occupancy by low- and moderate-income persons and families.
Cook County, Illinois has implemented a set of affordable housing restrictions to address the issue of housing affordability within the region. These restrictions aim to ensure that a certain percentage of housing developments are affordable and accessible for low-income residents. By imposing these regulations, the county aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable housing market that accommodates residents from various socioeconomic backgrounds. One of the primary affordable housing restrictions in Cook County is the Affordable Housing Ordinance (AHO). Under this ordinance, developers who construct residential projects in designated areas within the county are required to allocate a certain percentage of units as affordable housing. The exact percentage varies depending on the location and the type of development, but it typically ranges from 10% to 20% of the total units. The AHO sets income limits for qualified individuals or families who can rent or purchase these affordable units, ensuring that they cater to those with lower incomes. Additionally, Cook County has implemented the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIH TC) program to incentivize developers to create affordable housing units. LIH TC provides tax credits to developers who invest in affordable housing projects. These credits can be sold to investors, which raises funds for the developers to cover a portion of the project costs. This program encourages the private sector to participate in the creation of affordable housing options and helps offset the financial burden on developers. Apart from these general restrictions, Cook County also has specific zoning ordinances that encourage the development of affordable housing. These ordinances promote mixed-income neighborhoods by requiring developers to include affordable units in buildings or development projects that would otherwise cater only to higher-income residents. This zoning strategy helps to create diverse and inclusive communities that provide opportunities for individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Furthermore, Cook County has implemented exclusionary housing policies, which mandate developers to include affordable units within their market-rate projects. These policies usually require a specific percentage of units or floor space to be designated as affordable housing, ensuring that affordable options are integrated into higher-end residential developments. In summary, Cook County, Illinois has a range of affordable housing restrictions in place to tackle the issue of housing affordability within the region. These include the Affordable Housing Ordinance, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, zoning ordinances promoting mixed-income communities, and exclusionary housing policies. These restrictions aim to create a more balanced housing market that provides affordable options for residents with lower incomes.
