (847) - 497 - 0167.