Marketing Division

Chief Marketing

We strive to provide and attain excellence in services and product

Karma Dorji

Focusing on reaching out even the unlikeliest demographics

Branches of Marketing Department

Buildings Division

I called in the complaint on the building; why was I summoned to a hearing?

When you called in the complaint, you became the complaining witness in the enforcement action. At the hearing you have the opportunity to explain the circumstances which caused you to call in the complaint by providing testimony or other evidence to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This could assist the ALJ in determining if the violations existed.

Why does the City keep sending me a notice for this property? I told them several times that I do not own the property. How do I prove this fact?

Your name appeared as result of a title search. Most likely, you will need to file a motion to set-aside the default to resolve the case in a hearing. Also, you may wish to contact the Ownership Unit at the Department of Law for review. You may contact 312.742.0007 for further information.

I fixed the building problems while the inspector was standing there…why do I have to come to court?

The Department of Buildings is alleging that the violations were still there on the date of inspection. The hearing is your opportunity to contest any allegations and show proof that the problems were corrected.

How can I contact the building inspectors?

To contact a building inspector, please call 311, the City of Chicago’s general information line, or contact the Department of Buildings main telephone number at 365.583.8700.

Environmental Safety & Consumer Affairs

I cut my grass already while the inspector was standing there…why do I have to come to court?

The violation(s) already existed which is why the inspector wrote the ticket, therefore you must attend the scheduled hearing to contest the allegation and show proof that the violation(s) were corrected.

What do I need to bring to a “boot” hearing?

To assist in your hearing, you should obtain a “print out” of the violations consolidated on the booted vehicle’s license plate. This can be obtained from the Department of Revenue cashier at any of the hearing facilities, and will assist you in preparing for your hearing.

I received a notice of violation regarding a building I do not own. What can I do about it?

Do not ignore the notice. Appear for your hearing and explain your circumstances to the Administrative Law Judge or the City representative. Also, you may contact the City department which issued the notice, or call the telephone number indicated on your document to determine why your name appeared as a party to the action.

How long do I have to pay a parking ticket before it doubles?

Some code violations do allow you to pay the fine instead of appearing for the hearing. However, most require that you appear in-person. If you have two violations on one ticket and one violation allows you to prepay but the other requires that you appear, then you must appear for the hearing on both violations.