Official Website: https://www.cityofchicagoheights.org/
Chicago Heights City Hall Phone Number: 708-756-5300
Chicago Heights is a city in Cook County Illinois and a south suburb of Chicago, 26 miles south of the Chicago Loop. The population is estimated at 30,200. In earlier years, Chicago Heights was nicknamed "The Crossroads of the Nation". Currently, it is nicknamed "The Heights". Chicago Heights is located six miles from the Indiana border at the crossroads of Lincoln Highway (Route 30) and Dixie Highway (Hubbard's Trail). In the early years of the city, around the 1890s, a group of Chicago developers led by Charles Wacker determined to establish “Chicago Heights” as an outer-ring industrial suburb. The community has since developed and progressed into the city it is today. Workers came in during the 1920s and even though the city was hit hard with the Great Depression in the 1930s, the community bounced back in the 40s with hard working factory workers. In the 1950s the high schools gained recognition and retailers prospered. The city today strives with a diverse population and prosperous community.
Inspection Information:
The department of Code Enforcement is responsible for the sale and rental inspections of all residential and commercial properties in Chicago Heights. The department reviews, approves and issues building permit applications and drawing of all new or continuing construction taken place within the city limits.
Inspections ensures life safety from fire and other hazards in residential and commercial construction through plan review, permits, inspections, and contractor registration according to minimum requirements of adopted codes, ordinances, and State laws.
Code Enforcement also assist businesses or organizations selling and/or serving food to the general public. Such businesses are required to be licensed and inspected to protect public health.
Final Readings
A final reading is required when a customer is selling their property or when a different tenant is being moved in or out of a rental property. It is the owner’s responsibility to schedule an appointment for a final water meter reading. If the owner is selling the property the owner must make sure that the Code Enforcement Department is contacted to schedule for a meter inspection. A meter inspection is not the same as the final bill.
The final bill is good for up to two weeks after the date of the final reading. If the bill is not paid in full, within the two week time frame, the owner will need to schedule another final reading. We will not issue transfer tax stamps or approve an application for water services unless a final reading has been completed and paid in full.
Final Reading Instructions
Schedule an appointment for a final reading at least 2 days prior to the date of your scheduled closing or change of tenant.You will need to be present to give the meter reader access to the inside meter.Pay the final bill in full within 10 days.Pay with Cash, Money Order or Credit Card or a check from the attorney’s office handling the closing of the sale. Personal Checks are not accepted.
Crime Free Information:
Purpose
The purpose of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is to prevent criminal activity from taking place on your property.
This includes: • Criminals who may reside in the property
• Friend of a resident
• Trespassers who commit crimes
Therefore, it is important to not rent to people who have criminal intentions. Attending our program seminar will help you navigate through this process and help you prevent crimes.
Crime Free Multi-Housing Program Seminar
• Explanation of the City of Chicago Heights residential rental ordinance
• Overview of community policing and city resources available to assist you
• Explanation of the Crime Free Lease Addendum with samples provided
• Crime Prevention and Risk Management
• CPTED (Crime Prevent Through Environmental Design) overview
• Applicant Screening
• Active Property Management and Working with the Police
• An attorney discussing leases and evictions
• City of Chicago Heights rental issues, inspections, miscellaneous ordinances
• Special investigations officers with gang and drug awareness information
• A workbook and additional valuable handouts and resource information
The City’s Crime Free Rental Housing Program and Ordinance require all landlords to obtain a Residential Rental Operating License. The landlord or manager/agent must attend and complete a Crime Free Multi-Housing class before submitting an application for this license. To register for this class, persons may contact the Chicago Heights Police Department at 708-756-6333 or 708-756-64
The fees for each category of license range from $50 to $ 500 or more, depending on the number of rental units owned. All licenses are valid from date of issue to December 31st of each year, at which time a license is due for its annual renewal. All Residential Rental Operating License renewals are effective January 1st and expire December 31st of each year.
Residential Rental Operating License Application
Chicago Heights Police Department
Chief Thomas Rogers
1601 S Halsted Street Chicago Heights, IL 60411
Phone: 708-756-6418