Welcome Cook County Vacant Building Registration

Vacant buildings represent a public nuisance the can result in public health and safety issues on our communities and place a financial strain on local government agencies. Therefore, in order to effectively protect the public health, general welfare, and safety of the citizens of Cook County, the County Board has implemented the Cook County Vacant Building Ordinance. The ordinance requires that vacant property be registered; creates a uniform set of guidelines for the maintenance, enclosure, and security of such properties; and creates penalties for noncompliance. While the ordinance initially only applies to Unincorporated Cook County, there is an option for local municipalities to participate in the ordinance by entering into an intergovernmental agreement with the County. For the complete text of the ordinance, including all requirements, please click here: VACANT BUILDING ORDINANCE.

This ordinance will allow the County Government, in coordination with participating municipalities, to better understand the true number of vacant properties and better protect public health and safety. To that effect, the County has provided this website facilitate compliance with the registration requirements set forth under the Vacant Building Ordinance. Online registration is available for the following geographic areas currently regulated by the Vacant Building Ordinance: -Unincorporated Cook County