In this issue:

• Special Edition: Pritzker’s War on Single-Family Homes

Special Edition: Pritzker’s War on Single-Family Homes

Gov. JB Pritzker has a plan to allow multi-unit dwellings to be built in neighborhoods zoned exclusively for single-family homes. For instance, his plan would allow a 4-flat to be built on a lot between 2,500 to 5,000 square feet. (A ⅛-acre lot is about 5,000 square feet.) Six units could be built on a lot between 5,000 and 7,500 square feet. His Building Up Illinois Developments Plan (BUILD) will override municipal codes concerning single-family zoning. High-density housing, like the triplex pictured here, is his solution to the state’s housing shortage. Its footprint is 50 feet by 50 feet.

The bills for this legislation are still in committee and have faced fierce opposition from suburban mayors, but Pritzker will push Democrats to pass them in the fall session. The BUILD Plan will allow developers to construct apartment buildings, condominiums, duplexes, triplexes, accessory dwelling units and other Missing Middle housing on lots zoned for single-family homes.Click Here to learn more about the Missing Middle.

Local mayors staunchly oppose the plan because it strips away local control. Working within the Illinois Municipal League, they have voiced their opposition and offered a plan of their own. See the Illinois Municipal League's Counter Proposal

Mayor Tom Dailly of Schaumburg - “This legislation is terrible and a total threat to local communities like Schaumburg that have worked hard to create a viable and livable community for its residents.”

Mayor Rodney Craig of Hanover Park - “We are serious about these issues, and I haven’t felt this level of stress during my 19 years in office.”

Mayor Craig B. Johnson of Elk Grove Village - “Under the Building Up Illinois Developments proposal, homes in Elk Grove could be replaced with 6–8-unit apartment buildings — by right, with no Village approval and no input from neighbors.” Click here to read: Proposed State Law Would Change Elk Grove Neighborhoods

State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro - “The constant attacks on local control by Springfield must end… Under the BUILD Plan, decisions about what gets built in our neighborhoods could be made by politicians who don't live in or even know our area.”

Where Did This Idea Originate?

During the Obama Administration, HUD created the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Plan (AFFH) to restrict single-family zoning, citing it as an obstacle to fair housing. President Trump terminated the rule saying it would “destroy the value of houses.” Biden restored it in 2021 and said, “Single-family zoning is discriminatory.” Trump terminated the rule again in 2024. JB Pritzker is running for president in 2028. Having accomplished this major legislation would make him a hero in Democrat circles.

State Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro (R) strongly opposes the BUILD Plan; however, State Senator Laura Murphy (D) is a co-sponsor. Michelle Mussman (D) and Fred Crespo (D) have not weighed in publicly. Why not call them, and tell them what you think? It’s not too late.

The BUILD Plan is structured as separate bills. We suggest you reference the bill number when you correspond with your senator or state representative.

House Bill 5626 is an omnibus housing bill targeting municipal zoning, legalization of accessory dwelling units, parking reform, and permit review timelines.

Senate Bill 4060 mandates that municipalities must allow for multi-unit dwellings in areas zoned for single-family homes.

Senate Bill 4061 mandates that municipalities allow residential buildings with six stories or less to have only one stairway serving as an exit for all units.

Senate Bill 4062 mandates that municipalities authorized to collect impact fees must use a standardized statewide formula.

Senate Bill 4063 requires municipalities to complete building plan reviews and inspections within an allotted time, or the applicant may hire a third-party reviewer or inspector.

Senate Bill 4064 limits the number of required parking spaces municipalities can mandate for residential developments, capping them at 0.5 spaces per unit. (This will lead to overflow parking on the street.)