Driveway construction and modification in unincorporated Cook County requires a flatwork permit from the Department of Building and Zoning. Driveways must comply with the Cook County Zoning Ordinance setback and impervious surface requirements. Site engineering guidance governs grading and drainage.
Cook County requires a building permit for all flatwork including driveways, patios, sidewalks, and stoops in unincorporated areas. Applications are submitted digitally to intake.bnz@cookcountyil.gov with a $100 residential deposit. A Plat of Survey signed and sealed by an Illinois-registered surveyor (not more than 5 years old) must be submitted showing the exact location of proposed work. The Cook County Site Engineering Guidance document (updated March 2022) establishes grading and drainage requirements to prevent adverse impact on neighboring properties. Driveways must not direct stormwater onto adjacent properties. The Zoning Ordinance (Ord. No. 01-O-30) governs lot coverage, setbacks, and impervious surface limits by zoning district. Residential districts typically require front setbacks of at least 25 feet from the lot line.
Work without a permit: fine of $500-$2,000. Non-compliance with site engineering requirements may require corrective action within 30 days per Section 102-105.
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