The CHI 311 mobile app is the official tool for Chicago residents to access non-emergency city services and information. Designed to bring a new level of transparency and accountability to city government, the app allows you to skip the phone call and connect directly with the departments responsible for maintaining our neighborhoods.
Whether you are a longtime resident or a local business owner, CHI 311 is your primary resource for improving your block and staying informed about city work in your area.
What Can You Use It For?
You can submit requests for over 200 different city services. Some of the most common uses include:
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Infrastructure: Reporting potholes, out-of-service streetlights, or damaged sidewalks.
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Sanitation: Requesting graffiti removal, rodent baiting, or garbage cart maintenance/replacement.
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Environment: Reporting fallen tree debris, requesting tree trims, or reporting abandoned vehicles.
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Public Safety & Health: Filing "No Heat" complaints in winter, reporting building violations, or requesting well-being checks for seniors.
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Seasonal Needs: Requesting ice/snow removal or reporting open fire hydrants in the summer.
Key Features
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Real-Time Tracking: Once you submit a request, you can follow its progress from "Opened" to "Completed" and see estimated resolution times.
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Snap & Send: Take a photo of the issue (like a pothole or graffiti) and attach it to your request to help city crews locate and assess the problem accurately.
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Interactive Map: Explore the "Discover" feature to see what service requests have already been made in your neighborhood, helping to avoid duplicate reports.
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Stay Informed: Access "Knowledge Articles" that explain city policies, schedules (like street sweeping), and available resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When should I use CHI 311 instead of calling 911? Use 311 for non-emergency services that do not require an immediate police or fire department response. This includes reporting potholes, street light outages, or requesting city services.
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Call 911 only for emergencies, crimes in progress, or situations involving an immediate threat to life or property.
2. Can I submit a request anonymously? Yes. While creating an account allows you to track your requests more easily, you can submit most reports as a guest. However, providing contact information is often helpful if a city department needs more details to resolve the issue.
3. How long will it take for my request to be completed? Completion times vary depending on the type of service and the current volume of requests. The app provides estimated resolution times for most categories. You can track the real-time status of your specific request directly through the app’s "Track" feature.
4. What if I see a request already submitted for the same issue? If you see a "duplicate" request on the interactive map, you don’t need to submit a new one. You can "follow" the existing request to receive updates on its progress. This helps city crews focus on fixing the problem rather than sorting through multiple reports for the same hole or streetlight.
5. Do I have to use the app, or can I still call 311? The 311 phone line is still available 24/7. However, the app is often faster and allows you to attach photos and GPS coordinates, which helps city workers find the exact location of the problem more efficiently.
6. Is the CHI 311 app available in other languages? Yes. The app is designed to be accessible to all Chicagoans and offers multi-language support to ensure residents can navigate services in their preferred language.
7. My request was marked "Completed," but the work isn't done. What should I do? Sometimes a request is marked "Completed" because it was referred to a different department or a specific part of the task was finished. If the issue persists, you can use your Service Request (SR) number to call 311 for a detailed explanation or to reopen the ticket.
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