Cook County, IL Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and mechanical installs
- Local electrical code
- 2014 Cook County Electrical Code, Appendix B
- Small single-family fee
- $94.50 for under 500 square feet
- Garage / low-voltage fee
- $150 flat per garage or system
- Unpermitted work penalty
- Minimum $1,000 fine, per day
Summary
In unincorporated Cook County, no electrical work can start until you file with the Building Commissioner and get a permit; wiring itself must meet the county's own 2014 Cook County Electrical Code, Appendix B, with permit fees starting at $94.50.
The 2014 Cook County Electrical Code is hereby adopted and is fully set forth in Cook County, Illinois Code of Ordinances, Part II-Land Development Ordinances, Appendix B-Electrical Code. The above provisions are applicable in full force and effect. The above provisions shall be collectively known as and referred to as "the Cook County Electrical Code."
Full Breakdown
Article III of the County's Building Code, adopted under Cook County's home-rule authority, makes it unlawful to install equipment for the operation of a building, expressly including electrical work, without first filing a written application with the Building Commissioner and obtaining a permit (Sec. 102-105(3)). Electrical installations themselves must also meet the standalone 2014 Cook County Electrical Code adopted at Sec. 102-150 and printed as Appendix B. The Building Commissioner can stop work done contrary to an approved permit. Fees run from $94.50 for a single-family job under 500 square feet up to $178.50 for 1,600-1,999 square feet, plus $150 per garage and $150 per low-voltage system (Sec. 32-1).
Violations & Fines
Working without an electrical permit is a Code violation carrying a fine of at least $1,000 (Sec. 1-10); the Building Commissioner can also issue a stop-work order, and each day of continued unpermitted work counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for electrical work in Cook County?
What electrical code does Cook County use?
Does this permit rule apply inside Chicago?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cook County
Compare Cook County to another location·View the Illinois building safety overview
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