Chicago, IL Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing body
- Commission on Chicago Landmarks
- Designation threshold
- 2+ of 7 criteria
- Violation fine
- $2,000-$4,000 per day
- Covers
- Buildings, districts, works of art, objects
Summary
Chicago's Landmarks Commission may recommend any building, structure, work of art, district, or other object as a "Chicago Landmark" if it meets two or more of seven cultural, historic, or architectural criteria.
The commission shall familiarize itself with areas, districts, places, buildings, structures, works of art, and other objects within the City of Chicago which may be considered for designation by ordinance as "Chicago Landmarks"... 1. Its value as an example of the architectural, cultural, economic, historic, social, or other aspect of the heritage of the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, or the United States...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-74: Current through Council Journal of June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under MCC § 2-120-620, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks maintains a register of areas, districts, places, buildings, structures, works of art, and other objects that may merit designation. A preliminary landmark recommendation requires meeting two or more of seven listed criteria, heritage value, association with a significant historic event, identification with an important person, distinguished architectural style, work of a noted architect or designer, representation of a broader theme, or unique/familiar visual presence, plus integrity of location, design, setting, materials, and workmanship under § 2-120-630.
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized demolition or alteration of a designated (or preliminarily designated) landmark structure draws a fine of $2,000-$4,000 per day of violation, prosecuted by the Commissioner of Planning and Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can be designated a Chicago Landmark?
What happens if an owner alters a landmark without approval?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chicago
Compare Chicago to another location·View the Illinois historic preservation overview
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Historic-Cultural Monuments in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle historic-cultural monuments.