Does my project require a licensed mason contractor?

A licensed mason contractor, which must employ an experienced supervising mason, is required for most types of masonry work in Chicago. The mason contractor and its supervising mason are responsible for ensuring that the permitted masonry work is performed safely, competently, and in accordance with the scope of the permit and the requirements of the Chicago Construction Codes. “Masonry work” means work in stone, concrete, terra cotta (including clay brick), or structural tile, or any combination of these materials when used as part of buildings or structures above- or below-ground.

There are four exceptions:

• A mason contractor license is not required to perform masonry repairs that do not require a building permit.
• A mason contractor license is not required for work limited to ground-level sidewalks or paving, including slab-on-grade foundations without footings, such as for a wood-frame residential garage or storage shed.
• An individual may act as mason contractor, without obtaining a license, for work on an entirely residential property that is the individual’s primary residence (as shown on an Illinois driver’s license or similar government-issued ID) if there are no more than 6 residential units and no buildings taller than 3 stories on the property or proposed for the property. An individual can claim this exemption for only one property in a calendar year.
• A government entity may act as a mason contractor, without obtaining a license, for work on property owned or controlled by the government entity if the masonry work will be performed entirely by employees of the government entity (not a contractor or independent contractor).