Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-690
Obstruction of streets (Chicago Building Inspection Code (Chapter 13-20))
Operative Text
Permits for the obstruction of streets or sidewalks during construction of signs shall be obtained by the general contractor or registered electrical contractor from the commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation. Where a general contractor or a registered electrical contractor installs, alters, erects, or repairs a sign, signboard, or illuminates a signboard without a required street or sidewalk obstruction permit first being issued, the department of building sign permit privileges of such general contractor or registered electrical contractor may be suspended pursuant to Section 13-8 -130 or 13-20-600 and shall not be reinstated until such time as all applicable provisions of Chapter 10-28 and this chapter have been complied with; and, in the case of a registered electrical contractor, the applicable registration may also be suspended or revoked under Section 13-8 -140; and, in the case of a licensed general contractor, the applicable license may be suspended or revoked under Section 4-4-280 or 13-8 -140. (Added Coun. J. 11-3-99, p. 13842, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. IV, § 19)
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-690, any obstruction of a street or sidewalk during sign construction must be covered by a permit obtained from the Chicago Department of Transportation before work begins. If a general contractor or registered electrical contractor proceeds without that permit, the city may suspend their building sign permit privileges. Depending on the contractor's license type, their registration or license may also be suspended or revoked under the referenced code sections.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers overseeing sign installation, alteration, or repair should be aware that Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-690 places the permit obligation on the general contractor or registered electrical contractor performing the work. Compliant operators typically verify that their hired contractors have secured the required street or sidewalk obstruction permit from the Chicago Department of Transportation before any work commences. Failure by a contractor to obtain this permit can result in suspension of their sign permit privileges, which could delay or halt a project.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
While Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-690 primarily governs contractors rather than residential tenants, tenants who observe unpermitted sign construction obstructing a street or sidewalk near their building may report the activity to the Chicago Department of Transportation or the city's building department. Understanding this provision can be relevant if construction activity affects access to a rental property or raises safety concerns. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how municipal code violations may intersect with their housing rights.
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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