Committee Debates Easing Size Restrictions on Accessory Dwelling Units

Will County’s Land Use and Development Committee is considering changes to its accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations that could provide more flexibility for homeowners looking to create additional living spaces on their properties.

During Wednesday’s meeting, committee members discussed potentially easing the current size restrictions, which limit ADUs to either 49% of the principal dwelling’s size or 650 square feet, whichever is less.

“Most of these ADUs I’m seeing, they’re running around 1,000 square feet, 1,200 square feet,” said Colin, planning staff member. “Some of these properties are actually putting as their ADU a full-size house, 3,000 square feet plus.”

The committee’s discussion reflected growing interest in ADUs nationwide as housing costs rise and families seek solutions to accommodate aging relatives or adult children unable to afford their own homes.

“My children are not the only ones facing this. They need a home to move into and there are no homes below $500,000 that they can move into on the salaries that they make when they just start their jobs,” said committee member Bulock, who expressed support for making ADUs more accessible.

Committee members generally supported allowing larger ADUs, particularly on larger properties, with several suggesting that restrictions should be based on lot size rather than the size of the main dwelling.

“If you live on a 1-acre property, why can’t you have a 1,000 square foot ADU?” one member asked, while noting that properties with limited space should still have appropriate restrictions to prevent overdevelopment.

Staff noted that most ADU applications currently require variances or special use permits because they exceed the maximum allowable square footage.

Multiple committee members raised concerns about how ADUs might affect neighborhood character, particularly if used as rental properties. Member Newquist suggested that limiting ADU size helps prevent situations where “you live in $500,000 homes but you have renters in the back of yours.”

Planning staff cautioned about potential impacts on infrastructure and neighborhood density, noting that ADUs effectively double the density of a property, affecting “driveway space, more kids on the school bus, things like that.”

Building official Owen noted via teleconference that the county’s land resource management plan is “density based,” making increased housing density “an issue in that respect.”

Staff also raised questions about how to define ADUs when reviewing building plans, particularly when homes include features like double kitchens or secluded bedroom areas.

“Having some type of clarity of what we want to see as an accessory dwelling unit I think will be very helpful going forward,” said Marguerite, a staff member.

The committee did not take formal action on the issue but directed staff to continue developing potential changes to the ADU regulations for future consideration.

In a related case, the committee unanimously approved a special use permit for Jeffrey and Lou Anne Hunt to construct an attached accessory dwelling unit at their Wheatland Township property. The Hunts requested the ADU to allow them to “age in place” with a one-level living space.

“The bathrooms and the bedrooms are upstairs. Laundry is downstairs. We’re getting to the point in our lives where we can’t do stairs anymore,” Jeffrey Hunt told the committee. “Should we need assistance from family, we can be somewhat independent and they can be independent in the main house.”