Bill

HB 3552

Relating to regional career centers.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lucetta Elmer and 5 co-sponsors

HB 3552 prohibits local bans on ADUs, streamlines permitting, and limits regulations to boost ADU construction while maintaining some oversight.

In committee upon adjournment.

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · HB 3552

HB 3552 — Local Accessory Dwelling Unit Act (Introduced Feb 28, 2025)

Summary / Purpose

HB 3552 would create the Local Accessory Dwelling Unit Act to expand and protect the ability of homeowners and developers to build and use accessory dwelling units (ADUs) throughout Illinois. The bill restricts local governments from prohibiting ADUs and limits certain local regulations and fees that the bill treats as effectively prohibitive. It also establishes a streamlined, time‑limited permitting process for ADU applications.

Key provisions

Prohibition on banning ADUs: A unit of local government may not prohibit the building or use of accessory dwelling units within its jurisdiction.
Reasonable regulations allowed: Local governments may adopt reasonable size- and location-related regulations similar to rules for other accessory structures — except where those regulations would "have the effect of prohibiting" ADUs.
Specific rules deemed to "prohibit" ADUs (and therefore disallowed):
- Explicitly disallowing ADU construction.
- Imposing fees beyond building permit review fees.
- Applying standards that make ADUs inconsistent with other local land‑use laws.
- Imposing design, bulk, or density standards that would physically preclude an ADU.
- Requiring off‑street parking for ADUs.
- Requiring correction of nonconformities of the principal dwelling unit as a condition for ADU approval.
Permit approval process:
- Applications to create or serve an ADU must be approved or denied by right, without discretionary review.
- Local government must approve or deny a completed application within 60 days if there is an existing dwelling on the lot. If no action is taken within 60 days (absent additional time allowed by the Act), the application is deemed approved.
- If an application is denied, the locality must provide written comments identifying deficiencies and how to remedy them.
- Localities may delay decision on an ADU application submitted simultaneously with a new principal dwelling application until action on the principal dwelling.
Definitions included: ADU (attached/detached), efficiency unit (min. 150 sq ft, up to 2 persons), manufactured home (as defined elsewhere), principal dwelling unit, off‑street parking, multi‑family dwelling.
Limits home‑rule powers: The Act curtails some local discretion over ADU regulation.

(Note: the bill text references “1,200 square feet” in connection with the effect of prohibiting ADUs; the draft language is ambiguous about whether that sets a protected size threshold.)

Who would be affected

Homeowners and property owners seeking to add or convert spaces into ADUs (including detached units, efficiency units, and certain manufactured homes).
Renters and potential tenants — increased housing supply locally.
Local governments and zoning/planning departments — reduced discretion, constrained regulatory tools, and new procedural deadlines.
Builders, developers, and affordable housing advocates — potentially lower barriers to producing accessory housing.

Procedural status & timeline (selected)

Filed: Feb 28, 2025 (first reading 2/18/2025)
Referred to committees: Housing; later to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs; Rules re‑referral noted.
Committee actions: Public hearings and substitute considered; reported favorably as substituted (committee activity in April 2025).
Placed on General State Calendar: May 11, 2025; laid on table subject to call May 14, 2025.
Companion bill: SB 1646.

Potential impacts / considerations

Likely to increase ADU construction and small‑unit housing supply by removing common local barriers (parking, discretionary review, extra fees).
May create tension with local land‑use control and neighborhood concerns (parking, density, design).
Could streamline permitting but require local governments to change ordinances and processes to comply.
Enforcement questions may arise around scope (e.g., the 1,200 sq ft language) and interactions with existing building, safety, or historic‑preservation rules.