Straight Up Chicago Investor Episode 433: Chicago Building Code Violations with Zack Limbaugh
Feb 19, 2026
Zack Limbaugh, an attorney who handles Chicago building code and municipal enforcement, returns with practical intel. He covers buying properties with violations, lender challenges, due diligence tactics like maps and FOIA, common tickets to watch for, demo court risks, and how to manage fines and compliance timelines.
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Buyer Discovered A Illegally Built Two-Flat
- Zack described a two-flat that was built without any plans or permits and later forced to be opened up and rebuilt.
- The building was constructed ~25 years ago on a lot recorded as vacant, forcing full drawings, demolition of interior work, and re-permitting.
Always Pull The Underlying Complaint Or Final Order
- When you see violations on the city website, get the underlying complaint or court order to know which items remain open.
- Use the administrative or circuit court final order as proof of compliance for lenders and to remove repeated inspection entries on the site.
Get A Subordination Agreement For Lender Financing
- If a building has a lis pendens from circuit court, ask your attorney to negotiate a subordination agreement so your lender can fund repairs.
- The building department typically agrees to subordinate and give time because their priority is compliance, not punitive collection.
