Create professional development programs that help REALTORS® strengthen their businesses.
Protect private property rights and promote the value of REALTORS®.
Advance ethics enforcement programs that increase REALTOR® professionalism.
Protect REALTORS® by providing legal guidance and education.
Stay current on industry issues with daily news from Illinois REALTORS®, network with other professionals, attend a seminar, and keep up with industry trends through events throughout the year.
Howard Handler
The City of Lake Forest (Lake County) is the latest municipality to recognize the benefits of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), often referred to as granny flats, coach houses, in-law suites, garage apartments and cottages.
Lake Forest is home to many properties originally built with ADUs to accommodate domestic staff, but their use fell out of fashion and became prohibited over time. However, communities like Lake Forest are starting to rethink allowing their use.
While testifying in support of relaxing ADU regulations, the North Shore – Barrington Association of REALTORS® (NSBAR) touted several benefits of ADUs, including, but not limited to:
- expanding private property rights,
- increasing property values,
- creating more affordable housing options and
- augmenting housing choice for the elderly and adults with disabilities who desire or need to live near their family while maintaining independence.
After careful study, the Lake Forest City Council unanimously voted to allow greater use of ADUs in certain zoning districts and under certain circumstances.
“The Village of Winnetka, in 2012, adopted an ordinance liberalizing ADUs, and now Lake Forest. NSBAR proudly supported both ordinances, and we hope, over time, as the two communities become more comfortable with the concept, they allow even greater ADU use,” said NSBAR Government Affairs Director, Howard Handler.
Read more on Lake Forest’s effort here.
Want to learn more about ADUs and if they are right for your clients, click here.
