Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-100
Procedures upon determination of lead- bearing substance (Chicago Lead-Bearing Substances Ordinance)
Operative Text
(a) Upon determination that there is a lead- bearing substance in or upon any child care facility, school, dwelling or residential building which could reasonably be hazardous to children, the City of Chicago shall, as soon as is practicable, give appropriate notice to the owner of a child care facility, school, dwelling or residential building, of the existence and location of a lead hazard. In addition, regardless of whether there has been compliance with the preceding sentence, the city shall take action as needed to enforce this chapter, including, as the city or its authorized representative may determine is appropriate: (1) Providing the owner and occupants with suitable recommendations for elimination of the problem areas; (2) Notifying the other persons or entities with responsibility for a child care facility, school, dwelling, or residential building of the existence and location of such substances; (3) Ordering that these substances be removed, replaced, or securely covered within a specified time period and in a manner prescribed by the department; (4) Pursuing the remedies provided for in Sections 7-4-140 and 7-4-150 . (b) Upon determination that a commercial establishment is handling goods, products or items containing a lead-bearing substance, the city may take action as needed to enforce this chapter, including the following, as the city or its authorized representative may determine is appropriate: (1) giving notice to the owner of the commercial establishment of the existence of a lead- bearing substance or of a lead hazard contained in the goods, products or items handled by the commercial establishment; (2) ordering the owner of the commercial establishment to cease and desist selling, distributing or manufacturing the goods, products and items containing a lead-bearing substance or lead hazard as provided by Section 7-4-040 of this chapter; (3) ordering the owner of the commercial establishment to remove from distribution and sale any product, goods or items containing a lead-bearing substance. If the lead-bearing component of a product is removable, the commissioner may, at his discretion, allow the lead-bearing component to be removed and the remaining product to be sold, provided that the removal of the lead-bearing substance is noted on the product's packaging. Owners are required to dispose of said product or lead-bearing component in accordance with state or federal law or regulations promulgated by the commissioner regarding the disposal of food items; and (4) pursuing the remedies provided for in Sections 7-4-140 and 7-4-150 . (Added Coun. J. 11-5-93, p. 40561; Amend Coun. J. 12-13-06, p. 94902, § 1)
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-100 establishes what the City of Chicago must do once it determines that a lead-bearing substance exists in or on a child care facility, school, dwelling, or residential building in a way that could reasonably endanger children. The city is required to notify the property owner of the hazard's existence and location as soon as practicable, and may then take a range of enforcement actions—from issuing recommendations and ordering removal or covering of lead hazards within a set timeframe, to pursuing formal legal remedies. For commercial establishments found to be handling goods containing lead-bearing substances, the city holds parallel authority to issue notices, order sales to cease, and require removal of affected products from distribution.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-100, property owners of dwellings, residential buildings, child care facilities, or schools can expect to receive official notice from the city if a lead-bearing substance is identified on their property. Compliant operators generally respond promptly to any city-issued orders—such as directives to remove, replace, or securely cover lead hazards within the specified timeframe and in the manner prescribed by the department. Maintaining documentation of remediation work and staying in communication with the city or its authorized representative are practices commonly associated with meeting obligations under this section.
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. 7-4 § 7-4-100 gives the city authority to act on behalf of occupants when a lead hazard is found in a dwelling or residential building, including notifying responsible parties and ordering remediation. Tenants who believe a lead hazard exists in their home may consider reporting the concern to the Chicago Department of Housing or another relevant city agency so an official determination can be made and enforcement action can be initiated under this chapter. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Chicago's lead ordinance can help residents understand what notices they are entitled to receive and what remedies may be available under Sections 7-4-140 and 7-4-150 referenced in this provision.
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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