Chicago triggers demolition review through both the citywide Demolition-Delay Ordinance under MCC 13-32-125 and the Landmarks Demolition Hold under MCC 2-120-740. Orange-rated and Red-rated buildings face holds up to 90 days; designated landmarks generally cannot be demolished.
Chicago combines two demolition-control tools. The Demolition-Delay Ordinance MCC 13-32-125 imposes an automatic 90-day permit hold on any building rated Orange or Red on the Chicago Historic Resources Survey, giving the Landmarks Commission and preservation partners time to negotiate alternatives. The Landmarks Demolition Hold MCC 2-120-740 effectively blocks demolition of designated landmarks unless the owner proves economic hardship through a multi-step Commission review. Department of Buildings cannot release demolition permits during either hold. Court injunctions and administrative stop-work orders enforce. Recent high-profile holds include the James R. Thompson Center and Century-Consumers Buildings; some end with revised redevelopment plans, others with demolition after the hold expires.
Demolishing a held or landmarked building without authorization violates MCC 13-32-125 and 2-120-820, carrying fines of $20,000 to $250,000 per offense, mandatory replacement-in-kind orders, and potential five-year building moratoriums on the site.
Chicago, IL
Chicago does not use the HPOZ model. The Commission on Chicago Landmarks designates individual landmarks and landmark districts under MCC 2-120, regulating e...
Chicago, IL
Chicago designates individual properties as Chicago Landmarks under MCC 2-120-620 after Commission review against seven criteria. Designation triggers permit...
Chicago, IL
Most renovation work in Chicago requires a building permit from the Department of Buildings. Permits are required for new construction, major repairs, altera...
See how Chicago's hcm demolition controls rules stack up against other locations.
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