What makes a basement apartment legal in Chicago?

Jaefrey
Other/Just Looking
Norwood Park, Chicago,...

Answers (2)
Mike Young
Real Estate Pro
Harrisburg, NC

In addition the windows have to be no more than 45" from the floor and adequate for escape in case of emergency. I've seen some basements that have a small transome window near the top of the wall, that isn't adequate for living area. MikeY

Sat Jun 20 2009, 16:01
Chuck Stuparits
Agent
Oak Brook, IL
FIRST ANSWER

There has to be proper ingress and egress, i.e not having to go through a room such as storage,furnace,or laundry room that's not part of the actual unit, to exit the apartment.. You have to have windows in each bedroom that open for natural ventilation and light.If you remodel an existing basement into an apartment that wasn't previously one you have to take out a building permit

Sat Jun 20 2009, 11:42

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Ask a question!

Search Advice
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the costs of owning a home versus renting. Estimate payments »

Ask a question

Got a real estate question? Get answers from locals, experts and real estate pros.
Ask
Email me when…

Learn more

View all » 1 - 3 of 3,507
Copyright © 2009 Trulia, Inc. All rights reserved.   |   Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
Help us improve our service—send us feedback