Scaffolding

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

• Installing or maintaining scaffolding at a property located within the downtown area that will not exceed 40 feet in height above the ground below
• Installing or maintaining scaffolding at a property located outside the downtown area that will not exceed 80 feet in height above the ground below

Use of the Public Way

Use of a public street, alley, sidewalk, or parkway (the “public way”) for construction or demolition activities, the installation of scaffolding, or to store construction or demolition materials or equipment requires a separate permit from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT).

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.