Chicago Heights — Ch. 22 Housing, Dangerous Buildings and Structures § 22-9
Emergency repair, vacation or demolition of dangerous, unsafe building or structure
Operative Text
In addition, to the general authority provided by section 22-7 , in cases where it reasonably appears that there is immediate danger to the life, health or safety of any person unless a dangerous, unsafe building or structure as defined herein is immediately repaired, vacated or demolished, the supervisor of the building department shall cause the immediate repair, vacation or demolition of such dangerous, unsafe building or structure. The costs of such emergency repair, vacation or demolition shall be collected in the same manner as in section 22-13 .
Chicago Heights Code § 22-9 authorizes the city's building department supervisor to order or carry out immediate repair, vacation, or demolition of a building or structure when there is a reasonable appearance of imminent danger to life, health, or safety. This emergency authority operates alongside the general powers established in § 22-7 and does not require the lengthier process that might apply in non-emergency situations. Any costs incurred for such emergency action are recovered through the same collection mechanism described in § 22-13.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers should be aware that under § 22-9, the Chicago Heights building department supervisor holds authority to act immediately—without waiting for a standard notice-and-cure period—if a structure is deemed an imminent danger. Compliant operators generally maintain buildings in a condition that avoids triggering this emergency authority, keeping up with inspections, structural assessments, and timely repairs. Because emergency intervention costs are recoverable against the property under the § 22-13 collection process, owners bear financial exposure for any city-incurred repair, vacation, or demolition expenses.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 22-9 of the Chicago Heights Code provides a basis for tenants to understand that city officials can act swiftly to address conditions that pose an immediate threat to life, health, or safety—including ordering vacation of a building. If a tenant believes a structure presents such an imminent danger, they may contact the Chicago Heights building department to report the condition and request an inspection. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand what protections and relocation resources may be available if a building is vacated or demolished under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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