Do I need a permit for addition or structural alteration in Chicago?
Yes. In Illinois, addition or structural alteration generally requires a permit, and Chicago is no exception.
Additions and structural alterations require a permit in essentially all Illinois jurisdictions. Illinois has no statewide residential building code for this work, so the permit threshold is set by your municipality or county. The statewide codes that took effect on 1 January 2025 apply to commercial, public and state-funded buildings. Many local codes require zoning review for lot coverage and setbacks, and properties in a mapped flood zone face additional elevation requirements. Additions and structural alterations require a plan-based permit under the 2019 Chicago Building Code and are reviewed through the Standard Plan Review Program (or the faster Self-Certified program where an DOB-registered architect/engineer certifies code compliance). Applications are filed in the City's E-Plan system. All projects require zoning approval first, and the work must be sealed by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer; the online portal assigns a Project Manager as your point of contact. A licensed and insured general contractor is required; an owner may act as general contractor only for an entirely residential property that is their primary residence, with no more than 6 units and no building taller than 3 stories, and only for one property per calendar year.
Documents you may need
- Plat of survey / site plan showing setbacksrequired
- Construction drawings (floor plan, elevations)required
- Structural details or engineered plansLikely required
- Contractor license and insurance informationSometimes required
- Standard Plan Review or Self-Certified permit application filed through E-Planrequired
- Architectural/structural drawings sealed by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineerrequired
- Zoning approval (required before the building permit)required
- Licensed general contractor (Class A-E) informationrequired
Possible inspections
- Footing/foundation inspection
- Framing inspection
- Rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical inspection
- Final inspection
- Foundation and excavation inspection
- Framing and rough trade (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) inspections
- Final building inspection by the Department of Buildings
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for addition or structural alteration in Chicago?
- Yes. In Illinois, addition or structural alteration generally requires a permit, and Chicago is no exception. Additions and structural alterations require a permit in essentially all Illinois jurisdictions. Illinois has no statewide residential building code for this work, so the permit threshold is set by your municipality or county. The statewide codes that took effect on 1 January 2025 apply to commercial, public and state-funded buildings. Many local codes require zoning review for lot coverage and setbacks, and properties in a mapped flood zone face additional elevation requirements. Additions and structural alterations require a plan-based permit under the 2019 Chicago Building Code and are reviewed through the Standard Plan Review Program (or the faster Self-Certified program where an DOB-registered architect/engineer certifies code compliance). Applications are filed in the City's E-Plan system. All projects require zoning approval first, and the work must be sealed by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer; the online portal assigns a Project Manager as your point of contact. A licensed and insured general contractor is required; an owner may act as general contractor only for an entirely residential property that is their primary residence, with no more than 6 units and no building taller than 3 stories, and only for one property per calendar year.
- Who issues the permit in Chicago?
- The local building department for Chicago handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
- How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?
- Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.
PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.