Small Permanent Structures

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

• Installing, altering, or removing a single-story detached structure that is not more than 15 feet tall, without plumbing, and used as a tool or storage shed, open gazebo, playhouse, or similar use, or that is purely decorative (such as a sculpture),provided that the footprint is 150 square feet or less
• Installing, altering, or removing a water tank supported directly on grade, with a capacity not greater than 5,000 gallons and a height to diameter ratio not greater than 2:1
• Installing, altering, or removing a swimming pool serving a residential building with no more than 3 units (Group R-5 occupancy), that has a water depth of 48 inches or less and a 90% water volume of 5,000 gallons or less
• Installing, altering, or removing a shade cloth structure used for nursery or agricultural purposes, without plumbing or electricity
• Installing, altering, or removing playground equipment that serves a building of residential (Group R) occupancy

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.

Structure in the Public Way

Installation or maintenance of a temporary or permanent structure of any size below, on, or above a public street, alley, sidewalk, or parkway (the “public way”) generally requires a separate public way use permit from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). A temporary structure in the public way that is used for a special event requires a special event permit from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).

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.