Electrical Work

A building permit is not required for the following types of work in any building:

• Performing minor electrical work, such as the replacement of a lamp (light bulb) or connection of portable (cord-and-plug) electrical equipment to a permanently installed receptacle
• Installing, maintaining, or removing electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (A building permit is required for power supply wiring and the installation of towers, antennas, brackets, or similar supporting structures for such equipment.)
• Installing, maintaining, or removing a temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus
• Installing, maintaining, or removing a low voltage electrical fixture, such as a security camera, telephone, computer, speaker, doorbell, or thermostat (Except as provided below, a building permit is required for the installation of low voltage wiring.)

A building permit is also not required for the following types of work in a residential building up to 4 stories above grade or an associated accessory building (such as a garage) on the same lot:

• Installing, altering, or removing low voltage wiring or communication wiring

Historic Buildings

These exceptions may not apply to work on a property that is a proposed or designated Chicago Landmark or part of a proposed or designated Chicago Landmark district. For more information, contact the Historic Preservation Division in the Department of Planning and Development.

Code Compliance Required

Any work performed without a building permit, as allowed by Section 14A-4-402 of the Municipal Code, must still comply with all applicable requirements of the Chicago Construction Codes. Section 14A-4-402 does not waive any applicable requirements of the Chicago Construction Codes or of the Municipal Code other than the requirement to obtain a building permit.

If you have a question about whether proposed work is code compliant or requires a building permit, please visit the Department of Buildings assistance counter on the 9th floor at City Hall.