Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-470
Refuse on roof or in areaway (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
It shall be unlawful for any person to place, throw, deposit, or cause to be placed, thrown, or deposited, any substance, papers, refuse, or other article, or any material, on the roof of any building, or in any light or air shaft, court, or areaway that will cause the dissemination of dust or odors, or be productive of a nuisance or a menace to the health, comfort, or safety of any person or of the community. No person in possession or control of any building shall permit or allow the deposit or accumulation on the roof of said building or in any light or air shaft, court, or areaway, of any waste material, refuse, or other object or thing that will cause a nuisance or be injurious to the health, comfort, or safety of any person or of the community. (Prior code § 99-39)
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-470, it is unlawful for anyone to place or deposit refuse, waste materials, or other articles on a building's roof or in any light shaft, air shaft, court, or areaway if those materials could spread dust or odors, create a nuisance, or threaten the health, comfort, or safety of people or the broader community. The rule applies both to the act of depositing such materials and to allowing them to accumulate. Anyone who controls or possesses a building shares responsibility for keeping these areas clear of prohibited waste.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-470 generally maintain rooftops, light shafts, air shafts, courts, and areaways free of waste materials, refuse, and other objects that could generate nuisances or health hazards. Compliant operators typically establish regular inspection and cleaning schedules for these areas and communicate clear rules to tenants and contractors about proper refuse disposal. Because the provision holds persons in possession or control of a building responsible for accumulated waste, proactive monitoring of these spaces is a standard part of building management in Chicago.
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 § 7-28-470 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when rooftops, areaways, or shafts in their building are allowed to accumulate refuse or waste that creates odors, dust, or health hazards. Tenants who observe such conditions may consider documenting the problem and reporting it to the Chicago Department of Housing or the city's 311 service, which can initiate code-enforcement inspections. Tenant-rights organizations in Chicago can also help residents understand how this provision interacts with other housing-code protections and what remedies 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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