No. The City of Chicago's Express Permit Program launched on November 6, 2023, and replaced the old paper Easy Permit process, along with the Solar Express and Short Form processes. "Easy Permit" is a retired name. If a contractor or a website still uses it, they are working from old information, so ask what permit type they are actually pulling and look up the number.
Chicago's Easy Permit no longer exists under that name. The Department of Buildings replaced it, and what you need now is an Express Permit. If you are searching because a contractor said "we'll just get an Easy Permit," here is what changed and what to ask.
What replaced the Easy Permit?
The City says the Express Permit Program launched on November 6, 2023, and replaced the old paper Easy Permit process, the Solar Express process and the Short Form process. It added five more work types on September 16, 2024 (City of Chicago). Because the City changes this program often, confirm the current list with the Department of Buildings.
So when someone says "Easy Permit," they usually mean a small repair-type permit. That idea survived. The paper process and the name did not.
What does Express cover today?
The City's worktypes include masonry work, reroofing, porch, deck, balcony or fire escape repair, exterior window or door replacement, fence or trash enclosure, detached frame garage, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, nonstructural interior alteration, preparatory demolition, scaffolding, small scale solar and an "Other (Emergency) Work" category (City of Chicago).
Express is built for repair and defined, limited scopes. It has edges. For masonry, the City says rebuilding all layers of an exterior wall or building a new masonry structure is not eligible (City of Chicago). For porches, the City says Express does not allow new structures or enclosed porches, or legalizing or rebuilding something built without a permit. Those go through a plan-based permit (City of Chicago). Our article on what the Express Permit Program covers and skips goes through the limits.
What should I ask a contractor who says "Easy Permit"?
Ask three things. Which permit type is it, by its current name? What is the permit number, so you can check it yourself? Who is listed as the contractor on it?
If the answer is vague, treat that as a flag. The point is not that the contractor is dishonest. Many tradespeople still use the old name out of habit. The point is that the permit on file has to match the work. If you plan to pull it yourself as an owner acting as your own contractor, the City expects government ID showing you live at the property, and you take on responsibility for safety, inspections and code compliance (City of Chicago). Some work needs no permit at all, which is a separate list, covered in work that does not need a Chicago building permit.
For the full map of which permit goes with which job, start with our Chicago building permits guide. If you want someone to read the scope and pull the right permit for you, our permit expediting team does that.
Common questions
No. The City's Express Permit Program replaced the paper Easy Permit process in November 2023. The small repair permit idea continues under Express, with a defined list of work types. Confirm the current list with the Department of Buildings.
Easy Permit was the old paper process. Express is its online replacement, and it also absorbed the Solar Express and Short Form processes. Express has added work types since launch. Always use the current name when you ask the City or a contractor.
It depends on the scope. Small repairs may fit an Express worktype, while bigger or changed work goes through plan-based review. Check the City's current worktype list or ask the Department of Buildings, and see our permits guide.
Sources
- City of Chicago, Department of Buildings: Express Permit Program
- City of Chicago: Guide to Building Permits: Application Instructions
- City of Chicago: Express Permit Program: Masonry Work
- City of Chicago: Express Permit Program: Porch, Deck, Balcony, or Fire Escape Repair
- City of Chicago, Department of Buildings: Porch and Deck Safety
Facts last checked: October 7, 2026.
This article explains general rules and common situations in Chicago. It is not legal advice, and City rules change. For a specific property, check with the Chicago Department of Buildings or a licensed professional.