Early April dates to know: ADU goes permanent, ChiBlockBuilder opens, and more

A flurry of housing, zoning, and land use activity in Chicago kicks off April 1. Here are dates worth marking.

Wednesday, April 1

ADU permanent program starts. Chicago's Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance goes permanent and citywide after years as a pilot in select wards. The Chicago Cityscape ADU Portal has the rules, FAQs, and a directory of ADU architects and contractors.

The city on Monday launched two new resources:

• an ADU eligibility map
• an updated ADU website (the application form hasn't yet been published)

More than 600 City lots open for redevelopment through ChiBlockBuilder. A new round of city-owned properties becomes available through ChiBlockBuilder, the program that sells city-owned vacant lots to residents and developers. Vacant properties can be purchased “for mixed-use projects, housing, side yards, open spaces, and urban agriculture”, according to the latest city planning department newsletter. 

The lots are in 25 wards and will range from about $5,000 to $1 million per parcel; they are “collectively valued at $34 million” — the largest inventory offered since ChiBlockBuilder launched in 2022. Applications will be due May 18.

Come back on April 1, afternoon, and Chicago Cityscape's Property Finder will include the properties.

Missing Middle housing in South Chicago and West Englewood

Part of the April 1 ChiBlockBuilder listings, 30 City lots are available for redevelopment as market-rate townhomes and two- to six-unit buildings in South Chicago and West Englewood. Lots will be sold in clusters of five to eight, with completed structures to be sold to at least one owner-occupant. Up to $150,000 in construction assistance is available for each unit to ensure sale prices are commensurate with neighborhood buying power. Applications are due May 18. Read the program guide at the Missing Middle website.

Other dates to know

Monday, April 6 — Jackson Park Pilot Area tenant opportunity to purchase starts. Tenants in covered buildings within the Jackson Park Pilot Area gain the right of first purchase when their building goes up for sale. See the area on Chicago Cityscape.

Tuesday, April 7 — Market rate land sales webinar. Those interested in learning more about market-rate land sales applications for the April 2026 round of ChiBlockBuilder listings are encouraged to attend an informational webinar at 1 p.m. Register for this webinar on market rate land sales in Chicago.

Monday, April 13 — Missing Middle informational webinar. Learn more about the Missing Middle housing opportunities available through the April 2026 ChiBlockBuilder round. Register now for the April 13 webinar or read the program guide at the Missing Middle website.