In an effort to help eliminate blight in communities hard-hit by the foreclosure crisis, Cook County’s Vacant Building Ordinance requires owners and mortgagees to register their vacant properties with the County and maintain the interior and exterior of the buildings to certain standards.

The Cook County Vacant Building ordinance went into effect on February 14, 2012. The ordinance applies only to unincorporated Cook County or those municipalities that decide to opt-in. Currently no municipalities have opted in to the ordinance.

Owners of a building that has been vacant for more than 30 days in unincorporated area must register building with Cook County Building and Zoning Department.

The county has created a new website for municipalities, owners, mortgagees and residents to register their vacant properties, track progress and engage directly with County government. Click here for more information and to register a vacant building.