Where to apply and look up permits in Chicago
- Apply for a permitChicago E-Plan and Express Permits ↗www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bldgs/provdrs/e_plan.html
- Look up a permitChicago building permit records ↗webapps1.chicago.gov/buildingrecords/
- FeesOfficial fee schedule ↗www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bldgs/provdrs/permits/svcs/permit_fee_calculator.html
- Open dataChicago building permit dataset ↗data.cityofchicago.org/Buildings/Building-Permits/ydr8-5enu
A building permit is required before starting most construction, demolition, rehabilitation and repair work in Chicago. Only a limited range of site work, nonstructural repairs, minor alterations and unoccupied structures is exempt.
The Express Permit Program (launched November 6, 2023) handles most repairs and small projects fully online through ipi.cityofchicago.org. Projects that need architectural plans go through Standard Plan Review in E-Plan (Dynamic Portal plus ProjectDox), and larger projects use the Developer Services program. Application status can also be checked at https://webapps1.chicago.gov/buildingpermit/.