Chicago, IL Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Dept. of Buildings building official
- Core rule
- Permit required before construction/alteration/demolition
- Enforcement tool
- Stop work order for unpermitted work
- Inspection scope
- All permitted work, footing to final
- Fees
- Reinspection/extra inspection fees apply
Summary
Chicago requires a building official permit before most construction, alteration, or demolition, and all permitted work is subject to city inspection.
It is unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter, rehabilitate, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy classification of a building or structure...unless a permit for such work has first been obtained from the building official in accordance with this chapter or the work is exempt from permit... All work for which a permit is required by the Chicago Construction Codes is subject to inspection by the building official in accordance with this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-74: Current through Council Journal of June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under the Chicago Construction Codes, it is unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter, rehabilitate, repair, move, or demolish a building or structure, or to install or alter fire protection, electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, without first obtaining a permit from the Department of Buildings' building official, unless the work is exempt under Section 14A-4-402. All permitted work is subject to inspection, including footing/foundation, concrete slab, framing, and final inspections, and the owner must keep the work visible and accessible until it passes inspection. The building official can issue a stop-work order for construction done without a required permit or contrary to the issued permit, and can charge reinspection and extra inspection fees when work fails an inspection.
Violations & Fines
Stop-work order halting all work; reinspection and extra inspection fees; permit revocation; unpermitted work can block occupancy or sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chicago require a permit for building repairs?
What happens if I build without a Chicago permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chicago
Compare Chicago to another location·View the Illinois building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Building Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle building permits.