How Can I Find Out Who Currently Owns Our Property?

As part of the application review process, NeighborSpace will research property ownership. If you would like to learn about this before applying here are some resources.

Before beginning your search for the owner you will need to know the street address of your site. To do so, first measure the length and width of the lot. Most Chicago lots are 25 to 30 feet across the front and 120 to 130 feet back to the alley. If your lot measures 50 feet across the front, it is probably two lots and may have two addresses. Count forward or backward from the nearest address you can find on that street to estimate the address of the lot. Keep in mind that odd number addresses are usually on the east and south sides of the street and even numbers are on the west and north sides.

Once you've identified the correct street address of the site, you can begin to research the current owner:

1. Call 312-744-LAND (312-744-5263) to see if it's owned by the City of Chicago. If it is, be sure to ask for the "Property Identification Number" or PIN for the property as it may come in handy in the future.
2. If the property is not owned by the City of Chicago, you can visit the Cook County Assessor's website to enter the address and receive a "Property Identification Number" (PIN). Once you have the PIN, you can visit the Recorder of Deeds Tract Department to obtain ownership information. Their office is located in the Cook County Building, 118 N. Clark, Room 120.
3. If the lot is not owned by the City, or you can not find it on the Cook County Assessor's website, visit the County Clerk's Office located in the County Building at 118 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60602. There you will need to first ask staff for guidance on finding out the PIN of the site. Once you have the PIN staff can assist you in locating ownership information.
4. Search online by using a real estate information provider like RealInfo at www.realinfo.net. This is a paid service and each search will cost $10. Once at their site, choose Target Express and follow the directions to locate ownership information by street address or PIN.