Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-630
Possession and sale – Violation – Penalty (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
It shall be unlawful for any person to have in his possession, or for any person to carry about, any corrosive or caustic acid, including but not limited to sulfuric acid, phosphorus, or any solution or mixture thereof, or any hydrogen sulfide, valerianic acid, ammonium valerianate, valerianate of zinc, or any other nauseous, offensive, or filthy substance of like or similar nature; provided, that this provision shall not apply to manufacturing and wholesale druggists, retail druggists, physicians, chemists, regularly established laboratories, or to persons who have procured any of said substances for medicinal purposes upon a prescription of a physician regularly licensed under the laws of the state. No person shall sell, give away, or offer to sell or give away, or have in his possession any stink ball or fire ball, or any bomb, ball tube, vial, or bottle made of thin glass or other easily breakable material containing any of the above-mentioned substances. Any violation of this section shall be subject to a fine of not less than $500.00 nor more than $1,500.00 for each offense. (Prior code § 99-53; Amend Coun. J. 11-10-10, p. 105160, § 2)
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-630 prohibits the possession, carrying, sale, or distribution of corrosive or caustic acids, noxious substances, and devices such as stink balls or breakable containers filled with those materials. Certain professionals—including licensed pharmacists, physicians, chemists, and established laboratories—are exempt when handling these substances for legitimate purposes. Violations carry a fine ranging from $500 to $1,500 per offense.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-630, property owners and managers generally ensure that no prohibited corrosive, caustic, or noxious substances—or devices designed to disperse them—are stored or sold on their premises outside of the narrow professional exemptions the ordinance recognizes. Compliant operators maintain awareness of what materials are present in common areas, storage rooms, and units, and address any unauthorized possession promptly. Fines of $500 to $1,500 per offense can apply to any person found in violation, which may include those responsible for a property's operations.
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 § 7-28-630 establishes that residents, like all persons, are prohibited from possessing or carrying the corrosive, caustic, or noxious substances described in the ordinance, as well as stink balls or similar breakable devices containing those materials. Tenants who believe a landlord or another party on the property is violating this provision may consider reporting the concern to the Chicago Department of Housing or another relevant city authority. Tenant-rights organizations in Chicago can also help explain how this ordinance intersects with housing conditions and lease obligations.
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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