City Building Permits

Chicago, ILLINOIS Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Chicago, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Illinois Cook County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Chicago proper only.

Department
Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB)
Address
121 N. LaSalle St., Room 900, Chicago, IL 60602
Phone
312-744-3449
Website
https://www.chicago.gov/buildings

Online Permit Portal

Open Chicago Dynamic Portal

Platform: Chicago Dynamic Portal • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  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.

Typical processing time: 1-5 business days for Express; 4-8 weeks for Standard Plan Review; 10 days for Self-Certification.

Source: Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB)

General Requirements

New construction, additions, structural alterations, plumbing/electrical/HVAC changes, and most exterior repairs.

Required Documents

  • Completed application
  • Site plan
  • Floor plans
  • Structural details
  • Proof of contractor licensing
Permit validity
Valid for 6 months if work has not started; expires if work is suspended for more than 12 months.
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.
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.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$80-$302
Plan check fee
$150-$500
Permit fee formula
Combination of flat fees for minor items and valuation-based or square footage-based fees for larger projects.
Trade permit fee
Varies
Reinspection fee
$100-$500 per failed inspection
Penalty (no permit)
Varies
Payment note
Online payments via credit card or E-check.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • 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.

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Zoning/Site -> Foundation -> Rough (Electrical, Plumbing, Framing) -> Insulation -> Final.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) before applying.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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