Chicago, IL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Notwithstanding subsection (h) of this section, the Commissioner is hereby authorized to order any item or thing whatsoever which may encumber or obstruct any public way, public landing, wharf or pier to be removed. If such item or thing shall not be removed within six hours after notice to the owner or person in charge to remove the same, or if the owner cannot be readily found for the purpose of such notice, the Commissioner of Transportation, the Executive Director of Emergency Management and Communications or the Commissioner of Streets and Sanitation shall cause the item to be removed to some suitable place, to be designated by the said department head. The owner of any item removed shall be subject to a penalty of not more than $10.00, in addition to the costs of such removal. Any item removed in accordance with this section, if of sufficient value to more than pay the expenses thereof, shall be advertised by the Commissioner for sale for ten days in a newspaper of general circulation and, after expiration of that time, shall be sold by the Department to the highest bidder; provided where there is no bidder for any such article, the Commissioner shall dispose of such article in the most cost-efficient manner; provided further that the owner may reclaim such article if the owner notifies the Commissioner in writing and pays the penalty and costs to remove such article prior to the expiration of the time for sale of such item. The proceeds of such sale shall