Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-095
Subpoena powers (Chicago Lead-Bearing Substances Ordinance)
Operative Text
The commissioner shall have the power to issue subpoenas to owners of commercial establishments suspected of violating Sections 7-4-040 and 7-4-060 of this chapter to ascertain what goods and services are being bought, sold, manufactured, distributed or resold as well as to whom and from whom they are being sold. Upon determination that there is a lead-bearing substance in or upon any dwelling, residential building, child care facility and school, the commissioner shall have the power to subpoena the owners of the dwelling, residential building, child care facility or school only for the purposes of ascertaining who performed work or who was contracted to perform work to remove a lead- bearing substance or hazard or any work which has disturbed a lead-bearing substance or caused a lead hazard. (Added Coun. J. 12-13-06, p. 94902, § 1)
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-095, the city commissioner is authorized to issue subpoenas in two distinct circumstances involving lead hazards. First, owners of commercial establishments suspected of violating related sections of Chapter 7-4 may be subpoenaed to disclose what goods and services they buy, sell, manufacture, distribute, or resell, and with whom. Second, once a lead-bearing substance is confirmed in a dwelling, residential building, child care facility, or school, the commissioner may subpoena the property owner solely to identify who performed or was contracted to perform work involving that lead substance or hazard.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers should be aware that Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-095 grants the commissioner authority to compel disclosure of information about lead-related work through a formal subpoena process. Compliant operators generally maintain thorough records of any contractors hired to perform work that could disturb lead-bearing substances, including contracts, licenses, and work orders. Owners of commercial establishments covered by Chapter 7-4 similarly benefit from keeping clear documentation of goods and services transactions, as this information may be subject to subpoena.
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. 7-4 § 7-4-095 gives the city commissioner investigative tools—including subpoena power—to identify who performed lead-related work in residential buildings, child care facilities, and schools. Tenants who believe a lead hazard exists in their home may find it useful to know that this provision enables the city to compel property owners to reveal contractor information once a lead-bearing substance is confirmed. Those concerned about lead conditions in their residence can explore options such as filing a complaint with the Chicago Department of Housing or contacting a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available remedies.
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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