5542 South Dorchester Avenue, Chicago
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 5542 South Dorchester Avenue have open permits or code violations?
- Chicago Department of Buildings lists 10 permits, 6 not closed, and 0 violations.
- 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 5542 South Dorchester Avenue at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area very low overall, with elevated cold wave risk.
Permits and code violations
6 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner.
- Permit – express permit program Feb 2025Complete
Tuckpointing and unit masonry repair / replacement: 900 sq. ft., lintel qty. 10, max. length 6. location: west elevation.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Sep 2024Expired
Spr 2019 cbrc new uncovered porch and steps same as existing and new cover open porch . (occupancy r-5 classification) ( type vb construction)
- Permit - easy permit process Sep 2021
Rebuilding chimney at south and rebuilding north elevation east corner parapet wall
- Permit - easy permit process Dec 2020
Kitchen replacement and new flooring and underlayment; all plumbing work only.plumbing fixture replacement and all associated piping in sfr (no changes to radiators) no
- Permit – express permit program Nov 2020Complete
Kitchen remodel ,service upgrade to 200a
- Permit - easy permit process Oct 2019
Tuckpointing deteriorated brick at south elevation 60 sq ft
- Permit - easy permit process Aug 2016
We will be tuckpointing deteriorated brick and stone joints on the east elevation and replacing some bricks. pursuant to city code 11-4-2190, a permit is required from dept. of public health to sandblast, grind or chemically wash a building.
- Permit – express permit program Aug 2008Complete
Install new electrical service 100a and rewiring.
- Permit - easy permit process Aug 2008
Windows (replacement only): qty 2, doors (replacement only): qty 3, roof recover only - no structural work, tuckpointing - no structural work - 800 sqft
- Permit – express permit program Apr 2008Complete
Install new 800 amp electrical service and system 3 em.lights.10 du.plan# 21805
Chicago Department of Buildings
Safety and environment
FEMA natural hazard risk
Very Low
Highest for this area: cold wave. These drive insurance cost here.
FEMA National Risk Index, census tract
Leaking fuel tanks
3 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: Lake Park Assoc., 1552 East 55th St. (1,300 ft), open. 2 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
900 ft
Ray Elem School (900 ft), Bret Harte Elem School (1,400 ft), Murray Elem Language Academy (1,600 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
Major airport
8.3 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 Dorchester 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.
- Check the roof, gutters, and downspouts for signs of leaks or recent repairs, especially if it has rained recently.
- 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.
- Check exactly where you'd park: a spot in the yard or garage, or street parking, and how crowded the street gets in the evening.
- Ask what heating system is in place (own boiler, wood, gas) and request the last winter month's bills.
Neighborhood recommendations are derived from public OpenStreetMap data and may be incomplete. Checking in person is still what matters most.