Episode 438: Legalizing Apartments & the New ADU Playbook for Chicago Investors with Samuel Pavlovcik

Samuel Pavlovcik of the Pavlovcik Architecture returns to explain opportunities brought by the expanded city-wide Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance!

Samuel jumps right in by explaining the process and expectations on obtaining a Zoning Change without leveraging the ADU ordinance! He dives deep on various Zoning and Building Code requirements when looking to build and/or legalize a basement ADU. Samuel breaks down various requirements on coach house ADUs and ground-level commercial ADU conversions. He closes with tips for successful ADU projects and shares top pitfalls to avoid when leveraging the program!

If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content!

=============

Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement

Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com

=============

Guest: Samuel Pavlovcik, Pavlovcik Architecture

Link: Pavlovcik Architecture's Instagram

Link: SUCI Ep 97 - Samuel Pavlovcik

Link: SUCI Ep 264 - Samuel Pavlovcik

Link: Chicago Zoning Map

Link: Tom Moore (Zoning Attorney Referral)

Link: The Toyota Way (Book Recommendation)

Guest Questions:

03:08 Housing Provider Tip - Optimize your rental listings to attract tenants and avoid vacancy!

05:35 Intro to our guest, Samuel Pavlovcik!

06:10 The 101 on Chicago Zoning changes.

13:34 Building Department considerations for legalizing an ADU.

23:03 Easiest ways to improve building efficiency.

23:25 City wide expansion of Chicago's ADU Ordinance.

32:42 Nuances on coach house ADUs.

38:55 Ground-level Commercial vs Basement ADUs!

44:37 Top mistakes when leveraging the ADU program.

46:31 What is your competitive advantage?

49:16 One piece of advice for new investors.

49:28 What do you do for fun?

49:48 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

50:00 Local Network Recommendation?

50:57 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

-----------------

Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2026.