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Municipal Code of Chicago
MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO
TITLE 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
TITLE 2 CITY GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
TITLE 3 REVENUE AND FINANCE
TITLE 4 BUSINESSES, OCCUPATIONS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
CHAPTER 4-4 GENERAL LICENSING PROVISIONS*
ARTICLE I. GENERAL LICENSE REQUIREMENTS (4-4-005 et seq.)
4-4-005 Definitions.
4-4-010 License - Required - Violation - Penalty.
4-4-015 Closure order - Violation - Penalty.
4-4-016 Classification of licenses.
4-4-020 Limited business license - Required for businesses not provided for by other Code provisions - License fee.
4-4-022 Emerging businesses - Non-traditional business activity - Permit requirements.
4-4-023 License review advisory group.
4-4-040 License - Issuance.
4-4-045 Pre-license issuance - Proximity restriction measurement - Application - Fee.
4-4-050 License - Application.
4-4-060 License - Application and renewal - Inspection or investigation.
4-4-070 License - Application - Affidavits.
4-4-080 Bonds.
4-4-084 License suspension or revocation pending payment of fines, costs or other sum of money owed to the city.
4-4-100 Fast-track business sign.
4-4-112 Unlicensed businesses - Liability of property owner.
4-4-120 Unlicensed businesses - Liability of third-party facilitator.
4-4-130 Rebate or refund of fees.
4-4-135 Reinspection fees.
4-4-150 Indebtedness - License ineligibility.
4-4-152 Child support delinquencies.
4-4-160 Mailing of license and related material.
4-4-170 Change of location.
4-4-175 Change of officers.
4-4-176 Change of business name.
4-4-180 Adjustments.
4-4-190 Nontransferability - Unlawful transfer or use.
4-4-200 License insignia - Loss - Associated fees.
4-4-210 License insignia - Display.
4-4-230 License certificates and insignia - Alteration or removal prohibited.
4-4-240 Customer service placards required to be displayed.
4-4-250 Expiration.
4-4-260 License renewal.
4-4-265 Remediation conferences.
4-4-270 Building permit privileges - Suspension.
4-4-280 License revocation.
4-4-281 License and registration rescission.
4-4-282 License suspension or revocation - Illegal activities on premises.
4-4-283 Closure due to dangerous or hazardous conditions - Effect on license or application.
4-4-285 Public safety threat - Summary closure - When authorized.
4-4-289 Effect of revocation.
4-4-290 Enforcement of license ordinances.
4-4-295 Unlawful interference with enforcement.
4-4-299 Trademark violations.
4-4-300 Hazardous occupancies.
4-4-305 Inspections - Duties of licensee.
4-4-306 Illegal conduct on licensed premises - Cooperation with police.
4-4-307 Fingerprinting.
4-4-310 Public ways - Maintenance - Littering prohibited - Snow and ice removal.
4-4-312 Businesses - Chronic illegal activities premises.
4-4-313 Businesses that are or cause a nuisance.
4-4-314 Restrictions on display of merchandise.
4-4-320 License denial, revocation or suspension for certain offenses.
4-4-322 License or registration - Suspension or revocation by building commissioner.
4-4-332 Bed bugs.
4-4-333 Synthetic marijuana.
§ 4-4-334 Synthetic stimulants.
4-4-335 Spray paint cans and markers.
4-4-336 Improper business signs.
4-4-337 Illegal use of parking facilities.
4-4-338 Cell phones and other wireless communication equipment.
4-4-339 Walk-up service windows.
4-4-350 Violation - Penalty.
CHAPTER 4-5 LICENSE FEES FOR TITLE 4 LICENSES
CHAPTER 4-6 REGULATED BUSINESS LICENSE
CHAPTER 4-8 FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS*
CHAPTER 4-9 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-11 MAXWELL STREET MARKET
CHAPTER 4-12 FARMERS MARKETS*
CHAPTER 4-13 SHORT TERM RESIDENTIAL RENTAL INTERMEDIARIES AND ADVERTISING PLATFORMS
CHAPTER 4-14 SHARED HOUSING UNITS
CHAPTER 4-16 SHARED HOUSING UNIT OPERATOR
CHAPTER 4-17 RESTRICTED RESIDENTIAL ZONES
CHAPTER 4-24 LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES*
CHAPTER 4-28 DRAIN LAYERS
CHAPTER 4-32 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-36 LICENSING OF GENERAL CONTRACTORS
CHAPTER 4-40 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-44 INCOME TAX PREPARERS*
CHAPTER 4-48 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-52 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-58 RESTRICTIONS ON BYOB
CHAPTER 4-60 LIQUOR DEALERS
CHAPTER 4-64 TOBACCO DEALERS*
CHAPTER 4-68 AMBULANCES*
CHAPTER 4-72 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-75 CHILDREN'S SERVICES FACILITY
CHAPTER 4-76 CHILD CARE INSTITUTION*
CHAPTER 4-80 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-83 HELIPORTS
CHAPTER 4-84 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-88 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-92 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-93 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-96 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-97 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-100 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-108 FILLING STATIONS
CHAPTER 4-115 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-128 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-144 WEAPONS DEALERS
CHAPTER 4-149 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-151 SHOOTING RANGE FACILITY LICENSE
CHAPTER 4-152 WHOLESALE DRUG, CHEMICAL OR PAINT STORES*
CHAPTER 4-156 AMUSEMENTS
CHAPTER 4-160 SPORTS PLAZAS*
CHAPTER 4-164 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-165 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-168 BICYCLE MESSENGER SERVICES
CHAPTER 4-180 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-184 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-188 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-196 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-204 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-207 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-208 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-209 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-210 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-212 POP-UP RETAIL USERS*
CHAPTER 4-216 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-220 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-224 MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS
CHAPTER 4-226 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-227 TOWING
CHAPTER 4-228 MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR SHOPS
CHAPTER 4-229 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-232 MOTOR VEHICLE STORAGE AND SALES
CHAPTER 4-233 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-236 PARKING LOT AND GARAGE OPERATIONS TAX
CHAPTER 4-240 PAWNBROKERS
CHAPTER 4-244 STREET PEDDLERS AND STREET PERFORMERS*
CHAPTER 4-250 COMMERCIAL PASSENGER VESSELS
CHAPTER 4-252 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-253 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-256 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-260 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-264 SECONDHAND DEALERS
CHAPTER 4-266 BOILER AND PRESSURE VESSEL REPAIRERS*
CHAPTER 4-268 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-276 REGULATION OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
CHAPTER 4-280 CABLE COMMUNICATION
CHAPTER 4-284 CABLE ETHICS
CHAPTER 4-288 CRANE OPERATORS
CHAPTER 4-290 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
CHAPTER 4-292 SUPERVISING ELECTRICIANS
CHAPTER 4-296 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-298 ELEVATOR MECHANIC CONTRACTORS
CHAPTER 4-304 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-305 REMOTE SERVICE TERMINALS
CHAPTER 4-308 FOREIGN FIRE INSURANCE COMPANIES
CHAPTER 4-312 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-324 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-328 NEWS MEDIA CREDENTIALS
CHAPTER 4-332 PLUMBERS
CHAPTER 4-336 PLUMBING CONTRACTORS
CHAPTER 4-340 SPECIAL POLICEMEN AND SECURITY GUARDS
CHAPTER 4-344 STATIONARY ENGINEERS*
CHAPTER 4-348 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-352 TELEGRAPH SERVICES
CHAPTER 4-360 VENDOR LICENSING AND REGULATION AT NAVY PIER
CHAPTER 4-364 WAREHOUSES*
CHAPTER 4-368 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-372 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-376 MASON CONTRACTORS*
CHAPTER 4-380 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-384 ANIMAL CARE
CHAPTER 4-388 ROOFTOPS IN WRIGLEY FIELD ADJACENT AREA
CHAPTER 4-392 RESERVED*
CHAPTER 4-400 RESERVED*
TITLE 5 HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
TITLE 6 HUMAN RIGHTS*
TITLE 7 HEALTH AND SAFETY
TITLE 8 OFFENSES AFFECTING PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE
TITLE 9 VEHICLES, TRAFFIC AND RAIL TRANSPORTATION
TITLE 10 STREETS, PUBLIC WAYS, PARKS, AIRPORTS AND HARBORS
TITLE 11 UTILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
TITLE 12 RESERVED
TITLE 13 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
TITLE 14 RESERVED*
TITLE 14A ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS OF THE CHICAGO CONSTRUCTION CODES*
TITLE 14B BUILDING CODE*
TITLE 14C CONVEYANCE DEVICE CODE*
TITLE 14E ELECTRICAL CODE*
TITLE 14F FIRE PREVENTION CODE*
TITLE 14G FUEL GAS CODE*
TITLE 14M MECHANICAL CODE*
TITLE 14N 2022 ENERGY TRANSFORMATION CODE*
TITLE 14P PLUMBING CODE*
TITLE 14R BUILDING REHABILITATION CODE*
TITLE 14X MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS*
TITLE 15 FIRE PREVENTION
TITLE 16 LAND USE
TITLE 17 CHICAGO ZONING ORDINANCE
TITLE 18 BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE
APPENDIX TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO (RESERVED)*
TABLES
Chicago Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Ordinance
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4-4-120 Unlicensed businesses – Liability of third-party facilitator.
   (a)   No third-party facilitator shall allow any customer to use such facilitator's application to arrange to use, or to use, a client's services or property unless such client has obtained all licenses required under this Code or under any other applicable law.
   (b)   Any third-party facilitator who violates subsection (a) of this section shall be notified in writing by the department of the fact of such violation and of the facilitator's duty to correct the violation of this section. If the facilitator fails to correct such violation by the date certain set forth in the written notice required under this subsection (b), the facilitator shall be fined up to $500.00 for the first violation of subsection (a) within any five-year period; up to $5,000.00 for the second violation of subsection (a) within any five-year period; and up to $10,000.00 for the third or any subsequent violation of subsection (a) within any five-year period. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. Mitigating factors that may be considered in determining the amount of the fine to be imposed against the third-party facilitator shall include the following: (1) proof that the facilitator had removed from its application the client engaged in the unlicensed business activity prior to date on which the written notice required under this subsection (b) was mailed or otherwise provided; (2) proof that the facilitator had called 311 to report the client's unlicensed business activity prior to the date on which the written notice required under this subsection (b) was mailed or otherwise provided; (3) proof that the facilitator had filed a complaint with 311 online through www.cityofchicago.org to report the client's unlicensed business activity prior to the date on which the written notice required under this subsection (b) was mailed or otherwise provided; or (4) any other mitigating factor set forth in rules duly promulgated by the commissioner.
   (c)   As used in this section:
   "Application" means any software installed and available for download on a computer, tablet, smart phone or other electronic device, or any website, mobile application or platform, internet-enabled application or platform, digital platform or internet service used by a third-party facilitator to connect the facilitator's customers with the facilitator's clients.
   "Client" means any person who has an agreement, whether express or implied, with a facilitator to directly or indirectly provide services of any type to the facilitator's customers or to allow the facilitator's customers to directly or indirectly use such client's property for any purpose if such client requires a license under this Code or under any other law to engage in the applicable business activity.
   "Customer" means any person who uses a facilitator's application to arrange to use or to use any services or property owned or leased by a facilitator's client.
   "Property" means real or personal property.
   "Third-party facilitator" or "facilitator" means any person who operates or maintains an application to connect customers with clients. The term "third-party facilitator" or "facilitator" does not include: (1) short term residential rental intermediaries as that term is defined in Section 4-13-100; or (2) transportation network providers as defined in Section 9-115-010; or (3) any other category of persons exempt from this section by express provisions of this Code.
(Added Coun. J. 6-25-21, p. 31925, Art. V, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 11-7-22, p. 54948, Art. V, § 1)
4-4-130 Rebate or refund of fees.
   (a)   No license fee or part thereof shall be refunded or rebated to any person, unless the commissioner determines that (1) the license fee was collected in error, or (2) the holder of a license has been prevented from enjoying the full license privilege because such holder is (i) the sole proprietor of the licensed establishment, and (ii) on active-duty status in the United States Armed Forces regular component, reserve component or National Guard, and (iii) stationed beyond the corporate limits of the city; or (3) the licensed business is forced to close before the license period expires due to an exercise of the power of eminent domain by the government. If a refund or rebate of any license fee is requested and made pursuant to items (2) or (3) of this section, the amount of such refund or rebate shall be prorated to reflect the number of months remaining during the license period, as measured from the date on which the applicable requirements set forth in items (2) or (3) are met.
   (b)   If a license applicant files an incomplete license application with the department, and such applicant fails to complete the license application within 90 days after the date on which such incomplete application is filed, the license fee shall be forfeited to the city and a new application and license fee shall be required to process the application. Provided, however, that this requirement shall not apply to any license issued under Chapters 4-60 or 4-156 of this Code. Provided further, that this requirement shall not apply if the applicant's failure to complete the license application in a timely manner is caused by the city.
(Added Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 14)
4-4-135 Reinspection fees.
   Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) of Section 4-4-060, a reinspection fee in the amount of $50.00 shall be assessed against the licensee for each necessary or appropriate inspection conducted by or caused to be conducted by the City to address code violation(s) previously identified in any inspection.
(Added Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 14)
4-4-150 Indebtedness – License ineligibility.
   (a)   Whenever used in this section, the term "debt" shall mean:
      (1)   a sum of money owed to the City for which the period granted for payment has expired, including, but not limited to, any obligation or payment of a sum of money owed to the City pursuant to a court order or an order of the Department of Administrative Hearings, and in the case of a "tax" within the meaning of Section 3-4-020 of this Code, includes any unpaid tax liability, whether or not an assessment has been issued;
      (2)   any obligation or payment of a sum of money owed to a third party, including restitution, pursuant to an order of the Department of Administrative Hearings;
      (3)   a parking ticket, notice of parking violation, or parking violation complaint on which full payment has not been made or an appearance has not been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County within the time specified on the complaint;
      (4)   a sum of money owed to the State of Illinois when the City has received certification from the State that the license applicant or licensee upon renewal has been given notice and an opportunity to contest the State's determination that such applicant or licensee owes the sum of money;
      (5)   a sum of money owed to the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority for the M.P.E.A. Airport Departure Tax;
      (6)   a sum of money owed to the County of Cook when the City has received certification from the County, pursuant to procedures agreed upon by the County and the City, that the license applicant has been given notice and an opportunity to contest the County's determination that such license applicant owes the sum of money;
      (7)   a sum of money owed to any Sister Agency, as that term is defined in Section 1-23-010, when the City has received certification from the Sister Agency, pursuant to procedures agreed upon by the Sister Agency and City, that the license applicant has been given notice and an opportunity to contest the Sister Agency's determination that such license applicant owes the sum of money.
   (b)   (1)   No initial or renewal license shall be issued under this Title to any license applicant if (1) issuance is prohibited by Section 1-23-400 of the Code, and (2) notice of the debt which triggers the prohibition on issuance in Section 1-23-400 has been provided to such applicant in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 2-32-094(c); and (3) such debt has not been satisfied or otherwise resolved within the meaning of Section 2-32-094(a).
      (2)   (i)   No initial or renewal license shall be issued under this Title to any license applicant or person owning either directly or indirectly, 25 percent or more of the interest in such applicant, if such applicant or person, at the time of application for such initial or renewal license, is a building code scofflaw pursuant to Section 2-92-416 of this Code.
         (ii)   Any applicant for any initial or renewal license issued under this Title shall certify to the City with his application whether or not such applicant or any person owning, directly or indirectly, 25 percent or more of the interest in the applicant is, at the time of application for such license or permit, identified as a building code scofflaw pursuant to Section 2-92-416.
   For purposes of this subsection (b), the following definition shall apply: The term "25 percent or more of the interest in the applicant" shall mean 25 percent or more of the combined voting power or fair market value of all stock, partnership interests or other ownership interests in the applicant or the right to receive at any time the distribution of 25 percent or more of the income or profits of the applicant. Provided, however, that with respect to those licenses for which a lesser percentage of ownership interest is required to be disclosed, including, but not limited to, licenses issued under Chapter 4-60 (Liquor Dealers), the percentage of ownership set forth in the specific licensing ordinance shall be substituted for the term "25 percent" in the above definition.
   (c)   A late fee and interest shall be assessed in connection with a license renewal if the license cannot be issued or renewed in a timely manner due to outstanding debt.
(Added Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 14; Amend Coun. J. 1-21-15, p. 102428, § 4; Amend Coun. J. 11-20-19, p. 9510, Art. IV, § 9; Amend Coun. J. 11-24-20, p. 24003, Art. III, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 4-21-21, p. 29948, § 4; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. IV, § 2)
4-4-152 Child support delinquencies.
   No license shall be issued to or renewed by any applicant or person owning, either directly or indirectly, 25 percent or more of the interest in the applicant, and any license may be revoked, if such applicant or person is delinquent on any court-ordered child support arrearage or has failed to comply with a child support withholding notice. All license applicants shall certify in the license application whether the eligibility requirement set forth in this section have been met. For purposes of this section, the definition of the term "25 percent or more of the interest in the applicant", as set forth in subsection (b) of Section 4-4-150, shall apply. Provided, however, that with respect to those licenses for which a lesser percentage of ownership interest is required, the percentage of ownership set forth in the specific licensing ordinance shall be substituted for the term "25 percent" in such definition.
(Added Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 14)
4-4-160 Mailing of license and related material.
   The city clerk or other issuing department may transmit any license certificate, license plate, tag, badge, emblem or other licensing insignia to a qualified licensee by any cost-effective method available, including electronic transmission, as appropriate.
(Added Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 14)
4-4-170 Change of location.
   If, prior to the expiration of the license period, any person licensed to engage in a business at a particular place seeks to change the location of such place of business, such licensee shall obtain a new license before conducting the business at the new location. The fee for such new license shall be prorated.
(Added Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 14)
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