How permitting works in Chicago
Illinois has no single statewide residential building code — municipalities (many home-rule) adopt and enforce their own codes. Statewide minimums include the Illinois Plumbing Code (IDPH, licensed plumbers required), the Illinois Energy Conservation Code, and the Illinois Accessibility Code. Zoning, signs, fences, and right-of-way permits are entirely local.
Department of Buildings
Express Permit Application (formerly Easy Permit)
Verified official formOn Nov 6, 2023 Chicago replaced the "Easy Permit Program" with the web-based Express Permit Program for repairs, replacements, and minor renovations to existing buildings. Chicago building permits are filed online through the Inspection, Permitting & Licensing portal (ipi.cityofchicago.org); this worksheet mirrors the information requested — verify current requirements with the Chicago Department of Buildings before submitting.
Standard Plan Review Building Permit Application
Verified official formStandard Plan Review (SPR) is the plan-based building permit track for projects requiring architectural plans, submitted via E-Plan. Drawings must be stamped by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer as required by scope. Chicago building permits are filed online through the Inspection, Permitting & Licensing portal (ipi.cityofchicago.org); this worksheet mirrors the information requested — verify current requirements with the Chicago Department of Buildings before submitting.
Self-Certified Permit Application
Verified official formThe Self-Certified Permit Application Program lets an Illinois-licensed, program-registered Architect of Record certify code compliance for eligible small/mid-sized residential and commercial projects, eliminating most city plan reviews (typically issued within ~10 days). Expediters may not use this program. Chicago building permits are filed online through the Inspection, Permitting & Licensing portal (ipi.cityofchicago.org); this worksheet mirrors the information requested — verify current requirements with the Chicago Department of Buildings before submitting.
Electrical-Only Permit Application
Verified official formAn electrical-only permit covers stand-alone electrical work (not tied to a separate building permit). A licensed Chicago electrical contractor in good standing must be associated with the application, and work must comply with the Chicago Electrical Code. Chicago building permits are filed online through the Inspection, Permitting & Licensing portal (ipi.cityofchicago.org); this worksheet mirrors the information requested — verify current requirements with the Chicago Department of Buildings before submitting.
Fence / Trash Enclosure Permit Application
Verified official formA permit is required to install a new fence (with limited exemptions for maintenance and short retaining walls). Fences over 6 ft require uploaded drawings, and a masonry fence/trash enclosure requires a licensed Class A/B mason contractor. A fence on/over the public way needs a separate public way use permit. Chicago building permits are filed online through the Inspection, Permitting & Licensing portal (ipi.cityofchicago.org); this worksheet mirrors the information requested — verify current requirements with the Chicago Department of Buildings before submitting.
Porch / Deck Repair Permit Application
Verified official formThe Express Permit Program covers repair/replacement of an existing porch, deck, balcony, or fire escape (e.g. Limited Repair of 25% or less). Repairing/replacing STRUCTURAL elements (columns, beams, foundations, joists), or adding/resizing/relocating a structure, requires a plan-based building permit with Illinois-licensed architect/engineer plans. Chicago building permits are filed online through the Inspection, Permitting & Licensing portal (ipi.cityofchicago.org); this worksheet mirrors the information requested — verify current requirements with the Chicago Department of Buildings before submitting.
Demolition (Wrecking) Permit Application (Form 480)
Verified official formA demolition (wrecking) permit is required to demolish a building/structure or permanently reduce its building area. Chicago starts the application with page 1 of Form 480 (emailed to DOBDemoPermits@cityofchicago.org with 2+ exterior photos); a Demolition Notice of Intent must also be filed with the Chicago Department of Public Health, and some properties owe a demolition permit surcharge. Chicago building permits are filed online through the Inspection, Permitting & Licensing portal (ipi.cityofchicago.org); this worksheet mirrors the information requested — verify current requirements with the Chicago Department of Buildings before submitting.
Sign Permit Application
Verified official formA sign permit is generally required to place a sign on land, a building, or a place of business. Published fees: $200 for business identification (on-premise) signs and $500 for advertising (off-premise) signs per application, paid at application. Signs over the public way also need a Public Way Use permit and City Council ordinance; a licensed sign contractor must apply. Chicago sign and public way applications are filed online through the city portal (ipi.cityofchicago.org); this worksheet mirrors the information requested — verify current requirements and fees before submitting.
Business Affairs & Consumer Protection
Public Way Use Permit Application
Verified official formA Public Way Use permit (BACP Small Business Center) is required for private items that occupy or project over the public way (awnings, canopies, marquees, projecting signs, planters, vaults, etc.). Permits generally run five years, require liability insurance naming the city, and are introduced to City Council by the ward alderman for passage. Chicago sign and public way applications are filed online through the city portal (ipi.cityofchicago.org); this worksheet mirrors the information requested — verify current requirements and fees before submitting.
Sidewalk Cafe Permit Application
Verified official formA Sidewalk Cafe permit (BACP public way use) authorizes outdoor cafe seating in the public sidewalk. The season runs March 1–December 1 with a 9-month, one-year permit term that must be renewed annually; a Retail Food License is also required. Chicago sign and public way applications are filed online through the city portal (ipi.cityofchicago.org); this worksheet mirrors the information requested — verify current requirements and fees before submitting.
Transportation (CDOT)
Residential Driveway Permit Application
Verified official formA CDOT driveway permit covers use of the public way as a driveway (residential = fewer than 4 living units). Published application fee is $10 (doubled in the Central Business District); a $250,000 homeowner liability policy naming the City as additional insured, a plat of survey, and the property PIN are required. New driveways also need zoning and multi-bureau field approvals and can take 30+ days. Filed through the CDOT permit portal (ipi.cityofchicago.org); this worksheet mirrors the information requested — verify current requirements and the CDOT permit fee schedule before submitting.
Public Way Opening / Construction Permit Application
Verified official formA CDOT public way opening / construction permit is required to excavate or work in a Chicago street, alley, sidewalk, or right-of-way (e.g. utility connections, driveway construction). Only licensed contractors may obtain opening permits. Filed through the CDOT permit portal (ipi.cityofchicago.org); this worksheet mirrors the information requested — verify current requirements and the CDOT permit fee schedule before submitting.
Planning & Development (Zoning)
Zoning Board of Appeals — Variation Application
Verified official formA variation from the Chicago Zoning Ordinance (dimensional/physical relief such as setbacks, height, lot coverage, or parking) heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Must be filed by the owner of record or a party with a legal interest. Discretionary application reviewed at a public hearing by the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals (City Hall, Room 905). The bulk of the filing is the Public Hearing Packet; applicants must serve written notice on owners within 100 ft. Field set is curated from the city application materials; verify current requirements and fees before submitting.
Zoning Board of Appeals — Special Use Application
Verified official formA special use authorizes a use that is not permitted by right but allowed subject to ZBA review for compatibility (§17-13-0905-A). Certain designated special uses (group living, cannabis, gas stations, drive-throughs, Air Quality Ordinance uses) require an intake meeting before filing. Discretionary application reviewed at a public hearing by the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals (City Hall, Room 905). The bulk of the filing is the Public Hearing Packet; applicants must serve written notice on owners within 100 ft. Field set is curated from the city application materials; verify current requirements and fees before submitting.
Zoning Board of Appeals — Appeal Application
Verified official formAn appeal of a decision or order of the Zoning Administrator under the Chicago Zoning Ordinance, heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Discretionary application reviewed at a public hearing by the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals (City Hall, Room 905). The bulk of the filing is the Public Hearing Packet; applicants must serve written notice on owners within 100 ft. Field set is curated from the city application materials; verify current requirements and fees before submitting.
Administrative Adjustment Application
Verified official formAn administrative adjustment is a streamlined, minor zoning modification approved directly by the Zoning Administrator (no ZBA public hearing) for adjustments authorized under §17-13-1003. Published filing fee is $150 and processing may take up to ~30 days; written notice under §17-13-0107-A is required. Filed at the Bureau of Zoning (City Hall, Room 905). Verify current requirements before submitting.
Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning) Application
Verified official formA zoning map amendment (rezoning) changes a property's zoning district; it is filed with the DPD Zoning Ordinance Administration, reviewed by the Chicago Plan Commission where applicable, and adopted by City Council ordinance. Field set is curated from the city application materials; verify current requirements and fees before submitting.