FIRE COMMISSIONER: POWERS AND DUTIES (2-36-200 et seq.)

Municipal Code of Chicago tit. 2, ch. 2-36, art. II

in effect

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-200 Fire Commissioner - Authority.

2-36-200 Fire Commissioner - Authority. The Fire Commissioner, who shall not be subject to active fire duty, shall enforce the fire regulations of this Code and shall manage and control all matters and things pertaining to the Fire Department and all persons employed therein, except for those matters under the jurisdiction of the Office of Public Safety Administration. The Fire Commissioner shall be appointed by the Mayor, by and with the advice and consent of the City Council. Any power or duty under this Code that is conferred upon or otherwise required to be exercised by a deputy Fire Commissioner or other head of any bureau or division of the Fire Department, or by any member of the uniformed service, shall also be conferred upon the Fire Commissioner and may be exercised by the Fire Commissioner. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 11-26-19, p. 11390, Art. V, § 5)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-210 Investigation of fire causes.

2-36-210 Investigation of fire causes. If the cause of a fire is undetermined or arson is suspected, the fire commissioner shall cause such fire to be investigated and shall refer the matter to the corporation counsel for prosecution or other appropriate legal action. The fire commissioner shall maintain a record of such investigation and of the evidence in each case, or a copy thereof, in his office or in the office of the corporation counsel. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-220 Annual report of fires.

2-36-220 Annual report of fires. Each year, on or before the first day of March, the fire commissioner shall prepare and submit to the mayor and city council a report identifying: (1) the location of all fires to which the fire department was dispatched that occurred within the city during the preceding fiscal year; and (2) the causes of each such fire, to the extent that such causes can be ascertained; and (3) the number and description of all buildings injured or destroyed as a result of such fires. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-230 Recordkeeping.

2-36-230 Recordkeeping. The Fire Commissioner shall maintain, preserve and keep, with the exception of those records under the jurisdiction of the Office of Public Safety Administration: (1) all books, records and papers that belong to the Fire Department or that are required by law to be filed with the Fire Department; and (2) a complete record of all business transactions in the Fire Department; and (3) a complete record of all property placed in the Commissioner’s or Department’s custody or under their charge. Such books, records and papers shall be open, at all times, to inspection by the Comptroller, the Mayor, and the City Council or any member thereof. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 11-26-19, p. 11390, Art. V, § 6)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-240 Inspection of departmental property.

2-36-240 Inspection of departmental property. Once each year, the fire commissioner shall examine the condition of the department's fire apparatus and firehouses. On or before the first day of February of each year, the fire commissioner shall report his findings to the city council. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-250 Firefighters - Continuation of duty during emergency.

2-36-250 Firefighters - Continuation of duty during emergency. In the case of a serious conflagration or other emergency, the fire commissioner shall have the authority to require all members of the uniformed service to be on duty or to continue on duty during the period of such emergency. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-260 Merit roll - Records and awards.

2-36-260 Merit roll - Records and awards. The fire commissioner shall cause an annual record to be kept, which shall be known as the merit roll, identifying the names of all members of the fire department who performed any distinguished act of bravery in the protection of life or property during the annual reporting period. The record shall: (1) specify the details and circumstances of such act; and (2) the names of the witnesses to such act, if any; and (3) all corroborating facts. On the thirty-first day of December of each year, such record shall be compiled by the fire commissioner, who shall promptly submit said record to the mayor, comptroller, city treasurer and ex officio trustees of the "Harrison Medal" fund and "Tree Medal" fund. The members of the fire department who will be awarded the "Tree Medal" or "Harrison Medal" shall be notified to appear before the trustees to receive the applicable medal. A ribbon-type medal cast in the design of the Chicago flag, as described in Section 1-8-030 of this Code, shall be awarded to each recipient of the Lambert Tree or Carter Harrison Medals for use by the recipient when in uniform. A ribbon shall be presented to active duty members of the Chicago Fire Department and Chicago Police Department who have received the Lambert Tree and Carter Harrison Award Medals. All persons receiving these medals shall be presented with a ribbon and a medal. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-270 Interpretation of fire regulations.

2-36-270 Interpretation of fire regulations. (a) The fire commissioner shall interpret the fire regulations of this Code in harmony with the building regulations of this Code, and shall make no interpretation that is inconsistent with, or contrary to, the provisions of the Chicago Building Code or any rules promulgated thereunder. The fire commissioner shall have full power to interpret the fire regulations of this Code subject to the conditions, modifications and limitations set forth in this section and in Section 15-4-050. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, in case of any difference of opinion between the fire commissioner and the head of any other bureau or department of the city as to the correct interpretation of any fire regulation of this Code, the question shall be submitted to the corporation counsel, who shall provide a legal opinion on the matter as soon as possible, and the opinion of the corporation counsel shall be final in all such cases. (b) Whenever the fire commissioner issues an order or otherwise makes a decision pertaining to the safety of the occupancy of any building or place or part thereof in a case which is so urgent that the failure to properly carry out such order or decision may endanger life and limb, such order or decision of the fire commissioner shall be final. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-280 Inspection results and other records - Accounting of fees.

2-36-280 Inspection results and other records - Accounting of fees. (a) The fire commissioner shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, a proper record of all inspections conducted by members of the uniformed service pursuant to the requirements of this Code. Such record shall include the following information: (1) the date of such inspections; (2) a summary of violations, if any are found to exist; (3) the date of serving of notice of violations as required by this Code; and (4) a memorandum of the final disposition of all violations found to exist. (b) The fire commissioner shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, a proper record of all applications, notices, inspection results, test results or other reports, documents or information of any type that any person, including, but not limited to, any owner or owner's agent or licensee under the Illinois Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act, submits to the commissioner or department pursuant to the requirements of this Code. The fire commissioner may prescribe the manner and form in which any such information is submitted to the department, which may include an electronic submission using an approved computer application. (c) The records required under this section shall be open at all times for inspection by the mayor, comptroller, superintendent of police, commissioner of buildings and members of the city council. (d) The Fire Commissioner shall maintain in proper books, and in coordination with the Office of Public Safety Administration, an accurate account of all fees charged in connection with inspections or other operations authorized under this Code and conducted by any bureau of the Department, which shall include: (1) the names of the person to whom the fee is charged; (2) the date on which such charge is made; and (3) the amount of each such fee or charge. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 11-26-19, p. 11390, Art. V, § 7)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-290 Investigation of complaints - Notice of violations.

2-36-290 Investigation of complaints - Notice of violations. It shall be the duty of the Fire Commissioner to examine, or to cause to be examined, any building, structure, or place when any person represents that: (1) any fire regulation of this Code is being violated; or (2) any combustible material is being kept in the city in an insecure manner; or (3) any door, stairway, corridor, exit or fire escape in any factory, workshop or place of employment, amusement, education or recreation is obstructed or is not in a safe condition; or (4) any door or exit is kept locked or fastened during the time any such place is occupied or frequented by employees or by the public; or (5) any building, structure or place is occupied or crowded beyond the capacity of its exits; or (6) the heating apparatus, appliances or devices in any building are insecure or dangerous; or (7) any building, structure or place is being maintained in such a manner as to be a fire menace or dangerous in case of fire, panic or accident. If such representation is found to be true, the Fire Commissioner shall give notice of such fact as provided for in Section 2-36-300 or Section 2-36-310, as applicable. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 1-27-21, p. 26741, Art. II, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-300 Fire code violations - Enforcement of corrections.

2-36-300 Fire code violations - Enforcement of corrections. If it is determined that: (1) any fire regulation of this Code is being violated, or (2) any building, structure or place, or the contents of any building, structure or place, or any appliances or equipment on or within any building structure or place, is in such condition as to be a probable cause of fire or is likely to endanger life or safety in case of fire, panic or other accidents, the fire commissioner may attempt to secure voluntary correction of any such violation by the property owner by referring such violation to the bureau of fire prevention compliance board, which shall consist of bureau of fire prevention personnel appointed by the deputy fire commissioner of the bureau of fire prevention for that purpose. The fire commissioner, deputy fire commissioner of the bureau of fire prevention, or fire prevention compliance board may give notice in writing either to the property owner, or to the owner's agent for the purpose of managing, controlling or collecting rents, or to any other person managing or controlling such building, structure, or place, of the need to correct the violation by making such changes, alterations or repairs, or by performing such work, or by taking such action as this Code may require to remedy such violation and secure the public safety. Such notice shall contain a date certain by which said code violation must be corrected, which shall, in no event, exceed 15 days from the date of notice. Provided, however, that the fire commissioner, deputy fire commissioner or board may, at any time, refer any such violation to the corporation counsel for prosecution or other appropriate legal action, with or without notice to the property owner, and notwithstanding a referral to the board or the issuance under this section of any notice seeking voluntary compliance. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-305 Fire code violations at Chicago's airports.

2-36-305 Fire code violations at Chicago's airports. Notwithstanding any provision in this Code to the contrary, if it is determined that any fire regulation of this Code is being violated at Chicago O'Hare International Airport or Chicago Midway International Airport, the fire commissioner or the commissioner's designee may enforce the Fire Code by: (1) issuing a citation for such violation in conformity with this section; or (2) referring such violation to the corporation counsel for prosecution or other legal action as provided for in Sections 2-36-290, 2-36-300 or 2-36-310, as applicable. The recipient of any citation issued pursuant to item (1) of this section shall be provided with notice, and with an opportunity to be heard at an administrative adjudication proceeding, in conformity with Section 10-36-356 of this Code. Notwithstanding any provision in this Code to the contrary, any person who violates any fire regulation of this Code at Chicago O'Hare International Airport or Chicago Midway International Airport shall be subject to a fine of not less than $1,000.00 nor more than $5,000.00 for each offense. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense to which a separate fine shall apply. The violator shall also be liable for reimbursement to the City of any fine or penalty paid by the city as a result of the person's violations. \(Added Coun. J. 6-25-21, p. 31673, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-310 Issuance of orders, notices and certificates.

2-36-310 Issuance of orders, notices and certificates. (a) The fire commissioner shall sign, or cause to be signed, all orders, notices and certificates that must be issued by the fire department or any bureau or division thereof, and shall keep a record of the same. (b) The service of any order or notice required by the fire regulations of this Code may be made by depositing a copy thereof in the United States mail. Such order or notice may be addressed to the owner, or to any one of the several owners, of the premises in question, or to any such owner's duly authorized agent, or by delivering a copy thereof to a lessee or any one of several lessees of said premises or any particular part thereof, or by the delivery of a copy thereof to any person of suitable age and discretion in charge or apparently in charge of the premises. (c) A copy of any order or notice served pursuant to subsection (b) of this section shall be prominently affixed to the exterior of the applicable premises. Provided, however, that this subsection (c) shall not apply to any such notice or order served at Chicago O'Hare International Airport or Chicago Midway International Airport. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 6-25-21, p. 31673, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-320 Police department aid authorized - Scope.

2-36-320 Police department aid authorized - Scope. The fire commissioner shall have the authority to call upon the department of police for aid in enforcing any fire regulation of this Code. It shall be the duty of the superintendent of police or any member of the police force, when so called upon by the fire commissioner, to act according to the fire commissioner's instructions and to perform such duties as may be required to enforce the fire regulations of this Code. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-330 Acceptance of grants.

2-36-330 Acceptance of grants. The Fire Commissioner is authorized to: (i) apply on behalf of the City for grants of equipment, supplies, materials or other personal property from any person for the purpose of furthering fire safety in the City; and (ii) negotiate and enter into contracts and agreements authorizing the Fire Department to accept as City property such grants. All contracts or agreements authorized under this section, which may provide for indemnification, shall be subject to approval by the Corporation Counsel. Any City expenditure pursuant to such an agreement shall be subject to the availability of duly appropriated funds. (Added Coun. J. 2-19-25, p. 24589, § 1) Editor’s note – Coun. J. 4-10-19, p. 100029, Art. XXI, § 2, repealed former § 2-36-330, which pertained to plans for new buildings; examination; approval conditions.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-340 Inspection of buildings - Right of entry - Standards.

2-36-340 Inspection of buildings - Right of entry - Standards. The fire commissioner is hereby empowered, consistent with the requirements of due process of law, to enter at a reasonable time or in case of emergency any building, structure or premises, whether completed or in the course of construction, for the purpose of determining whether such buildings, structures or premises have been or are being constructed and maintained in accordance with the fire regulations of this Code. In such case, it shall be unlawful for any person to exclude any member of the uniformed service designated for such purpose from any such building, structure or premises. The fire commissioner shall make, or cause to be made, regular inspections, with sufficient frequency to secure efficient supervision, of: (1) all buildings, structures or places that are used for manufacturing or commercial purposes or that are occupied or frequented by large numbers of people; and (2) all school buildings, public halls, churches, institutional buildings, theaters and multiple dwellings; and (3) all places of amusement, recreation or employment, in order to: (a) determine the safety of the occupants of such buildings, structures or places in the event of fire, panic or accident; (b) examine (i) the working order and repair of all doors, fire escapes, and firefighting appliances; (ii) the condition and maintenance of exits, corridors, stairways, and fire escapes and their approaches, with regard to obstructions; (iii) the disposition, quantity, arrangement and protection of stock, combustible material and rubbish, heating devices and ovens, flammable liquids and explosives, with regard to safety from fire; and (iv) the protection of hazardous machinery, appliances and apparatus, with regard to safety from fire; and (c) ascertain whether the fire regulations of this Code are being enforced. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-350 Structural instabilities.

2-36-350 Structural instabilities. Upon discovering or otherwise learning of any violation of this Code affecting or potentially affecting the structural stability of any building or structure, the fire commissioner shall: (1) take whatever immediate action is necessary or appropriate to secure the safety of the occupants of such building or structure or of the public; and (2) promptly notify the commissioner of buildings of such fact; and (3) turn the matter over to the building commissioner for supervision and disposal. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-360 Safety clearances.

2-36-360 Safety clearances. It shall be the duty of the fire commissioner to inspect any premises that are required under this Code to maintain safety clearances for the purpose of determining compliance with such requirements. In the case of noncompliance, the fire commissioner shall notify the owner, lessee or occupant of such premises of the violation and of the need to correct such violation as provided for in Section 2-36-300 or Section 2-36-310, as applicable. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-370 Buildings with a truss system - Data collection required.

2-36-370 Buildings with a truss system - Data collection required. The fire commissioner shall develop, manage and maintain a database of all buildings, located within the city, that are known to contain truss construction systems. On a monthly basis, the fire commissioner shall transmit such data to the office of emergency management and communications, which shall upload the data to its computer-aided dispatch system and provide such information to fire companies upon dispatch. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-380 Overcrowding of premises - Determination and remedies.

2-36-380 Overcrowding of premises - Determination and remedies. The fire commissioner shall close any building, room or space or portion thereof that is used for public purposes or as a place of assembly, including, but not limited to, any public assembly, open air assembly, hospital, business, theater, church or school, if the fire commissioner determines that: (1) any such building, room or space or portion thereof exceeds the maximum occupancy for such area as stated on the maximum occupancy sign issued by the department of buildings pursuant to Section 14A-8-802; or (2) any such building, room or space or portion thereof is otherwise occupied by more than the maximum number of persons who may legally occupy such area under the building provisions of this Code; or (3) any occupancy sign required under this Code (i) has not been obtained from the department of buildings, or (ii) is not posted as required under Section 14A-8-802, or (iii) has been altered without the approval of the department of buildings; or (4) the floor plan diagram required under Section 14A-8-802 is not kept on the premises as required therein; or (5) the building, room or space or portion thereof covered by the occupancy sign has been reconfigured, altered or changed in a manner that differs significantly from the floor plan diagram approved for such area by the department of buildings pursuant to Section 14A-8-802; or (6) continued occupancy of the premises poses an imminent danger to the public health, safety or welfare. If the fire commissioner determines that any such area is occupied by more than the properly certified or lawful number of people, the fire commissioner shall: (a) close said building, room or space; and (b) recommend to the mayor that any license issued for said premises be suspended or revoked; and (c) forward all the facts and evidence pertaining to such matter to the corporation counsel for prosecution or other appropriate legal action. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 4-10-19, p. 100029, Art. II, § 6)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-390 Fires or emergencies - Authority of fire commissioner and incident commander.

2-36-390 Fires or emergencies - Authority of fire commissioner and incident commander. The fire commissioner or uniformed service incident commander shall have the authority to: (1) direct such operation as necessary to extinguish or control any fire; (2) perform any rescue operation; (3) investigate the existence of suspected or reported fires, gas leaks or other hazardous conditions or situations; (4) construct emergency fire breaks; (5) evacuate persons from the area; (6) close, cordon or barricade streets, roads, drives or other public or private access ways; (7) ignite backfires and conduct backfire operations; or (8) take any other action necessary in the reasonable performance of duty or mitigation of the emergency. In the exercise of such power, the fire commissioner or uniformed service incident commander is authorized to: (i) prohibit any person, vehicle, vessel or thing from approaching the scene; or (ii) remove, or to cause to be removed or kept away, from the scene, any vehicle, vessel or thing that could impede or interfere with the operations of the fire department; or (iii) remove, or to cause to be removed or kept away, from the scene, any person who, in the judgment of the fire commissioner or uniformed service incident commander, is not actually and usefully employed in extinguishing such fire, mitigating the emergency or preserving property in the vicinity thereof. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-400 Fires or emergencies - Removal, destruction or use of property authorized when.

2-36-400 Fires or emergencies - Removal, destruction or use of property authorized when. The fire commissioner or uniformed service incident commander shall have the power to remove, destroy or use, or to cause the removal, destruction or use of, any property whenever, in the fire commissioner's or incident commander's judgment, such removal, destruction or use is necessary to prevent the destruction of property or the spread of fire or the loss of human life. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-410 Fires or emergencies - Power of arrest.

2-36-410 Fires or emergencies - Power of arrest. The fire commissioner, uniformed service incident commander, or other member of the uniformed service in command at the scene of a fire or other emergency, or while in charge of fire apparatus, companies or units, shall, at the time the offense is committed or at any time thereafter, have the authority to arrest any person who: (1) is suspected of arson, incendiarism or malicious mischief; or (2) conducts himself in a disorderly manner; or (3) refuses to obey any member of the uniformed service while such member is acting in the discharge of duty; or (4) illegally gives or transmits false alarms; or (5) willfully, maliciously or negligently causes damage to fire apparatus or to buildings, structures or premises of any type. The fire commissioner and uniformed service incident commander shall be and are hereby vested with the power and authority of police officers to make arrests as authorized under this section. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-420 Removal of hydrant obstructions.

2-36-420 Removal of hydrant obstructions. The fire commissioner may remove any material, or cause the removal of any material, at the risk, cost and expense of the owner of such material or claimant thereto, that obstructs a fire hydrant in violation of Section 11-12-080 of this Code. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-430 Agreements to use buildings for training.

2-36-430 Agreements to use buildings for training. The Fire Commissioner is authorized to execute agreements with public and private parties permitting structures that are scheduled for demolition or rehabilitation to be used for training by Fire Department personnel. Any such agreement may include provisions for indemnification in a form approved by the Corporation Counsel. Before executing any such agreement, the Fire Commissioner shall obtain confirmation from the alderman of the ward in which the structure is located that the proposed training will not have a detrimental effect on neighboring residents. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 11-26-19, p. 11390, Art. V, § 8)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-440 Residential safety program.

2-36-440 Residential safety program. The fire commissioner may establish, by regulation, an educational program to provide residents of the city with information and advice concerning the identification of potential fire hazards, how to reduce or avoid the risk of fire, how to react to fire, and the consequences of fire. Such program may include the following in any combination: (1) visits to residences at the invitation of the owner or occupant to review conditions and to recommend methods of improvement and remediation; (2) public service announcements; (3) the distribution of literature on fire safety; (4) lectures, presentations or demonstrations at schools or other institutions; (5) the distribution of materials donated for the program; and (6) any other means determined by the fire commissioner to meet the purposes of the program. The program shall be provided free of charge to residents of the city, subject to availability of personnel and materials. The fire commissioner is authorized to solicit and accept contributions of funds, materials, equipment and services for the program, and to use such contributions for that purpose. All such contributions shall be reported on receipt to the city comptroller and to the board of ethics. Members of the uniformed service may be assigned to conduct the program subject to availability. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-450 National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Training Course for public education officers.

2-36-450 National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Training Course for public education officers. The fire commissioner shall establish a Child Passenger Safety Program requiring all of the fire department's public education officers to complete and maintain certification in the 32-hour National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Training Course developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Such public education officers shall take the necessary continuing education course(s), as recommended by the national certifying body, to maintain certification as a Child Passenger Safety Technician. The education and any related inspections shall occur at the department's five District Headquarters and at its Public Education Headquarters by appointment only and at the discretion of the Coordinator of Fire Awareness and Public Education. Information regarding the Child Passenger Safety Program shall be made available on the Chicago Fire Department's website and through the City of Chicago's 311 Service Center. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-460 Fire safety seminars and conferences.

2-36-460 Fire safety seminars and conferences. The fire commissioner is authorized to organize and present seminars, conferences and other gatherings to educate and inform participants regarding fire safety, fire prevention and other fire-related matters. In furtherance thereof, the fire commissioner is authorized to enter into and execute short-term lease agreements, sponsorship agreements, and such other instruments, any of which may include indemnification provisions, and to perform any and all acts, including the expenditure of funds subject to appropriation therefor, as shall be necessary or advisable in connection with the organization and presentation of such gatherings. The fire commissioner is further authorized to charge a reasonable fee for attendance at such gatherings, and to solicit, accept and use contributions of funds, materials, equipment and services for such gatherings. All such contributions shall be reported on receipt to the city comptroller and to the board of ethics. Personnel of the fire department may be assigned to conduct or otherwise participate in such gatherings subject to availability. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-470 Instruction and training.

2-36-470 Instruction and training. The fire commissioner shall assign all members of the bureau of operations to the division of training for such periods in each year as, in the fire commissioner's judgment, may be necessary for such members' proper training. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-480 Agreements related to training.

2-36-480 Agreements related to training. The Fire Commissioner is authorized to: (1) negotiate and execute agreements with other governmental units, nonprofit and volunteer groups, and private parties to provide training and curriculum development for members of the Fire Department or for persons required to be trained by the Fire Department, or to provide training and testing for prospective members of the Department; and (2) enter into and execute all such other instruments and to perform any and all acts, including the expenditure of funds subject to appropriation therefor, as shall be necessary or advisable in connection with the implementation of such agreements, including any renewals thereto, and including provisions providing indemnification. Any such agreement that includes an expenditure of duly appropriated funds shall be subject to approval of the Office of Public Safety Administration. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 11-26-19, p. 11390, Art. V, § 9)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-490 Agreements related to processing license applications and maintenance of records.

2-36-490 Agreements related to processing license applications and maintenance of records. The Fire Commissioner, in coordination with and subject to the approval of the Office of Public Safety Administration, is authorized enter into a service contract with a service provider to: (1) administer, on the Fire Department’s behalf, licenses and certifications issued by the Fire Department, including, but not limited to, the (i) fire extinguisher serviceman license issued under Article VII of Chapter 15-4 of this Code, (ii) special fireguard license issued under Section 15-4-680, (iii) special stage fireman or fireguard license issued under Section 15-4-770, (iv) certification as a desk clerk under Article XIII of Chapter 15-4 of this Code, and (v) certification as a life safety director; and (2) maintain, preserve and keep, on the Fire Department’s behalf, the records required to be kept by the Fire Commissioner under Section 2-36-280. The service contract may contain such terms as the Fire Commissioner deems necessary or appropriate, including, but not limited to, terms that specify the source and amount of the service provider’s compensation. The Fire Commissioner, either directly or through a service provider, is authorized to charge the chosen service provider a reasonable service fee in order to cover part or all of the City’s costs associated with the service contract, including the costs of engaging a service provider. Such contract shall be subject to review by the Corporation Counsel and the Executive Director of the Office of Public Safety Administration as to form and legality. The Fire Commissioner shall have power to adopt rules for the proper administration and enforcement of the provision of this section. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 11-26-19, p. 11390, Art. V, § 10)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-500 Agreements related to electronic submission of inspection records and inspection fees.

2-36-500 Agreements related to electronic submission of inspection records and inspection fees. The fire commissioner, after conducting a competitive solicitation, is authorized to enter into an agreement with an entity that provides and hosts a computer application through which inspectors shall electronically submit to the City: (i) results of mandatory inspections of fire protection equipment, including pump inspections, sprinkler system inspections, and standpipe inspections, as well as (ii) the amount of the inspection fees due the City pertaining to such inspections. The fire commissioner is authorized to designate the entity's computer application as the required method for submission of these records and fees to the City. The costs for the operation and maintenance of the application and the retention of the various records contained therein shall be borne by the inspectors, who may pass on such charges to building owners. The City's contract with the entity shall be on such terms as the fire commissioner deems reasonable. The fire commissioner is authorized to adopt rules to administer and enforce this section. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-510 Uniforms and badges.

2-36-510 Uniforms and badges. (a) The fire commissioner shall adopt rules setting forth the circumstances under which the members of the bureau of operations shall be required, while on active duty, to wear appropriate uniforms, badges and other insignia by which their authority or status may be known. (b) The issuance of any and all honorary badges shall be at the sole discretion of the fire commissioner. (Added Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 2-36-520 Lithium-ion battery safety reporting.

2-36-520 Lithium-ion battery safety reporting. Starting in 2025, and each year thereafter, on or before the first day of March, the Fire Department shall submit to the Mayor and City Council a report relating to fires associated with powered bicycles and powered mobility devices, including the following: (1) Information on all fires that occurred during the prior calendar year in which powered mobility devices or powered bicycles were determined by the Fire Department to be the cause of such fire, including the geographic location and building occupancy type where each such fire occurred, and whether circumstances at each such location indicated compliance with relevant ordinances and rules, to the extent that such information can be ascertained; (2) A review of existing Code provisions governing the purchase, use, storage and charging of powered mobility devices, powered bicycles and traction batteries, and an evaluation of additional local measures, regulatory or otherwise, that could further mitigate fire risks posed by powered bicycles and powered mobility devices; and (3) A summary of relevant activities taken by the Fire Department to decrease the occurrence of fires caused by powered bicycles, powered mobility devices and traction batteries, including a summary of all related inspections or enforcement actions, and other fire prevention activities. (Added Coun. J. 9-18-24, p. 16557, § 2)

Source: City of Chicago, Municipal Code of Chicago (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2598635Fetched: 10/24/2026