Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-750
Demolition (Chicago Building Inspection Code (Chapter 13-20))
Operative Text
If the owner or person in charge, possession, or control of any sign or structure when so notified shall refuse, fail, or neglect to comply with and conform the requirements of such notice, the building commissioner may, upon the expiration of time therein mentioned, tear down or cause to be torn down such part of such a sign or structure as is constructed and maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, and shall charge the expense to the owner or person in charge, possession, or control of any sign or structure and the same shall be recovered from such owner or person by appropriate legal proceedings. (Added Coun. J. 11-3-99, p. 13842, § 3)
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-750, when an owner or person responsible for a sign or structure fails to comply with an official notice of violation, the building commissioner is authorized to demolish or arrange for the demolition of the non-compliant portion of that sign or structure. The costs incurred from that demolition are then charged back to the responsible party and may be recovered through legal proceedings. This provision gives the city a direct enforcement mechanism beyond simply issuing notices.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-750 generally respond promptly to any official notice requiring corrective action on a sign or structure. Operators who allow a notice deadline to lapse risk having the building commissioner order demolition of the non-compliant portion at the owner's expense, with costs recoverable through court action. Maintaining records of compliance efforts and timely communication with the building department are practices commonly associated with avoiding this outcome.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-750 establishes that the city can act to remove non-compliant signs or structures when an owner ignores an official notice, which may be relevant to tenants living near or affected by such structures. Tenants who believe a sign or structure on their property poses a safety concern may have the option of reporting the condition to the Chicago Department of Buildings or consulting a tenant-rights organization for guidance. Understanding this provision can help tenants recognize what enforcement tools the city holds when property owners do not respond to official notices.
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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