Cook County Historic Preservation Ordinance Section 102-318 imposes a 180-day demolition stay on designated Landmarks and contributing structures within Historic Districts. Illinois Compiled Statutes 765 ILCS 605 add condominium-association rules. Suburbs run parallel demolition-delay programs.
Within unincorporated Cook, owners filing for demolition of designated Landmarks or contributing properties trigger an automatic 180-day delay during which the Historic Preservation Commission negotiates alternatives, marketing periods, and adaptive-reuse options. Emergency demolition for imminent hazard requires Building Official certification plus Commission notification. After 180 days without alternative, demolition may proceed unless extended by Board action. Many Cook suburbs run shorter delays: Evanston 60 days, Oak Park 90 days, Highland Park 180 days. Illinois has no statewide demolition-delay statute, so coverage depends on local jurisdiction.
Demolition without Commission certification triggers fines up to $5,000 per day, stop-work orders, and forfeiture of permit fees. Permits issued in violation may be revoked retroactively. Repeat violators face debarment from future Cook County permits.
See how Evanston's hcm demolition controls rules stack up against other locations.
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