Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-480
Inspection of roofs and areaways (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
It shall be the duty of the commissioner of buildings or his authorized representative to make inspections at least twice each year of the roofs, light and air shafts, courts, and areaways of all buildings where he has reason to believe a nuisance exists or any of the regulations of this Code are being violated. It shall be the duty of the person in possession or control of any such building to allow the commissioner of buildings or his authorized representative entrance or access, at all reasonable times, to such building for the purpose of inspection or for the making of such records as may be necessary. (Prior code § 99-40)
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-480, the Commissioner of Buildings is required to inspect roofs, light and air shafts, courts, and areaways of buildings at least twice per year when there is reason to believe a nuisance or code violation exists. The provision also establishes a corresponding obligation on whoever possesses or controls a building to allow the Commissioner or an authorized representative access at all reasonable times for inspection or record-keeping purposes. This rule creates a two-sided framework: a government duty to inspect and a building-side duty to permit that inspection.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-480 generally ensure that rooftops, areaways, courts, and shaft spaces remain accessible to the Commissioner of Buildings or authorized inspectors during reasonable hours. Compliant operators typically maintain clear access routes to these areas and respond promptly when an inspection is scheduled or requested. Keeping records of prior inspections and any corrective actions taken can help demonstrate ongoing cooperation with the city's inspection program.
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 § 7-28-480 establishes that the city has an affirmative duty to inspect building roofs, areaways, and related spaces at least twice yearly when violations or nuisances are suspected, which can be relevant to tenants living in buildings with deteriorating or hazardous conditions in those areas. Tenants who observe problems such as roof leaks, blocked areaways, or other potential nuisances may report concerns to the Chicago Department of Housing or the Commissioner of Buildings to prompt an inspection under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations in Chicago can help residents understand how this inspection framework intersects with other housing code protections.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.