Winnetka — Title 15 Ch. 15.36 Certificates of Occupancy § 15.36.055
Criteria for occupancy of accessory dwelling units
Operative Text
No certificate of occupancy shall be issued for an accessory dwelling unit for which a building permit is not required, unless the Director determines, upon inspection, (1) that the dwelling unit meets minimum health and life-safety requirements, including structural, electrical, mechanical, health and sanitation, and plumbing standards, and (2) the proposed unit complies with the applicable requirements of Sections 17.12.020 (B)(10), 17.16.020 (B)(10), 17.20.020 (B)(10), 17.24.020 (B)(10) and 17.28.020 (B)(10), and Section 17.72.020 of Title 17 of this code.
Section 15.36.055 of Winnetka's municipal code establishes the conditions under which a certificate of occupancy may be issued for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that does not require a building permit. Before such a certificate can be granted, the Director must personally inspect the unit and confirm two things: that it satisfies minimum health and life-safety standards across structural, electrical, mechanical, sanitation, and plumbing systems, and that it conforms to the specific zoning and land-use requirements referenced in Title 17 of the Winnetka code. Without both findings, no certificate of occupancy may be issued for that ADU.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners operating or seeking to legalize an ADU that falls outside the building-permit requirement should be aware that § 15.36.055 still mandates a Director-led inspection before a certificate of occupancy is issued. Compliant operators generally ensure that the unit's structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and sanitation systems meet minimum health and life-safety standards, and that the unit satisfies the applicable zoning provisions listed in Title 17 sections such as 17.72.020. Maintaining documentation of the unit's construction and systems can help facilitate the inspection process required under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 15.36.055, a tenant occupying or considering an ADU that did not require a building permit has an interest in knowing whether a certificate of occupancy was properly issued following a Director inspection. If a certificate was issued without the required inspection or without confirming the unit's health, life-safety, and zoning compliance, that may represent a violation of this provision worth raising with the appropriate Winnetka municipal authority. Tenants who have concerns about the habitability or legal status of their ADU may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid resource familiar with local occupancy requirements.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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