Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-290
Ashes (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
Ashes stored inside any non-fireproof building shall be stored only in masonry bins, approved metal ash cans, or steel truck tanks. All ash containers shall be kept at least five feet from combustible material. Ashes shall not be stored inside or outside of any building in wood receptacles, or dumped in contact or in proximity to any combustible material. (Prior code § 99-22)
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-290 establishes rules for how ashes must be stored in and around buildings. Ashes kept inside non-fireproof structures must be placed in masonry bins, approved metal ash cans, or steel truck tanks—never in wood containers. All ash containers must be kept at least five feet away from combustible materials, and ashes may not be dumped near or in contact with anything combustible, whether indoors or outdoors.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential or mixed-use properties in Chicago should ensure that ash storage on their premises complies with Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-290. Compliant properties use only approved containers—masonry bins, metal ash cans, or steel truck tanks—and position those containers at least five feet from any combustible material. Routine property inspections typically include verifying that no wood receptacles are used for ash storage and that ash is never deposited near flammable items.
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. 7-28 § 7-28-290 sets minimum fire-safety standards for ash storage that apply to the buildings where tenants live. If a tenant observes ash being stored in wood containers or placed near combustible materials on their property, that may represent a code violation they can report to the Chicago Department of Buildings or a local tenant-rights organization. Tenants can also document such conditions in writing to their landlord as a first step toward addressing the concern.
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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