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Affordable Requirements Ordinance

The Affordable Requirements Ordinance's (ARO) primary mission is to push back against longstanding patterns of segregation and exclusion. Inclusionary zoning is a tool used by many local governments around the country to harness the power of private investments to create affordable rental and ownership opportunities in communities receiving development that is usually targeted at the upper end of the market. Inclusionary zoning requires an otherwise market-rate development to provide affordable units, or contribute resources towards affordable housing, tying the creation of affordable units to a market-rate residential development.

2021 ARO

Residential developments that receive City Council approval for an entitlement, city land sale, or financial assistance after October 1, 2021, are subject to Chapter 2-44-085 (the 2021 ARO) of the Municipal Code of Chicago.

2015 ARO

Residential developments that received City Council approval for a rezoning, city land sale, or financial assistance prior to Oct. 1, 2021, are subject to Chapter 2-44-080 (the 2015 ARO) of the Municipal Code of Chicago if a building permit application for the residential development is submitted prior to Oct. 1, 2025.

Near North/Near West Pilot Area

Residential developments in the Near North/Near West Pilot Area are subject to Chapter 2-44-090 of the Municipal Code of Chicago. This section shall expire and be repealed of its own accord, without further action by the City Council, on October 1, 2021 [EXPIRED].

Milwaukee Corridor Pilot Area

Residential developments in the Milwaukee Corridor Pilot Area are subject to Chapter 2-44-100 of the Municipal Code of Chicago. This section shall expire and be repealed of its own accord, without further action by the City Council, on October 1, 2021 [EXPIRED].

Pilsen/Little Village Pilot Area

Residential developments in the Pilsen/Little Village Pilot Area are subject to Chapter 2-44-105 of the Municipal Code of Chicago. This section shall expire and be repealed of its own accord, without further action by the City Council, on December 31, 2023 [EXPIRED].

Income Limits and Long-Term Affordability

Rental Developments

Prospective applicants may qualify for ARO rental units if their household gross income is generally at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and meets the 40% rent-to-income affordability requirement. In certain cases, eligibility may extend to households with incomes up to 80% or even 100% AMI.

Owner-Occupied (For Sale) Developments

All owner-occupied affordable units under the ARO are administered by the Chicago Housing Trust. These units are priced between 80% and 100% of the AMI. However, households earning up to 120% of the AMI may be eligible to purchase units developed through the ARO.

Affordability Period

The designated affordable units (rental and owner-occupied) must be maintained for a period of 30 years and will be monitored and audited by DOH for compliance.

Income and Rent Limits Available Here

Questions? Email us at ARO@cityofchicago.org

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