Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-520

(a) (1) Any person who violates Section 13-20-550 pertaining to a static image display sign or its support structure shall be fined not less than $7,500.00 nor more than $10,000.00 for each offense, unless such person can show, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the square footage of the sign is: (i) from 200 to 499 square feet, per face, in which case a fine of not less than $2,000.00 nor more than $5,000.00 shall apply; (ii) from 100 to 199 square feet, per face, in which case a fine of not less than $1,000.00 nor more than $2,000.00 shall apply; or (iii) from zero to 99 square feet, per face, in which case a fine in accordance with Section 14A-3-302.1 shall apply. Any person who violates Section 13-20-550 pertaining to a dynamic image display sign, regardless of the size of the sign or its support structure, shall be fined not less than $10,000.00 nor more than $15,000.00 for each offense. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.


(2) The fines set forth in subsection (a)(1) of this section shall also apply, on a per offense and per day basis, to any person who continues to display or maintain any sign for which such person's sign permit has been revoked pursuant to Section 13-20-645 .


(3) In all cases where no specific penalty is provided for in this Article, any person erecting, owning, operating, or maintaining, or in charge, possession or control of, any sign or its support structure who violates this Article shall be fined in accordance with Section 14A-3-302.1 for each offense.


(b) In addition to any other fine or penalty provided, if, on three separate occasions in any 12-month period, any registered electrical contractor, a registered sign contractor, or bonded sign erector erects, installs, alters, repairs, enlarges, or illuminates any sign or structure covered by the provisions of this Article, without first having obtained any permit required under this Code, such person's certificate of registration, bond, and all permit privileges may be subject to suspension, under Section 13-20-600 of this Code, or revocation.


(c) In addition to any other fine or penalty provided, for any sign found not in compliance with the provisions of this Article, the Building Commissioner may compel the cessation of electrical current to any electrical equipment on such sign or structure.


(d) In addition to any other penalty or fine provided in this Code, any person who derives profits or revenue from one or more third parties from leasing space on a sign that is maintained, erected, installed, altered, repaired, or enlarged in violation of this chapter or Section 10-28-010 shall disgorge all profits or revenues derived from such sign upon determination, either by an administrative hearing officer or a court of competent jurisdiction, that the sign was unlawfully maintained, erected, installed, altered, repaired, or enlarged in violation of this Article or Section 10-28-010 . The provisions of this section apply to the owner of the sign and the owner of the property on which the sign is located.


The disgorgement of profits or revenue shall be remitted to the City.


(Added Coun. J. 11-3-99, p. 13842, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 5-2-01, p. 57403, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 7-27-05, p. 53211, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. V, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 4-24-12, p. 25060, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 4-30-14, p. 80382, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 2-22-17, p. 43876, § 20; Amend Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. IV, § 15; Amend Coun. J. 11-21-17, p. 61755, Art. I, § 7; Amend Coun. J. 11-21-17, p. 61858, Art. VIII, § 10; Amend Coun. J. 3-28-18, p. 74459, Art. V, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. VI, § 12)