Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-430
Decaying animal matter (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
It shall be unlawful for any person having the ownership or control of any animal matter within the city which is in process of decay so as to be offensive or dangerous to the public health to permit the same to remain within the city or within one mile of the limits thereof, while in such condition, more than 12 hours after such animal matter shall have come into such offensive or dangerous condition, whether it be at an establishment for the rendering or changing the character thereof or not. Any person violating any provision of this section shall be fined not less than $50.00 and not more than $200.00 for each offense, and every day on which such violation shall continue shall be deemed a separate and distinct offense. (Prior code § 99-35)
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-430, anyone who owns or controls decaying animal matter within Chicago or within one mile of the city limits must remove or address it within 12 hours of it becoming offensive or dangerous to public health. This rule applies regardless of whether the material is at a rendering facility or any other type of establishment. Fines range from $50 to $200 per offense, and each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-430 generally maintain procedures for promptly identifying and disposing of any decaying animal matter on premises they own or control. Compliant operators typically ensure that such material is removed or rendered non-offensive well within the 12-hour window the provision establishes. Because each day of continued violation is treated as a distinct offense, operators commonly document disposal actions to demonstrate timely compliance.
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 § 7-28-430 establishes a public health standard that applies to anyone controlling decaying animal matter, which can include landlords responsible for shared or common areas of a rental property. If a tenant observes conditions that may violate this provision, general enforcement paths include reporting the concern to the Chicago Department of Public Health or a relevant city inspection authority. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand how this type of sanitary code provision may relate to habitability standards under their lease or local law.
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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