Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-710
Construction standards (Chicago Building Inspection Code (Chapter 13-20))
Operative Text
All signs requiring structural engineers drawings shall be constructed to the standards contained in the Municipal Code of the City of Chicago, except that for compressive stresses for columns and other compression members of structural grade steel, the ratio of l/r shall not exceed 120. Main structural members shall not be less than 5/16 inch (8 mm) thick and secondary members and bracing shall not be less than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) thick. Signs erected entirely above a roof shall have the calculated center of the wind pressure not higher above the roof than 75 percent of the vertical distance between the roof and the top of the display. (Added Coun. J. 11-3-99, p. 13842, § 3)
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-710 establishes minimum construction standards for signs that require structural engineer drawings in Chicago. It sets specific limits on compression member ratios, minimum steel thicknesses for main and secondary structural members, and restricts how high the calculated center of wind pressure may be for rooftop signs. These requirements are intended to ensure that structurally engineered signs meet defined safety and engineering benchmarks.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers overseeing sign installations subject to Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-710 generally work with licensed structural engineers to confirm that compression member ratios, steel thickness, and wind pressure calculations all meet the provision's stated minimums and limits. Compliant operators typically document that main structural members are at least 5/16 inch thick and that secondary members and bracing meet the 1/4 inch minimum before installation proceeds. For signs erected entirely above a roof, operators ensure that the wind pressure center calculation does not exceed 75 percent of the vertical distance between the roof and the top of the display.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in buildings where large or rooftop signs are installed may have an interest in whether those signs comply with the structural safety standards set out in Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-710. If a sign appears structurally unsound or was installed without proper engineering review, residents can file a complaint with the Chicago Department of Housing or the city's building department, or raise the issue as part of a broader habitability or safety concern. Tenant-rights organizations in Chicago can help residents understand what documentation landlords are generally expected to maintain and what enforcement options may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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