Reroofing

Reroofing

 

The Express Permit Program offers a streamlined way to obtain a permit for many types of reroofing work, including roof repair, roof recover, and roof replacement.

Eligibility Summary

Additional terms, conditions, and limitations may apply.

Eligible

  • Performing roof repair (limited to 25% of roof area)
  • Performing roof recover over 1 existing layer of roof covering
  • Performing roof replacement (no structural work)

With drawings/calculations prepared by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer:

  • Installing an additional layer of roof covering (roof recover) over 2 or more existing layers of roof covering
  • Performing structural repairs to the existing roof structure

Not Eligible

  • Having any person that does not have a valid Illinois Roofing Contractor license perform reroofing work
  • Performing reroofing work on a building with an unpermitted rooftop feature (example: a rooftop deck installed without a permit)
  • Using materials or installation methods that do not comply with minimum requirements in the Chicago Building Code
  • Performing reroofing work that does not comply with minimum requirements for insulation in the Chicago Energy Transformation Code

When is a building permit not required?

Before beginning an Express Permit Program application for reroofing, please review:

What Types of Work Do Not Require a Building Permit? : Roofing Work

Important Considerations

Terms and conditions

See the full Terms and Conditions for Express Permit Program : Reroofing for further limitations on this type of permit.

Before You Apply

You should 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)

Structural repairs

If the scope of work includes structural repairs to the roof structure, you must upload:

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

Three or more layers of roof covering

If the scope of work includes roof recover over two or more existing layers of roof covering, you must upload:

  • Structural calculations prepared by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer

The calculations must show that the existing roof structure is adequate for the additional loads imposed by the proposed work.

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

If the property owner will be acting as general 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.

Required Contractors

A licensed general contractor (any class) is always required. In some cases, an owner may act as general contractor.

An Illinois-licensed roofing contractor is required as either the general contractor or a subcontractor. A valid Illinois roofing contractor license number must be entered as part of the permit application.

If the scope of work includes electrical work, a licensed electrical contractor (general) is required.

Required Design Professionals

Drawings and/or calculations prepared by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer are required if:

  • Structural repairs to the roof structure are required
  • An additional layer of roof covering is being installed over two or more existing layers of roof covering
  • There is an existing occupiable rooftop that will be removed and reinstalled

That architect or engineer must be identified in the Additional Applicants section of the application.

Ordinances and Rules

Chicago Construction Codes Administrative Provisions, Section 14A-12-1204.2 (Stand-alone permit fees)

2019 Chicago Building Code, Chapter 14B-15 (Roof assemblies and rooftop structures)

2022 Chicago Energy Transformation Code, Section 14N-C5-C503.2.1 (Commercial buildings—Roof replacement)

2022 Chicago Energy Transformation Code, Section 14N-R5-C503.1.1, Exception (Residential buildings—Building envelope)

2019 Chicago Building Rehabilitation Code, Section 14R-3-306 (Reroofing)