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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*
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
CHAPTER 4-36
LICENSING OF GENERAL CONTRACTORS
4-36-010   Definitions.
4-36-020   License – Required.
4-36-030   License classifications.
4-36-040   License – Posting – Nontransferability.
4-36-050   License – Application.
4-36-060   License issuance and renewal prohibited when.
4-36-065   Training program.
4-36-070   License – Fee – Termination.
4-36-080   License number to be displayed.
4-36-090   Proof of insurance – Required.
4-36-100   Reserved.
4-36-110   Unlawful acts.
4-36-120   Duties.
4-36-130   Permit privileges – Suspension.
4-36-140   Reserved.
4-36-145   License suspension pending final adjudication of a bribery charge.
4-36-150   License – Suspension or revocation.
4-36-160   License revocation – Four-year wait for new license.
4-36-170   Regulations.
4-36-180   Enforcement.
4-36-190   Violation – Penalty.
4-36-010 Definitions.
   As used in this chapter:
   "Act related to general contracting" means: (1) any activity requiring a license under this chapter; or (2) any conduct regulated by this chapter; or (3) any activity requiring a permit issued under Article XIII of Chapter 13-20 or Chapter 14A-4 of this Code; or (4) any duty or other requirement imposed by this chapter; or (5) any inspection of a building or premises or performance of other legal or work-related duty by a City inspector, City personnel, or other government official in connection with: (i) the issuance of a license under this chapter, or (ii) the issuance of a permit under Article XIII of Chapter 13-20 or Chapter 14A-4, or (iii) for the purpose of enforcing the Chicago Construction Codes, the Zoning Ordinance, or any other law intended to protect the health and safety of workers, building occupants, or the public.
   "Chicago Construction Codes" has the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 14A-2-202.
   "City" means the City of Chicago.
   "City inspector" means any person authorized by the City to conduct an inspection.
   "City personnel" means any person employed by or authorized to act on behalf of the City.
   "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Buildings.
   "Complex demolition" has the meaning ascribed to that term in Section 14A-2-202.
   "Controlling person" means any person who: (1) is an officer, director, partner, general partner, limited partner, manager, managing member or member of any entity seeking or holding a license under this chapter; or (2) owns, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediate ownership entities, 25 percent or more of the interest in the licensee or applicant, as applicable.
   "Department" means the Department of Buildings.
   "Dwelling unit" means a single unit of a building providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
   "Employee" means an individual who performs work for an employer in the capacity of an employee, as distinguished from a contractor, determined pursuant to Internal Revenue Service guidelines.
   "Knowingly", with respect to a material fact, means (i) having actual knowledge of the material fact; or (ii) being aware of facts or information that would cause a reasonable person to have actual knowledge of the material fact; or (iii) acting in deliberate ignorance or reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the material fact.
   "Licensee" means a person holding a valid license issued under this chapter.
   "Ordinary demolition" has the meaning ascribed to that term in Section 14A-2-202.
   "Regulated activity" means any type of work which requires a permit in accordance with Article XVIII of Chapter 11-4, Chapter 11-16, Article XIII of Chapter 13-20, or Chapter 14A-4 of this Code; any type of work which is not required to obtain a permit in accordance with Section 14A-4-402; and any construction, demolition, or grading undertaken pursuant to a stormwater management plan required by Chapter 11-18.
   "Zoning Ordinance" means Title 17 of this Code.
(Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-08, p. 34713, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 3-18-09, p. 56013, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. IV, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 4-10-19, p. 100029, Art. II, § 27; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)
4-36-020 License – Required.
   (A)   Except as provided in Section 4-36-020(B), no person shall engage in any of the following activities for compensation, as an investment, or with the intent to sell or lease real property to others without first obtaining a general contractor license:
      (1)   Prepare or submit a bid, proposal, or offer to undertake a regulated activity.
      (2)   Undertake, either directly or through others, a regulated activity.
      (3)   Hire or supervise one or more persons carrying out a regulated activity.
      (4)   Exercise control over the means, methods, or manner of accomplishing a regulated activity.
   (B)   The following persons shall not be required to obtain a general contractor license:
      (1)   A person performing a regulated activity under the supervision and control of a licensee, such as a subcontractor or employee of a licensee.
      (2)   A person merely furnishing materials or supplies for use at a construction or demolition site without fabricating them into, or consuming them in the performance of, a regulated activity.
      (3)   A person licensed as a board-up company pursuant to Section 4-6-190, a drain layer pursuant to Chapter 4-28, an electrical contractor pursuant to Chapter 4-290, an elevator mechanic contractor pursuant to Chapter 4-298, a plumbing contractor pursuant to Chapter 4-336, or a mason contractor pursuant to Chapter 4-376 and acting within the scope of that license or an employee of such a person and acting within the scope of employment.
      (4)   An architect, professional engineer, professional land surveyor, or structural engineer licensed by the State of Illinois and acting within the scope of that license.
      (5)   An individual undertaking regulated activity on a building or structure with three or fewer stories above grade plane at a property that constitutes the individual’s primary residence, provided that the property contains six or fewer dwelling units and no nonresidential occupancy. This exception is limited to one such property during a calendar year and does not apply to excavation subject to Section 14A-4-406 or demolition subject to Section 14A-4-407.
      (6)   A person who contracts with a licensee to carry out a regulated activity at the person's property, provided that the contract provides for the licensee to exercise supervision and control over the regulated activity.
      (7)   A property owner, or employee or agent thereof, including a tenant authorized to perform such work, who performs a type of regulated activity listed in Section 14A-4-402 at the owner's property.
      (8)   A governmental entity and employees of the governmental entity for work at property owned or controlled by the governmental entity and performed by employees of the governmental entity.
   (C)   This section applies to any activity which occurs within the City without regard for the domicile or residence of the person undertaking such activity.
   (D)   The general contractor license shall be in addition to any other license required by law, including but not limited to the residential real estate developer license required by Section 4-6-050 and board-up company license required by Section 4-6-190, if applicable.
(Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 21; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, § 79; Amend Coun. J. 4-10-19, p. 100029, Art. II, § 28; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 1-24-24, p. 8634, Art. I, § 2)
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