Building permits in the City of Chicago are issued by the Department of Buildings (DOB), enforcing the Chicago Construction Codes. Chicago offers permitting tailored to project size — an Express Permit Program for repairs and small improvements, and plan-based permits filed through E-Plan (ProjectDox) for larger work.
This Chicago building permit guide covers what requires a permit, how fees work, the E-Plan and Express Permit processes, licensed-contractor rules, trade permits, and inspections — so your Chicago project starts clean.
This guide covers the City of Chicago. The Department of Buildings permits only work within city limits; suburban Cook County municipalities each run their own building departments. A key Chicago rule: if a general contractor oversees the work, that GC must be licensed by the City of Chicago and named on the permit, and trade contractors (electrical, plumbing, mason, sewer) must be city-licensed too.
What requires a building permit in Chicago?
Under the Chicago Construction Codes, a permit from the Department of Buildings is required before most construction, demolition, and repair work. Common triggers include:
Permit required
- New construction, additions, and tenant build-outs
- Structural / load-bearing alterations and demolition (wrecking)
- Roofing, window and door replacement, and porch work
- Electrical service changes and most wiring alterations
- Mechanical / HVAC installations and changeouts
- Plumbing alterations, repipes, and water heaters
- Decks, fences, signs, and sheds
- Residential solar panels (Express Permit eligible)
Typically exempt
- Painting, plastering, flooring, and cosmetic finishes
- Like-for-like minor repairs not altering structure or systems
- Certain small non-structural work (confirm under Code §402)
- Routine maintenance not extending or rerouting systems
Exemptions are narrow and scope-specific. When unsure, confirm with the building department before starting — see the penalty note below.
Get the permit issued before starting work. Work without a required permit can lead to stop-work orders, fines, and the need to retroactively permit and expose completed work. Apply through E-Plan or the Express Permit Program first.
Who handles permitting in Chicago?
Permitting is administered by the Department of Buildings. Most plan-based permits must be prepared and submitted by a licensed architect or structural engineer through E-Plan; eligible projects can also use the Self-Certified Permit Program, where the design professional of record takes responsibility for code compliance.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office | City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle Street, Room 900, Chicago, IL 60602 |
| Phone | 312-744-3449 / 311 |
| Online portals | Dynamic Portal + E-Plan (ProjectDox); Express Permit Program (web) |
| Contractor licensing | City of Chicago GC license; city-licensed electrical, plumbing, mason, sewer |
| Special programs | Express Permit Program · Self-Certified Permit Program |
| Enforced code | Chicago Construction Codes (2019 Chicago Building Code / Rehabilitation Code) |
Apply online through the Dynamic Portal, then E-Plan. After starting the application in the Dynamic Portal, the licensed design professional uploads plans to E-Plan (ProjectDox) for review. The Express Permit Program handles repairs and small improvements (including residential solar) with online status, payment, and inspection results 24/7.
Chicago building permit cost
Chicago building permit fees are based on provisions of the Chicago Building Code, with the online permit fee calculator estimating cost from construction type, occupancy type, square footage, and project scope. Separate fees apply for each trade.
Because the schedule is set by ordinance and varies by scope, use the city's online fee calculator and confirm the total before budgeting. Income-eligible long-term senior homeowners may qualify for permit-fee waivers on 1–3 unit homes.
| Fee component | How it works |
|---|---|
| Building / construction fee | Estimated from construction type, occupancy, square footage, and scope |
| Trade permits (E / P / M) | Charged separately per trade unless rolled into the building permit |
| Plan review | Assessed for plan-based permits via E-Plan |
| Self-certification | Available for eligible projects (design professional takes responsibility) |
| Senior fee waiver | Income-eligible long-term seniors (1–3 unit residences) |
| Work-without-permit | Stop-work orders, fines, and retroactive permitting |
Want a precise number for a specific Chicago project? Send us the scope and valuation and we'll return a fee estimate alongside a filing timeline.
Chicago trade permits
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work generally needs its own permit and a City of Chicago-licensed contractor, each named on the permit application.
Electrical permits
Required for service installations, panel upgrades, solar PV, and most wiring alterations. Electrical contractors must be licensed by the City of Chicago.
Plumbing permits
Required for new plumbing, repipes, water heater changeouts, fixtures, and sewer work. Plumbing and sewer contractors must be city-licensed and named on the permit.
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
Required for HVAC changeouts, ductwork, and refrigeration. Specialized systems are permitted and inspected separately.
Miscellaneous & specialty
Roofing, porches, decks, fences, and signs are permitted separately, and Chicago's porch and masonry rules are strict. Residential solar and many small repair/replacement projects qualify for the Express Permit Program.
Verify your contractor's license. If a general contractor oversees the work, that GC must hold a City of Chicago General Contractor license and be named on the permit; electrical, plumbing, mason, and sewer contractors must also be city-licensed. The property owner is responsible for ensuring a permit is obtained.
How to get a building permit in Chicago
Confirm scope & jurisdiction
Verify the work needs a permit and confirm the parcel is inside Chicago city limits. Decide whether the project qualifies for an Express Permit or requires a plan-based permit.
Engage licensed professionals
Plan-based permits require a licensed architect or structural engineer to prepare and submit plans; identify your City of Chicago-licensed GC and trade contractors.
Start in the Dynamic Portal, submit via E-Plan
Begin the application in the Dynamic Portal, then upload plans to E-Plan (ProjectDox) — or use the Express Permit Program for eligible small projects.
Plan review & corrections
DOB reviews for Chicago Construction Code compliance and issues comments; resolve them in E-Plan. Self-certification can speed eligible projects.
Pay fees & pull the permit
Pay the calculated fees and pull the permit, which is valid only for the owner(s) and contractor(s) listed. Post the permit at the site.
Begin work & schedule inspections
Begin work and request your first inspection within 180 days of issuance. Clear all required inspections through close-out.
Inspections in Chicago
Request inspections using the city's online inspection request form. For plan-based permits, work must begin and an inspection must be requested within 180 days of issuance or the permit may be suspended or voided.
Permits are valid only for the owner(s) and contractor(s) named in the application; changing contractors requires a supplemental permit. A re-inspection fee applies to failed inspections.
Official Chicago permitting resources
- 🏛️ City of Chicago Department of Buildings
- 💻 E-Plan (ProjectDox)
- 💵 Permits & fee calculator
- 📋 Guide to Building Permits
- 🪪 General Contractor license
- 📘 Chicago Construction Codes
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More Illinois permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general informational purposes and reflects publicly available information believed accurate as of June 2026. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change; always confirm current details with the City of Chicago Department of Buildings before filing. This is not legal advice.