5422 South University Avenue, Chicago
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 5422 South University Avenue have open permits or code violations?
- Chicago Department of Buildings lists 18 permits, 11 not closed, and 27 violations, 12 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 5422 South University Avenue at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively low overall, with elevated cold wave risk.
Permits and code violations
11 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 12 open violations.
- Permit - easy permit process Mar 2023
Change plumber on 100971037 to a plus j heating &plumbing,inc
- Permit - easy permit process Feb 2023
Change plumbing contractor on 100963612 to a plus j heating & plumbing
- Permit - renovation/alteration Feb 2023Complete
Two new dwelling units in basement of existing 3 story 6 d.u. masonry building (total of dwelling units) with new rear concrete pad for 6 cars
- Permit - easy permit process Nov 2022
Change plumbing contractor on 100963612 to v b quality plumbing inc
- Permit - renovation/alteration Sep 2022Expired
Spr 2019 cbc. existing 7 d.u. building with unfinished basement remodeling into 8 d.u. by adding new o.u. in basement work will include new electrical, mechanical and plumbing on basement levelexterior work includes new 3 story open wood porch and parking area. all work as per plans. mechanical, electrical and plumbing included.
- Permit - renovation/alteration May 2022Complete
Replace open wood porch, s.a.e.
- Permit - easy permit process Apr 2022
Demo existing garage (hand wreck only)
- Permit - easy permit process Apr 2022
Exploratory to determine scope of work
- Permit - easy permit process Jan 2022
Masonry repair work:tuckpointing front elevation,replace(7 lintels max 6'long)repair chimney & roof coping. - no structural work - 800 sqf
- Permit - easy permit process Nov 2021
Fences: 4ft 0in x 6ft 0in: qty 1
- Permit - renovation/alteration Oct 2021Expired
Replace 3 story open wood rear porch
- Permit - renovation/alteration Jun 2020Complete
Replace existing rear open wood porch 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: University Of Chicago/Real Estate Operations, 1330 East 53rd Street (1,250 ft), no further action. Every release here is closed by the state regulator.
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
1,150 ft
Kozminski Elem Community Academy (1,150 ft), Murray Elem Language Academy (1,700 ft), Ray Elem School (2,100 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
Major airport
8.0 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 University 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Look at the stairwell (cleanliness, smell) and the association's notice board: unpaid dues, conflicts, recent decisions.
- 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.