Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-740
Posting non-compliance notice (Chicago Building Inspection Code (Chapter 13-20))
Operative Text
If the responsible person, as defined in Section 13-20-730 , cannot be found or such responsible person's whereabouts cannot be ascertained, the Building Commissioner shall attach or cause to be attached to such sign or sign structure a notice meeting the requirements of Section 13-20-740 . If the sign or sign structure identified in such notice is not brought into conformity with this chapter and is not placed in a secure, safe, and substantially sound condition in the manner directed or required by such notice, within 30 calendar days after such notice is attached to such sign or sign structure, the Building Commissioner may cause such sign or sign structure or any portion thereof that has been constructed or is being maintained in violation of this chapter, Article I of Chapter 13-96 of this Code or Title 14E of this Code, to be torn down. Provided, however, that nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the Building Commissioner, in case of imminent danger, from taking necessary or advisable precautionary measures to place such sign or sign structure in a safe condition. Provided further, that any expense incurred by the City in connection with taking such precautionary measures shall be charged to and recovered from the responsible person, as defined in Section 13-20-730 , in any appropriate proceedings therefore. If the necessary alterations and repairs are not made within the time period specified, the permit for the sign or sign structure may be revoked by the Building Commissioner pursuant to Section 13-20-645 . Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the Building Commissioner from seeking to directly revoke a permit pursuant to Section 13-20-645 . (Added Coun. J. 11-3-99, p. 13842, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 5-2-01, p. 57403, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 3-5-03, p. 104990, § 18; Amend Coun. J. 11-13-07, p. 14999, Art. II, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. II, § 18; Amend Coun. J. 11-21-17, p. 61755, Art. I, § 21)
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-740, when the responsible party for a non-compliant sign or sign structure cannot be located, the Building Commissioner is authorized to post a notice directly on that sign or structure. If the sign is not brought into compliance within 30 calendar days of that notice, the city may remove or demolish it. In cases of imminent danger, the Building Commissioner can act immediately to secure the structure, and any costs incurred may be recovered from the responsible party; the sign permit may also be revoked under Section 13-20-645.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers responsible for signs or sign structures in Chicago should be aware that Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-740 empowers the Building Commissioner to post a non-compliance notice directly on a sign when the responsible party cannot be reached. Compliant operators generally maintain current contact information with the city, respond promptly to any notices, and bring signs into conformity within the 30-day window to avoid forced removal or permit revocation. Keeping records of sign permits, maintenance, and any correspondence with the Building Commissioner helps demonstrate ongoing compliance with this chapter.
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 § 13-20-740 primarily governs sign structures rather than residential tenancy directly, tenants who observe non-compliant or unsafe signs on or near their building may note that this provision gives the Building Commissioner authority to act when responsible parties are unreachable. Tenants can report unsafe sign conditions to the Chicago Department of Housing or the city's building enforcement offices, and may also consult a tenant-rights organization for guidance on how building-code violations could relate to their housing situation. Understanding this provision can help tenants recognize the city's enforcement tools and the timelines involved when a sign or structure poses a safety concern.
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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