Terms and Conditions for Communication Equipment

Existing communications equipment installations only

This permit can only be used to repair, alter, or remove an existing communications equipment installation that was established under a plan-based building permit. This permit cannot be used to establish a new communications equipment site or a new communications equipment installation.

No change in location or height

This permit cannot be used to relocate an existing communications equipment installation on the same property (for example: from the east wall to the west wall.) This permit cannot be used to increase the height of an existing communications equipment installation. Either a change of location or increase in height requires a plan-based building permit.

Work on an existing building or structure

Work authorized by this permit must comply with the General Terms and Conditions for Work on Existing Buildings and Structures.

Work on, over, or below the public way

This permit cannot be used to install, alter, or remove communications equipment installed on, over, or below the public way (not on private property). Communications equipment work that is entirely on, over, or below the public way does not require a building permit but does require a permit from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT). Communications equipment work that is partially on, over, or below the public way requires a plan-based building permit and a permit from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT).

Work affecting an occupiable building

This permit cannot be used for communications equipment work that involves construction, reconstruction, structural alteration, or removal of the exterior walls or roof of a building intended for human occupancy. This does not prohibit structural attachment of new communication equipment or communication equipment mounting structures to existing walls or roofs.

Electrical work

Electrical work must comply with the edition of the Chicago Electrical Code in effect at the time when the permit application was submitted to the Department of Buildings. Electrical work must be performed by the Chicago-licensed electrical contractor listed on the permit application.