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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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4-4-176 Change of business name.
   (a)   All licensees shall notify the department in writing, on a form provided by the department, within 60 days of the effective date of any change in the name of the licensed business.
   (b)   The notice of change required under subsection (a) of this section shall be accompanied by a filing fee of $40.00.
(Added Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 14)
4-4-180 Adjustments.
   If a licensee makes any change to the licensed business that places the business in a class requiring a higher license fee, the licensee shall obtain the correct license and pay the pro-rated difference between the license currently held and the new license for the time remaining on the current license. Upon issuance of the correct license and payment of the pro-rated license fee, the licensee shall receive additional license plates, badges, tags, emblems or other licensing insignia as appropriate.
(Added Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 14)
4-4-190 Nontransferability – Unlawful transfer or use.
   (a)   All licenses issued under this Code are non- transferable.
   (b)   It shall be unlawful for any licensee to loan or give away to any person any license certificate, plate, tag, badge, emblem or other licensing insignia issued to such licensee.
   (c)   It shall be unlawful for any person to use or display any license certificate, plate, tag, badge, emblem or other licensing insignia which has been unlawfully acquired.
(Added Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 14)
4-4-200 License insignia – Loss – Associated fees.
   (a)   If a licensee is required to obtain and exhibit any plate, tag, badge, emblem or other licensing insignia, the license fee shall include the cost of such licensing insignia.
   (b)   If a licensee loses any plate, tag, badge, emblem or other licensing insignia, the issuing department may authorize the issuance of duplicate insignia, if the licensee or other applicable person submits an affidavit attesting to such loss and pays a replacement fee of $25.00.
(Added Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 14)
4-4-210 License insignia – Display.
   (a)   It shall be the duty of every business for which a license is required to post such license in a conspicuous place on the premises of the business. Provided, however, that if a licensee is required by this Code or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder to post the license in a specific place on the licensed premises, the more specific provision shall apply.
   (b)   No license certificate, plate, badge, tag, emblem or other licensing insignia shall remain posted or displayed after the license has expired or has been suspended or revoked.
(Added Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 14)
4-4-230 License certificates and insignia – Alteration or removal prohibited.
   (a)   No person shall add to, alter, deface, forge or counterfeit any license certificate or license plate, tag, badge, emblem or other licensing insignia issued by the city.
   (b)   No person shall destroy, obliterate, take, remove or carry away, without the consent of the licensee, any license certificate or license plate, tag, badge, emblem or other licensing insignia issued by the city. Provided, however, that nothing in this subsection (b) shall be construed to prevent any authorized city official from removing any license certificate, emblem or licensing insignia when the applicable license has expired or has been suspended or revoked.
(Added Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 14)
4-4-240 Customer service placards required to be displayed.
   (a)   Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
   “Covered building” means a building used for one or more retail sales businesses in the commercial use group category, as described in Section 17-17-0104, with a floor area that exceeds 4,000 square feet.
   “Licensee” means any person licensed under Title 4 of this Code to operate one or more retail sales business in a covered building.
   “Owner” means any person who alone, jointly or severally with others: (1) has legal title to a covered building; or (2) has charge, care, or control of a covered building.
   (b)   Any licensee or owner shall display, on the front of a covered building, in a generally visible place from the public way, and on the back of the covered building in a generally visible place, a placard with: (i) the licensee’s name as registered with the Illinois Secretary of State and the Department, if applicable; (ii) the licensee’s emergency contact information, including a phone number and email address, as required under Section 4-4-050 of the Code; and (iii) the owner’s name and contact information, including a phone number and email address. The placard shall be properly affixed and maintained for visibility in accordance with rules adopted by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (c) of this section. The licensee and the owner are jointly and severally responsible for compliance with the requirements of this section.
   (c)   The Commissioner is authorized to promulgate rules necessary to implement and administer the requirements of this section.
   (d)   Any licensee or owner that violates this section shall be subject to a penalty of not less than $250.00 nor more than $500.00 for each offense. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.
(Added Coun. J. 2-21-14, p. 9904, § 1)
4-4-250 Expiration.
   It shall be the duty of the licensee to take all appropriate steps necessary to renew its license in a timely manner.
(Added Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 14)
4-4-260 License renewal.
   The commissioner of the department responsible for issuing any license required under Title 4 may renew any license at the beginning of a new license period upon proper application and payment of the required fee. Prior to renewal, all licensees and substantial owners shall provide the applicable commissioner with any new information necessary to make the information provided in the initial license application current and accurate. All license renewal applications filed after the expiration date of the license shall be charged a late license fee in the amount of 25 percent of the amount of the annual license fee, but in no event less than $25.00. Renewal may be denied, and a new license application may be required, if the licensee fails to apply for renewal within three months after the expiration date of the license.
(Added Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 14)
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