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What can we do about housing affordability?

Below are some solutions that other communities have put in place to address the affordability issue. Could these be solutions for Evanston? Let us know your thoughts by responding below at the bottom of this page and by taking our survey!

Accessory dwelling Units diagram: over the garage, garage conversion, stand alone, and basement or garden unit

Granny Flats (ADU)

Also called coach houses, detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) are typically in a home’s backyard next to, over, or replacing a garage. Evanston currently allows them with many restrictions. Often in an attic or garden/basement, an internal or attached ADU allows to rent out some part of the main home. They were approved for use in Evanston on September 14, 2020.

Smaller Footprint, Smaller Lots

Allowing the development of a variety of home sizes and types (e.g. modest-size homes, cottages) and smaller lot sizes could increase housing options, affordability and density.

same footprint or home, divided in multiple units (2 to 4)

Same Footprint, 2-4 Units

In much of Evanston neighborhoods, city rules only allow for single-family homes on large lots. Easing these restrictions could allow for the development of new 2-4 unit structures within the same footprint or lot, or the conversion of existing homes into multiple units, creating more affordable housing choices better matching today’s needs.

Shared living, co-living

Currently no more than 3 unrelated people can live together in a home in Evanston. Allowing the sharing of homes with a mix of common spaces (kitchen, living rooms) and private spaces (bedrooms, baths), or building cottage-like dwelling communities could add options for seniors and students.

Shared living can help reduce social isolation and allow older adults to share services.

Small cottage clusters for shared living and coliving

Reduce parking requirements

Lower or remove parking requirements can help create more supply and lower the cost of housing by increasing the number of units per project or allowing housing where it currently is not possible.

Contribute public land

Facilitate affordable housing construction by using publicly owned land, or by acquiring land specifically for affordable housing.

Provide density bonuses for more affordability

Incentivize the development of more affordable housing by changing the rules relating to the size and height for new buildings that include more affordable units than already required to increase the number of affordable units and facilitate the development of affordable units by market rate developers.

What can we do about it?

The Affordable Housing Plan Steering Committee invites you to be part of the solution! Please explore the following pages and gives us your input below.

City of Evanston