Pritzker Unveils BUILD Plan to Loosen Zoning, Boost Housing Funding in Illinois

Overview

• The proposal would legalize duplexes, triplexes, four-flats and accessory dwelling units statewide and end single-family-only zoning on lots larger than 2,500 square feet.
• The plan sets maximum units per lot on a tiered basis: up to four units on 2,500–5,000 sq ft lots, six on 5,000–7,500 sq ft, and eight on lots above 7,500 sq ft.
• Pritzker also proposed $253.7 million for Home Illinois, including $81.5 million for shelters, $62.3 million for supportive housing and prevention, $50 million for court-based rental assistance, $42 million for emergency and transitional housing, and $25 million for rapid rehousing.
• Illinois REALTORS and the Chicagoland Apartment Association praised the effort to streamline zoning and permitting, while the Illinois Municipal League opposed statewide mandates and defended local zoning authority.
• The plan heads into the 2026 legislative session, with supporters pointing to a University of Illinois estimate of a 142,000-unit shortfall and opponents questioning whether state rules meaningfully lower construction costs.