Buildings
Building Permits
Building permits help to ensure construction work complies with the minimum standards of safety established by the Chicago Building Code in order to protect public health, safety, and welfare. A building permit is required before beginning most construction, demolition, and repair work. In order to provide more responsive service, the Department of Buildings offers permitting processes tailored for a wide variety of projects, from home repairs to new skyscrapers.
The Department of Buildings has a robust website that can help a variety of users navigate the process on when to apply for a permit, how to apply for a permit, and estimate the costs of a permit.
For homeowners and small business owners, our Guide to Permits offers a concise overview of the permit processes available for small and mid-sized projects.