Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-120
Violations (Chicago Lead-Bearing Substances Ordinance)
Operative Text
(a) Violation of any section of this chapter or any failure to comply with any order authorized pursuant to this chapter shall be punishable by a fine not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00 for each offense. Each day that such violation or noncompliance exists shall be considered a separate offense. (b) Any person found liable or guilty of a third or subsequent violation of this chapter and/or of a third or subsequent failure to comply with any order authorized pursuant to this chapter on three different days within a two-year period shall be punished by a fine of not less than $500.00 nor more than $1,000.00 for each offense, and may be punished by a period of incarceration not to exceed six months, or both. Each day that such violation or noncompliance exists shall be considered a separate offense. (Added Coun. J. 11-5-93, p. 40561; Amend Coun. J. 12-13-06, p. 94902, § 1)
Chicago Municipal Code § 7-4-120 establishes a tiered penalty structure for violations of Chapter 7-4 or failures to comply with authorized orders under that chapter. A first or second offense carries a fine between $100 and $500, with each day of continuing violation counted as a separate offense. A third or subsequent violation occurring on three different days within a two-year period escalates the penalty to between $500 and $1,000 per offense and may additionally result in up to six months of incarceration.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 7-4 should be aware that § 7-4-120 imposes daily fines for each day a violation or noncompliance persists, meaning costs can accumulate rapidly. Compliant operators generally address any cited deficiency promptly and maintain records demonstrating corrective action to avoid repeat violations. Reaching a third violation within a two-year window triggers significantly higher fines and the possibility of criminal penalties, making timely remediation a standard operational practice.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Chicago Municipal Code § 7-4-120, tenants living in properties with ongoing Chapter 7-4 violations may find it relevant that each day of noncompliance constitutes a separate, fineable offense, which can be a meaningful factor when violations persist. Tenants can document conditions, report concerns to the Chicago Department of Housing, and inquire about any outstanding orders or citations against a property. Tenant-rights organizations in Chicago can help residents understand how this provision's escalating penalty structure may relate to their situation and what general enforcement paths are 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 October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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