The Streets and Sanitation ordinances under the Chicago Municipal Code are intended to maintain cleanliness and ensure safe trash disposal. Generally, residents are required to ensure all garbage is in a designated trash receptacle, trash receptacles are tightly closed, large items are removed by specially arranged bulk pick-up, discarded building materials are disposed of, and materials stored on private property are neatly stacked and are at least eighteen inches off the ground. Owners of vacant lots are responsible for maintenance of the lots, which includes ensuring no litter or abandoned vehicles accumulate, and that weeds are not permitted to exceed ten inches in height.
Businesses bear the additional responsibilities of using and maintaining a clean grease box, breaking down cardboard boxes before setting them out for collection, arranging for sufficient containers to hold all trash, and refraining from using city trash receptacles for food garbage.
Violations of any of these ordinances, or others, can incur an Administrative Notice of Ordinance Violation (ANOV) ticket, issued by the City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation. These Street and Sanitation ordinance violation cases are heard by the City of Chicago Environmental Safety & Consumer Affairs Hearings Division at 400 West Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654.
At these hearings, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) decides if, based on the ANOV ticket, the City has met its prima facie case. If it has not, the case is dismissed. If it has, the ticket recipient is given a chance to explain and defend his or her case before the ALJ determines whether or not the ticket recipient is liable.
A knowledgeable attorney is a helpful aid in combating ANOV tickets. An attorney fluent in the Streets and Sanitation ordinances will detect any possible defenses and help a ticket recipient both gather relevant evidence and present that evidence in the most persuasive fashion in court. A skilled attorney also will recognize any potential weakness of the City’s case in order to maximize the ticket recipient's chances of being found not liable. Aaron Fox Law is committed to these principles to present the strongest defense for your case.
For more information regarding the most commonly cited Streets and Sanitation violations and the potential fines and court costs, see the below table.
If you have a Streets and Sanitation Violation, and want to discuss your case or how we can be of service to you, contact Aaron Fox Law now for professional, high-caliber, legal expertise: email afox@aaronfoxlaw.com, call (312) 224-0028, or fill out and submit the interactive form below. Aaron Fox Law is committed to helping guide you patiently step by step. With our representation, you do not even need to come to court — we look forward to representing you.
Most Common Violations
- High Weeds
- Accumulation of Refuse
- Garbage Dumping
- Accumulation of Junk
- Lot Maintenance
- Open Lot - Fence Required
High Weeds (MCC 7-28-120(a))
The fine range on this ordinance violation ticket is between $600 and $1200 per day violation continues. This comes with court costs between $40 and $60, depending on several determining factors.
You should consult with an attorney on this matter.
Accumulation of Refuse (MCC 7-28-261)
The fine range on this ordinance violation ticket is between $200 and $500 per day violation continues. This comes with court costs between $40 and $60, depending on several determining factors.
You should consult with an attorney on this matter.
Garbage Dumping (MCC 7-28-710)
The fine range on this ordinance violation ticket is between $300 and $600 per day violation continues. This comes with court costs between $40 and $60, depending on several determining factors.
You should consult with an attorney on this matter.
Accumulation of Junk (MCC 7-28-720)
The fine range on this ordinance violation ticket is between $300 and $600 per day violation continues. This comes with court costs between $40 and $60, depending on several determining factors.
You should consult with an attorney on this matter.
Lot Maintenance (MCC 7-28-740)
The fine range on this ordinance violation ticket is between $300 and $600 per day violation continues. This comes with court costs between $40 and $60, depending on several determining factors.
You should consult with an attorney on this matter.
Noncombustible Fence Required for Open Lot (MCC 7-28-750)
The fine range on this ordinance violation ticket is between $300 and $600 per day violation continues. This comes with court costs between $40 and $60, depending on several determining factors.
You should consult with an attorney on this matter.