Chicago, IL Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- Chicago Department of Buildings
- Footing/foundation inspection
- After excavation, rebar placed
- Framing inspection
- After roof deck, rough MEP done
- Final inspection
- After work substantially complete
- Concealing uninspected work
- Prohibited until sign-off
Summary
Chicago requires permit holders to request footing, framing, and final inspections at set construction stages, and bars covering completed work until the building official signs off.
The permit holder must notify the building official when work done pursuant to a permit is ready for the types of inspections listed in Sections 14A-5-502.3.1 through 14A-5-502.3.5... Footing and foundation inspections must be requested after excavations for footings are complete and any required reinforcing steel is in place... Framing inspections must be requested after the roof deck or sheathing, framing, fire-blocking, and bracing are in place... The final inspection must be requested after all work required by the building permit is substantially completed.
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
Chicago's Department of Buildings runs permitted construction inspections in stages, not one pass. The permit holder must notify the building official when work reaches each stage: footing and foundation inspection once excavation is done and rebar is placed, concrete slab/under-floor inspection before pouring, framing inspection after the roof deck, framing, fire-blocking and rough electrical/plumbing/heating are in and inspected, and a final inspection once all permitted work is substantially complete. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical and ventilation trades each get their own rough and final inspections. Inspected work can't be covered or concealed until the building official signs off.
Violations & Fines
Concealing inspected work without sign-off, or building beyond permit scope, can trigger a stop-work order and a penalty of 100%-200% of the regular permit fee under § 14A-12-1204.4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to request building inspections in Chicago?
What happens if I cover work before it's inspected?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chicago
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Building Inspections in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle building inspections.