Chicago consistently ranks as America's rattiest city. MCC 7-28-710 makes property owners responsible for rat-proofing buildings and yards. CDPH Bureau of Environmental Health and Streets and Sanitation Rodent Control Bureau respond to 311 complaints with baiting and inspections.
Municipal Code Chapter 7-28 governs sanitation, including rat abatement under Β§7-28-710 through Β§7-28-740. Owners must keep premises free of harborage, eliminate food sources like uncovered trash, and rat-proof buildings within 30 days of a violation notice. The Bureau of Rodent Control inside Streets and Sanitation responds to 311 service requests, baits public alleys with bromadiolone in tamper-resistant stations, and surveys blocks proactively. CDPH Bureau of Environmental Health investigates restaurant and multi-unit complaints. Illinois law restricts certain second-generation anticoagulants for non-licensed users, so homeowners typically rely on snap traps, exclusion, and first-generation bait.
Failure to abate after notice under MCC 7-28-740 carries fines from $300 to $600 per offense, with each day a separate violation. Buildings with chronic infestations can be cited as public nuisances under MCC 7-28-060 and referred to administrative hearings.
Chicago, IL
Chicago does not post A/B/C letter grades. CDPH inspects food establishments under MCC 7-38 and Title 7 Sanitation Code, issuing Pass, Pass-with-Conditions, ...
Chicago, IL
Chicago aggressively enforces property blight through MCC Chapter 13-12 (vacant buildings), MCC 7-28 (health and safety), and the sanitation code. Vacant pro...
See how Chicago's rodent control rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.