Record #: O2018-5052   
Type: Ordinance Status: Failed to Pass
Intro date: 6/27/2018 Current Controlling Legislative Body: Committee on Finance
Final action:
Title: Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 13-12 prohibiting use of plywood or wood-based material for securing vacant buildings
Sponsors: Thompson, Patrick D., Lopez, Raymond A., Burke, Edward M., Villegas, Gilbert, Scott, Jr. Michael, Sadlowski Garza, Susan, O'Shea, Matthew J., Maldonado, Roberto, Waguespack, Scott
Topic: MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS - Title 13 - Building & Construction - Ch. 12 Enforcement of Building, Electrical & Fire Regulations
Attachments: 1. O2018-5052.pdf
Related files: R2019-362
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ORDINANCE

WHEREAS, the City of Chicago is a home rule unit of government pursuant to the 1970 Illinois Constitution, Article VII, Section 6 (a); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to its home rule power, the City of Chicago may exercise any power and perform any function relating to its government and affairs including promoting the quality of life and the welfare of its citizens; and

WHEREAS, the City of Chicago has been impacted by blighted areas, home foreclosures and vacant buildings; and

WHEREAS, vacant buildings have a negative impact on residential neighborhoods, lead to crime and lower property values for the surrounding homes; and

WHEREAS, the use of plywood to board up vacant buildings is not as effective in securing the building, and the aesthetics that plywood boarded up buildings convey casts a negative perception over the community; and

WHEREAS, new polycarbonate materials, that were approved for use in the City of Chicago in 2015, offer an alternative to secure a building and creates a more attractive appearance for the building; now. therefore

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO:

SECTION 1. The above recitals are expressly incorporated herein and made part hereof as though fully set forth herein.


SECTION 2. Section 13-12-125 of the Municipal Code of Chicago is hereby amended by adding the underscored text, and deleting the struck-through text, as follows:

13-12-125 Vacant buildings - Owner required to act - Enforcement authority.
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(Omitted text is unaffected by this ordinance)

(b) The owner of any building that has become vacant, and any person maintaining, operating or collecting rent for any building that has become vacant, shall do the following:
(1) immediately enclose and secure the building as provided in Section 13-12-135 of this Code; and

within 30 days after the building becomes vacant or within 30 days after assuming ownership of the building, whichever is later, post a sign affixed to the ...

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