Chicago has not adopted a vacancy tax on empty homes or storefronts. Illinois law does not authorize one. The city instead targets blighted vacant property through the Vacant Building Ordinance MCC 13-12-125 registration fees and code enforcement.
Unlike Vancouver or Oakland, Chicago imposes no annual surcharge on unoccupied dwellings or commercial space. Illinois has not granted home rule cities authority to levy vacancy taxes, and proposals to add one to the 2024 Bring Chicago Home package were dropped before the referendum. Chicago's Vacant Building Ordinance MCC 13-12-125 instead requires owners to register vacant structures within 30 days, pay a $250 annual registration fee, secure the building, post emergency contacts, and maintain insurance. The Department of Buildings may demolish through fast-track court process under MCC 13-12-145 if owners fail to comply. Chicago's Cook County TIF and Class 6b/7/8 incentives reward redevelopment of vacant commercial buildings.
Failure to register a vacant building under MCC 13-12-125 triggers fines of $200-$1,000 per day, demolition liens, and personal liability for owners. There is no vacancy tax penalty since no vacancy tax exists.
Chicago, IL
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 ...
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 vacancy tax rules stack up against other locations.
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