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The final information is subject to the latest release from the following official websites:
A City of Chicago regulated business license for the activity of board-up work is required to solicit contracts for or engage in the business of the temporary placement of boards or other material over any opening in a building or other structure in order to protect the interior of the building or structure from damage or unauthorized entry.
Regulated business licenses are issued by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP).
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a board-up company license required?
A regulated business license for the activity of board-up work is required before performing board-up work, agreeing to perform board-up work, or soliciting a contract to perform board-up work if you will receive direct or indirect compensation for your work.
There are two exceptions:
- A separate license is not required for individuals employed by a company that holds a regulated business license for the activity of board-up work
- A license is not required for a public insurance adjuster, licensed by the State of Illinois, to arrange for a licensed company to perform board-up work.
“Board-up work” means the temporary placement of boards or other material over any opening in a building or other structure in order to protect the interior of the building or structure from damage or unauthorized entry.
Are there different types of board-up company licenses?
No.
Who may obtain a board-up company license?
Board-up company licenses are issued to businesses, including sole proprietorships.
For more information, contact the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP).
What is required to obtain a board-up company license?
Contact the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) for application requirements.
How do I apply for a new board-up company license?
To apply for a board-up company license you may use Chicago Business Direct, or meet in-person with a BACP Business Consultant at the Small Business Center. Appointments are recommended for in-person license applicants and may be made by calling 312-74-GOBIZ (744-6249).
How do I renew an existing board-up company license?
To renew a board-up company license use Chicago Business Direct.
How much does a board-up company license cost?
| License Classification | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
| Regulated Business (Board-up) | $250.00 | $250.00 |
How long is a board-up company license valid?
A board-up company license is valid for two years from issuance.
What are the legal duties of a board-up company license holder?
A licensed board-up company must:
- Maintain commercial general liability insurance with limits of not less than $300,000.00 per occurrence, for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage.
- Give the customer a written estimate of the total cost of the board-up work and any other work to be done by the board-up company before any work begins.
- Give the customer a written invoice itemizing all work and services provided by the board-up company upon the completion of all work or services.
- Notify the customer and obtain prior written approval before performing any work that will result in charges in excess of the amount specified in the written estimate.
A licensed board-up company may not:
- Begin board-up work without first having received written authorization to proceed from the owner, or an agent of the owner, of the building or structure that is the subject of the board-up work.
- If the premises to be boarded-up was damaged by fire or by an explosion and is being investigated by the Office of Fire Investigation, the company may not:
- make any physical alteration to the electrical system without written permission of the Chicago Fire Department
- use a generator to produce electricity without written permission of the Chicago Fire Department
- move or remove any object from within the interior of the building or structure without written permission of the Chicago Fire Department
- Interfere in any way with the conduct of any investigation by any governmental authority.
- Represent that the licensee or its agents or employees are in any way associated with a fire department, police department, or other governmental agency in order to solicit board-up work or to influence, persuade, or induce any person to authorize the performance of board-up work.
- Act as or claim to be an insurance adjuster unless licensed as such by the State of Illinois.
Ordinances and Rules
Municipal Code of Chicago, Chapter 4-6, Article XIX: Board-up Company
This information is provided to help you better understand licensing requirements in the City of Chicago. It may not reflect all conditions, limitations, or exceptions that may apply to a particular situation and is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. To the extent the information on this page differs from the Municipal Code of Chicago or applicable rules, the ordinance or rule controls.