Property Survey Required Before Any ADU Project Begins

Surveyor using tripod equipment to complete a property survey on residential land before building an ADU coach house

Chicago recently made a big housing move. On September 26, 2025, the City Council approved a major expansion of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). These small homes—like coach houses, basement apartments, and attic units—are now allowed across more neighborhoods. The decision is expected to spark a wave of new building applications. But here’s the thing: before […]

How Drone Surveying Prepares Rivers for Big Events

Drone surveying a riverfront with city buildings in the background

Last month, Chicago made history. Hundreds of swimmers took part in the first official race in the Chicago River in almost 100 years. For many residents, it was a proud moment. The waterway, once known for pollution and industry, was finally clean and safe enough for a public event. Crowds gathered, media outlets covered the […]

How a Flood Elevation Survey and 311 Data Guide Planning

Surveyor using equipment on a construction site to conduct a flood elevation survey for site planning

When planning a project, one question always comes up: Will this site flood? The answer is not always simple. A flood elevation survey shows how a property sits compared to the base flood level, but that’s only part of the story. Real-world problems often go beyond the official maps. That’s where Chicago’s 311 data comes […]