Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, if a municipality adopts zoning regulations, then the zoning regulations adopted by the municipality must include a minimum of 5 of 14 specified housing strategies, applicable to the majority of the area where residential development is permitted in the municipality. Provides that, if a municipality has adopted one of the specified housing strategies before the effective date of the amendatory Act, then the housing strategy is considered adopted. Provides that, if a municipality adopts a housing strategy that satisfies 2 or more of the specified housing strategies, then only one strategy may be considered to have been adopted for purposes of compliance with the requirements added by the Amendatory Act.
Creates the Local Accessory Dwelling Unit Act. Provides that a unit of local government may not prohibit the building or usage of accessory dwelling units in the unit of local government. Provides that a unit of local government may provide reasonable regulations relating to the size and location of accessory dwelling units similar to other accessory structures unless a regulation would have the effect of prohibiting accessory dwelling units. Provides that, for the purposes of the Act, a regulation is considered to have the effect of prohibiting an accessory dwelling unit if it: (1) explicitly disallows the construction of accessory dwelling units; (2) imposes fees other than building permit review; (3) applies standards that would render such units inconsistent with other local land use laws; (4) imposes design, bulk, and density standards that would physically preclude the project; (5) requires off-street parking spaces; or (6) requires corrections of nonconformities of the principal dwelling unit. Provides that that a unit of local government shall approve or deny an application for a permit to create or serve an accessory dwelling unit by right and without discretionary review. Requires the unit of local government to either approve or deny the application to create or serve an accessory dwelling unit within 60 days from the date the unit of local government receives a completed application if there is an existing single-family or multi-family dwelling on the lot. Provides that, if the unit of local government has not approved or denied the completed application within 60 days, then the application shall be deemed approved unless the Act provides for additional time. Provides that, if a unit of local government denies an application for an accessory dwelling unit, then the unit of local government shall return a full set of comments to the applicant in writing with a list of items that are defective or deficient and a description of how the application can be remedied by the applicant. Provides that a unit of local government shall not deny an application for a permit to create an accessory dwelling unit due to the correction of nonconforming zoning conditions, building code violations, or unpermitted structures that do not present a threat to public health and safety and are not affected by the construction of the accessory dwelling unit. Defines terms. Limits home rule powers.
Amends the Zoning Division of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, for all new development after January 1, 2026, each city with a population of 25,000 or more shall allow the development of all middle housing types on lots or parcels with a total area greater than 5,000 square feet and that are zoned for any type of residential use. Provides that each city with a population of more than 10,000 and less than 25,000 shall allow the development of a duplex on each lot or parcel zoned for residential use that allows for the development of detached single-family dwellings. Provides that municipalities may regulate siting and design of middle housing provided that the regulations do not, individually or cumulatively, discourage the development of all middle housing types permitted in the area through unreasonable costs or delay. Provides that municipalities may regulate middle housing to comply with protective measures adopted under statewide land use planning goals. Limits home rule powers.
Creates the Affordable Communities Act. Defines "zoning unit" as a county, municipality, or township that has adopted zoning regulations, and defines other terms. Provides that, on and after June 1, 2026, for a zoning unit with a population equal to or greater than 100,000, regulations may not prevent the development of any middle housing types permitted in the zoning unit through unreasonable costs, delay, or procedural requirements. Allows zoning units to regulate middle housing to comply with protective measures adopted under statewide land use planning goals. Requires adoption of zoning ordinances and zoning maps consistent with the Act by June 1, 2026 for zoning units with a population equal to or greater than 100,000. Provides that the Illinois Housing Development Authority shall develop a model middle housing ordinance that must be used if a zoning unit fails to adopt the required ordinance or zoning map. Allows the Authority to grant exceptions to compliance under specified situations. Requires the Authority to adopt rules regarding the form and substance of a zoning unit's application for an extension, and allows the Authority to adopt other rules relating an extension. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Grants the Authority emergency rulemaking authority to implement the Affordable Communities Act. Effective immediately.
