Chicago targets contractors who add units illegally

The Chicago Sun-Times reports:

Contractors who pull permits for minor repairs, then go far beyond the scope of work allowed would face criminal penalties under a crackdown advanced by a City Council committee Friday to rein in illegal conversions.

"Someone gets a permit to do some work in the basement and then they go off and build a basement apartment along with an attic apartment.. . . We're seeing people go way beyond the scope of their permit work," said Buildings Commissioner John Knight.

Great moments in not really owning your own property.