Chicago Municipal Code Section 7-28-120 requires all property owners to keep weeds and grass below an average height of 10 inches. Violations carry fines of $600 to $1,200 per day, and overgrown vegetation is declared a public nuisance.
Section 7-28-120 of the Chicago Municipal Code requires any person who owns or controls property within the city to cut or otherwise control all weeds so that the average height does not exceed 10 inches. Weeds exceeding 10 inches in average height are declared a public nuisance subject to abatement. The Department of Streets and Sanitation enforces this ordinance. For vacant properties, mortgagees must maintain grass and weeds below 10 inches and remove dead or damaged trees, limbs, and shrubbery. The Existing Building Code (Section 14X-3-302.5) also requires weed and vegetation control. The city may abate the nuisance without notice where it poses an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare, and may place a lien on the property for abatement costs.
Fines of not less than $600 nor more than $1,200 per offense. Each day the violation continues is a separate offense. The city may abate without notice in emergencies and place a lien on the property for costs.
Chicago, IL
Chicago Building Code Chapter 13-196 requires approved smoke alarms in every residential unit: at least one on each story (including basement), within 15 fee...
Chicago, IL
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Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specific to residential holiday inflatables. Inflator-motor noise after hours is enforced under MCC Section 8-32 (noise), and sidewa...
Chicago, IL
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Chicago, IL
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Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specifically regulating residential smokers or wood-fired ovens. Smoke nuisance is enforced under Chicago Municipal Code Section 11-...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle grass height limits.
See how Chicago's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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