3838 North Alta Vista Terrace, Chicago
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 3838 North Alta Vista Terrace have open permits or code violations?
- Chicago Department of Buildings lists 18 permits, 13 not closed, and 6 violations, 5 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 3838 North Alta Vista Terrace at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively low overall, with elevated cold wave risk.
Permits and code violations
13 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 5 open violations.
- Permit – express permit program Oct 2025Active
Scope: repair the existing cornice/crown molding using like materials and matching current style and aesthetic. locations: 0 residential unit(s), 0 non-residential unit(s), exterior work, cornice repair.
- Permit – express permit program Aug 2025Active
Purpose: new/replacement installation. vinyl/pvc fence - 6'-0' ' (height) x 23'-0' ' (length). location: back yard.
- Permit - easy permit process Sep 2023
Restore original windows on front and rear elevations of house. replace storm windows on rear elevation.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Jun 2023Expired
Spr 2019 cbc - drawings to replace aluminum framed sun room withframed walls at existing 2 story, single family brick building with basement as per plans - no electrical work under this permit
- Permit - renovation/alteration Feb 2023Expired
Spr 2019 cbc interior renovation of rt-4 existing 2 story brick townhouse with basement. structural reinforcing and addition of foundaton under existing rear bay window per plans `landmark **certified plans corrections: conditional permit subject to field inspections **
- Permit - easy permit process Jul 2022
Replace existing windows on 1st floor kitchen. patch/repair and replace existing drywall. install new finishes and trim.no work to front elevation.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Sep 2020Complete
The work includes a 26 sf frame addition of the first floor of an existing 2-story masonry, single family residence.(conditional permit subject to field inspections)
- Permit - renovation/alteration Apr 2019Complete
Interior alterations of attached masonry single family rowhome
- Permit - easy permit process Apr 2018
Windows (replacement only): qty 13 (front 7, wood replacement window sashes only, leave brickmold and 6 windows in rear, vinyl replacement windows, same size and style)
- Permit - renovation/alteration Mar 2016Complete
Self cert- new 2nd floor addition and new roof deck as per plans
- Permit - easy permit process Aug 2015
Repairs to existing metal cornice on the front bay window, repairs to metal coping on top of front cornice and repairs to metal crown coping on top of masonry wall. no structural, all work sae
- Permit - easy permit process Jun 2013
Replace 9 front facade window same size and location
Chicago Department of Buildings
Safety and environment
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low
Highest for this area: cold wave. These drive insurance cost here.
FEMA National Risk Index, census tract
Leaking fuel tanks
5 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: Cubs Park Service Station, 3650 North Clark St. (1,400 ft), open. 1 still open. Ask whether groundwater or soil vapor testing was done.
EPA UST Finder, leaking underground storage tank releases
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
Nearest public schools
1,700 ft
Greeley Elem School (1,700 ft), Inter-American Elem Magnet School (1,950 ft), Blaine Elem School (2,300 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
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 North Alta Vista Terrace
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.
- Look at the stairwell (cleanliness, smell) and the association's notice board: unpaid dues, conflicts, recent decisions.
- Schedule a viewing on a weekday too, between 6:00 and 7:30 PM, the window when the building is busiest: neighbors, parking, elevator.
- 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.
- 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.
Neighborhood recommendations are derived from public OpenStreetMap data and may be incomplete. Checking in person is still what matters most.
The year built, height regime, structure, and elevator for this address are being indexed right now, city by city. Save the page and check back: it fills in over time. If you live here, you can fill it in yourself in a minute by leaving a review.