Porches, Decks, and Balconies

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

• Painting or power washing
• If you have not received a building violation:replacing (in-kind) a non-structural element of a porch, deck, or balcony, such as a deck board, stair tread, or railing picket

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:

• Repairing or replacing (in-kind) an entire exterior porch, deck, or stair system that is no more than 6 feet above the ground and has a landing area of 50 square feet or less

“In-kind replacement” means replacement of existing materials, objects, or elements using new materials, objects, or elements of the same type, size, and shape.

If you have received a building violation for your porch, deck, or balcony, the violation notice will specify what type of building permit, if any, is required to address the violation.

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.

Dust Control

Masonry repair, cleaning, or grinding and other construction or repair activities that generate dust must comply with dust control practices required by city, state, and federal laws. This type of work may also require an air quality permit from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Lead-Safe Work Practices

Work must comply with lead-safe work practices required by city, state, and federal laws. You may be required to file a Lead-based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Form with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) before beginning work involving lead-based paint.

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.