Before You Apply

You should gather required documents, select required contractors (if any), and have their license or registration numbers before starting the online permit application.   

Required Documents

All applications

For all applications, you must upload:

• Existing condition photograph (at least 1)
• Floor plan, drawn to scale

The floor plan may be drawn by any responsible person. It must show the entire story where work will occur. It must clearly indicate any walls, doors, plumbing fixtures, or other building elements that will be removed under the permit. Typically, dashed lines are used to indicate existing building elements that will be removed and solid lines are used to indicate existing building elements that will remain.

Work on condominium property

If the work to be permitted is on property that is part of a condominium association (including work in an individually owned condominium unit) you must upload:

• Condominium association approval letter

This letter must briefly describe the work to be performed (example: interior renovations in unit 9A) and be signed by an authorized representative of the condominium association, such a property manager or officer of the association.

Work required to address fire damage

If work is required to address fire damage, you must have the Department of Buildings assess the scope of fire damage before you apply for a building permit. The Department’s assessment will be documented on a form called the “Tax and Demolition Form,” per the Illinois Insurance Code. You must upload:

• Tax and demolition form

Property owner as general contractor or property owner as plumber

If the property owner will be acting as general contractor or self-performing plumbing work, you must upload:

• Owner as contractor form (Form 401)
• Copy of government issued identification

The government issued identification must show that the property owner lives at the address where work will be performed.