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.

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​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. 

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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.