What happens if I start work without a required building permit?

Except for emergency work, do not perform more work than is authorized by your building permit without first obtaining an additional or revised permit.

When work on a site exceeds the scope of work authorized by a building permit(s):

• A city employee will issue a stop work order and post warning notice(s) on the property.
• Your existing building permit(s) may be revoked.
• Work can only resume after you obtain the required building permit(s) and pay the stop work order penalty ($1,000+).
• In most cases, the fee for a building permit issued after a stop work order is tripled.
• The City of Chicago may initiate an administrative enforcement case or lawsuit against you to recover penalties or compel you to correct unsafe or illegal conditions caused by the unpermitted work.
• You will be required to correct any conditions that violate the Chicago Construction Codes or Chicago Zoning Ordinance and may be required to remove any work that can’t be corrected, all at your own expense.