8159 South South Shore Drive, Chicago
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 8159 South South Shore Drive have open permits or code violations?
- Chicago Department of Buildings lists 5 permits, 4 not closed, and 5 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 8159 South South Shore Drive at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively low overall, with elevated tornado and heat wave risk.
Permits and code violations
4 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 5 open violations.
- Permit – express permit program Feb 2026Complete
For permit b200405014: replacement electrical contractor. additional electrical contractor. new contractor(s) listed under "other applicants and contractors" on permit certificate.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Oct 2025Active
Self-cert 2019 cbrc: level 2 alterations to an existing masonry residential two-flat within an rs-3 zone. type iii-a construction; alterations to include new plumbing, mechanical and electrical throughout.
- Permit – express permit program Feb 2025Suspended
.scope: nonstructural interior replacement of dyrall, tile and floors at kitchen, pantry and bathrooms in four units.locations: 1 residential unit(s), 0 non-residential unit(s), 1st and 2nd floor apartment units.
- Permit – express permit program Aug 2024Suspended
Installation of new 200 amp service: laundry area, rear stairsway, and mechanical room -removal of dilapidated electrical services and panels -installing new 4 gang meter box -supplemental ground with ground rod, strap, tag and wire - 2 inch aluminum riser with 4/0 aluminum wire - (4) 100 amp 20 circuit electrical panels - (1) 8" x 4' pull box -new cold water ground with 3/4 emt conduit, strap, tag and wire - separate basement unit from house/ public power (panel)
- Permit - easy permit process Dec 2018
Tear off and replace roof
Chicago Department of Buildings
Safety and environment
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low
Highest for this area: tornado, heat wave, cold wave. These drive insurance cost here.
FEMA National Risk Index, census tract
Leaking fuel tanks
2 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: Equilon Enterprises Llc, 2941 East 81st St. (1,550 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
850 ft
EPIC Academy High School (850 ft), Sullivan Elem School (1,700 ft), Ninos Heroes Elem Academic Ctr (1,750 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 South South Shore Drive
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.
- 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.