INSPECTION OF EXISTING STRUCTURES AND SYSTEMS

Municipal Code of Chicago tit. 14A, ch. 14A-6

in effect

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-601.1 Scope.

14A-6-601.1 Scope. Except as provided in Section 4-8-042 of the Municipal Code, the building official or fire code official must periodically inspect the existing buildings, existing structures, equipment, sites, and portions thereof described in this chapter.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-601.1.1 Inspection fees.

14A-6-601.1.1 Inspection fees. The owner of a structure, piece of equipment, or premises subject to periodic inspection under this chapter is liable to the City for the applicable inspection fee as set forth in Section 14A-12-1206. The inspection fee may be billed to the owner before or after the actual inspection conducted by the building official or fire code official and must be paid to the Department of Finance within 30 days of the date on the bill. Inspection fees, once billed, are a debt due and owing to the City.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-601.1.2 Reinspection fee.

14A-6-601.1.2 Reinspection fee. Where the building official conducts more than one inspection of the same premises for the same purpose within 365 days, because the previous inspection resulted in a finding of non-compliance with a provision of the Chicago Construction Codes or because the previous inspection could not be completed because the inspector was not provided full access to the premises, the building official is directed to charge a reinspection fee as set forth in Section 14A-12-1206. Exception: The building official may not charge a reinspection fee where the subsequent inspection is due to an error made by the City.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-601.1.3 Late payment penalty.

14A-6-601.1.3 Late payment penalty. A penalty as set forth in Section 14A-12-1206 will be assessed for unpaid inspection fees and reinspection fees.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-601.1.4 Document review fee.

14A-6-601.1.4 Document review fee. Where an inspection by the building official is required by the Municipal Code and the building official determines that documents submitted by the owner will be sufficient to evaluate compliance with applicable requirements of the Municipal Code, the building official is authorized to require or accept the submission of documents, including but not limited to reports, photographs, maintenance agreements, contracts, schedules and sworn affidavits regarding the item which is subject to inspection, instead of conducting an inspection. Where the building official accepts documents instead of conducting a required inspection, the owner must be charged a document review fee equal to the applicable inspection fee. Nothing in this section requires the building official to accept documents instead of conducting a required inspection or precludes the building official from conducting a required inspection and assessing the applicable inspection fee. (Amend Coun. J. 10-7-20, p. 21791, Art. I, § 19)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-601.1.5 Additional cost recovery charge.

14A-6-601.1.5 Additional cost recovery charge. Where the building official conducts an emergency inspection because of concerns regarding the health and safety of the public or conducts a non-required inspection at the request of an owner, or conducts an inspection outside of normal business hours, as set by rule, or is required to review documents on an expedited basis, the building official is authorized to assess, in addition to the regular inspection fee, an additional charge to recover the actual or approximate costs to the City for such inspection or expedited review, including direct and indirect costs. Notwithstanding Section 2-8-065 of the Municipal Code and Section 14A-4-412.5, a person having a fee waiver under either provision must pay the additional cost recovery charge for a specially-requested inspection, expedited document review, or an inspection outside of normal business hours.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-601.2 Frequency.

14A-6-601.2 Frequency. Where the frequency of periodic inspections is not specified, the building official may use occupancy classification, prior inspection data, and other reasonable factors to determine the required frequency of inspections for individual properties or classes of properties.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-602.1 General.

14A-6-602.1 General. Either the building official or fire code official is directed to inspect existing buildings, periodically and as often as necessary to protect public safety, pursuant to a coordinated inspection schedule, as specified in Sections 14A-6-602.2 through 14A-6-602.5. Exceptions: 1. Inspections by the building official of places for eating, as that term is defined in Section 4-8-010 of the Municipal Code, are subject to Section 4-8-042 of the Municipal Code. Nothing in this section limits inspections of any place for eating by the fire code official. 2. Where, within the 12-month period preceding any required inspection under this section, the applicable premises was inspected either by the building official or fire code official in connection with a permit inspection, periodic inspection, code compliance inspection, or certificate of occupancy, the prior inspection meets the inspection requirement herein.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-602.2 Group A occupancies.

14A-6-602.2 Group A occupancies. Group A occupancies must be inspected annually.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-602.3 Licensed businesses.

14A-6-602.3 Licensed businesses. Establishments requiring a public place of amusement license must be inspected within the 90 days preceding the deadline for the renewal application for the license.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-602.4 Group R occupancies.

14A-6-602.4 Group R occupancies. The following existing buildings containing a Group R occupancy must be inspected periodically and as often as deemed necessary by the building official: 1. A building with three or more stories above grade plane where the basement contains a dwelling unit or sleeping unit. 2. A building with three or more stories above grade plane with non-residential occupancies on the ground level and residential occupancies above. 3. A building with four or more stories above grade plane.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-602.5 Additional inspections.

14A-6-602.5 Additional inspections. The building official and fire code official are authorized to conduct such additional inspections as they deem necessary to maintain health and safety.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.1 General.

14A-6-603.1 General. Written condition assessment reports for existing buildings and existing structures must be prepared and submitted to the building official as provided in Sections 14A-6-603.2 through 14A-6-603.4.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.2 Exterior walls of high-rise buildings.

14A-6-603.2 Exterior walls of high-rise buildings. The owner of a high-rise building must obtain and submit written condition assessment reports regarding the exterior envelope of the building, or any part thereof, including, but not limited to, roof, exterior walls, windows and doors, balconies, fire escapes, chimneys, mechanical equipment, marquees, canopies, signs, flagpoles, and window washing and exterior maintenance systems as provided in this section.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.2.1 Critical examination.

14A-6-603.2.1 Critical examination. For classes of existing buildings or individual buildings, the building official is authorized to require a periodic, close-up visual examination of the entire exterior envelope performed by or under the direct supervision of a registered design professional for the purpose of identifying deficiencies and determining if repair is required. The registered design professional must prepare a signed and sealed report, detailing the scope and findings of the examination, together with recommendations for repair where deficiencies are found, and provide it to the owner.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.2.2 Ongoing inspection and repair.

14A-6-603.2.2 Ongoing inspection and repair. For classes of existing buildings or individual buildings, the building official is authorized to require periodic inspection of the entire exterior envelope performed by or under the direct supervision of a registered design professional for the purpose of identifying deficiencies and determining if repair is required. The registered design professional must prepare a signed and sealed report, detailing the scope and findings of the inspection, together with recommendations for repair where deficiencies are found, and provide it to the owner. Repairs recommended as a result of a periodic inspection must be completed by the owner in a timely manner.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.2.3 Mandatory reporting.

14A-6-603.2.3 Mandatory reporting. Where a registered design professional determines, as a result of an examination or inspection required by this section, that the exterior envelope of a building is in need of repair, reinforcement, or removal to prevent imminent harm to building users or the public, the registered design professional must notify the building official in writing within 24 hours.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.2.4 Filing.

14A-6-603.2.4 Filing. Reports required under Section 14A-6-603.2.1 or 14A-6-603.2.2 must be filed with the building official and a filing fee paid in accordance with Section 14A-12-1206. The building official may reject any report that does not comply with applicable requirements and require the owner to file a new report.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.2.5 Recordkeeping.

14A-6-603.2.5 Recordkeeping. The owner of a building subject to this section must keep a copy of the most recent critical examination report and all subsequent ongoing inspection and repair reports on file at the premises and make them available for inspection by the building official.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.2.6 Corrective action.

14A-6-603.2.6 Corrective action. Where the building official determines that the exterior envelope of a building subject to Section 14A-6-603.2 is in unsafe condition or in need of repair or reinforcement, the building official is authorized to issue a written order to the owner to immediately take temporary measures to protect the public and to begin permanent repairs within a specified time period. The building official may require the owner to undertake a critical examination when the integrity of a building envelope is in doubt. An order issued pursuant to this section does not waive any applicable requirement to obtain a permit for such work.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.3 Exposed metal.

14A-6-603.3 Exposed metal. The owner of a building with sign structures, antennae, canopies, marquees, fire escapes, flagpoles, cornices, smoke stacks, window washing and exterior maintenance systems, and other structures and equipment of metal construction permanently mounted or installed on the exterior of the building, or a freestanding metal sign structure exceeding 25 feet (7620 mm) in height, must obtain and submit written condition assessment reports regarding the exposed metal features as provided in Sections 14A-6-603.3.1 through 14A-6-603.3.4. The application of paint, galvanizing, wrapping, or similar coating is not sufficient to exempt a metal structure from the requirements of this section.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.3.1 Examination.

14A-6-603.3.1 Examination. An exposed metal structure must be closely examined by a registered design professional within 2 years after its installation and at least once every 5 years after the initial inspection. The registered design professional must prepare a signed and sealed written report on the external structural condition and integrity of the exposed metal structure and provide it to the owner.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.3.2 Mandatory reporting.

14A-6-603.3.2 Mandatory reporting. Where a registered design professional determines, as a result of an examination required by this section, that an exposed metal structure is in need of repair, reinforcement, or removal to prevent imminent harm to building users or the public, the registered design professional must notify the building official in writing within 24 hours.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.3.3 Filing.

14A-6-603.3.3 Filing. The building official is authorized to specify by rule classes of exposed metal structures for which the report must be filed with the building official. For such structures, the report must be submitted to the building official, along with a filing fee as provided in Section 14A-12-1206.1.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.3.4 Corrective action.

14A-6-603.3.4 Corrective action. Where the building official determines, based on a report filed under Section 14A-6-603.3.3 or a report made under Section 14A-6-603.3.2, or an inspection that an exposed metal structure is in unsafe condition or in need of repair or reinforcement, the building official is authorized to issue a written order to the owner to immediately take temporary measures to protect the public and to begin permanent repairs within a specified time period. An order issued pursuant to this section does not waive any applicable requirement to obtain a permit for such work.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.4 Tanks and supporting structures.

14A-6-603.4 Tanks and supporting structures. The owner of a building with a water tank with a capacity of more than 250 gallons (946 L) that is exposed to the elements, a free-standing tank with a capacity of more than 250 gallons (946 L) that is exposed to the elements, or an exposed structure intended to support such a tank, whether or not a tank is present and whether or not the tank is holding water, must label the tank and obtain and submit written condition assessment reports regarding the tank and support structure as provided in Sections 14A-6-603.4.1 through 14A-6-603.4.5. (Amend Coun. J. 1-26-22, p. 43756, Art. I, § 6)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.4.1 Label.

14A-6-603.4.1 Label. A rustproof tag or plate must be placed on the outside of every tank or support structure indicating the month and year in which the tank and its supporting structure were installed in letters not less than 2 inches (51 mm) high.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.4.2 Examination.

14A-6-603.4.2 Examination. Tanks and support structures must be closely examined by a registered design professional within 1 year after installation and at least once every 2 years after the initial inspection. The registered design professional must prepare a signed and sealed written report on the internal and external structural condition and integrity of the tank and the external structural condition and integrity of the support structure and provide it to the owner.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.4.3 Mandatory reporting.

14A-6-603.4.3 Mandatory reporting. Where a registered design professional determines, as a result of an examination required by this section, that a tank or support structure is in need of repair, reinforcement, or removal to prevent imminent harm to building users or the public, the registered design professional must notify the building official in writing within 24 hours.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.4.4 Filing.

14A-6-603.4.4 Filing. All reports prepared pursuant to this section must be filed with the building official, along with a filing fee as provided in Section 14A-12-1206.1.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.4.5 Corrective action.

14A-6-603.4.5 Corrective action. Where the building official determines, based on a report filed under Section 14A-6-603.4.4 or a report made under Section 14A-6-603.4.3, or an inspection that an exposed metal structure is in unsafe condition or in need of repair or reinforcement, the building official is authorized to issue a written order to the owner to immediately take temporary measures to protect the public and to begin permanent repairs within a specified time period. An order issued pursuant to this section does not waive any applicable requirement to obtain a permit for such work.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-603.5 Condition report.

14A-6-603.5 Condition report. Where the building official has reason to question the condition or integrity of any building or structure meets a requirement of the Chicago Construction Codes, the building official is authorized to issue a written order to the owner to hire a registered design professional to undertake an investigation or critical examination, immediately take temporary measures to protect the public, and to begin permanent repairs within a specified time period. The owner must file a condition report with the building official. The condition report must comply with Section 104 of the Chicago Minimum Requirements for Existing Buildings. An order issued pursuant to this section does not waive any applicable requirement to obtain a permit for such work. (Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. I, § 18)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-604.1 General.

14A-6-604.1 General. The building official is directed to inspect existing building features, periodically and as often as necessary to protect public safety, as specified in Sections 14A-6-604.2 through 14A-6-604.3.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-604.2 Fire curtains.

14A-6-604.2 Fire curtains. The building official is directed to periodically inspect, or cause to be inspected, all fire curtains installed to protect proscenium openings.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-604.3 Tanks.

14A-6-604.3 Tanks. The building official is directed to periodically inspect, or cause to be inspected, any exterior tank with a capacity of more than 250 gallons (946 L) that is located above occupied portions of a building, together with the supporting structure.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-605.1 General.

14A-6-605.1 General. The building official is directed to inspect existing conveyance devices, periodically and as often as necessary to protect public safety, as specified in Sections 14A-6-605.2 through 14A-6-605.3.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-605.2 Conveyances devices other than mechanical amusement riding devices.

14A-6-605.2 Conveyances devices other than mechanical amusement riding devices. The building official is directed to inspect conveyance devices other than mechanical amusement riding devices in accordance with Section 103 of the Chicago Conveyance Device Code.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-605.3 Mechanical amusement riding devices.

14A-6-605.3 Mechanical amusement riding devices. The building official is directed to inspect mechanical amusement riding devices in accordance with this section.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-605.3.1 Permanently-installed devices.

14A-6-605.3.1 Permanently-installed devices. The building official is directed to annually inspect all mechanical amusement riding devices, erected or operated on a permanent basis within a building, amusement park, fair, or carnival. Exception: Coin-operated mechanical amusement riding devices, which must be permitted on an annual basis.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-606.1 General.

14A-6-606.1 General. The building official is directed to inspect existing mechanical systems and devices, periodically and as often as necessary to protect public safety, as specified in Sections 14A-6-606.2 through 14A-6-606.4.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-606.2 Mechanical ventilation systems.

14A-6-606.2 Mechanical ventilation systems. The building official is directed to periodically inspect, or cause to be inspected, mechanical ventilating systems. Exception: Inspections by the building official of mechanical ventilation systems in places for eating, as that term is defined in Section 4-8-010 of the Municipal Code, are subject to Section 4-8-042 of the Municipal Code.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-606.3 Mechanical refrigeration systems.

14A-6-606.3 Mechanical refrigeration systems. The building official is directed to periodically inspect, or cause to be inspected, all parts of mechanical refrigeration systems employing any refrigerant that is expanded, vaporized, liquefied, or compressed in its refrigeration cycle. Exception: This section does not apply to any system containing less than four pounds (1.81 kg) of refrigerant. (Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. I, § 19)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-606.3.1 Unsafe conditions.

14A-6-606.3.1 Unsafe conditions. Where an inspection discloses that a mechanical refrigeration system has become or is likely to become dangerous to life and health, the building official is directed to give written notice to the owner of the mechanical refrigeration system. The building official is authorized to order such person to make such changes, alterations, or repairs as in the judgment of the building official are necessary to make the mechanical refrigeration system safe for the occupants of the premises and the public within a time fixed by the building official.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-606.3.2 Authority to shut down system.

14A-6-606.3.2 Authority to shut down system. Where the owner of a mechanical refrigeration system fails to comply with an order issued under this section, the building official is authorized to order the system shut down and the refrigerant pumped from the system and to prohibit its further use until the system is made safe. Any expense or outlay incurred by the City in shutting down the refrigeration system is a charge upon, and must be collected from, the owner or person controlling the refrigeration system by legal proceedings prosecuted by the Corporation Counsel.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-606.4 Boilers and pressure vessels.

14A-6-606.4 Boilers and pressure vessels. The building official is directed to periodically inspect, or cause to be inspected, all boilers, tanks, jacketed kettles, generators, or other apparatus used for generating or transmitting steam for power or using steam under pressure for power or using steam under pressure for heating or steaming purposes, and all other tanks, jacketed kettles, and reservoirs under pressure of any kind.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-606.4.1 Hydrostatic tests.

14A-6-606.4.1 Hydrostatic tests. Where a hydrostatic pressure test is deemed necessary by the building official, the hydrostatic pressures used in such test may not exceed the maximum working pressure of the apparatus being tested by more than 50 percent and a careful external and internal examination of the apparatus must be made before administering the test. In all cases where a hydrostatic pressure test is used, an internal examination of such apparatus must be made after the test is administered.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-606.4.2 High-pressure boilers.

14A-6-606.4.2 High-pressure boilers. All high-pressure boilers which have reached the age of 50 years must be subjected to a full internal and external inspection of rivets, welds, butt straps, shell and/or drums. Findings of such inspection will determine the allowable working pressure of the boiler.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-607.1 General.

14A-6-607.1 General. The building official is directed to periodically inspect, or cause to be inspected, signs and sign structures in accordance with Article XIII of Chapter 13-20 of the Municipal Code.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14A-6-608.1 General.

14A-6-608.1 General. The building official is directed to inspect each building on the list of priority buildings with serious and chronic violations issued pursuant to Section 2-92-416(d) of the Municipal Code at least once within every twelve-month period. After a building is removed from the list, unless the building was placed on the list in error, this requirement continues until no serious violations of the Chicago Construction Codes are found during two consecutive inspections conducted at least six months apart. (Added Coun. J. 4-21-21, p. 29948, § 11; Amend Coun. J. 12-14-22, p. 58278, Art. VII, § 9)

Source: City of Chicago, Municipal Code of Chicago (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2661571Fetched: 10/24/2026