Small Temporary Structure
Small Temporary Stucture
The Express Permit Program offers a streamlined way to obtain a building permit for temporary structures, such as tents, that will be installed in the same location for 180 days or less. Each individual structure is limited to no more than 600 square feet and the total of all structures that are used for the same event is limited to 2,500 square feet.
The Express Permit Program can also be used to extend the expiration (removal) date for this type of permit.
Eligibility Summary
Additional terms, conditions, and limitations may apply.
Eligible
- Installing a single-level tent, trailer, stage, or similar structure, covering up to 600 square feet, for no more than 180 days
- Installing a group of eligible structures where the total area of all structures does not exceed 2,500 square feet and there is at least 6 feet between each structure
- Extending a similarly issued permit for up to 180 additional days
Not Eligible
- Installing a permanent structure
- Installing a structure that is more than 15 feet above the ground
- Installing a multi-story or multi-level structure
- Installing a temporary structure that is to be used for sleeping
- Installing a construction trailer (see Construction Trailer)
When is a building permit not required?
Before beginning an Express Permit Program application for a small temporary structure, please review:
What Types of Work Do Not Require a Building Permit? : Small Temporary Structures
Whether or not a building permit is required, any structure installed on or over a public street, alley, sidewalk, or parkway (the “public way”) requires a special event permit from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) or similar authorization from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) or Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). Any structure installed on property of the Chicago Park District requires authorization from the Chicago Park District.
Important Considerations
Application timing
You must start your permit application at least 3 calendar days before the date you plan to install the temporary structure.
You may not start your permit application more than 180 calendar days before the date you plan to install the temporary structure.
Terms and conditions
See the full Terms and Conditions for Express Permit Program : Small Temporary Structure 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:
- Existing condition photograph
For more information, please review Tent, Stage and Temporary Structure Permits.
New installation
For a new installation (not an extension of time), you must upload:
- Anchorage detail drawing
- Floor plan, drawn to scale
- Severe weather action plan
- Site plan, drawn to scale
For more information, please review Tent, Stage and Temporary Structure Permits.
Chicago Park District property
To install a small temporary structure at a Chicago Park District property, you must upload:
- Copy of related permit or approval
This must be a letter or permit from the Chicago Park District giving you permission to erect a temporary structure at a location and on dates that match your building permit application.
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.
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.
If the scope of work includes electrical work, a licensed electrical contractor (general) is required.
Ordinances and Rules
Chicago Construction Codes Administrative Provisions, Section 14A-4-405 (Temporary structures and uses)
Chicago Construction Codes Administrative Provisions, Section 14A-12-1204.2 (Stand-alone permit fees)
2019 Chicago Building Code, Section 14B-31-3103 (Temporary structures)
Chicago Zoning Ordinance, Section 17-9-0301 (Use regulations—Temporary uses)