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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Chicago
New construction, additions, structural alterations, plumbing/electrical/HVAC changes, and most exterior repairs.
Interior painting, wallpapering, tiling, and carpeting.
Cabinetry and countertops (provided no plumbing/electrical moved).
Replacement of existing light fixtures/switches (same location).
Fences under 6 feet (non-masonry).
Sheds under 70 square feet.
Sealing or staining of existing decks.
- Exempt Interior painting, wallpapering, tiling, and carpeting.
- Exempt Cabinetry and countertops (provided no plumbing/electrical moved).
- Exempt Replacement of existing light fixtures/switches (same location).
- Exempt Fences under 6 feet (non-masonry).
- Exempt Sheds under 70 square feet.
- Exempt Sealing or staining of existing decks.
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements.
Required documents
- Completed application
- Site plan
- Floor plans
- Structural details
- Proof of contractor licensing
- Building code
- Chicago Construction Codes (based on IBC/IRC with significant local amendments). Per 2025 mandate, Chicago is aligning with IBC 2021/IRC 2021 standards by June 1, 2025.
- Permit validity
- Valid for 6 months if work has not started; expires if work is suspended for more than 12 months.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may perform work on their own primary residence (single-family or 2-unit) but must still obtain permits and pass inspections.
- Contractor requirements
- General Contractors must be city-licensed (Class A through E). Plumbers and Electricians must hold valid Chicago or reciprocal Illinois trade licenses.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 1-5 business days for Express; 4-8 weeks for Standard Plan Review; 10 days for Self-Certification.
- 01 Create account on the Chicago Dynamic Portal.
- 02 Select permit type (Easy Permit for minor repairs or Standard Plan Review for larger projects).
- 03 Upload required documents and architectural drawings via E-Plan (ProjectDox) if required.
- 04 Pay initial filing/zoning fees.
- 05 Departmental reviews (Zoning, Structural, Plumbing, Electrical, etc.).
- 06 Address corrections if requested by examiners.
- 07 Final fee payment.
- 08 Permit issuance.
Typical processing time: 1-5 business days for Express; 4-8 weeks for Standard Plan Review; 10 days for Self-Certification.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$80-$302
02
Plan check fee
$150-$500
03
Permit fee formula
Combination of flat fees for minor items and valuation-based or square footage-based fees for larger projects.
04
Reinspection fee
$100-$500 per failed inspection
Online payments via credit card or E-check.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Typical sequence: Zoning/Site -> Foundation -> Rough (Electrical, Plumbing, Framing) -> Insulation -> Final.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Chicago permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Chicago, IL? ▸
New construction, additions, structural alterations, plumbing/electrical/HVAC changes, and most exterior repairs.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Chicago, IL? ▸
Building permit fees in Chicago, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $80-$302. Fees are calculated as: Combination of flat fees for minor items and valuation-based or square footage-based fees for larger projects.. Plan check fee: $150-$500.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Chicago, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Chicago, IL, follow these steps: 1. Create account on the Chicago Dynamic Portal. 2. Select permit type (Easy Permit for minor repairs or Standard Plan Review for larger projects). 3. Upload required documents and architectural drawings via E-Plan (ProjectDox) if required. 4. Pay initial filing/zoning fees. 5. Departmental reviews (Zoning, Structural, Plumbing, Electrical, etc.). 6. Address corrections if requested by examiners. 7. Final fee payment. 8. Permit issuance.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Chicago, IL? ▸
Building permit processing times in Chicago, IL typically run 1-5 business days for Express; 4-8 weeks for Standard Plan Review; 10 days for Self-Certification.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Chicago, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Chicago, IL. The following work is generally exempt: Interior painting, wallpapering, tiling, and carpeting.; Cabinetry and countertops (provided no plumbing/electrical moved).; Replacement of existing light fixtures/switches (same location).; Fences under 6 feet (non-masonry).; Sheds under 70 square feet.; Sealing or staining of existing decks.. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Chicago, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Chicago, IL via: Inspection Request Form on DOB website.
last verified April 2026
source Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) ↗
entry id permits/illinois/cook/chicago
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.