Bill > HB1814

This bill, known as the Missing Middle Housing Act, aims to increase housing density in Illinois municipalities by requiring cities with populations over 10,000 to allow certain types of middle housing developments. Specifically, for cities with 25,000 or more residents, all middle housing types (including duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, cottage clusters, and townhouses) must be permitted on residential lots over 5,000 square feet starting January 1, 2026. Cities with populations between 10,000 and 25,000 must at minimum allow duplexes on residential lots that currently permit single-family homes. The bill defines key terms like "cottage clusters" (4+ detached housing units per acre with 900-1500 sq ft footprints and a common courtyard) and "townhouses" (attached dwelling units in a row, each on an individual lot). Municipalities can regulate the siting and design of these middle housing types, but such regulations cannot unreasonably discourage development through excessive costs or delays. The bill does not apply to cities with populations of 10,000 or less or to unincorporated lands adjacent to city boundaries, effectively targeting medium to large municipalities to increase housing options and density.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1814&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104