Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-720
Accumulation of materials or junk (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
It shall be unlawful for any person to accumulate or permit the accumulation on any open lot, or other premises, any lumber, boxes, barrels, bricks, stones, scrap metal, motor vehicle bodies or parts, or similar materials, or any articles of junk, which provides rat- harborage, unless the same shall be placed on open racks that are elevated not less than 18 inches above the ground, evenly piled or stacked. Any person who violates this section shall be fined not less than $300 nor more than $5,000 for each offense. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense to which a separate fine shall apply. (Prior code § 99-61.8; Amend Coun. J. 7-31-90, p. 19384; Amend Coun. J. 7-28-10, p. 97912, § 8; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 14596, Art. II, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-11-17, p. 56894, § 1)
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-720 prohibits the accumulation of lumber, scrap metal, vehicle parts, junk, and similar materials on open lots or other premises when those materials create conditions that harbor rats. The rule provides one exception: such materials may be kept if they are stored on open racks elevated at least 18 inches off the ground and kept evenly piled or stacked. Fines range from $300 to $5,000 per offense, and each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-720 generally keep outdoor areas free of loosely piled lumber, scrap metal, junk, and similar debris that could shelter rodents. Where such materials must be stored on-site, compliant operators typically use open racks elevated at least 18 inches above the ground and maintain even, orderly stacking. Because fines of up to $5,000 per day can accumulate quickly, operators commonly conduct routine inspections of all open lots and exterior premises to catch and correct storage issues promptly.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-720, tenants have an interest in knowing that landlords are prohibited from allowing rat-harboring accumulations of junk or materials on the property unless properly racked and elevated. If a tenant observes conditions that appear to violate this provision, they may report the issue to the Chicago Department of Housing or another relevant city enforcement body, or raise the condition as part of a broader habitability concern. Tenant-rights organizations in Chicago can help residents understand what documentation to gather and what local complaint processes may be 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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