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Committee discusses accessory dwelling unit rules and possible revisions to sliding-scale limits
Summary
Committee reviewed proposed changes to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations, including size limits tied to lot area, treatment of second kitchens and consistency standards; staff will revise language and return.
Will County staff presented an update April 3 on proposed revisions to the countyaccessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules. The discussion focused on the existing ADU size limit (49% of the principal dwelling or 650 square feet, whichever is less), a proposal to align ADU size with the countysliding scales for lot-area coverage and accessory-structure maximums, and clarifying when a second kitchen constitutes an ADU.
Why it matters: ADU rules affect homeowners, builders and neighborhoods by setting allowable sizes, occupancy rules and building standards for accessory units. The committeewants to avoid unintended outcomes in which small lots end up with oversized accessory structures or where older houses with second kitchens (basements converted decades ago) are treated as ADUs inadvertently.
Proposal highlights: Staff proposed a scale that ties maximum accessory structure areas to lot-size categories already used in county code and to keep the 49% rule as a cap for attached ADUs while specifying fixed square-foot caps by district for detached ADUs. Staff also proposed clarifying language so a second kitchen in a new home would not automatically be treated as an ADU unless construction details show separate living-unit features (firewall separation, separate ingress/egress or other building-code indicators). The committee discussed how the rules affect small-lot suburban development and older homes with basement kitchens.
Next steps: Staff will refine the draft ordinance language, address committee questions and circulate the materials to the full board before returning with revisions at a subsequent meeting.
