Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-420
Industrial refuse (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
The owner, lessee, occupant, or manager of every chemical factory, paint factory, blacksmith or other shop, forge, coalyard, brickyard or place where bricks are manufactured, foundry or manufactory or premises where like business is done, or any factory or premises in which tar or any compound thereof is handled, used, or manufactured, shall cause all ashes, cinders, rubbish, dirt, and refuse to be removed to some proper place, so that the same shall not accumulate at any of the above- mentioned premises, or in the appurtenances thereof, and become filthy and offensive; nor shall any such owner, lessee, occupant, or manager cause or allow any dense smoke, cinders, dust, gas, or offensive odor to escape from any such building, structure, place, or premises which shall be offensive or prejudicial to the health or dangerous to the life of any person not being therein or thereupon engaged. It is hereby declared to be a nuisance to permit any ashes, cinders, rubbish, dirt, or refuse to accumulate on any of the above-mentioned premises, or the appurtenances thereof, and become filthy or offensive, or to cause or allow any dense smoke, cinders, dust, gas, or offensive odor to escape from any such building, structure, place, or premises, and the commissioner of buildings or any officer designated by him may summarily abate the same. (Prior code § 99-34)
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-420 governs industrial refuse and emissions at facilities such as chemical factories, foundries, coakyards, and similar operations. The rule requires that ashes, cinders, rubbish, dirt, and other refuse be removed before they accumulate and become filthy or offensive, and it prohibits dense smoke, dust, gas, or offensive odors from escaping in ways that are harmful or offensive to people outside the premises. Allowing such accumulation or emissions is declared a public nuisance, and the Commissioner of Buildings or a designated officer has authority to summarily abate the condition.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators and owners of industrial facilities covered by Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-420—including chemical factories, foundries, brickyards, and tar-handling premises—generally maintain regular schedules for removing ashes, cinders, rubbish, and other refuse so that waste does not accumulate to a filthy or offensive state. Compliant operators also take measures to prevent dense smoke, dust, gas, or offensive odors from escaping the premises in ways that could harm or offend people in the surrounding area. Because the Commissioner of Buildings holds authority to summarily abate conditions deemed a nuisance under this section, proactive waste management and emissions controls are central to ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Residents and community members near industrial facilities subject to Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-420 may have grounds to raise concerns if refuse accumulates or if smoke, dust, gas, or offensive odors escape from a covered facility in ways that are harmful or offensive. The provision designates such conditions as public nuisances and empowers the Chicago Commissioner of Buildings or a designated officer to take summary abatement action. Those affected can consider filing a complaint with the Chicago Department of Housing or another appropriate city authority, or reaching out to a tenant-rights or community organization for guidance on available enforcement paths.
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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