Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-110
Manner of abatement of lead hazards (Chicago Lead-Bearing Substances Ordinance)
Operative Text
(a) The removal of the lead-bearing substance from the dwelling, residential building, child care facility, or school shall be accomplished in a manner consistent with all rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter concerning acceptable and safe methods of lead hazard removal or abatement, and in a manner which will not endanger the health or well- being of its occupants, and will result in the safe removal from the premises, and the safe disposition of flakes, chips, debris, dust and other potentially harmful materials. No person may conduct lead abatement and/or lead hazard removal in a manner that increases exposure of any person to lead-bearing substances or a lead hazard in or around a dwelling, residential building, child care facility or school. (b) The commissioner or his authorized representative is authorized to remove from a commercial establishment a sample of any products or goods which are suspected to contain a lead-bearing substance for the purpose of testing for compliance with department rules and regulations. The commissioner or his authorized representative is further authorized to order the removal or embargo of any goods or products from a commercial establishment after the goods or products have been tested or found not to be in compliance with this ordinance or state or federal law. Tests to determine if a product is a lead-bearing substance shall be conducted using standardized methodologies, as determined by the commissioner in regulation. Test results shall be made available to the owner of the commercial establishment. (c) The department of public health shall maintain a report of any products which were taken for testing, or otherwise removed or disposed of under subsection 7-4-110 (b). Such report shall be made available for public inspection. The contents of such report shall identify the products taken, removed, or disposed of, the approximate retail value of the products, the results of any lead testing performed and other information as determined by the commissioner by rule. (Added Coun. J. 11-5-93, p. 40561; Amend Coun. J. 12-13-06, p. 94902, § 1)
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-110 establishes how lead hazards must be removed from dwellings, residential buildings, child care facilities, and schools in Chicago. Lead abatement work must follow all applicable rules and regulations, protect occupants from exposure, and ensure that debris, dust, chips, and other hazardous materials are safely removed and disposed of. The provision also authorizes city health officials to sample and, if necessary, embargo products at commercial establishments suspected of containing lead, and requires the Chicago Department of Public Health to maintain a publicly available report of any products tested, removed, or disposed of under this section.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-110, property owners and managers overseeing lead abatement in residential buildings are generally expected to ensure that all work is performed using methods that comply with the rules and regulations issued under Chapter 7-4, and that no abatement activity increases occupant exposure to lead. Compliant operators typically engage contractors who follow standardized removal procedures and arrange for the safe disposal of all lead-containing debris, dust, and chips. Owners should also be aware that city officials are authorized to inspect and test products on commercial premises for lead content and may order removal or embargo of non-compliant goods.
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 § 7-4-110 provides that anyone living in a dwelling where lead abatement is taking place has a right to have that work conducted in a way that does not increase their exposure to lead or lead-bearing substances. If a tenant believes abatement work in their building is being performed unsafely or in violation of this provision, they may consider filing a complaint with the Chicago Department of Public Health, which is the agency responsible for enforcement under this chapter. Tenant-rights organizations in Chicago can help residents understand what protections apply and what general options are available when lead abatement concerns arise.
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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