Chicago Vacant Property Registration Ordinance Approved
Updated 12/1/16: Locke Lord LLP released an article titled Locke Lord QuickStudy: City of Chicago Imposes New Burdens on Mortgagees and Servicers Through Expanded Vacant Building Ordinance.
Legislation Update
November 6, 2016
SUBSTITUTE 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 perfomi any function relating to its govemment and affairs, including the power to
regulate for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, Chicago has responded to the foreclosure crisis by requiring mortgagees to register, secure and maintain certain vacant residential buildings which have not been registered
by an owner; and
WHEREAS, Numerous cities across the country have responded to the foreclosure crisis by implementing abandoned property registration programs; and
WHEREAS, Properties in default can quickly become vacant and abandoned, which negatively affects the quality of life in Chicago’s neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, It is difficult to identify and contact mortgagees of properties in default; and
WHEREAS, The City of Chicago intends to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its ordinance requiring mortgagees to register, secure and maintain certain buildings; 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.
Source: City of Chicago (ordinance information)