The number of permits requests for accessory dwelling units in Evanston this year is on pace to surpass those from the previous year.
So far, two ADU permits have been issued this year, based on an Evanston Now review of zoning permits, with 11 others still pending or under review.
Over the past five years the fourth quarter each year has seen an average of 2.4 ADU permit requests submitted, so it appears likely the permit total for 2026 will slightly exceed last year’s level.
Since 2021, over 50 permits have been approved, while just over a dozen more have been proposed, but are either still pending or no longer being pursued by the property owner.
Starting in 2018, Evanston began to loosen its rules on ADUs, first by eliminating a ban on rental of coach houses to individuals unrelated to the homeowner. Then in 2020, alders approved changes to allow construction of ADUs on most residentially zoned lots.
But with nearly 34,000 total housing units in the city, adding around a dozen new ADUs per year isn’t substantially increasing the housing supply.
Ways to boost production of ADUs will likely be considered as Evanston begins the process of overhauling its zoning code.
Envision Evanston 2045, the city’s comprehensive plan adopted by the City Council in January, calls on looking into the development of preapproved design plans for ADUs, duplexes, triplexes and “other neighborhood-scale housing in order to expedite approval processes and reduce development costs.”
It also proposes developing a technical assistance program to help low- and moderate-income homeowners build ADUs that will provide additional income, while helping high-income homeowners build ADUs with affordability requirements.