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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
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4-36-050 License – Application.
   An application for a license under this chapter shall be made in writing to the Commissioner on a form provided by the Department, and shall be accompanied by the following:
   (A)   If the applicant is an individual:
      (1)   The applicant's full name, residence address, business address, business e-mail address and business telephone number;
      (2)   Proof that the applicant is at least 18 years of age;
   (B)   If the applicant is a corporation:
      (1)   The corporate name, address, e-mail address and telephone number of the applicant's principal office or place of business;
      (2)   The date and state of incorporation;
      (3)   The full name, title, residence address, e-mail address and residence telephone number of all controlling persons;
      (4)   Proof that all corporate officers and controlling persons are at least 18 years of age;
      (5)   Proof that the corporation is in good standing under the laws of the State of Illinois;
   (C)   If the applicant is a partnership or limited liability company:
      (1)   The name, address, e-mail address and telephone number of the applicant's principal office or place of business;
      (2)   The full name, title, residence address, e-mail address and residence telephone number of all partners, if a general partnership; of all general and limited partners, if a limited partnership; of all managers, managing members and members, if a limited liability company; and of all controlling persons;
      (3)   Proof that all partners, managers, managing members, members and controlling persons are at least 18 years of age;
   (D)   The class of license for which application is being made;
   (E)   The license fee;
   (F)   [Reserved.]
   (G)   A statement verified by affidavit as to whether the applicant and each controlling person is financially solvent;
   (H)   The name and address of the principal location from which the applicant has engaged in the business of general contracting at any time within the last five years;
   (I)   If the applicant is not a sole proprietor, proof that the applicant is authorized to do business in the State of Illinois;
   (J)   Proof of insurance as required by Section 4-36-090;
   (K)   The date of birth, and a copy of a government-issued identification document for each natural person named in the license application;
   (L)   A statement as to whether the applicant or any controlling person has ever been convicted, in custody, under parole or under any other non-custodial supervision resulting from a conviction in a court of any jurisdiction for the commission of a felony or criminal offense of whatever degree involving bribery, and if so, the details surrounding each such conviction;
   (M)   A statement as to whether the applicant or any controlling person is currently under indictment or has been charged under any State or Federal law with the crime of bribery; and
   (N)   Any other information that the commissioner may require.
   It is a condition of the license that all information in the application be kept current. Any change in required information shall be reported to the department of buildings within 14 business days after such change has occurred.
   For purposes of this section, a post office box shall not suffice as an address.
(Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 9-14-05, p. 55252, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-08, p. 34713, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, § 80; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)
4-36-060 License issuance and renewal prohibited when.
   No license shall be issued under this chapter to the following persons:
   (A)   Any person whose license under this chapter has been revoked for cause at any time within the last four years;
   (B)   Any person whose permit privileges have been suspended pursuant to Section 4-36-130 until such time that the suspension is lifted by the Department;
   (C)   Any person who is under the age of 18;
   (D)   Any person who has been convicted, in custody, under parole or under any other non-custodial supervision resulting from a conviction in a court of any jurisdiction for the commission of a felony or criminal offense of whatever degree involving bribery, unless, upon request of such person, the Commissioner determines that such person has been substantially rehabilitated to warrant the public trust. The burden of proof of substantial rehabilitation shall be on the person seeking such rehabilitation; and
   (E)   Any person who is currently under indictment or has been charged under any State or Federal law with the crime of bribery.
   The above prohibitions and requirements shall apply to the licensee and to all controlling persons.
   Eligibility for issuance of a license under this chapter shall be a continuing requirement for maintaining a license under this chapter. Failure to maintain such eligibility may result in license suspension or revocation in accordance with Section 4-4-280 or 14A-3-305.
(Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-08, p. 34713, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, § 81; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)
4-36-065 Training program.
   The Commissioner may establish, either alone or in partnership with other City officials, an online training program addressing the obligations of a licensee under this chapter, the Chicago Construction Codes, and other relevant provisions of the Municipal Code, including the Governmental Ethics Ordinance (Chapter 2-156). If the Commissioner establishes such a program, the Commissioner may require, as a condition of licensure and renewal, that a licensee identify one or more employees of the licensee who have successfully completed the training program within the preceding 12 months.
(Added Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)
4-36-070 License – Fee – Termination.
   The license fee set forth in this section shall be payable annually. A general contractor license shall expire one year after issuance as indicated on the face of the license certificate.
   Class A license ..... $2,000.00
   Class B license ..... $1,000.00
   Class C license ..... $750.00
   Class D license ..... $500.00
   Class E license ..... $300.00
(Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 6-6-12, p. 28356, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)
4-36-080 License number to be displayed.
   A licensee shall print or type the licensee's general contractor license number legibly on the front page of every estimate, contract, and subcontract, and in any advertisement placed by or on behalf of the licensee. A licensee shall affix the licensee's name and general contractor license number on all motor vehicles regularly used in the course of the licensee's business.
(Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)
4-36-090 Proof of insurance – Required.
   Prior to the issuance of a general contractor license, each applicant shall furnish proof of insurance, issued by an insurer authorized to insure in Illinois with a credit rating of B+ or higher by A.M. Best Company, evidencing commercial general liability insurance, as follows:
      (A)   If the applicant is applying for a Class A license: limits of not less than $5,000,000.00 per occurrence (primary or umbrella) for bodily injury, personal injury, property damage and completed operations arising in any way from the issuance of the license or activities conducted pursuant to the license;
      (B)   If the applicant is applying for a Class B license: limits of not less than $3,000,000.00 per occurrence (primary or umbrella) for bodily injury, personal injury, property damage and completed operations arising in any way from the issuance of the license or activities conducted pursuant to the license;
      (C)   If the applicant is applying for a Class C license: limits of not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence, $2,000,000.00 in the aggregate, for bodily injury, personal injury, property damage and completed operations arising in any way from the issuance of the license or activities conducted pursuant to the license;
      (D)   If the applicant is applying for a Class D license: limits of not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence, $2,000,000.00 in the aggregate, for bodily injury, personal injury, property damage and completed operations arising in any way from the issuance of the license or activities conducted pursuant to the license;
      (E)   If the applicant is applying for a Class E license: limits of not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, property damage and completed operations arising in any way from the issuance of the license or activities conducted pursuant to the license.
   Each policy of insurance required under this section shall include a provision requiring 30 days' advance notice to the Commissioner prior to cancellation or lapse of the policy. The licensee shall maintain the insurance required under this section in full force and effect for the duration of the license period. A single violation of this section shall result in suspension or revocation of the general contractor license in accordance with Section 14A-3-305.
   Each policy of insurance required under this section shall name the City of Chicago as additional insured on a primary, noncontributory basis arising directly or indirectly from the licensee's operations.
(Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 2.1; Amend Coun. J. 9-14-05, p. 55252, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-28-15, p. 11951, Art. VI, § 13; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. II, § 10; Amend Coun. J. 10-27-21, p. 39543, Art. V, § 3)
Editor's note – Coun. J. 9-14-05, p. 55252, § 4, provides: "This ordinance shall be in force and effect upon its passage and approval. Provided, however, that with respect to any affected insurance policy in effect as the time of passage of this ordinance, the requirements imposed by Code Sections 4-36-030 and 4-36-090, as amended by this ordinance, must be complied with in conjunction with the renewal of any such insurance policy, or by January 1, 2007, whichever comes first."
4-36-100 Reserved.
Editor's note – Coun. J. 9-14-05, p, 55252, § 2, repealed § 4-36-100, which pertained to license bond – required.
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