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7 New Laws In Chicago And How They Will Affect Us

New Year is always the time for changes. Be it in a job, family, or house. However, there are also bigger changes that affect a whole City and in this case, are the new laws. This year has seen already 7 laws that will make a big change in our community. Here we tell you about the 7 new laws in Chicago and how they will affect us.

Minimum Wage Increase

Like every other year, the minimum wage will receive an increase. It will be raised to $15 for large businesses and to $14.50 for small businesses. That means 20 people or less. The other change is the minimum wage for tipped workers which will see an increase to $9. Without a doubt, those are great news for every worker in the city.

Shared Housing

For people who use Airbnb or HomeAway, a new law will reform how shared housing works. Mainly, to ensure more safety and regulatory measures. Whoever uses these platforms will have to apply directly with the Department of Business Affairs. Also, a new registration fee of $125 will be paid.

Business Relief Extension

With the goal of bringing relief due to the pandemic, the city is extending the relief dates. All sidewalk cafes can continue operating all the way through May 2021. There is no need to renew or pay a renewal fee.

Also, business licenses as well as vehicle licenses don’t have to pay until July 15, 2021.

Automated Speed Enforcement

Starting on March 1, anyone caught driving on camera over the speed limit will receive a ticket. If you exceed 6 to 10 miles you will be fined $35. Those who exceed 11 miles will be fined $100.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Legalization

Accessory Dwelling Units or (ADUs) will be legalized in five areas.

North Zone. Which covers West Ridge, Edgewater, Uptown, Lake View, North Center, and Lincoln Square.

Northwest zone. This one covers parts of Albany Park, Irving Park, Avondale, Hermosa, Logan Square, West Town, Near West Side, and East Garfield Park.

West Zone. Which encompasses parts of East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park, North Lawndale, and South Lawndale (Little Village).

South zone areas like parts of the Ashburn, Auburn Gresham, West Lawn, Chicago Lawn, Washington Heights, Roseland, Chatham, Greater Grand Crossing, Englewood, West Englewood, Washington Park, and Woodlawn community areas; and,

Southeast zone that takes parts of the South Chicago, East Side, South Deering, and Hegewisch community areas.

All of this with the objective to provide safe and affordable housing for all.

Vehicle Fuel Tax and Cloud Tax

These laws came to effect on January 1st. There was a tax increase of $0.03 per gallon for non-aviation vehicles.

The other tax increase was for Cloud Taxes which saw a raise of $1.75.

Parking Meters

The only change so far was an increase in the $2 per-hour zones which was increased to $2.25.

This is all we have about the 7 new laws in Chicago and how they Will Affect Us. Without a doubt, they will bring some changes to our city and it is important that we adapt as soon as possible. For more news remember to subscribe to our newsletter.