Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-060
Conditions detrimental to health – Public nuisance – Violation – Penalty (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
No building, vehicle, structure, receptacle, yard, lot, premises, or part thereof, shall be made, used, kept, maintained, or operated in the city if such use, keeping, maintaining, or operating shall be the occasion of any nuisance, or shall be dangerous to life or detrimental to health. Every building or structure constructed or maintained in violation of the building provisions of this Code, or which is in an unsanitary condition, or in an unsafe or dangerous condition, or which in any manner endangers the health or safety of any person or persons, is hereby declared to be a public nuisance. Every building or part thereof which is in an unsanitary condition by reason of the basement or cellar being covered with stagnant water, or by reason of the presence of sewer gas, or by reason of any portion of a building being infected with disease or being unfit for human habitation, or which by reason of any other unsanitary condition, is a source of sickness, or which endangers the public health, is hereby declared to be a public nuisance. Any person found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to a penalty of not less than $200.00 nor more than $5,000.00, or imprisonment not to exceed 10 days, or both such fine and imprisonment for each offense. Each day such violation shall continue shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. (Prior code § 99-4; Amend Coun. J. 7-9-86, p. 31580; Amend Coun. J. 8-30-00, p. 40306, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 10-11-17, p. 56894, § 1)
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-060 prohibits any building, structure, yard, or premises in Chicago from being used or maintained in a way that creates a nuisance or poses a danger to life or health. Buildings that are unsanitary, unsafe, or otherwise hazardous to occupants or the public are declared public nuisances under this provision. Violations can result in fines ranging from $200 to $5,000 per offense, up to 10 days of imprisonment, or both, with each day of continued violation counting as a separate offense.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Chicago are expected to keep their buildings free of conditions that could qualify as a public nuisance under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-060, such as stagnant water in basements, sewer gas, structural hazards, or disease-related contamination. Compliant operators generally conduct regular inspections, address unsanitary or unsafe conditions promptly, and ensure all construction and maintenance meets the city's building code standards. Because each day of a continuing violation is treated as a separate offense, unresolved conditions can accumulate significant financial exposure.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-060 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when a rental property is maintained in an unsanitary, unsafe, or otherwise hazardous condition that rises to the level of a public nuisance. Tenants who believe their building violates this provision may consider documenting the conditions and reporting them to the Chicago Department of Housing or other relevant city enforcement bodies. Tenant-rights organizations in Chicago can help residents understand how this provision may interact with other local housing protections 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 September 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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