Scaffolding

Scaffolding

 

The Express Permit Program offers a streamlined way to obtain a building permit for the installation of scaffolding when such a permit is required.

Eligibility Summary

Additional terms, conditions, and limitations may apply.

Eligible

  • Erecting scaffolding 40 feet in height or more in the downtown area using an insured general contractor and properly trained workers
  • Erecting scaffolding 80 feet in height or more outside the downtown area using an insured general contractor and properly trained workers

Not Eligible

  • Erecting scaffolding less than 40 feet in height (does not require a building permit)
  • Erecting more than 10 scaffolds at the same property
  • Erecting scaffolding on or over the public way without a Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) permit
  • Erecting or maintaining scaffolding using workers without required scaffolding safety training

When is a building permit not required?

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

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

Whether or not a building permit is required, scaffolding installed on or over a public street, alley, sidewalk, or parkway (the “public way”) requires a permit from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT).

Important Considerations

Terms and conditions

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

Before You Apply

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

Required Documents

All applications

For all applications, you must upload:

  • Site plan, drawn to scale
  • Scaffolding safety training certification

The site plan may be prepared by the general contractor or any responsible person. The scaffolding safety training certification must be a letter from the general contractor certifying that every individual who will install, maintain, or use the scaffolding has received the required scaffolding safety training and will carry proof of training when on the job site.

Work on, over, or below public street or sidewalk

If the work to be permitted will be partially or completely on, over, or below a public street, sidewalk, or alley (the “public way”), you must upload:

  • Copy of related permit or approval

Depending on the type of use of the public way, this permit or similar authorization for work in the public way might be issued by the Department of Transportation (CDOT), Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), or Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).

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.

Required Contractors

A licensed general contractor (any class) is always required.

Every individual involved in erecting, maintaining, or using scaffolding that requires a building permit must have completed a scaffolding safety training course and carry written proof of this training when on the job site.

Ordinances and Rules

Chicago Construction Codes Administrative Provisions, Section 14A-4-404.16 (Scaffolding)

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