Plan-Based Building Permits
General Terms and Conditions for Plan-Based Building Permits
Primary applicant
The primary applicant for a plan-based building permit must be either the owner of the property (real estate) where the permitted work will be performed, or a tenant authorized by the property owner to obtain building permits for work at that property.
Preparation and submission of permit application
Applications for plan-based building permits must be prepared and submitted to the Department of Buildings by an architect, structural engineer, or professional engineer licensed by the State of Illinois or an expediter licensed by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP).
This licensed professional is responsible for managing the building permit application process on behalf of the primary permit applicant from start to finish.
Professional competence
It is the responsibility of the licensed professional(s) submitting a plan-based building permit application to be educated about the code requirements that apply to the project before submitting the permit application to the Department.
It is unlawful for an Illinois-licensed architect or engineer to sign or seal documents intended for submission in connection with a building permit application that they know or have reason to know do not comply with the requirements of the Chicago Construction Codes.
Electronic submission
All plan-based building permit applications and related materials must be submitted to the Department of Buildings electronically.
Accuracy and completeness
The professional(s) preparing and submitting a plan-based building permit application must provide accurate and complete information in the permit application. Providing false or incomplete information is a serious offense. A building permit that is issued based on deceptive or materially false information is void, and any fee paid in connection with that permit is forfeited. Any person who provides false or misleading information may lose their ability to apply for future permits and, if they hold a construction-related license, their license may be suspended or revoked.
Permit fees
Before making any payment, please review the permit application carefully. Permit fees, including permit fee deposits, are not refundable.
Scope of work
A building permit only authorizes the scope of work described in the building permit application. It is illegal to perform work that is different from the work described in the building permit application without first notifying the Department of Buildings in writing and receiving written approval. The Municipal Code may also require that you obtain an additional building permit for the additional or altered scope of work before you continue with your project.
Unauthorized work
If you or anyone working on your behalf perform work that exceeds the permitted scope of work, there are serious consequences. The building permit may be revoked or voided. You may be required to tear down, remove, or correct any work that is contrary to code at your expense. You may be required to stop all work until you obtain an additional permit. And you may be charged fines or penalties.
Time limit
For plan-based building permits, the work must begin, and an inspection must be requested (using the online request form) within 180 days of permit issuance (the date when the permit fee is paid). If required inspections are not requested, the permit may be suspended or voided.
Contractors and trade licenses
If a general contractor will be overseeing work done under the permit, that general contractor must be licensed by the City of Chicago and identified in the permit application. All individuals or contractors performing electrical work, elevator work, mason work, plumbing work, or sewer work must be identified in the permit application. Contractors performing these types of work must also be licensed by the City of Chicago.
Change of owner or contractor
Building permits are only valid for the owner(s) and contractor(s) listed in the permit application. After a permit is issued, that permit can only be transferred to another owner or contractor through issuance of a supplemental building permit.
Compliance with the Municipal Code and other laws
The Terms and Conditions apply in addition to applicable requirements of the Municipal Code of Chicago. If there is a conflict between the Terms and Conditions and the Municipal Code, the Municipal Code controls. The Terms and Conditions do not waive or modify any provision of state or federal law applicable to the permitted work.