5231 South Racine Avenue, Chicago
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 5231 South Racine Avenue have open permits or code violations?
- Chicago Department of Buildings lists 14 permits, 6 not closed, and 10 violations, 10 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 5231 South Racine Avenue at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively low overall, with elevated cold wave risk.
Permits and code violations
6 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 10 open violations.
- Permit - easy permit process Oct 2022
Replace drywall,nuts,bolts,rail at 42" on existing rear porch.
- Permit - easy permit process Jun 2021
Replace guard rails 42",defective board members,replace risers and tread,nuts,bolts to fron porch.
- Permit - elevator equipment Oct 2017
Remove existing vertical wheelchair lift and the installation of one (1) 600lb.cap, 2-stop, 10 fpm,harmar 600 vpl with safety landing gate at the front of the home. pursuant to the plans submitted.
- Permit - easy permit process Jul 2014
H rail progran ramps.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Mar 2013Complete
Bathroom modifications per plan
- Permit – express permit program Jun 2012Complete
Rewire bathroom.
- Permit - easy permit process May 2012
Modifcations to bathroom
- Permit - renovation/alteration Mar 2011Complete
Construct a wooden deck, stairs, and handrails. run electrical to power lift. no change to parking.
- Permit - elevator equipment Mar 2011
Install one (1) 750lb.cap. vertical wheelchair lift on front on home. pursuant to plans submitted.
- Permit – express permit program Mar 2011Complete
Run electric to power lift.
- Permit – express permit program Nov 2009Complete
Install (1) gfi, (1) light switch and (1) light over vanity in bathroom.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Sep 2009Complete
Bathroom modifications. no change to parking.
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
1 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: St. John Of God, 5114 South Elizabeth Street (1,000 ft), no further action. Every release here is closed by the state regulator.
EPA UST Finder, leaking underground storage tank releases
Brownfield site
1,800 ft
1141 W Garfield Blvd and 2 more within half a mile. Former industrial land in EPA's cleanup and reuse program.
EPA ACRES Brownfields
Toxic release facility
3,100 ft
Illinois Meat Co and 6 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
Nearest public schools
1,250 ft
Sherman Elem School (1,250 ft), Libby Elem School (1,650 ft), Holmes Elem School (2,400 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
Major airport
5.1 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 Racine 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Knock on a neighboring door and ask two things: what bothers them most often, and what work is planned for the building.
- 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.
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.