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All Forum Posts by: Alex F.

Alex F. has started 1 posts and replied 3 times.

Post: Looking for Chicago code defining a basement unit

Alex F.Posted
  • Chicago, IL
  • Posts 3
  • Votes 0

Thanks for the additional recommendations and advice.

Can you explain what the water records would show? There is only one water meter for the building (as I believe is the case for all small multi-units in the city). How would the water records show the number of dwelling units?

Post: Looking for Chicago code defining a basement unit

Alex F.Posted
  • Chicago, IL
  • Posts 3
  • Votes 0

Thanks for the replies so far. To add more context to my question about situation:

The previous owner rehabbed the building prior to selling it, including the garden unit. I suspect that he intentionally got the Zoning certificate for floors 1, 2, and 3 because he probably didn't get permits and didn't want an inspection of the garden unit. The county assessor's website still shows the house as 2 units, despite the zoning certificate showing 3. This leads me to question whether the unit is legal.

There is an unfinished attic, so it's possible the certificate is a permission to finish the attic. However, I would like to make the case that the garden unit is actually the first floor since it's pretty much at street level.

Post: Looking for Chicago code defining a basement unit

Alex F.Posted
  • Chicago, IL
  • Posts 3
  • Votes 0

Hi, I'm looking for someone who could point to Chicago code defining a basement unit, or someone who may have experience or knowledge regarding this type of situation.

When I purchased my multiunit house, the seller provided a a Zoning Certificate indicating 3 dwelling units. This was the expected number of units. However, at the time, I had not noticed that the certificate specifies that the dwelling units are on the first, second, and third floor. In reality, they are at the garden level and the two floors above.

The garden unit is only about 2 feet below grade and is otherwise a regular unit... full size windows in every room, high ceiling, front and back door, separate utilities and ventilation. I am wondering if this can actually be classified as the first floor unit. 

Does anyone know what specific criteria classify a unit as a "basement" vs a "first floor" unit? Is there something that says that a first floor must be 100% above grade?

Thanks for your help.