Supporting Information
2022 Cooling Ordinance
In June 2022, the Chicago City Council adopted an ordinance requiring certain new and existing residential buildings to install air conditioning equipment in common gathering areas and make these areas available to residents as cooling centers when the outdoor heat index exceeds 80°F.
A Permit Overview
A Permit Overview
Adjacent Neighbors Land Acquisition Program (ANLAP)
The Adjacent neighbors Land Acquisition Program (ANLAP) enables homeowners in certain areas of Chicago to purchase vacant, city-owned lots for less than market value.
Administrative Adjustments
Administrative adjustments are intended to provide a streamlined approval procedure for minor modifications of selected zoning standards.
Aircraft Noise Complaints
Fill out your aircraft noise complaints
Bioinfiltration: Rain Gardens
Information on Rain Gardens
Blocking Rainwater and Preventing Sewer Backup
Information on Blocking Rainwater and Preventing Sewer Backup
Blue Cart & Recycling Drop-off Center: Accepted Materials
List of materials that are accepted in the Chicago Blue Cart Program & Recycling Drop-off Centers.
Blue Cart Schedule and Maps
View the Blue Cart Residential Recycling Map to identify your residence's pick-up zone, hauler and schedule.
Board-up Company (Regulated Business) License
Important information about City of Chicago board-up company licenses, a type of regulated business license
Building Permit Inspection Videos
A series of videos to show residents and business owners what an inspection looks like.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms for Your Home
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you. Carbon monoxide alarms help to protect you and your family from this invisible threat. Learn more about carbon monoxide alarms for your home.
Central Area Action Plan
The Central Area Action Plan (CAAP) contains information intended to encourage the implementation of policies and projects essential for the Central Area’s effective functioning, growth and quality of life.
Chicago Landmark Designation: Marina City
The Commission on Chicago Landmarks voted in favor of a final recommendation to City Council that Marina City be designated as a Chicago Landmark.
Chicago Shovels
This page contains information about the Plow Tracker, Winter Apps and Snow Parking Restrictions.
Child Window Safety
Too often, children are seriously injured or killed as a result of falling from a window. There are basic steps you can take to help make sure children are protected from window falls.
Clean & Green
Check out the details on the City's Annual clean & Green Day of Service.
Clean up After the Flood
Documents form State and Federal sources that provide information on how to handle the cleaning procedure to a home after a flood has occurred.
Community Outreach and Engagement
DOH works to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and residents throughout the city.
Conservation Inspection
The Division of Building Inspections, more commonly known as "Conservation", is charged with enforcing the Chicago Building Code as it relates to the City's existing housing stock.
Cool Chi
The City of Chicago participates in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) community-led urban heat island mapping campaign, where volunteer resident scientists, working with the City and community-based organizations, will travel through predetermined routes in their neighborhoods in the morning, afternoon, and evening on one of the hottest days of the year with heat sensors mounted on their own cars.
Demolition Delay Hold List (2014)
See the list for Demolition Delay Hold for the year 2014
Demolition Delay Hold List (2015)
See the list for Demolition Delay Hold for 2015
Demolition Delay Hold List (2016)
See the list for Demolition Delay Hold for 2016
Demolition Delay Hold List (2017)
See the list for Demolition Delay Hold for 2017
Demolition Delay Hold List (2018)
See the list for Demolition Delay Hold for 2018
Demolition Delay Hold List (2019)
See the list for Demolition Delay Hold for 2019
Demolition Delay Hold List (2022)
See the list for Demolition Delay Hold for the year 2022
Demolition Delay Hold List (2023)
See the list for Demolition Delay Hold for the year 2023
Disconnect Your Downspout
A Guide to Downspout Disconnection
Downspout Disconnection
Downspout disconnection can help prevent basement sewage backup. Before you disconnect your downspout, consider where you are directing the water, and that cold weather will cause icing conditions.
Downspouts, Rain Barrels and Cisterns
Traditionally, roof runoff in Chicago has been routed via downspouts directly into the sewer system. However, the City of Chicago encourages the careful disconnection of downspouts so that roof runoff can flow directly into vegetated areas. Please see various options on this page.
Easy Payment
The City of Chicago offers a variety of payment options to help make bill paying more convenient
Emerald Ash Borer Supplemental Information
Information on the Emerald Ash Borer and important links.
Emergency Preparedness for Pet Owners
Necessary precautionary steps in the case of floods, fires, blizzards, terrorism.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Get involved in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs.
Filter Strips
Information on Filter Strips and their advantages.
Find a Residential Recycling Drop Off Center
Residential Recycling Drop-Off Centers—blue dumpsters specifically designated for recycling—are located throughout the city. View a list of locations below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Driveway Permit
Healthy Chicago Podcast
The Healthy Chicago Podcast, a discussion between city medical professionals and weekly guests about topics affecting public health in the city of Chicago and the world.
Home Repair Tips For Consumers
The City of Chicago is offering consumers smart tips on how to choose the right contractor and how to detect red flags to avoid getting scammed by a rip off contractor.
Homeward Bound Animal Placement Program
Transferring animals to other State Licensed animal shelters or breed rescue groups often provides them a much better chance of being adopted than remaining at our shelter. Through the Homeward Bound Program, nearly 7,000 animals are transferred out to partnering shelters each year!
Housing 101
Housing 101 is a series of presentations created by DOH to better inform Chicagoan's on housing resources. View the presentations below.
Human Service Delivery
Human Service Delivery is about people and partners.
Individual, Family and Community Preparedness
There is never too much preparedness when it means saving a LIFE! You can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and by working with your family as a team. Preparation should include: getting informed (including a checklist), making a plan, assembling, and maintaining your plan and kit.
Information on the Demolition Process
The Department of Buildings' Demolition Bureau responds to complaints generated by the 311 system reported by residents, community groups, Aldermanic offices, as well as the Chicago Police Department. The bureau responds to complaints of vacant and open buildings.
Introduction to Green Design
Informational page on Green design
Invasive Species
Threat of invasive species.
Low-Cost Education and Weatherization Program
The Low-Cost Weatherization and Education Program (LCWEP) aims to prepare, educate and train Chicago residents in low cost weatherization techniques. C3 volunteers are trained in low-cost home weatherization techniques. Volunteers then train their neighbors and distribute and install weatherization kits.
Mailing My Payment
The City of Chicago offers a variety of payment options to help make bill paying more convenient.
Medical Reserve Corps
The national Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a volunteer group of both medical and non-medical professionals, organized on a local basis to help provide needed services to their communities during emergencies and disasters.
Microchip Chicago
Chicago Animal Care and Control strongly recommends that all pet owners microchip and obtain a collar and tag for your pets. Cats that get lost are 9 times more likely to be reunited to their home if they arrive at a shelter with a collar and tag or microchip. Dogs are 5 times more likely to be returned home to their owner if they have a collar and tag or microchip. It is also the law for all dogs to have a city dog license. If your pet gets lost and is found by our shelter we will research the tag and microchip information and contact you as soon as possible to let you know your pet is with us.
Office of the Zoning Administrator
Information for sending correspondence to the Office of the Zoning Administrator
Ordinance, Publications and Additional Chicago Landmark Information
A list of landmark-related publications by Commission on Chicago Landmarks, including the Landmarks Ordinance, Permit Review schedule and guidelines, and the "U.S. Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings."
Payment Locations
The City of Chicago offers a variety of payment options to help make bill paying more convenient
Pet Responsibility Portal
Pet ownership is a very rewarding privilege that requires a high level of responsibility and investment on the animal owner's behalf.
Plan Examination
The Department of Planning and Development reviews building permit applications to ensure plans are in compliance with the Chicago Zoning Ordinance.
Plow Tracker
During snow storms, this Plow Tracker map will show real-time locations of city plows and salt spreaders. Residents can watch as snow clearing efforts start with the major streets then move to neighborhood streets to keep Chicago moving.
Porch and Deck Safety
Safety information for residential porches and decks
Private Sector Recycling
Chicago's City Council adopted the Workplace and Residential Recycling Ordinance in 1994, requiring all property managers and building owners to implement an effective recycling program by January 1, 1995. The City regularly inspects businesses to ensure compliance and issues citations for noncompliance.
Question, Concern or Request?
To report a street or parkway leak, an open fire hydrant, or to shut off the water in an emergency PLEASE CALL 3-1-1 immediately.
Residential Garbage
The Bureau of Sanitation collects residential garbage from approximately 600,000 households in Chicago. Pick-ups are weekly, Mondays through Fridays. City crews service all single-family residences and apartment buildings of four units or less. More than one million tons of garbage and recyclables are collected annually.
Resolution to Amend the Rules and Regulations of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks
Resolution to Amend the Rules and Regulations of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks information.
Roof-Top Water Tank
Roof top water tanks are regulated by the Department of Buildings.
Smoke Alarms for Your Home
Smoke alarms help to keep you safe from fire at home. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Smoke alarms provide an early warning. Learn more about smoke alarms for your home.
Temporary Tent Permitting Procedures
A summary of permitting procedures and requirements for tents that will be temporary (installed at the same location for 180 days or less)
Volunteer at CACC
Animal Care & Control welcomes volunteers to assist in the socialization and adoption of animals housed at Animal Care & Control.
Water
With the Lake Michigan to the east and the Chicago River winding through the heart of the city, Chicago maintains valuable water resources. Preservation of the lakeshore ensures clean drinking water and beaches while restoration of the Chicago River will open the city’s next recreational frontier under the Mayor's leadership. Explore the links below to learn more about water in Chicago and how you can help protect and conserve it.
Who is the CCHR?
The Commission on Human Relations promotes appreciation of Chicago's diversity and works to eliminate prejudice and discrimination. Commissioners, advisory councils, and staff conduct pro-active programs of education, intervention, and constituency building to discourage bigotry and bring people from different groups together.
Winter Apps
Here you will find winter websites or apps developed by people in Chicago's vibrant technology community.
ZBA Resolutions - 1982-Present
An archive of decisions made by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Department of Planning and Development from 1982 to the present.
Zero Waste Chicago
Explore the following efforts to support the City's long term goal of achieving zero waste.