What are the grease trap requirements in Chicago, IL?

Food service establishments in Chicago must install and maintain grease traps or interceptors per local FOG ordinances. The city follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).

What size grease trap do I need for my restaurant in Chicago?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. Grease interceptors sized per Chicago Building Code Section 18-29-1003.3.6 table; minimum 750 gallons for gravity interceptors for restaurants; hydromechanical grease interceptors rated at minimum 20 GPM for smaller facilities. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Chicago, IL

Q: Do I need a grease trap permit in Chicago?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Chicago. Fee: Sewer discharge permit required; FOG registration included with building/sewer permits. Permit fees vary based on discharge volume.

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Chicago, Illinois. Serving 12,246 food service establishments.

Every 90 days minimum or when

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC (Chicago Building Code based on International Plumbing Code with local amendments)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full (whichever comes first)

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee Sewer discharge permit required; FOG registration included with building/sewer permits. Permit fees vary based on discharge volume

Max Fine $1,000 per day per violation under Chicago Municipal Code; repeat offenders face escalating fines

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	Grease interceptors sized per Chicago Building Code Section 18-29-1003.3.6 table; minimum 750 gallons for gravity interceptors for restaurants; hydromechanical grease interceptors rated at minimum 20 GPM for smaller facilities
Pumping Frequency	Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full (whichever comes first)
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	Sewer discharge permit required; FOG registration included with building/sewer permits. Permit fees vary based on discharge volume
Maximum Fine	$1,000 per day per violation under Chicago Municipal Code; repeat offenders face escalating fines
Inspections	Chicago Department of Water Management conducts inspections; frequency based on compliance history, typically annually for FSEs
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	IPC (Chicago Building Code based on International Plumbing Code with local amendments)
Ordinance Ref.	Chicago Building Code Division 29, Chapter 18-29, Section 18-29-1003.3.6; Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 11-4 (Environmental Protection); Sewer Use Ordinance
Authority	Chicago Department of Water Management

Additional Notes

Chicago requires all food preparation establishments to install grease interceptors. The city's building code references IPC with significant local amendments in the sizing tables. Under-sink grease traps may be permitted for very small operations at the discretion of the Department. Chicago has been actively enforcing FOG compliance to reduce sewer blockages.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.

Contact Information

Phone (312) 744-4420

Chicago Department of Water Management: (312) 744-4420 or (312) 744-4h2O

Official Sources

Division 29, Chapter 18-29, Section 10 of the Chicago Building Code (Table 18-29-1003.3.6)

Size Your Grease Trap for Chicago

Our free calculator uses IPC (Chicago Building Code based on International Plumbing Code with local amendments) code requirements to recommend the right size.

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