Freedom of Information In-person and Email Requests (FOIA)

We require that all Freedom of Information requests be made in writing.

Written requests can be directed to the Department of Administrative Hearings, 2nd floor receptionist, 740 North Sedgwick Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654. Requests may also be faxed to 312.742.8248.

We will inform you of the fee for processing your request. Fees are: first five pages are free, $0.15 per page thereafter, $1.00 per certified order, $5.00 per cassette tape, and $3.00 per compact disk. Your request will be processed upon receipt of the fee. All checks shall be made payable to the Chicago Department of Revenue.

Email requests can be directed to: AdminHearingsFOIA@cityofchicago.org. There is no fee to process an email request. Audio records are unavailable by email. The Department can provide file records for no more than 3 cases per email request. Any records prior to 2002 are not available by email.

Your request must include case name, mailing address, email address and daytime phone number of the requester. Additionally, you must provide a thorough description of the records that are being requested, such as the final order, photographs, etc. Citations/tickets are not available by email.

Docket and/or ticket numbers and the address of violation are mandatory to process your request. Please note that we can not process your request without one of these numbers.

The type of records available in a Department of Administrative Hearings case file may include: (i) any documents presented at the hearing; (ii) a copy of the ticket (not available by email), notice of violation or notice of hearing; (iii) a copy of a default order; (iv) a copy of findings and decision order; (v) a copy of any pleadings and (vi) an audio record of the testimony presented at the hearing, which may be made by a compact disk, tape recording or other appropriate means.

Department of Administrative Hearings request forms can be downloaded and/or emailed from this page.

Freedom of Information Request Application Form

Freedom of Information Email Request Application Form