Evanston, Ill., City Code tit. 5 (2026) § 5-7-6
SAME—IN-LIEU FEE (Evanston Housing Regulations)
Operative Text
If selecting option B or option C to fulfill the inclusionary housing requirement, per Subsection 5-7-4 (E), the covered development's in-lieu fee must be calculated. In the case of option B, the unrounded remaining inclusionary housing requirement, or in the case of option C, the full, unrounded Inclusionary Housing Requirement is converted into a unit mix, as specified in Section 5-7-7 and as stipulated by the polices and procedures. (A) Calculation. 1. In-lieu fees are as follows and are adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index, per the policies and procedures: Studio | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR $405,000 | $481,000 | $711,000 | $1,070,000 | $1,429,000 2. If a fractional unit is required, the corresponding calculation uses the in-lieu fee for the most prevalent number of bedrooms. If the most prevalent is shared between multiple unit types, the unit type with the most bedrooms is used. 3. In-lieu fees are calculated by the Department as part of the inclusionary housing plan and building permit application process. In-lieu fees may be estimated by the Department separate from the above but are only estimates and subject to change. (B) Payment. In-lieu fees are paid by the applicant as part of the permit application process and before being granted a building permit.
Section 5-7-6 of the Evanston City Code establishes how developers who choose to pay a fee instead of building affordable units on-site must calculate and pay that fee. The fee amounts vary by unit size—from studios up to four-bedroom units—and are adjusted each year using the Consumer Price Index. Payment is due before a building permit is issued, and the city's Department handles the official calculation as part of the permitting process.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Developers subject to § 5-7-6 who select option B or option C under the inclusionary housing framework should be aware that the in-lieu fee is determined by the Department during the permitting process, not self-reported. Compliant operators typically obtain a fee estimate early in project planning, confirm the final calculated amount with the Department, and arrange payment before the building permit is granted. Because fee amounts are indexed to the Consumer Price Index and updated annually, the figures in effect at the time of permit application govern the obligation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 5-7-6 is part of Evanston's inclusionary housing framework, which is designed to expand the supply of affordable units in covered developments. When a developer pays an in-lieu fee rather than building affordable units on-site, those funds are intended to support affordable housing in the community. Tenants and community members interested in how these funds are used or whether a development met its obligations under § 5-7-6 may contact the Evanston Department of Community Development or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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