1543 South Sawyer Avenue, Chicago
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 1543 South Sawyer Avenue have open permits or code violations?
- Chicago Department of Buildings lists 18 permits, 7 not closed, and 37 violations, 27 open.
- What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in Cook County?
- $832,750 for a single-unit home, per FHFA. Larger loans are jumbo loans.
- Is radon a problem here?
- EPA radon zone 2, moderate potential.
- What natural disasters is 1543 South Sawyer Avenue at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively moderate overall, with elevated tornado and heat wave risk.
Permits and code violations
7 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 27 open violations.
- Permit – express permit program Feb 2026Complete
For permit 101063513: replacement mason contractor. new contractor(s) listed under "other applicants and contractors" on permit certificate.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Sep 2025Active
Sc 2019 cbrc - remodel of the exterior and interior of an existing three-story, three-family home with a basement. demolition of the rear exterior wood porch and stairs and the new construction of a new exterior metal stair and deck. all plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems will be replaced and upgraded to energy-efficient standards. the scope also includes a new metal front and rear porch, along with a residential roof deck. occupancy: a: household living | 5: multi-unit (3+ units) residential. construction type: iiia.
- Permit - easy permit process Feb 2022
Correct plumbing per building violations.
- Permit – express permit program Dec 2021Complete
Per stf,repair em system,replace batteries etc,provide continuity for all raceways throughout and secure,replace defective light fixtures throughout building,repair and or replace defective gfis throughout units 1 2 and 3 at kitchen countertop and basement areasprovide proper size jboxes in basement for proper conductor fill,remove cord in basement ceiling and open ceiling for rough inspection all work shall be perform in a neat and workmanlike manner,work shall conform to city of chicago building and electrical code
- Permit - renovation/alteration Oct 2021Complete
New front stair system to an existing 3 story 3 unit residential building
- Permit - easy permit process Apr 2021
Replace drywall as needed entire house,replace tiles,refinish hardwood floors,replace carpets,installation of new interior doors and trims,painting of interior walls and ceilings.
- Permit - easy permit process May 2020
Garage
- Permit - easy permit process Jun 2017
Minor repairs to plumbing,repair water leakes and remove pvc waste piping under slab from kitchen stack in basement. erect 6 ft high wrought iron fence appx 40 lf. (subject to fielsd inspection)
- Permit – express permit program Dec 2016Complete
Install new 400 amp service seven meters and seven 100amp panels 6 apts and 1 public per city of chicago electrical code
- Permit - easy permit process Nov 2016
Replace leaning chimney & tuckpoint approx. 100 sq. ft.
- Permit – express permit program Aug 2016Complete
Replace defective lights,provide continuity for all raceways,secure raceways,install weatherproof boxs exterior ,replace inoperable and defective em lighting,per electrical inspection report and in accord with of chicago electrical code.
- Permit – express permit program Feb 2016Complete
Install new 200 amp service and upgrade panels inside.
Chicago Department of Buildings
Safety and environment
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
Highest for this area: tornado, heat wave, cold wave. These drive insurance cost here.
FEMA National Risk Index, census tract
Leaking fuel tanks
3 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: Public Building Commission Of Chicago, 3315 West Ogden (1,250 ft), open. 2 still open. Ask whether groundwater or soil vapor testing was done.
EPA UST Finder, leaking underground storage tank releases
Brownfield site
1,900 ft
1447 St Louis Ave. Former industrial land in EPA's cleanup and reuse program.
EPA ACRES Brownfields
Toxic release facility
2,250 ft
Chilo Manufacturing Plating Co and 2 more within a mile. Reports chemical releases to air, water or land to EPA each year.
EPA Toxics Release Inventory
Radon potential
Moderate
Average indoor levels of 2 to 4 pCi/L. EPA still suggests testing ground-floor and basement units.
EPA and USGS Geologic Radon Potential Map
Wildfire risk
Very Low
Wildfire risk is low enough that standard home insurance usually covers it.
FEMA National Risk Index
Nearest public schools
750 ft
North Lawndale Prep Chtr - Christ (750 ft), Legacy Elem Charter School (1,000 ft), Johnson STEAM Elementary (1,150 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
Major airport
5.5 mi
Chicago Midway (MDW). Aircraft may be audible under approach paths.
FAA large-hub airports
Sinkhole-prone ground
Limestone karst
The bedrock here (dolostone (dolomite), Silurian) can dissolve and open sinkholes. Ask for a geotechnical report and check whether sinkhole coverage is in the insurance policy.
USGS Karst in the United States (OFR 2014-1156)
Conforming loan limit 2026
$832,750
Cook County. Mortgages up to this amount qualify for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pricing. Above it, the loan is a jumbo with stricter terms.
FHFA Conforming Loan Limit Values, one-unit
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Who lives and works in Chicago
Trading floors, logistics and the deepest architecture stock in America
Chicago carries a full corporate economy at a price the coasts do not match. Neighborhoods are distinct and walkable, two and three flats are everywhere, and the Loop still sets the commute for finance, law and consulting.
- $71,673
- median household income
- 18.9%
- residents aged 25 to 34
- 45%
- households that own their home
What pays the bills
- Finance and trading
- Logistics and rail
- Law and consulting
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
Who anchors the economy
CME Group · Boeing suppliers · University of Chicago · Northwestern Medicine · United Airlines
The market is shaped around
- Young professionals
- Families buying space
- Two and three flat owners
More on South Sawyer Avenue
All addressesViewing recommendations
What's worth checking in person before deciding.
- Test water pressure and temperature at the tap, in the bathroom and kitchen, for at least a minute.
- Ask specifically where you'd park: is there paid city parking, who currently holds it, what the permit costs, and how long the waitlist is.
- Knock on a neighboring door and ask two things: what bothers them most often, and what work is planned for the building.
- Ask for the latest maintenance bill from a winter month, not a summer one: that's where the real cost of living there shows up.
- Schedule a viewing on a weekday too, between 6:00 and 7:30 PM, the window when the building is busiest: neighbors, parking, elevator.
- Look at the stairwell (cleanliness, smell) and the association's notice board: unpaid dues, conflicts, recent decisions.
Neighborhood recommendations are derived from public OpenStreetMap data and may be incomplete. Checking in person is still what matters most.
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