Housing Regulatory Reform Task Force

The objective of this Task Force will be to deliver specific, actionable policy and code recommendations to the City of Chicago departments (e.g. Department of Buildings, Department of Planning and Development) and shared transparently with AIA Chicago membership, to accelerate housing production and lower per-unit costs.

A Task Force is a collection of experts charged to address specific, high-priority issues impacting AIA Chicago membership, meeting for a limited time with participant inclusion not limited to members of the AIA Chicago Chapter.

This Task Force will study and prepare an analysis and/or a report within 9 months on strategies to reduce the cost of building and renovating housing, in response to the increased cost of building housing and housing shortage in Chicago.

A separate group of AIA Chicago member Peer Reviewers will convene to periodically review the Task Force's work and provide input and feedback. 

Key areas of focus will include, but are not limited to:

• Code Modernization: Researching and proposing adoption of performance-based codes and targeted amendments. This may include single-stair multi-family buildings and porch addition/enclosures.
• Permitting Efficiency: Providing recommendations to streamline the permit review process for compliant projects and alleviate current departmental review burdens.
• Policy change: Engaging with city officials and policy makers to discuss policies to streamline housing construction and limit bureaucratic hurdles.

 

1. Identify potential strategies to reduce requirements for code compliance, permitting and zoning approvals. 
2. Establish a direct, high-level collaborative channel with city officials from City of Chicago departments and policy makers. 
3. Outline potential policy proposals and design guidelines that would promote equitable, sustainable housing for the future of the city. 

The Housing Regulatory Task will meet regularly between December 2025 - January 2027. Following the conclusion of their work, AIA Chicago members will have access to their findings.