Who handles building permits in Chicago?

The City of Chicago Department of Buildings administers the city's building-permit system.

Can I track a Chicago building permit application online?

Yes. The city's Building Permit Application Status system shows review activities, holds, corrections, and permit issuance information for covered applications.

How long does a Chicago building permit take?

Review time depends on the permit and review program, scope, completeness, corrections, and other approvals. No generic turnaround range is stated here.

Building Permits in Chicago

The City of Chicago Department of Buildings administers building permits within Chicago. The city also provides an online Building Permit Application Status system for covered applications.

Verified Code and Review Notes

Chicago uses its own municipal construction-code framework. Use the current Chicago Construction Codes and Department of Buildings guidance rather than substituting a generic Illinois model-code edition.

The city's permit-status system shows review activities and holds. For zoning review, the status must be Approved or Waived before issuance; unresolved holds can also prevent issuance. For plan-based applications that require plans prepared by an architect or engineer, the system can provide a ProjectDox status report when the application number is known.

When a Permit Is Required

Permit requirements depend on the scope and current Chicago codes. Do not infer exemptions or thresholds from another Illinois jurisdiction. Check the Department of Buildings requirements for the specific work before construction begins.

Permit Process

Confirm the property is within Chicago and check zoning.
Identify the applicable permit/review program and trade permits.
Prepare the documents required for that project type.
Submit through the city's current permit system.
Resolve required reviews, corrections, and holds.
Pay assessed fees and obtain the permit before regulated work begins.
Complete required inspections.
Obtain final/occupancy approval when applicable.

Fees and Review Time

Fees and review time depend on permit type and project. This guide does not use a generic fee percentage or turnaround estimate.

Inspections and Design Professionals

Required inspections depend on the approved scope. Illinois licenses architects, professional engineers, and structural engineers, but not every permit has the same design-professional requirement. Verify the requirement for the specific Chicago application.

Official Sources

Use the Department of Buildings and the city's permit-status system for current permit procedures and application status.

Chicago Building Permits — Codes, Process & Inspections