Before You Apply

Verify the dimensions and areas of work as these may change the types of contractors and professionals you are required to identify in the permit application.

You should also gather required documents, select required contractors and professionals (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)

Replacing a lintel spanning more than 6 feet

If the scope of work includes replacing a lintel spanning more than 6 feet, you must upload:

• Drawings prepared by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer

The drawings may be in the form of a signed and sealed sketch or letter that provides steel angle sizing and connection details.

Concrete repair over 100 square feet

If the scope of work includes concrete repair over 100 square feet, you must upload:

• Drawings prepared by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer

Excavation more than 5 feet below elevation of nearest street

If the scope of work includes excavation more than 5 feet below the elevation of the nearest street, you must upload:

• Excavation certification form (Form 402)

Completing this form requires sending notices to neighboring property owners at least 30 days before the start of work. This form includes a section that must be completed by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer.

Excavation more than 12 feet below elevation of nearest street

If the scope of work includes excavation more than 12 feet below the elevation of the nearest street, you must upload:

• Office of Underground Coordination approval/permit

Contact the Office of Underground Coordination (OUC) in the Chicago Department of Transportation for more information.

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 mason contractor

If the property owner will be acting as mason contractor, 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.