Building Code Violations

The City of Chicago's Buildings Hearings Division hears cases initiated from the Building, Fire and Zoning Departments. Building owners are most commonly cited for buildings in an allegedly unkempt state, buildings with purported safety, structural, plumbing, or electrical problems, or advertising signage erected without a proper permit.

The Buildings Hearings Division is primarily concerned with structural features supposedly posing a risk to public safety. Because of the Division's emphasis on compliance, sizable fines will continue to accrue, even daily, as long as the violation remains unaddressed.

At the same time, a strong skilled legal defense can help address both the fine for the underlying violation and the subsequent daily penalties. Aaron Fox Law is prepared to utilize its expertise to present the strongest defense for your case.

Building Code Violations

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Frequently Asked Questions

Read the notice carefully, note your hearing date, and start documenting the current condition of your property. Do not ignore it — fines can accumulate daily. Contact an attorney who handles Chicago Municipal Code cases before your hearing to understand your options.
Fines vary depending on the violation but can range from $500 to $1,000 per day until the issue is resolved. Daily fines accumulate quickly, which is why addressing violations early is critical to minimizing your total financial exposure.
The City enters a default judgment against you, fines continue to accumulate daily, and liens can be placed on your property. Liens make it difficult to sell or refinance and must be paid before title can transfer.
Yes. Fines are often negotiable, especially when you can demonstrate that the violation has been corrected. An attorney experienced in administrative hearings can present evidence of compliance and negotiate with the City's attorneys on your behalf.
You are not required to have one, but one can definitely help. An attorney knows which arguments carry weight with judges, how to present evidence effectively, and how to negotiate reduced fines or dismissals.
Most cases are heard at the City of Chicago Department of Administrative Hearings in front of an Administrative Law Judge. More serious cases are heard at the Daley Center in front of Circuit Court Judges. In either setting, you or your attorney can present evidence, challenge the violation, and negotiate with the City's attorney.
Yes, and you should if possible. Correcting the violation and bringing documentation such as photos, receipts, and contractor invoices to your hearing shows good faith and significantly increases your chances of getting fines reduced or dismissed.
You can file a motion to vacate the default judgment to reopen your case. You will need to show good cause for missing the hearing and present your defense. This process is more complex than appearing at the original hearing, so legal help is recommended.
We handle all Chicago building code violations including unpermitted work, structural issues, porch and deck violations, failure to maintain the exterior, electrical and plumbing violations, vacant building violations, and zoning violations.
Attorney Aaron Fox is a former City of Chicago attorney who handled over 1,000 Municipal Code cases. He knows exactly how the City builds its cases because he used to build them. That insider knowledge now gives our clients a significant advantage in defending against violations.

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If you've received a Chicago Municipal Code violation or need guidance on a pending hearing, time is critical. Daily fines can add up fast—let us help you take control of your case.

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