Before You Apply

You must apply for a plan-based building permit, using the Standard Plan Review process, upload interior demolition drawings as part of that application, and submit those drawings for review through the City of Chicago’s ProjectDox system before applying for a “Preparatory Demolition” permit.

You should also know your associated plan-based building permit application number, gather required documents, select required contractors and professionals, 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)

You must also ensure that interior demolition drawings have been uploaded to ProjectDox as part of the related plan-based building permit application. Do not upload demolition drawings as part of this application.

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.

Project owned by a government entity

If the work to be permitted in being undertaken by or for a local, state, or federal government entity (such as Chicago Public Schools) you must upload:

• Government ownership or funding letter

If the government entity has a permit fee waiver ordinance, include a copy of that ordinance as part of this upload.

Project receiving construction funding from a government entity

If the work to be permitted or is receiving construction funding from a government entity (such as a Small Business Improvement Fund grant) you must upload:

• Government ownership or funding letter

The letter must be from the government entity providing the construction funding.

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.