Chicago Heights — Ch. 22 Housing, Dangerous Buildings and Structures § 22-52
Acquisition
Operative Text
The mayor may authorize the director of commercial and housing code enforcement to enter into an agreement to acquire any parcel of real estate improved with a single-to four-unit dwelling upon presentation of: (1) Evidence that serious harm to the city and the immediate neighborhood has resulted or is likely to result from the existence of any one of the conditions set forth in section 22-51 ; and (2) A current appraisal report by an independent appraiser; provided, however, the city shall not be obligated to pay as the purchase price therefor the appraised value of the property. The mayor may authorize the financing of the costs of the acquisition and rehabilitation of the real estate through the use of any available county, state or federal grant program or through conventional borrowings, so long as such borrowing at any time does not exceed two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00).
Chicago Heights § 22-52 establishes a process by which the city may acquire residential properties of one to four units that pose serious harm to the city or surrounding neighborhood due to conditions identified in § 22-51. Before any acquisition can proceed, the mayor must be presented with evidence of that harm and an independent appraisal of the property, though the city is not required to pay the full appraised value as the purchase price. The city may fund such acquisitions and subsequent rehabilitation through county, state, or federal grant programs or through conventional borrowing, as long as outstanding borrowing does not exceed $250,000 at any one time.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Chicago Heights § 22-52, property owners of one-to-four-unit dwellings should be aware that the city has the authority to initiate acquisition proceedings when conditions described in § 22-51 are found to pose serious harm. Compliant operators generally maintain their properties to avoid triggering the dangerous-building conditions that could lead to such a determination. Owners who receive notice of a potential acquisition under this provision typically review the independent appraisal presented and understand that the city is not bound to offer the full appraised value as a purchase price.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Chicago Heights § 22-52 gives tenants in one-to-four-unit dwellings an important context: if their building is subject to dangerous conditions under § 22-51, the city itself may step in to acquire and rehabilitate the property. Tenants who believe their building poses serious harm to the neighborhood may report those conditions to the city's commercial and housing code enforcement office, which can set this acquisition process in motion. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Chicago Heights housing code can help residents understand how this provision may affect their housing situation and what options may be available to them.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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