You can’t afford to miss these new Cook County ordinances in 2024!
As a landlord, staying updated on the latest regulations is crucial for managing your properties and avoiding potential fines. Cook County has introduced several new ordinances for 2024 that could impact your operations, from environmental bans to discrimination laws. Here’s a friendly, easy-to-follow guide to help you navigate these changes.
So let’s get started. Here are the newest Cook County ordinances!
COAL TAR SEALANT BAN
The first crucial new Cook County ordinance you must know is the Coal Tar Sealant Ban.
This ordinance prohibits using coal tar-based sealants on asphalt because they contain harmful chemicals called PAHs, which are bad for the environment and public health.
You can no longer buy or use coal tar sealants on any asphalt surfaces in Cook County. Violating this ban can result in fines ranging from $300 to $10,000, with each day counting as a separate offense. Fines depend on the severity of the violation, your compliance history, financial situation, cooperation level, and the potential risk of future violations.
Beyond fines, you could also face penalties like revoked permits or outstanding fees.
Ordinance No. 24-1630
Ordinance No. 24-1630 introduces new rules for accessing records and data from the Cook County Clerk’s Office, which is essential if you need property documents for your investments.
Keep in mind that all data is provided "as is," meaning no guarantees on accuracy. You’re responsible for paying access fees, which are up to $0.10 per line of data, along with connectivity and maintenance costs. Payments are due within 30 days.
New Document Service Fees:
* Blanket Document (6-25 PINs or recorded document numbers): $182
* Blanket Document (26+ PINs or recorded document numbers): $257
* Plats of additions or subdivisions: $151
* Additional tract/parcel/lot on a Plat: $2
* Fee for irregular documents: $88
* Rental Housing Support Program Fee: $18
* Standard recording fees (deeds, leases, mortgages, easements, etc.): $107 each
* Mechanics Lien filings and releases: $45, plus $1 for each additional page
* Electronic non-certified document copies: $5 each
* Certified document copies: $55 each
* Non-certified document copies: $27.50 each
Amended Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Tax Ordinance
If you’re constantly on the move managing your properties, this update on the Cook County fuel tax will impact you. The amended ordinance now includes taxes on blended fuels, dyed diesel, fuel alcohol, compressed natural gas, and liquefied natural gas.
The tax is $0.06 per gallon, and it's included in the price you pay at the pump. Distributors can account for fuel losses during transportation, but only up to 1% of the total gallons. Any losses above that are taxable.
Amendments to Cook County Human Rights Ordinance
Cook County has expanded the Human Rights Ordinance to protect more people and prevent various forms of discrimination. Here’s what landlords need to know:
Ordinance No. 23-3757 now broadens the definition of unlawful discrimination to include factors like race (including hair texture and styles), sex, age, disability, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, military discharge status, and more. Even if someone is associated with a person from these protected groups, they are covered by this law.
Ordinance No. 23-2279 protects people from discrimination based on personal health choices, like pregnancy or gender-affirming care. This means you cannot discriminate against tenants or prospective tenants based on these decisions, including anyone living with them.
Rental Housing Support Program Fee Alignment Ordinance
The new ordinance sets a $41 fee for recording Transfer on Death Instruments, plus a state surcharge for the Rental Housing Support Program. This fee applies to both paper and electronic filings. The $41 fee is standard, but it may change if the state surcharge changes.
Uniform Penalties, Interest And Procedures Ordinance
If you file taxes late or miss deadlines for tax payments, the new penalties outlined in this ordinance are crucial to know. The standard late penalty is 5% of the total tax due, and this is on top of any other applicable penalties. The county has set a six-year limit on issuing tax assessment notices for compliance actions initiated from January 1, 2024, onward. Notices will now be sent via email, and you have rights to a hearing if you disagree with any assessments.
Unpaid taxes are considered debt to the County, and if you owe, you can’t claim refunds or credits—any refunds will go toward your outstanding debt.
Municipal Fee Exemption For Residential Asbestos And Demolition Permits Ordinance
Good news for those managing older properties: residential buildings are now exempt from asbestos inspection and demolition permit fees when the work is conducted by a municipality. This can save you costs if your properties are scheduled for demolition.
Conclusion
As a landlord in Cook County, staying on top of these new laws is essential. Understanding these changes will help you avoid legal pitfalls, improve your property management strategies, and provide better service to your tenants.
For more insights on how these ordinances affect your real estate investments, stay tuned to Nex-Gen for the latest updates and tips.
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