Construction Trailer
Construction Trailer
The Express Permit Program offers a streamlined way to obtain a building permit to install a temporary single-level trailer for use as office space, storage, or a sales center in association with other permitted building construction, rehabilitation, or demolition work.
The Express Permit Program can also be used to extend the expiration (removal) date for an existing construction trailer permit.
Eligibility Summary
Additional terms, conditions, and limitations may apply.
Eligible
- Installing a single-level trailer for temporary use as an office or storage area associated with ongoing (permitted) building construction, rehabilitation, or demolition activity
- Installing a single-level trailer for temporary use as a sales center associated with ongoing (permitted) building construction or rehabilitation activity
- Extending a similarly issued permit while the associated construction or rehabilitation activity remains ongoing
Not Eligible
- Installing a trailer for a purpose not associated with ongoing permitted construction, rehabilitation, or demolition activity
- Installing a multi-story or multi-level trailer
- Installing a trailer on a permanent basis
Important Considerations
Terms and conditions
See the full Terms and Conditions for Express Permit Program : Construction Trailer for further limitations on this type of permit.
Before You Apply
A construction trailer permit is only available in connection with permitted building construction, rehabilitation, or demolition activity. You must obtain your construction, rehabilitation, or demolition permit before you apply for a construction trailer permit through the Express Permit Program.
You should also 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 (at least 1)
New installation
For a new installation (not an extension of time), you must upload:
- Site plan, drawn to scale
The site plan may be drawn by any responsible person. It must show the location of the proposed trailer relative to the permitted construction activity, existing buildings, and lot lines. It must include dimensions and other appropriate labels/notes.
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).
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.
A licensed electrical contractor (general) is always required.
A licensed plumbing contractor is required if the trailer will have water and/or sewer connections.
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)