Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-760
Abandoned signs and structures (Chicago Building Inspection Code (Chapter 13-20))
Operative Text
(a) "Abandoned sign" means: (1) any sign that has had no copy on it for at least six consecutive months; or (2) any sign that: (A) is attached to a building or lot; and (B) identifies or describes either a business that has not been located or operating in such building or lot for at least six consecutive months, or identifies or describes a product or service that has not been sold or leased within such building or lot for at least six consecutive months, or identifies or describes either a business or service which has either failed to obtain or maintain a valid City of Chicago business license or licenses, if required, for said building or lot; or (3) any sign for which the sign inspection fee required by this Code has not been paid and is past due for at least six consecutive months; or (4) any sign for which the permit number applicable to such sign not been displayed in the manner required by Section 13-20-620 for at least six consecutive months. The permit for an abandoned sign may be revoked in accordance with Section 13-20-645 . Any abandoned sign shall be declared a hazard and the Building Department is hereby empowered to remove or to cause to be removed any such abandoned sign. (b) "Abandoned sign structure" means any sign structure that: (1) has not had any sign, or has had an abandoned sign, attached to it for at least six consecutive months; or (2) has a sign attached to the structure for which the sign inspection fee required by this Code has not been paid and is past due for at least six consecutive months; or (3) is an off-premise sign or sign or sign structure for which the permit number applicable to such sign not been displayed in the manner required by Section 13-20-620 for at least six consecutive months; or (4) is an outdoor sign on which the name of the owner of such sign not been displayed in the manner required by Section 13-96-040 (e) for at least six consecutive months. A sign structure that is removed, except as a result of criminal vandalism, such that a nonconforming sign for which a valid permit existed can no longer be displayed, will be deemed to have been abandoned. The remaining presence of in-ground or above-ground footings or portions of the poles or bracing, wiring or other apparatus shall not be grounds for retention of the nonconforming status or revival of the permit. (Added Coun. J. 11-3-99, p. 13842, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. IV, § 21; Amend Coun. J. 11-21-17, p. 61755, Art. I, § 22; Amend Coun. J. 1-23-19, p. 94952, Art. I, § 10)
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-760 establishes definitions and consequences for "abandoned signs" and "abandoned sign structures" in Chicago. A sign can be deemed abandoned if it has been blank, associated with a closed or unlicensed business, or missing required permit information for at least six consecutive months. Once declared abandoned, the sign is treated as a hazard, and the Building Department has authority to remove it and may revoke the associated permit.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers should be aware that under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-760, signs on their buildings or lots can be classified as abandoned if they go without copy, become associated with a defunct or unlicensed business, or lack current permit numbers or paid inspection fees for six or more consecutive months. Compliant operators generally keep sign permits current, ensure inspection fees are paid on time, and display permit numbers as required by Section 13-20-620. When a business vacates or a sign is no longer in active use, operators typically address the sign promptly to avoid a hazard declaration and potential City-ordered removal.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
While § 13-20-760 of the Chicago Municipal Code primarily governs sign owners and building operators rather than tenants directly, tenants who notice abandoned or hazardous signs on their building or lot may have grounds to raise a concern with the Chicago Building Department, which is empowered under this provision to remove such signs. Tenants can also contact tenant-rights organizations for guidance on how signage conditions might relate to broader habitability or code-compliance issues. Reviewing Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-760 alongside other applicable code sections can help tenants understand what standards apply to signs on their property.
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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