Chicago requires vacant lot owners to maintain their property free of weeds, debris, and hazards under the sanitation code (MCC 7-28) and building code (MCC 13-12). Weeds cannot exceed 10 inches.
Under MCC 7-28 and the sanitation code, vacant lot owners must keep lots free of weeds (10-inch maximum), litter, debris, and abandoned materials. Fences or barriers may be required if the lot poses a safety hazard. The Department of Streets and Sanitation enforces vacant lot maintenance and may clean lots at the owner's expense if violations are not corrected. The city's Large Lots program allows neighboring homeowners to purchase city-owned vacant lots for $1. Urban agriculture on vacant lots is permitted under the Chicago Urban Agriculture Ordinance with appropriate licensing. The city can place liens on properties for cleanup costs.
Weed violations carry fines of $50 to $600 per offense. Failure to maintain vacant lots may result in city cleanup with costs liened against the property. Each day of violation may constitute a separate offense.
Chicago, IL
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle vacant lot maintenance.
See how Chicago's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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