Supporting Information

2012 Management Ordinance

2012 Revenue Ordinance

2012 Water and Sewer Main Projects

2013 Water and Sewer Main Projects Water and Sewer construction projects for 2013 by start date of project.

A Guide to Getting Started: A Permit Overview A Guide to Getting Started: A Permit Overview

About Blue Cart Recycling Information about the Blue Cart recycling program.

Accessible Housing Housing information services offered by the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) are designed to promote and identify integrated, adaptable/accessible and affordable housing for people with disabilities in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Adjacent Neighbors Land Acquisition Program (ANLAP) The Adjacent neighbors Land Acquisition Program (ANLAP) enables homeowners in certain areas of Chicago to purchase vacant, city-owned lots for less than market value.

Administrative Adjustments Administrative adjustments are intended to provide a streamlined approval procedure for minor modifications of selected zoning standards.

Aircraft Noise Complaints Fill out your aircraft noise complaints

Basement Flooding Partnership The BFP is a new partnership between the City of Chicago and neighbors who wish to reduce the risk of basement flooding during heavy rains.

Bioinfiltration: Rain Gardens

Blocking Rainwater and Preventing Sewer Backup

Blue Cart & Recycling Drop-off Center Recycling: Accepted Materials List of materials that are accepted in the Chicago Blue Cart Program & Recycling Drop-off Centers.

Blue Cart FAQs Frequently Asked Questions about the Blue Cart Program

Blue Cart Recycling in Chicago As of January 2013 - Map & Schedule

Blue Cart Schedule and Maps View the Blue Cart Residential Recycling Map to identify your residence's pick-up zone, hauler and schedule.

Blue Cart and Recycling Drop Off Accepted Materials

Building Code Scofflaws List of Building Code Scofflaws

Building Permit Overview: A Guide to Getting Started

CFL Recycling and Disposal Information about how to handle and recycle compact fluorescent lightbulbs, also called CFLs.

Cable Operator Contact Information For additional information, please refer to the company's website, or call the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection at 312-744-4052.

Carbon Monoxide Information Frequently Asked Questions about Carbon Monoxide Information

Census Maps Chicago Census Maps.

Central Area Action Plan

Changes to Battery Recycling Program

Chicago Community Land Trust for Developers The Chicago Community Land Trust (CCLT) was founded in 2006 to address the increasingly limited supply of funding for affordable housing.

Chicago Green Homes Program Overview The Chicago Green Homes Program (CGHP) is a voluntary certification program for Chicago homeowners, residential builders, and developers looking to incorporate sustainable design into their residential building. The CGHP provides a flexible framework for innovative construction, while promoting environmental awareness and sustainable living throughout the City.

Chicago Green Homes Program: Resources Helpful websites for the Chicago Green Homes Program

Chicago Recycling Guide: A to Z Chicago's A to Z Guide to Recycling

Chicago Recycling Guide: All Materials Chicago Recycling A to Z

Chicago's Blue Cart Residential Recycling Program The Blue Cart program provides bi-weekly recycling services to single family homes and multi-unit buildings with four or fewer units.

Clean up After the Flood Documents form State and Federal sources that provide information on how to handle the cleaning procedure to a home after a flood has occurred.

Combined Sewers

Common Questions on Water Services

Composting Bins Composting is the decomposition of yard and fruit/veggie food scraps by worms and bacteria. FAQs about compost bins.

Composting in Chicago Composting turns organic waste such as leaves, food scraps, and lawn clippings into a dark, soil-like natural fertilizer.

Conservation Inspection

Consumers BACP protects consumers from fraud by resolving complaints and taking action against fraudulent businesses. BACP promotes consumer awareness through education and information to help consumers protect themselves.

Department of Buildings Phone Numbers Department of Buildings Phone Numbers

Disconnect Your Downspout

Downspout Disconnection Downspout disconnection can help prevent basement sewage backup. Before you disconnect your downspout, consider where you are directing the water, and that cold weather will cause icing conditions.

Downspouts, Rain Barrels and Cisterns

EZ Dec Helpful Points Paper-based Real Property Transfer Tax Declaration forms for Chicago, Cook County and State of Illinois are being replaced by EZ Dec. These points address questions users may have.

Easy Payment

Easy Permit Process Overview The Easy Permit Process allows home and building owners to obtain a permit to REPAIR or REPLACE THE SAME OR EXISTING elements of a building, without making any changes to the structure of the building.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Links Page Information on the Emerald Ash Borer and important links.

Emergency Preparedness for Pet Owners Necessary precautionary steps in the case of floods, fires, blizzards, terrorism.

Energy Disclosure Application The Application for Energy Disclosure is used to request gas or electric disclosures on a particular address and / or unit number.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Get involved in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs.

Fast Track Abatement Program The FTD ordinance authorizes the City to board, repair, or demolish residential and commercial buildings of up to three stories or less in height that are vacant, open, and constitute a hazard to the community.

Filter Strips Information on Filter Strips and their advantages.

Find a Residential Recycling Drop Off Center

Foreclosure Prevention and Housing Counseling Centers Housing Counseling Centers provide counseling to help Chicago residents purchase homes and reduce the number of properties that are lost as a result of foreclosure.

Frequently asked questions

Helpful tips for anyone applying for a Green Permit: Menu Items Green Permit Menu Items

Historic Chicago Bungalow Initiative The Chicago-style bungalow was developed in the early 1900s in response to a pressing demand for middle-class housing during a period of dynamic growth in Chicago. The City of Chicago established the Historic Chicago Bungalow Initiative in 2000 to help foster an appreciation of the Chicago Bungalow as a distinctive housing type, to encourage sympathetic rehabilitation of Chicago bungalows, and assist bungalow owners with adapting their homes to modern and energy efficiency needs, which in turn helps to strengthen Chicago neighborhoods. The Initiative is administered by the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association.

Home Repair Tips For Consumers The City of Chicago is offering consumers smart tips on how to choose the right contractor and how to detect red flags to avoid getting scammed by a rip off contractor.

Home to Stay Program Furniture Donations Organizations can support the effort to end homelessness in Chicago by sponsoring a neighborhood furniture drive. Donations help homeless families and individuals who are newly housed, furnish their homes.

Homeward Bound Animal Placement Program Transferring animals to other State Licensed animal shelters or breed rescue groups often provides them a much better chance of being adopted than remaining at our shelter. Through the Homeward Bound Program, nearly 4,000 animals are transferred out to partnering shelters each year!

Human Service Delivery Human Service Delivery is about people and partners.

Individual, Family and Community Preparedness There is never too much preparedness when it means saving a LIFE! You can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and by working with your family as a team. Preparation should include: getting informed (including a checklist), making a plan, assembling, and maintaining your plan and kit.

Information on the Demolition Process The Department of Buildings' Demolition Bureau responds to complaints generated by the 311 system reported by residents, community groups, Aldermanic offices, as well as the Chicago Police Department. The bureau responds to complaints of vacant and open buildings.

Introduction to Green Design

Invasive Species Threat of invasive species.

Lead Poisoning Prevention Some simple things you can do to help protect your family from lead poisoning.

Learn when a Building Permit is needed Building permits give you, your insurance company, neighbors and the City assurance that specific minimum standards are met in constructing, repairing or altering your home or building by complying with the Chicago Building Code.

Low-Cost Education and Weatherization Program The Low-Cost Weatherization and Education Program (LCWEP) aims to prepare, educate and train Chicago residents in low cost weatherization techniques. C3 volunteers are trained in low-cost home weatherization techniques. Volunteers then train their neighbors and distribute and install weatherization kits.

Mailing My Payment

Mortgage and Foreclosure Rescue Scams Foreclosure Rescue and Loan Modification Scams

Mortgages Programs to assist potential homeowners and existing homeowners with their mortgage.

Multi-unit Residential Recycling 5 Step Process Starting or improving an existing recycling program can be done in 5 steps.

Neighborhood Inspection Follow-Up Conference Calls The following telephone conference calls occurred after a neighborhood inspection and cleaning of the sewers in the area.

Neighborhood Permit Centers The Neighborhood Permit Centers are a resource for homeowners who need to apply for certain types of permits.

Nomination: Chicago Park Boulevard System Historic District The Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Housing and Economic Development is preparing a nomination of Chicago’s historic Park Boulevard System to the National Register of Historic Places. The City’s park boulevard system is one of Chicago’s finest historic resources.

Nomination: West Loop-La Salle Street Historic District The Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Housing and Economic Development is preparing a nomination of Chicago’s historic West Loop to the National Register of Historic Places.

Office of the Zoning Administrator Information for sending correspondence to the Office of the Zoning Administrator

Ordinance, Publications and Additional Chicago Landmark Information A list of landmark-related publications by Commission on Chicago Landmarks, including the Landmarks Ordinance, Permit Review schedule and guidelines, and the "U.S. Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings."

Overview of the Easy Permit Process Overview of the Easy Permit Process

Overview of the Standard Plan Review Permit Program An overview of the Standard Plan Review Program

Paying Water Bill Online

Payment Locations

Plan Examination The Department of Housing and Economic Development reviews building permit applications to ensure plans are in compliance with the Chicago Zoning Ordinance.

Porch FAQ Frequently asked questions about porch safety.

Private Drains

Private Sector Recycling Chicago's City Council adopted the Workplace and Residential Recycling Ordinance in 1994, requiring all property managers and building owners to implement an effective recycling program by January 1, 1995. The City regularly inspects businesses to ensure compliance and issues citations for noncompliance.

Procurement Fundamentals 2012 The City of Chicago's Guide to Procurement Fundamentals

Purchasing A Mattress In Chicago Before buying a mattress, there are certain things every consumer should know.

Question Concern or Request?

Radon Radon is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas that is released in the soil. The amount of uranium in your soil determines the amount of radon released into the ground around your home.

Real Property Transfer Tax Forms

Recycling for Multi-Unit Residential Buildings If you live in or own a building with five units or greater (referred to as a 'multi-unit building'), a private waste hauler picks up your trash and recycling. The City recommends that they use a source-separated, single stream recycling method, similar to Chicago's Blue Cart program.

Recycling in Chicago There are many opportunities for recycling in Chicago. Find out how you can start recycling.

Refund Anticipation Loans (Instant Refunds). What Consumers Need To Know. The High Cost of “Instant Refunds” or Refund Anticipation Loans. Important tips for Consumers during Tax Season.

Requirements for Contractor Changes

Residential Garbage

Resolution to Amend the Rules and Regulations of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks Resolution to Amend the Rules and Regulations of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks information.

Resources and Frequently Asked Questions for Multi-Unit Recycling As a resident in a multi-unit building, you understand that you have a responsibility to recycle in your unit and participate in your buildings recycling program.

Rules and Regulations for Securing Vacant Buildings

Senior Citizen Sewer Service Charge Exemption

Standard Plan Review Program Overview The Standard Plan Review Program is designed for small to mid-sized construction or renovation projects requiring drawings. The design phase must be completed before the permit process can begin.

Survive Alive House The Public Education Section of the Chicago Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau has collaborated with the Chicago Public Schools, Archdiocese of Chicago, and hundreds of pre-schools to provide a Fire/Burn prevention type of program at the pre-kindergarten through 8th grade levels.

TIF Success Stories

Tax Increment Financing-Neighborhood Improvement Program (TIF-NIP) Program (TIF-NIP) is an HED-administered program that has been providing home repair grants in eligible TIF districts since 1999.

TaxSmart Mortgage Credit Certificate Program TaxSmart is a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program that provides a federal income tax credit to qualified homebuyers.

TaxSmart Mortgage Credit Certificate Program - Information for Lenders Only The Series 2010 TaxSmart Mortgage Credit Certificate Program for Lenders gives financial institutions an opportunity to participate in the City of Chicago's TaxSmart MCC program.

Technical Assistance-Community (former Housing Resource Centers/HRC) Technical Assistance-Community (former Housing Resource Center or HRC) agencies provide housing-related information, problem solving, community events, workshops and housing fairs to assist low- and moderate-income homeowners. Funded by the Chicago Department of Housing and Economic Development, the agencies work together to provide comprehensive financial management assistance to clients.

Tent Permit Process The City of Chicago allows tents to be erected, but there are restrictions and requirements for these structures. Depending on the size of the structure, this may include receiving a permit.

Tips to Avoid Post Storm Damage Scams Tips to avoid post storm damage scams

Useful Green Links This page contains many useful links to Green sites

Vacant Property Guidelines Information for Securing and Registering Vacant Properties.

Volunteering at Chicago Animal Care and Control Animal Care & Control welcomes volunteers to assist in the socialization and adoption of animals housed at Animal Care & Control.

Water With the Lake Michigan to the east and the Chicago River winding through the heart of the city, Chicago maintains valuable water resources. Preservation of the lakeshore ensures clean drinking water and beaches while restoration of the Chicago River will open the city’s next recreational frontier under the Mayor's leadership. Explore the links below to learn more about water in Chicago and how you can help protect and conserve it.

Water Bill Rates & Charges Water Bill Rates & Charges

Ways to Save

When a Permit is Not Required When a permit is Not Required

Who is CCHR? The Commission on Human Relations promotes appreciation of Chicago's diversity and works to eliminate prejudice and discrimination. Commissioners, advisory councils, and staff conduct pro-active programs of education, intervention, and constituency building to discourage bigotry and bring people from different groups together.

Zero Waste Chicago