Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-070
Piling of used material to excessive heights (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
No yard, lot, premises or enclosure or part thereof, shall be used, kept, maintained, or operated, for the purpose of storing used lumber, metal or other secondhand building material, dismantled motor vehicles or parts thereof, creates, cases, boxes or other discarded material unless the said yard, lot, premises or enclosure is entirely surrounded by a fence eight feet in height, which fence shall be located at least eight feet from all public ways surrounding the property and none of said articles shall be piled nearer than six inches to, nor higher than said fence; provided, however, that if said articles are piled at a greater distance than eight feet from any public way they may be piled to a height equal to the distance from the public way, but in no case to a height exceeding 20 feet. On the property dividing lines of such yard, lot, premises or enclosure said fence may be erected on the property dividing line but none of said articles shall be piled nearer than six inches to said fence nor be piled at an angle of more than 45 degrees from such point, but not to exceed a height of 20 feet. Where an existing fence is erected nearer than eight feet to a public way, such fence may be permitted to remain but none of said articles shall be piled nearer than eight feet to such public way nor contrary to the provisions of this section. The piling of said articles in excess of the height herein permitted shall constitute a nuisance. Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be fined not less than $200.00 and not more than $500.00 for each offense. Every day of a continuing violation shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. (Prior code § 99-4.1; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99931, § 4.2)
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-070 governs how used lumber, scrap metal, dismantled vehicles, and similar secondhand or discarded materials may be stored on any yard, lot, or enclosed premises. The rule requires that such properties be fully surrounded by an eight-foot fence set back at least eight feet from public ways, and it caps how high stored materials may be piled relative to that fence and the nearest public way, with an absolute ceiling of 20 feet. Piling materials beyond the permitted heights is declared a nuisance, and each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense subject to fines.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of salvage yards, scrap lots, or any property used to store secondhand building materials or dismantled vehicles in Chicago must structure their sites to comply with Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-070. A compliant operator generally maintains an eight-foot perimeter fence set back at least eight feet from all surrounding public ways, keeps stored materials at least six inches from the fence, and ensures pile heights never exceed the distances and absolute 20-foot maximum the provision specifies. Because fines of $200–$500 accrue for each day of a continuing violation, operators typically conduct regular site inspections to confirm ongoing compliance with the height and setback requirements.
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 § 7-28-070 can affect residential neighbors and community members who live near properties used to store scrap, salvage, or dismantled vehicles, since improperly piled materials are classified as a nuisance under this provision. Individuals who believe a nearby property is violating the fence, setback, or pile-height requirements may consider filing a complaint with the Chicago Department of Housing or another relevant city enforcement body. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid groups familiar with Chicago municipal code can help residents understand what documentation or steps are generally associated with pursuing a nuisance complaint under this section.
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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