Thursday, April 30, 2015

The Municipal Code

The Municipal Code is a published compilation of City laws and their revisions organized according to subject matter (arranged by title, chapter and section). The Municipal Code is updated periodically as new ordinances are adopted by the City Council.

On March 18, 2015, the City of Chicago announced the new ChicagoCode.org providing one-stop access to the Chicago Municipal Code.  This will give residents, business owners and government workers the most accessible, user-friendly, and interactive way to access the Chicago Municipal Code on the Internet. The Chicago Municipal Code is thousands of pages long and includes everything from the building code to rules about where you can park on a Sunday afternoon.

ChicagoCode.org is a non-profit, non-governmental, non-partisan implementation of The State Decoded, developed and administered by The OpenGov Foundation. The data that powers ChicagoCode.org is made available online to the public by the City of Chicago via American Legal Publishing.  The official code is maintained by the City of Chicago and the Office of the Chicago City Clerk.

Bradford Miller Law, P.C. has extensive experience in defending property owners cited by the City of Chicago for violations of the municipal code. Where violations exist, it is our goal to work with our clients and get them the time they need to bring violations up to code and avoid fines or liens. If the violation does not exist, we will advocate on your behalf to prove that you are not violating the law.

While there can never be a guarantee as to the outcome of your case, having legal representation, whether from us or another firm, can be beneficial to your property and finances. For proper, experienced representation call us at 312-238-9298 for a FREE 15-minute consultation.

We also can assist you with all your real estate needs, from buying, selling, landlord issues and building code violation we are here to help. Our experienced Attorneys have earned membership in the Better Business Bureau. also check out our great reviews on Yelp. At bradfordmillerlaw.com you will find information about our firm along with helpful real estate information.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040
Chicago, IL 60602

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago Leases, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate closings, Chicago building code violations, Short sale attorney Chicago. This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Spring is a good time to inspect ...

...outdoor porches, decks, balconies and stairs for signs of deterioration and needed repairs. Important signs to look for include:

  • Wobbly handrails or guardrails
  • Loose, missing or rusting hardware and bolts
  • Split or rotting wood, or signs of water damage
  • Loose or missing anchors where a porch attaches to a building
  • Missing, damaged or loose support beams and planking
  • Excessive movement of the structure when walked on 
Homeowners and Landlords are required by law to make necessary repairs and maintain their property in a safe condition. You should always avoid getting a Building Code Violation in the first place but if you find you need help, Bradford Miller Law, P.C. has extensive experience in defending property owners cited by the City of Chicago for violations of the municipal code. Where violations exist, it is our goal to work with our clients and get them the time they need to bring violations up to code and avoid fines or liens. If the violation does not exist, we will advocate on your behalf to prove that you are not violating the law. 

While there can never be a guarantee as to the outcome of your case, having legal representation, whether from us or another firm, can be beneficial to your property and finances. For proper, experienced representation call us at 312-238-9298 for a FREE 15-minute consultation.

We also can assist you with all your real estate needs, from buying, selling, landlord issues and building code violation we are here to help. Our experienced Attorneys have earned membership in the Better Business Bureau. also check out our great reviews on Yelp. At bradfordmillerlaw.com you will find information about our firm along with helpful real estate information.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040
Chicago, IL 60602

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago Leases, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate closings, Chicago building code violations, Short sale attorney Chicago. This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

City of Chicago Law Department

The City of Chicago's Law Department serves the Mayor, the City Departments, Boards and Commissioners and the City Council as they establish and administer policies and programs to benefit the Chicago residents. The Law Department’s clients are the City’s more than forty Departments, as well as its agencies and officials. The Department employs approximately 270 lawyers that handle litigation, transactional, and legislative projects, and enforce the Municipal Code.

Bradford Miller Law, P.C. has extensive experience in defending property owners cited by the City of Chicago for violations of the municipal code. Where violations exist, it is our goal to work with our clients and get them the time they need to bring violations up to code and avoid fines or liens. If the violation does not exist, we will advocate on your behalf to prove that you are not violating the law. 

While there can never be a guarantee as to the outcome of your case, having legal representation, whether from us or another firm, can be beneficial to your property and finances. For proper, experienced representation call us at 312-238-9298 for a FREE 15-minute consultation.

We also can assist you with all your real estate needs, from buying, selling, landlord issues and building code violation we are here to help. Our experienced Attorneys have earned membership in the Better Business Bureau. also check out our great reviews on Yelp. At bradfordmillerlaw.com you will find information about our firm along with helpful real estate information.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040
Chicago, IL 60602

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago Leases, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate closings, Chicago building code violations, Short sale attorney Chicago. This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Don't forget to check to see if you need a building permit.

Don't get caught without a permit. This could result in a costly Building Code Violation. The city can also review your buildings past history and cite you for something that happened 10 years ago in which you did not obtain a permit.

Building permits are required for new building construction, renovations, the installation of heating and cooling systems, or any plumbing or electrical work. If construction is necessary, you need to apply for building permits through the City of Chicago, Department of Buildings. Building permits make sure that the project you are constructing meets the minimum criteria of the Chicago Building Code. Visit  https://www.cityofchicago.org to check to see if your project requires a permit or contact your local alderman for help.

Bradford Miller Law, P.C. can assist you with all your real estate needs, from buying, selling, landlord issues and building code violation we are here to help. Our experienced Attorneys have earned membership in the Better Business Bureau. At bradfordmillerlaw.com you will find information about our firm along with helpful real estate information.

While there can never be a guarantee as to the outcome of your case, having legal representation, whether from us or another firm, can be beneficial to your property and finances. Located in downtown Chicago at 134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040, our firm has been assisting clients with Building Code violations for several years. For proper, experienced representation call us at 312-238-9298 for a FREE 15-minute consultation.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago Building Code Violations, Short Sale Attorney, Chicago Landlord Tenant Law Attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago Leases, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate closings. This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.


Thursday, April 16, 2015

DIGGER--Chicago Utility Alert Network

Digger is a 24-hour service network system established to prevent contractors and private citizens from hitting any existing utility line(s) when digging. This agency provides a free, one-call service to private contractors and homeowners within the City of Chicago's corporate limits. 

This system notifies all utilities of impending excavations to ensure public safety and protect utility facilities both in the public way and on private property. Those interested in digging in Chicago must first call Digger two working days (48 hours) before digging. The 48-hour waiting period mandated by The Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act (220 ILCS 50/1 et seq) Section 10, allows the utility companies time to mark the ground where their facilities exist below the surface.

If you own property in Chicago be sure you follow the city's guidelines and call DIGGER at (312) 744-7000. More information about this service can be found on the City of Chicago's website. 

Bradford Miller Law, P.C. can assist you with all your real estate needs, from buying, selling, landlord issues and building code violation we are here to help. Our experienced Attorneys have earned membership in the Better Business Bureau. At bradfordmillerlaw.com you will find information about our firm along with helpful real estate information.

While there can never be a guarantee as to the outcome of your case, having legal representation, whether from us or another firm, can be beneficial to your property and finances. Located in downtown Chicago at 134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040, our firm has been assisting clients with Building Code violations for several years. For proper, experienced representation call us at 312-238-9298 for a FREE 15-minute consultation.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago Building Code Violations, Short Sale Attorney, Chicago Landlord Tenant Law Attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago Leases, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate closings. This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Liable or not liable?

If you are found liable for a building code violation, the hearing officer is required by law to impose the penalties set forth by the Municipal Code of Chicago. Penalties may also include paying restitution (the costs to undo the damage caused by the violation) and/or paying administrative costs.

If you are found not liable, the hearing officer will dismiss the case against you and will not impose any penalties.

Let the attorneys at Bradford Miller Law, P.C. appear on your behalf to get the matter settled in a timely manner at a very reasonable rate. Where violations exist, it is our goal to work with our clients and get them the time they need to bring violations up to code and avoid fines or liens. If the violation does not exist, we will advocate on your behalf to prove that you are not violating the law. 

While there can never be a guarantee as to the outcome of your case, having legal representation, whether from us or another firm, can be beneficial to your property and finances. For proper, experienced representation call us at 312-238-9298 for a FREE 15-minute consultation.

We also can assist you with all your real estate needs, from buying, selling, landlord issues and building code violation we are here to help. Our experienced Attorneys have earned membership in the Better Business Bureau. also check out our great reviews on Yelp. At bradfordmillerlaw.com you will find information about our firm along with helpful real estate information.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040
Chicago, IL 60602

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago Leases, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate closings, Chicago building code violations, Short sale attorney Chicago. This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Don't miss your court hearing!

If you missed your hearing for good cause and received a default judgment, contact us as soon as possible so we can address the issue. In order for your case to be heard again, a motion to set aside the default must be done within 21 days of the default mailed stamp date.The City of Chicago does not look well on individuals who miss their hearing dates and this issue must be handled in a timely, professional manner. 

Bradford Miller Law, P.C. has extensive experience in defending property owners cited for violations of the municipal code. Where violations exist, it is our goal to work with our clients and get them the time they need to bring violations up to code and avoid fines or liens. If the violation does not exist, we will advocate on your behalf to prove that you are not violating the law. 

While there can never be a guarantee as to the outcome of your case, having legal representation, whether from us or another firm, can be beneficial to your property and finances. For proper, experienced representation call us at 312-238-9298 for a FREE 15-minute consultation.

We also can assist you with all your real estate needs, from buying, selling, landlord issues and building code violation we are here to help. Our experienced Attorneys have earned membership in the Better Business Bureau. also check out our great reviews on Yelp. At bradfordmillerlaw.com you will find information about our firm along with helpful real estate information.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040
Chicago, IL 60602

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago Leases, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate closings, Chicago building code violations, Short sale attorney Chicago. This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.


Tuesday, April 7, 2015

It's not just the fines!

Depending on the violation, the City of Chicago may try to appoint a receiver, who will perform work on the property you have no control over, and then bill you for it. In some cases, the City can even obtain an order allowing it to demolish your property, and then attach a lien against the lot for the cost of the demolition.

Bradford Miller Law, P.C. has extensive experience in defending property owners cited for violations of the municipal code. Where violations exist, it is our goal to work with our clients and get them the time they need to bring violations up to code and avoid fines or liens. If the violation does not exist, we will advocate on your behalf to prove that you are not violating the law. While there can never be a guarantee as to the outcome of your case, having legal representation, whether from us or another firm, can be beneficial to your property and finances. For proper, experienced representation call us at 312-238-9298 for a FREE 15-minute consultation.

We also can assist you with all your real estate needs, from buying, selling, landlord issues and building code violation we are here to help. Our experienced Attorneys have earned membership in the Better Business Bureau. At bradfordmillerlaw.com you will find information about our firm along with helpful real estate information.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040
Chicago, IL 60602

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago Leases, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate closings, Chicago building code violations, Short sale attorney Chicago. This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.



Thursday, April 2, 2015

Building Code Violation Law

Bradford Miller Law, P.C. is one of the few firms that practice Building Code Violation Law. If you find you need help, our attorneys will appear on your behalf to get the matter settled in a timely manner at a very reasonable rate. We handle these types of cases on a daily basis and can work with the City to get the violations dismissed and/or get you ample time to fix the violations without being fined over and over.

Located in downtown Chicago at 134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040, our firm has been assisting clients with Building Code violations for several years. For proper, experienced representation call us at 312-238-9298 for a FREE 15-minute consultation.

We also can assist you with all your real estate needs, from buying, selling, landlord issues and building code violation we are here to help. Our experienced Attorneys have earned membership in the Better Business Bureau. At bradfordmillerlaw.com you will find information about our firm along with helpful real estate information.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040
Chicago, IL 60602

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago Leases, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate closings, Chicago building code violations, Short sale attorney Chicago. This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.