Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Chicago?
It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Chicago comes down to the details of your project.
A single-story detached shed, gazebo or playhouse up to 150 square feet in footprint, no taller than 15 feet, and with no plumbing, needs no building permit. Anything larger, or a detached frame garage, requires a permit (garages up to 600 sq ft use the Express Permit Program). The structure must comply with the Chicago Zoning Ordinance rules on accessory buildings and setbacks; a detached frame garage cannot have masonry walls, a flat roof, an upper level, heating equipment, or plumbing under the Express track. A licensed general contractor (Class A-E) is normally required for a permitted accessory building unless the owner qualifies to act as general contractor for their own primary residence. Illinois has no single statewide shed threshold, so the 200 square foot figure quoted from the model International Residential Code does not govern here. Requirements are set by each municipality, and the ones we have checked are stricter than that figure: Wheaton does not require a building permit for a shed of 120 square feet or less, and Joliet requires a shed permit with a Residential Accessory Structures Review Form and a plat of survey showing the shed location. Assume the local number rather than a national one, and ask your building department for the threshold that applies at your address before you buy the shed. Zoning setbacks, easements and lot coverage still apply where no building permit is needed, and running electrical or plumbing to the shed triggers its own permit. A shed that will have electricity, plumbing, or a permanent foundation falls outside the usual small accessory building exemption, which generally covers simple unpowered structures only. Electrical and plumbing work each normally require their own permit and inspection even when the structure itself would have been exempt, and many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician or plumber to pull them. Zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage are reviewed separately from the building permit, so confirm placement with your local department before the shed is delivered or poured.
Documents you may need
- Express Permit Program application (Detached Frame Garage) for a larger accessory buildingSometimes required
- Site plan / official survey by an Illinois-licensed land surveyor (for structures needing a permit)Sometimes required
- Owner as Contractor form (Form 401) plus government-issued ID showing residency (if owner acts as general contractor)Sometimes required
- Licensed general contractor (Class A-E) name or Chicago license numberSometimes required
- Site plan showing setbacks from property linesLikely required
- Structure dimensions and floor arearequired
Possible inspections
- Foundation/slab and framing inspections for a permitted detached structure
- Final inspection by a Department of Buildings inspector
- Final inspection (when a permit applies)
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Chicago?
- It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Chicago comes down to the details of your project. A single-story detached shed, gazebo or playhouse up to 150 square feet in footprint, no taller than 15 feet, and with no plumbing, needs no building permit. Anything larger, or a detached frame garage, requires a permit (garages up to 600 sq ft use the Express Permit Program). The structure must comply with the Chicago Zoning Ordinance rules on accessory buildings and setbacks; a detached frame garage cannot have masonry walls, a flat roof, an upper level, heating equipment, or plumbing under the Express track. A licensed general contractor (Class A-E) is normally required for a permitted accessory building unless the owner qualifies to act as general contractor for their own primary residence. Illinois has no single statewide shed threshold, so the 200 square foot figure quoted from the model International Residential Code does not govern here. Requirements are set by each municipality, and the ones we have checked are stricter than that figure: Wheaton does not require a building permit for a shed of 120 square feet or less, and Joliet requires a shed permit with a Residential Accessory Structures Review Form and a plat of survey showing the shed location. Assume the local number rather than a national one, and ask your building department for the threshold that applies at your address before you buy the shed. Zoning setbacks, easements and lot coverage still apply where no building permit is needed, and running electrical or plumbing to the shed triggers its own permit. A shed that will have electricity, plumbing, or a permanent foundation falls outside the usual small accessory building exemption, which generally covers simple unpowered structures only. Electrical and plumbing work each normally require their own permit and inspection even when the structure itself would have been exempt, and many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician or plumber to pull them. Zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage are reviewed separately from the building permit, so confirm placement with your local department before the shed is delivered or poured.
- 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.