Public Health Rules in Chicago, IL (2026)
4 verified public health rules for Chicago, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rodent Control
Chicago's Property Maintenance Code requires every structure to be kept free of insects, rodents, and similar pests, with owners and occupants each on the hook depending on where an infestation turns up.
Chicago Pest Management Duty Under 14X-3-308
Some RestrictionsMunicipal Code of Chicago § 14X-3-308
14X-3-308.1 Infestation. Structures must be kept free from infestation by insects, rodents, and similar pests. Structures in which insects, rodents, or similar pests are found must be promptly exterminated by processes that are not injurious to human health. After pest elimination, proper precautions must be taken to prevent reinfestation. 14X-3-308.2 Owner. The owner of any structure is respon...
Bed-Bug Rules
Landlords must hire a licensed pest control professional within 10 days of any suspected bed bug report and keep treatment records for three years.
Chicago Bed Bug Landlord Duty to Exterminate
Significant RestrictionsMunicipal Code of Chicago § 7-28-830
In any rental unit in which an infestation of bed bugs is found or reasonably suspected, it is the responsibility of the landlord to: (1) provide pest control services by a pest management professional until such time that no evidence of bed bugs can be found and verified... A landlord shall provide the pest control services within 10 days after: (1) a bed bug is found or reasonably suspected a...
Syringe Disposal
Chicago requires medical producers to seal used syringes and needles in rigid, puncture-resistant, biohazard-labeled containers under the city's infectious waste ordinance.
Chicago Sharps and Needle Disposal Rules
Some RestrictionsMunicipal Code of Chicago § 7-28-511(P), § 7-28-513(B)(3)
"Sharps" means any discarded article used in animal care, patient care or medical, industrial or research laboratories, that may cause punctures or cuts. Sharps include hypodermic needles, tubings with needles attached, scalpel blades, syringes (with or without the attached needle)... All sharps shall be contained in rigid, puncture-resistant containers which are taped closed or tightly enclose...
Food Handler Certification
Every Chicago food establishment must have a Department of Health-certified person in charge on-site whenever perishable food is handled.
Chicago Food Sanitation Certificate Rule
Some RestrictionsMunicipal Code of Chicago § 7-38-012
All food establishments shall employ and have present on the premises at all times that time/temperature control for safety food is being prepared, held for service, or served, a person in charge who holds a Department of Health food service sanitation certificate. Certification shall be achieved by successfully completing a Department approved food safety course and monitored examination offer...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chicago city rules.
Public Health Rules in Cook County →