LICENSING OF GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Municipal Code of Chicago tit. 4, ch. 4-36

in effect

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-010 Definitions.

4-36-010 Definitions. As used in this chapter: "Act related to general contracting" means: (1) any activity requiring a license under this chapter; or (2) any conduct regulated by this chapter; or (3) any activity requiring a permit issued under Article XIII of Chapter 13-20 or Chapter 14A-4 of this Code; or (4) any duty or other requirement imposed by this chapter; or (5) any inspection of a building or premises or performance of other legal or work-related duty by a City inspector, City personnel, or other government official in connection with: (i) the issuance of a license under this chapter, or (ii) the issuance of a permit under Article XIII of Chapter 13-20 or Chapter 14A-4, or (iii) for the purpose of enforcing the Chicago Construction Codes, the Zoning Ordinance, or any other law intended to protect the health and safety of workers, building occupants, or the public. "Chicago Construction Codes" has the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 14A-2-202. "City" means the City of Chicago. "City inspector" means any person authorized by the City to conduct an inspection. "City personnel" means any person employed by or authorized to act on behalf of the City. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Buildings. "Complex demolition" has the meaning ascribed to that term in Section 14A-2-202. "Controlling person" means any person who: (1) is an officer, director, partner, general partner, limited partner, manager, managing member or member of any entity seeking or holding a license under this chapter; or (2) owns, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediate ownership entities, 25 percent or more of the interest in the licensee or applicant, as applicable. "Department" means the Department of Buildings. "Dwelling unit" means a single unit of a building providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. "Employee" means an individual who performs work for an employer in the capacity of an employee, as distinguished from a contractor, determined pursuant to Internal Revenue Service guidelines. “Excavation” means activity that requires a permit pursuant to Section 14A-4-406.1. "Knowingly", with respect to a material fact, means (i) having actual knowledge of the material fact; or (ii) being aware of facts or information that would cause a reasonable person to have actual knowledge of the material fact; or (iii) acting in deliberate ignorance or reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the material fact. "Licensee" means a person holding a valid license issued under this chapter. "Ordinary demolition" has the meaning ascribed to that term in Section 14A-2-202. "Regulated activity" means any type of work which requires a permit in accordance with Article XVIII of Chapter 11-4, Chapter 11-16, Article XIII of Chapter 13-20, or Chapter 14A-4 of this Code; any type of work which is not required to obtain a permit in accordance with Section 14A-4-402; and any construction, demolition, or grading undertaken pursuant to a stormwater management plan required by Chapter 11-18. "Zoning Ordinance" means Title 17 of this Code. (Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-08, p. 34713, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 3-18-09, p. 56013, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. IV, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 4-10-19, p. 100029, Art. II, § 27; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 5-20-26, p. 43489, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-020 License - Required.

4-36-020 License - Required. (A) Except as provided in Section 4-36-020(B), no person shall engage in any of the following activities for compensation, as an investment, or with the intent to sell or lease real property to others without first obtaining a general contractor license: (1) Prepare or submit a bid, proposal, or offer to undertake a regulated activity. (2) Undertake, either directly or through others, a regulated activity. (3) Hire or supervise one or more persons carrying out a regulated activity. (4) Exercise control over the means, methods, or manner of accomplishing a regulated activity. (B) The following persons shall not be required to obtain a general contractor license: (1) A person performing a regulated activity under the supervision and control of a licensee, such as a subcontractor or employee of a licensee. (2) A person merely furnishing materials or supplies for use at a construction or demolition site without fabricating them into, or consuming them in the performance of, a regulated activity. (3) A person licensed as a board-up company pursuant to Section 4-6-190, a drain layer pursuant to Chapter 4-28, an electrical contractor pursuant to Chapter 4-290, an elevator mechanic contractor pursuant to Chapter 4-298, a plumbing contractor pursuant to Chapter 4-336, or a mason contractor pursuant to Chapter 4-376 and acting within the scope of that license or an employee of such a person and acting within the scope of employment. (4) An architect, professional engineer, professional land surveyor, or structural engineer licensed by the State of Illinois and acting within the scope of that license. (5) An individual undertaking regulated activity on a building or structure with three or fewer stories above grade plane at a property that constitutes the individual’s primary residence, provided that the property contains six or fewer dwelling units and no nonresidential occupancy. This exception is limited to one such property during a calendar year and does not apply to excavation subject to Section 14A-4-406 or demolition subject to Section 14A-4-407. (6) A person who contracts with a licensee to carry out a regulated activity at the person's property, provided that the contract provides for the licensee to exercise supervision and control over the regulated activity. (7) A property owner, or employee or agent thereof, including a tenant authorized to perform such work, who performs a type of regulated activity listed in Section 14A-4-402 at the owner's property. (8) A governmental entity and employees of the governmental entity for work at property owned or controlled by the governmental entity and performed by employees of the governmental entity. (C) This section applies to any activity which occurs within the City without regard for the domicile or residence of the person undertaking such activity. (D) The general contractor license shall be in addition to any other license required by law, including but not limited to the residential real estate developer license required by Section 4-6-050 and board-up company license required by Section 4-6-190, if applicable. (Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 21; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, § 79; Amend Coun. J. 4-10-19, p. 100029, Art. II, § 28; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 1-24-24, p. 8634, Art. I, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-030 License classifications.

4-36-030 License classifications. General contractor licenses shall be divided into five classes. A licensee shall be entitled to engage in the business of general contractor within the City subject to the following limitations: Class A license: The holder of a Class A license is subject to no limitation as to the value of concurrent or consecutive regulated activity at a single site. The holder of a Class A license may engage in both ordinary demolition and complex demolition. Class B license: The holder of a Class B license is not authorized to engage in concurrent or consecutive regulated activity at a single site with a value in excess of $20,000,000.00. The holder of a Class B license may engage in both ordinary demolition and complex demolition. Class C license: The holder of a Class C license is not authorized to engage in concurrent or consecutive regulated activity at a single site with a value in excess of $10,000,000.00. The holder of a Class C license may engage in ordinary demolition but is not entitled to engage in complex demolition. Class D license: The holder of a Class D license is not authorized to engage in concurrent or consecutive regulated activity at a single site with a value in excess of $4,000,000.00. The holder of a Class D license may engage in ordinary demolition but is not entitled to engage in complex demolition. Class E license: The holder of a Class E license is not authorized to engage in concurrent or consecutive regulated activity at a single site with a value in excess of $500,000.00. The holder of a Class E license is not entitled to engage in either ordinary demolition, complex demolition, or excavation. It shall be unlawful to apply for multiple permits for concurrent or consecutive regulated activities at a single site for the purpose of evading the limitations imposed by this section. (Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 9-14-05, p. 55252, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 12-19-25, p. 38125, Art. XVI, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 5-20-26, p. 43489, § 2) Editor's note – Coun. J. 9-14-05, p. 55252, § 4, provides: "This ordinance shall be in force and effect upon its passage and approval. Provided, however, that with respect to any affected insurance policy in effect as the time of passage of this ordinance, the requirements imposed by Code Sections 4-36-030 and 4-36-090, as amended by this ordinance, must be complied with in conjunction with the renewal of any such insurance policy, or by January 1, 2007, whichever comes first."

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-040 License - Posting - Nontransferability.

4-36-040 License - Posting - Nontransferability. (A) A copy of the license certificate issued pursuant to this chapter shall be posted in a conspicuous place near the entrance of the licensee's principal place of business. (B) A copy of the license certificate issued pursuant to this chapter shall be posted in a conspicuous place at each construction site under the supervision of the licensee. (C) Transfer of ownership shall not be allowed for any license issued under this chapter. (Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-08, p. 34713, § 4; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-050 License - Application.

4-36-050 License - Application. An application for a license under this chapter shall be made in writing to the Commissioner on a form provided by the Department, and shall be accompanied by the following: (A) If the applicant is an individual: (1) The applicant's full name, residence address, business address, business e-mail address and business telephone number; (2) Proof that the applicant is at least 18 years of age; (B) If the applicant is a corporation: (1) The corporate name, address, e-mail address and telephone number of the applicant's principal office or place of business; (2) The date and state of incorporation; (3) The full name, title, residence address, e-mail address and residence telephone number of all controlling persons; (4) Proof that all corporate officers and controlling persons are at least 18 years of age; (5) Proof that the corporation is in good standing under the laws of the State of Illinois; (C) If the applicant is a partnership or limited liability company: (1) The name, address, e-mail address and telephone number of the applicant's principal office or place of business; (2) The full name, title, residence address, e-mail address and residence telephone number of all partners, if a general partnership; of all general and limited partners, if a limited partnership; of all managers, managing members and members, if a limited liability company; and of all controlling persons; (3) Proof that all partners, managers, managing members, members and controlling persons are at least 18 years of age; (D) The class of license for which application is being made; (E) The license fee; (F) [Reserved.] (G) A statement verified by affidavit as to whether the applicant and each controlling person is financially solvent; (H) The name and address of the principal location from which the applicant has engaged in the business of general contracting at any time within the last five years; (I) If the applicant is not a sole proprietor, proof that the applicant is authorized to do business in the State of Illinois; (J) Proof of insurance as required by Section 4-36-090; (K) The date of birth, and a copy of a government-issued identification document for each natural person named in the license application; (L) A statement as to whether the applicant or any controlling person has ever been convicted, in custody, under parole or under any other non-custodial supervision resulting from a conviction in a court of any jurisdiction for the commission of a felony or criminal offense of whatever degree involving bribery, and if so, the details surrounding each such conviction; (M) A statement as to whether the applicant or any controlling person is currently under indictment or has been charged under any State or Federal law with the crime of bribery; and (N) Any other information that the commissioner may require. It is a condition of the license that all information in the application be kept current. Any change in required information shall be reported to the department of buildings within 14 business days after such change has occurred. For purposes of this section, a post office box shall not suffice as an address. (Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 9-14-05, p. 55252, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-08, p. 34713, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, § 80; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-060 License issuance and renewal prohibited when.

4-36-060 License issuance and renewal prohibited when. No license shall be issued under this chapter to the following persons: (A) Any person whose license under this chapter has been revoked for cause at any time within the last four years; (B) Any person whose permit privileges have been suspended pursuant to Section 4-36-130 until such time that the suspension is lifted by the Department; (C) Any person who is under the age of 18; (D) Any person who has been convicted, in custody, under parole or under any other non-custodial supervision resulting from a conviction in a court of any jurisdiction for the commission of a felony or criminal offense of whatever degree involving bribery, unless, upon request of such person, the Commissioner determines that such person has been substantially rehabilitated to warrant the public trust. The burden of proof of substantial rehabilitation shall be on the person seeking such rehabilitation; and (E) Any person who is currently under indictment or has been charged under any State or Federal law with the crime of bribery. The above prohibitions and requirements shall apply to the licensee and to all controlling persons. Eligibility for issuance of a license under this chapter shall be a continuing requirement for maintaining a license under this chapter. Failure to maintain such eligibility may result in license suspension or revocation in accordance with Section 4-4-280 or 14A-3-305. (Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-08, p. 34713, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, § 81; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-065 Training program.

4-36-065 Training program. The Commissioner may establish, either alone or in partnership with other City officials, an online training program addressing the obligations of a licensee under this chapter, the Chicago Construction Codes, and other relevant provisions of the Municipal Code, including the Governmental Ethics Ordinance (Chapter 2-156). If the Commissioner establishes such a program, the Commissioner may require, as a condition of licensure and renewal, that a licensee identify one or more employees of the licensee who have successfully completed the training program within the preceding 12 months. (Added Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-070 License - Fee - Expiration.

4-36-070 License - Fee - Expiration. Licenses issued under this chapter shall be subject to the fees set forth in Article II of Chapter 4-5 of this Code. A general contractor license shall expire one year after issuance. Expired licenses may only be reinstated within three years of expiration. (Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 6-6-12, p. 28356, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 12-19-25, p. 38125, Art. XVI, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-080 License number to be displayed.

4-36-080 License number to be displayed. A licensee shall print or type the licensee's general contractor license number legibly on the front page of every estimate, contract, and subcontract, and in any advertisement placed by or on behalf of the licensee. A licensee shall affix the licensee's name and general contractor license number on all motor vehicles regularly used in the course of the licensee's business. (Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-090 Proof of insurance - Required.

4-36-090 Proof of insurance - Required. Prior to the issuance of a general contractor license, each applicant shall furnish proof of insurance, issued by an insurer authorized to insure in Illinois with a credit rating of B+ or higher by A.M. Best Company, evidencing commercial general liability insurance, as follows: (A) If the applicant is applying for a Class A license: limits of not less than $5,000,000.00 per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, property damage and completed operations arising in any way from the issuance of the license or activities conducted pursuant to the license; (B) If the applicant is applying for a Class B license: limits of not less than $3,000,000.00 per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, property damage and completed operations arising in any way from the issuance of the license or activities conducted pursuant to the license; (C) If the applicant is applying for a Class C license: limits of not less than $2,000,000.00 per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, property damage and completed operations arising in any way from the issuance of the license or activities conducted pursuant to the license; (D) If the applicant is applying for a Class D license: limits of not less than $2,000,000.00 per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, property damage and completed operations arising in any way from the issuance of the license or activities conducted pursuant to the license; (E) If the applicant is applying for a Class E license: limits of not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, property damage and completed operations arising in any way from the issuance of the license or activities conducted pursuant to the license. (F) A combination of primary and excess or umbrella policies may be used to satisfy the minimum coverage requirements in this section exceeding $1,000,000.00. Each policy of insurance required under this section shall include a provision requiring 30 days' advance notice to the Commissioner prior to cancellation or lapse of the policy. The licensee shall maintain the insurance required under this section in full force and effect for the duration of the license period. A single violation of this section shall result in suspension or revocation of the general contractor license in accordance with Section 14A-3-305. Each policy of insurance required under this section shall name the City of Chicago as additional insured on a primary, noncontributory basis arising directly or indirectly from the licensee's operations. (Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 9-14-05, p. 55252, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-28-15, p. 11951, Art. VI, § 13; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. II, § 10; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 12-19-25, p. 38125, Art. XVI, § 3) Editor's note – Coun. J. 9-14-05, p. 55252, § 4, provides: "This ordinance shall be in force and effect upon its passage and approval. Provided, however, that with respect to any affected insurance policy in effect as the time of passage of this ordinance, the requirements imposed by Code Sections 4-36-030 and 4-36-090, as amended by this ordinance, must be complied with in conjunction with the renewal of any such insurance policy, or by January 1, 2007, whichever comes first."

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-100 Reserved. Editor's note – Coun. J. 9-14-05, p, 55252, § 2, repealed § 4-36-100, which pertained to license bond – required.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-110 Unlawful acts.

4-36-110 Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for any licensee or for any person requiring a license under this chapter to engage in any of the following conduct: (A) Knowingly to allow any person to use the licensee's name or license identification on a permit application unless the licensee will be performing the work attributed to the licensee in the permit application; (B) To do work or to direct, permit, encourage, assist, aid, abet or cause others to do work without first having obtained any permit required by this Code, or in violation of Section 14A-4-401.1, or in violation of Section 13-20-590; (C) To violate or to direct, permit, encourage, assist, aid, abet or cause others to violate any stop work order issued under this Code; (D) To hire any subcontractor or to direct, permit, encourage, assist, aid, abet or cause others to hire any subcontractor who lacks a valid license to perform the work for which the subcontractor is hired; (E) To submit any bid on general contracting work without a valid license issued under this chapter; (F) To fail to allow the Department or the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection to examine pursuant to Section 4-36-120(B) the financial books and records of the business within three business days of the time a written request for such an examination is made by the Commissioner or the Commissioner of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection; (G) To fail to comply with the Workers' Compensation Act, as amended; (H) To fail to maintain any insurance required by law, including but not limited to workers' compensation insurance and automobile liability insurance; (I) To knowingly make or cause to be made a false statement of material fact on or in connection with a permit application; (J) To knowingly submit or cause to be submitted in support of a permit application any document containing false or fraudulent information; (K) To knowingly affix or cause to be affixed a false signature on a permit application; (L) To bribe or attempt to bribe or cause others to bribe or attempt to bribe any building inspector, government official, city personnel or other person in connection with an act related to general contracting as defined in Section 4-36-010; (M) To knowingly engage or cause others to engage in any conduct in connection with a building permit application in violation of the Illinois Architecture Practice Act, the Illinois Professional Land Surveyor Act, the Illinois Professional Engineering Practice Act or the Illinois Structural Engineering Act, as amended; (N) To do work or to direct, permit, encourage, assist, aid, abet or cause others to do work in violation of the Zoning Ordinance or the Chicago Construction Codes or any other applicable law, or that otherwise endangers the health or safety of construction site workers, the current or eventual users or occupants of a building or premises, or the public; (O) To fail to comply with any requirement applicable to the contractor on a project as set forth in Articles XIV and XVIII of Chapter 11-4; or (P) To knowingly violate Chapter 2-156. The prohibitions set forth in subsections (A) through (P) of this section shall apply to the licensee and to all controlling persons. The prohibitions set forth in subsections (B) through (D) and (I) through (P) of this section shall also apply to any person exempt from the licensing requirements of this chapter pursuant to Sections 4-36-020(B)(5), 4-36-020(B)(7), or 4-36-020(B)(8). (Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 7-27-05, p. 53211, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 9-14-05, p. 55252, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-08, p. 34713, § 7; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. V, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 2-9-11, p. 112149, § 21; Amend Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. IV, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 4-10-19, p. 100029, Art. II, § 29; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-120 Duties.

4-36-120 Duties. A licensee shall have the following duties: (A) To maintain a list that includes information about all permits obtained by or on behalf of the licensee and all contractors or subcontractors performing work on any project permitted or requiring a permit, under this Code, including each contractor's or subcontractor's name and address, and license number, if applicable. If requested by the Commissioner, the licensee shall produce this list within 72 hours of the Commissioner's request. (B) To maintain sufficient and proper personnel, financial ability and facility to coordinate, develop, provide management expertise and complete in its entirety any proposed work for which a permit has been issued or is required to be issued under this Code. If the Commissioner or the Commissioner of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection receives a complaint, or otherwise has reasonable cause to believe, that a licensee or any person requiring a license under this chapter is not financially solvent, the Commissioner and the Commissioner of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection are authorized to examine that person's financial books and records in order to determine whether the person's past and current financial solvency and expectations for financial solvency in the future give rise to a reasonable expectation that the person can successfully do business as a general contractor without jeopardizing the public health, safety or welfare, and can carry through to completion any project permitted or requiring a permit under this Code. Financial solvency is a continuing requirement for maintaining a license under this chapter. Any financial books and records submitted pursuant to this subsection, and all information contained therein, shall be deemed confidential, shall be used for purposes of enforcing this subsection only, and shall not be divulged to any person or agency, except to the United States Attorney, the Illinois Attorney General, the State's Attorney of Cook County, or to the extent required by law. Any person who uses or divulges confidential information in violation of the requirements of this subsection shall be subject to incarceration for a term not to exceed six months or a fine not to exceed $500.00 or both. (C) To ensure compliance with the Chicago Construction Codes by its employees, agents, and subcontractors in the performance of a project. (D) To comply with all reasonable requests made by any authorized City official necessary or appropriate to implement the requirements of this chapter. (E) To cooperate fully with any authorized City official in any inquiry, inspection or investigation necessary or appropriate to implement the requirements of this chapter. (F) To keep a copy of proof of insurance, as required under Section 4-36-090, at the following locations: (1) the licensee's principal office or place of business, as identified in the license application; and (2) each construction site within the City managed or controlled by the licensee. Upon request, proof of insurance shall be made available for inspection by any City inspector or other authorized City official. (G) If the licensee is engaged at a specific job site in the business of home repair, as defined in Section 4-6-280(a), to comply with the requirements set forth in paragraphs (2) through (6), inclusive, of Section 4-6-280(d) and in paragraphs (1) through (4), inclusive, of Section 4-6-280(c). The duties set forth in subsections (A) through (G) shall apply to the licensee and to all controlling persons. (Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 7-27-05, p. 53211, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-08, p. 34713, § 8; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. V, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, § 82; Amend Coun. J. 10-28-15, p. 11951, Art. VI, § 14; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-130 Permit privileges - Suspension.

4-36-130 Permit privileges - Suspension. The Commissioner may suspend the ability of any person licensed or required to be licensed under this chapter to submit new applications or complete pending applications for a permit issued by the Department for cause as set forth in Section 14A-3-304. (Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 2-22-17, p. 43876, § 8; Amend Coun. J. 4-10-19, p. 100029, Art. II, § 30; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-140 Reserved. Editor's note – Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3, repealed § 4-36-140, which pertained to license – immediate suspension based upon a pattern of substantial code violations.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-145 License suspension pending final adjudication of a bribery charge.

4-36-145 License suspension pending final adjudication of a bribery charge. If the Commissioner has knowledge that a licensee under this chapter or any controlling person has been indicted or charged with any offense set forth in item (L) of Section 4-36-110 or with a similar offense under any State or Federal law and the Commissioner determines that continued operation of the licensed business or activity may pose a threat to the public health, safety or welfare or may threaten to impair public confidence in the licensed business or activity, the Commissioner may suspend the general contractor license of such licensee, in accordance with the requirements of Section 4-4-280, until final adjudication is made with respect to such offense. The subject matter of any hearing conducted under Section 4-4-280 shall be limited to determining (1) whether the licensee or any controlling person has, in fact, been indicted or charged with any offense set forth in item (L) of Section 4-36-110 or with a similar offense under any State or Federal law; and (2) whether such offense is connected in any way with an act related to general contracting; and (3) whether continued operation of the licensed business or activity may pose a threat to the public health, safety or welfare or may threaten to impair public confidence in the licensed business or activity. The burden of proving that continued operation of the licensed business or activity does not pose a threat to the public health, safety or welfare and does not threaten to impair public confidence in the licensed business or activity shall be on the licensee. (Added Coun. J. 7-30-08, p. 34713, § 9; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-150 License - Suspension or revocation.

4-36-150 License - Suspension or revocation. Any violation of this chapter or of the Chicago Construction Codes may result in license suspension or revocation in accordance with Section 4-4-280 or 14A-3-305. (Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-08, p. 34713, § 10; Amend Coun. J. 2-22-17, p. 43876, § 9; Amend Coun. J. 4-10-19, p. 100029, Art. II, § 31; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-160 License revocation - Four-year wait for new license.

4-36-160 License revocation - Four-year wait for new license. No person whose license under this chapter is revoked for any cause shall be granted another general contractor license under the same or a different name for a period of four years after the date of revocation. (Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-170 Regulations.

4-36-170 Regulations. The Commissioner shall have authority to promulgate rules necessary to implement this chapter. (Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-180 Enforcement.

4-36-180 Enforcement. The Commissioner shall (i) enforce the requirements of this chapter; (ii) investigate complaints regarding violations of this chapter; and (iii) maintain a roster of all licensees under this chapter and of all persons whose general contractor license has been suspended or revoked within the previous four years. (Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-36-190 Violation - Penalty.

4-36-190 Violation - Penalty. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any person violating any of the requirements of this chapter shall be fined, as follows: (A) If the person holds or requires a Class A license under this chapter: not less than $2,000.00, nor more than $10,000.00, for each offense; (B) If the person holds or requires a Class B license under this chapter: not less than $1,500.00, nor more than $7,000.00, for each offense; (C) If the person holds or requires a Class C license under this chapter: not less than $1,000.00, nor more than $5,000.00, for each offense; (D) If the person holds or requires a Class D license under this chapter: not less than $800.00, nor more than $4,000.00, for each offense; (E) If the person holds or requires a Class E license under this chapter: not less than $500.00, nor more than $2,000.00, for each offense. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. The Building Commissioner may require payment of any fine imposed under this section as a precondition to issuance or renewal of a license issued under this chapter. (Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 12-19-25, p. 38125, Art. XVI, § 4)

Source: City of Chicago, Municipal Code of Chicago (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2611888Fetched: 10/24/2026