Almost certainly yes. The City's basic rule is that a building permit is required before beginning most construction, and only a limited range of small, non-occupied structures and minor work is exempt. The Express Permit Program has a "Detached Frame Garage" worktype, and larger or different garages go through plan review with an architect. A new driveway or curb cut can need a separate City permit. Confirm your garage with the Department of Buildings first.
If you are putting up a new garage in Chicago, plan on a building permit. The City's basic rule is that a permit is required before beginning most construction, demolition, rehabilitation and repair work, with a limited range of site work, nonstructural repairs, minor alterations and non-occupied structures exempt. Work done under an exemption must still meet all construction codes (City of Chicago). A new car garage is construction, not a minor alteration.
Which permit track does a garage take?
The City's Express Permit Program includes a "Detached Frame Garage" worktype (City of Chicago). That is the Express route, built for a defined scope and a particular kind of garage. We cannot verify the exact size, material and location limits for that worktype, so read the City's Express page for it or ask the Department of Buildings before you assume your design fits.
Anything bigger, different or outside Express generally goes to plan review. The City's Standard Plan Review program requires an architect to prepare the drawings, submissions go through E-Plan, and all projects need zoning approval (City of Chicago). If you are not sure which side you land on, our explainer on Standard Plan Review covers when drawings are needed. The City changes these programs often, so confirm the current rules.
What about a small shed or an in-kind repair?
Two different cases get confused with a new garage.
Repairs. For residential buildings up to four stories and accessory buildings such as garages, the City lists some no-permit work: in-kind replacement of up to 50 square feet of masonry, in-kind window or door replacement in the existing opening, and certain roof repair on roofs with enough pitch (City of Chicago). That is maintenance on a garage that exists, not a new one. See Chicago work that does not need a building permit for limits and the catch.
Small structures. The City exempts a limited range of non-occupied structures. We cannot verify the size limits, so a shed is not a safe guide for a car garage. Ask the Department of Buildings.
What else comes with a garage?
- The slab. A mason license is not required for slab-on-grade foundations for single-story non-occupiable structures such as sheds and garages (City of Chicago). That affects who can do the concrete. It does not remove the building permit.
- The driveway. The City says a permit is required to establish, expand or eliminate off-street parking (City of Chicago). A driveway that crosses the sidewalk, or a curb cut, also needs a CDOT driveway permit, with its own requirements (City of Chicago).
- Digging. Chicago's one-call system, 811 Chicago, requires minimum notice before non-emergency excavation (City of Chicago).
- The old garage. A teardown first is a demolition question. The City lists wood-frame private garages replaced through Express among the demolition permit exceptions (City of Chicago). See Chicago garage demolition.
On Chicago lots with an alley, owners often plan the garage and forget the apron and curb cut until the end, then discover the driveway has its own approval. Plan the garage and the way into it as one project.
For how the permit tracks fit together, start with our Chicago building permits guide. If you want the drawings, the permit and the build handled together, our permit expediting team can scope it with you.
Common questions
Generally no. The City requires a permit before most construction, with a limited exemption for small, non-occupied structures and minor work. Even exempt work must meet all codes. Ask the Department of Buildings before assuming your garage is exempt.
The Express Permit Program lists a "Detached Frame Garage" worktype. The limits on what qualifies are set by the City, so check its current Express page. Larger or different garages go through plan review with architect drawings.
Possibly. The City says a permit is required to establish or expand off-street parking, and a driveway across the sidewalk or a curb cut needs a CDOT driveway permit. Confirm both with the City.
Sources
- City of Chicago: Guide to Building Permits: What Types of Work Do Not Require a Building Permit?
- City of Chicago: Guide to Building Permits: Application Instructions
- City of Chicago, Department of Buildings: Standard Plan Review Permit Program
- City of Chicago: Guide to Building Permits: Mason Contractor License FAQ
- City of Chicago, Department of Buildings: Demolition (Wrecking) Permits
- City of Chicago, Department of Transportation: Residential Driveway Permit Instructions
- City of Chicago: 811 Chicago (DIGGER)
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.