Site Work and Landscaping

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

• Installing, altering, or removing a tree, plant, or other vegetation
• Installing, altering, or removing hardscape material, such as a rock or bench
• Performing grading or excavation that is no deeper than 5 feet below existing grade, on private property
• Performing grading or excavation that is no deeper than 10 feet below existing grade and is not within 5 feet horizontally of an existing structure or a public street, alley, sidewalk, or parkway (the “public way”), on private property

A building permit is also not required for the following types of work for 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 landscape lighting and associated low-voltage wiring

Also see: Fences, Masonry Work, Small Permanent Structures

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.

Stormwater Management Plan

Excavation or grading that disturbs 15,000 square feet or more, or site work or paving activity that creates a new or reconfigured at-grade impervious surface of 7,500 square feet or more, may require a Stormwater Management Plan under the Stormwater Management Ordinance. In-kind replacement, restoration, or repair of existing infrastructure, pavement, or facilities (“maintenance activity”) does not require a Stormwater Management Plan. Excavation and grading work may begin at the property owner’s risk while a Stormwater Management Plan is under review by the City. The owner is responsible for ensuring that all work complies with the approved Stormwater Management Plan prior to the completion of work.

Tree or Planting in the Public Way

Installation or maintenance of a tree or similar plant material in a public street, alley, sidewalk, or parkway (the “public way”) requires a forestry permit from the Department of Streets and Sanitation.

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).

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.