5533 South University Avenue, Chicago
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 5533 South University Avenue have open permits or code violations?
- Chicago Department of Buildings lists 11 permits, 5 not closed, and 3 violations, 3 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 5533 South University Avenue at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively low overall, with elevated tornado and cold wave risk.
Permits and code violations
5 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 3 open violations.
- Permit - easy permit process Aug 2023
Tuckpointing - no structural work - 350 sqft,repair/replace existing brick(250 sq ft),replace existing (2) lintels up to (6')install new flashing and rope.all work same as existing.
- Permit - easy permit process Sep 2022
Exterior joint sealant & tuckpoint around windows.
- Permit - easy permit process Sep 2022
Rebuild existing,replace existing(100 sq ft)brick install flashing and sealed.all work same as existing.
- Permit – express permit program May 2017Complete
Unit 1. fix short circuit. replace wiring in living room and kitchen ceiling only. no other work.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Jun 2014Complete
Revision to permit 100494195 to change framing to north/south on first floor-joists are doubled 2 x12, 12"oc (3) 2x12 lvl spanning east/west in the breakfast nook. basement walls-doubled 2x4's oc underneath the floor joists.first floor walls 2 x4 's 12"oc inline underneath the ceiling joints-change wall type as per plans.
- Permit – express permit program May 2014Complete
Upgrade electrical service
- Permit - renovation/alteration Dec 2013Complete
New addition for living room and interior alterations to kitchen as per plans.
- Permit - easy permit process Sep 2012
Repair/replace plaster/drywall, flooring and plumbing fixtures. replace risers in basement and spot tuckpoint. electrical on separate permit. all work same as existing and subject to field inspection
- Permit – express permit program Sep 2012Complete
Change outlets and light fixtures
- Permit - scaffolding Aug 2011
Erect (1) mkd modular scaffold from 8-11-11- 8-11-12
- Permit – express permit program Apr 2006Complete
Install 200 amp service.
Chicago Department of Buildings
Safety and environment
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low
Highest for this area: tornado, cold wave. These drive insurance cost here.
FEMA National Risk Index, census tract
Leaking fuel tanks
1 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: Bbs Associates, Inc., 505 East 57th Street (1,000 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
1,100 ft
Ray Elem School (1,100 ft), Kozminski Elem Community Academy (2,000 ft), Murray Elem Language Academy (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.
- This is a house, not an apartment. Check the lot boundaries, car access, and how water drains from the yard after rain, including whether the neighboring lot sits higher and could send water toward the property.
- Ask what heating system is in place (own boiler, wood, gas) and request the last winter month's bills.
- Check the sewer connection (public network or septic tank) and the water source (public network or well), including pressure and water quality.
- Check the condition of the fence, yard, and sidewalk out front: who is responsible for upkeep, and whether there are any boundary disputes with neighbors.
- Knock on a neighboring gate and ask about noise, pets, flooding, or other issues common in the area.
- Schedule a viewing in the evening too, on a weekday, to see street traffic, streetlights, and how quiet the neighborhood is after 8 PM.
Neighborhood recommendations are derived from public OpenStreetMap data and may be incomplete. Checking in person is still what matters most.