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A new law goes into effect Saturday in unincorporated portions of Cook County which requires sellers of residential properties to verify all parties in real estate transactions have knowledge of the zoning and permitted uses of parcels in their transactions.

This verification is done by the seller’s submission of a zoning compliance form to the County’s Department of Building and Zoning.

The form (available here) allows application for a Zoning Use Certificate. Property owners must fill out the form and pay $100 to the Cook County Collector.

The new rule applies only to contracts executed on or after March 21, 2015. For more information, contact the Department of Building and Zoning at 312/603-0500 or [email protected].  More information will be available at www.cookcountyil.gov/building-and-zoning.