Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli is warning that a proposed Illinois housing measure could significantly reshape residential neighborhoods, arguing it would override local control and allow denser development in areas currently zoned for single-family homes.
In a video posted to his X account on May 6, Wehrli said state officials in Springfield are weighing what he described as a sweeping change to suburban land-use rules through the Illinois BUILD Act.
“Officials in Springfield are considering changing the character of every neighborhood in Naperville,” Wehrli said in the video.
The Illinois BUILD Act, formally known as House Bill 5626, would allow higher-density housing in areas traditionally zoned for single-family homes, expand accessory dwelling units, reduce minimum parking requirements near transit hubs, and limit certain municipal restrictions on multifamily construction.
Supporters of similar housing measures have argued they are designed to expand housing supply and improve affordability in high-demand areas, while critics contend they would weaken local zoning authority and alter the character of suburban communities.
Wehrli said the proposal would allow developers to replace single-family homes with multi-unit buildings “by right,” without local hearings or city council approval.
“The average Naperville residential lot is about a quarter acre, and if this bill passes, the next time a home sells on your street, a developer can tear it down and replace it with 8 market-rate units by right,” he said. “There will be no hearing, no city council, no vote, no say.”
He also pointed to previous state-level changes, including the elimination of parking minimums near transit stations, which he said already affect downtown Naperville and the Route 59 corridor.
“Adding density without parking will clog our neighborhoods,” Wehrli said, adding that increased development would strain roads, schools, and utilities while shifting costs to local taxpayers.
Wehrli said the bill includes infrastructure funding provisions, but argued they fall short of what would be needed to accommodate higher density.
“Naperville earned its character through decades of careful planning and real community spirit,” Wehrli said. “We can’t let Springfield set that aside. So please join me in opposing the Build Act. Contact your state representatives and senators and tell them to vote no.”
