All Forum Posts by: Marco Lopez

The seller has an open violation from 2012 for doing work without permits due to one of her tenants she was evicting calling an inspector. She told me it was like that when it was built. I'm debating whether it's worth getting the property since I'm getting about $60k below market value. But if I have to completely demo the addition I'm sure it'll cost way more than $60k. Thanks for all the help though Henry I really appreciate it.

Originally posted by @Henry Lazerow:

You don't want to get the owner in trouble but yeah if it's an addition it's more up in the air if legal or not. I would probably call city and ask about records of permits maybe even pull an FOIA. I have not seen anyone get in trouble for an addition that's more then a few years old but it always could happen especially if looked out of place on the building or not built correctly.

0 Votes

Chicago, Illinois

Oh it's not a coach house they just did an addition to the current building they extended the back of the building out about 10 feet. Should I still wait after I purchase the building in that case? I don't want to get stuck with a building that's going to need a lot of $ to bring up to code. Also it's not in the ADU pilot zone.

Originally posted by @Henry Lazerow:

Do not call the city unless you already bought it. The city will make you tear it down. There is some chance it can be modified into an ADU if you are in an ADU area but unlikely without extensive rehab. If the coach house has not been there since pre 1950s it's illegal.

0 Votes

Chicago, Illinois

Hello does anyone from Chicago have any knowledge dealing with Chicago building code violations? I'm looking into purchasing a multifamily that had a brick addition done in the back over 20 years ago. There was no permits or drawings created according to the seller she purchased it that way. My plan is to call to the Chicago Building Department and see if they have more information on what they would like done. Whether they'd like the addition completed demolished and removed or if they'd like an architect to draw plans and make some changes. Any information on the matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

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Originally posted by @Clint Votruba:

You could learn more about the property and current violations by visiting and searching this City website:

City of Chicago :: Search Building Department Records

Thanks Clint. I went on that same page already and seen what the violation is. A brick addition was built without permits. Now I'd like to figure out what the city wants done about it. If I call the Chicago Department of Buildings will they be able to tell me? Or are they going to tell me they'll need to send an architect out to see?

0 Votes

Chicago, Illinois

0 Votes

Chicago, Illinois

Thank you so much Paul. I'll ask my attorney these questions. With regards to the zoning certification thankfully my attorney made sure we got that, I've heard of nightmares happening with coach houses not being legal.

1 Vote

I'll be closing this Tuesday on a property in Chicago in Hermosa neighborhood. It consists of a coach house in the back with 2 units and a store front. All 3 are currently occupied, the 2 residential units are currently on month to month leases. I understand that I'll be taking over the leases what paperwork should I ask the current owner for at the closing? Also does the current owner have to transfer the security deposits to me? If so where am I suppose to place those funds legally? Thank you very much. Any advice would be appreciated. (1st time posting here too so sorry if I did something wrong)

2 Votes

All Forum Posts by: Marco Lopez

Marco Lopez has started 3 posts and replied 7 times.

Post: Chicago Building Code Violation

Post: Chicago Building Code Violation

Post: Chicago Multifamily Building Violation

Post: Chicago Building Code Violation

Post: Chicago Building Code Violation

Post: Purchasing a Rental Property with Tenants in place.

Post: Purchasing a Rental Property with Tenants in place.