Enclosing a Chicago Back Porch: Code and Permits

If you want to close in a back porch, the first thing to know is that the City sees it as a change to the building, not a repair to what is there. That one fact decides which permit you need, who draws the plans, and how much needs to be settled before anyone picks up a saw.

Does a Chicago enclosed porch need a permit?

Yes. The City's Express Permit page for porch repair says Express is allowed for repair of existing structures and in-kind replacement. It says Express is not allowed for new structures, for structures larger or smaller or in a different location or configuration, for legalizing or rebuilding work done without a permit, or for enclosed porches. Those jobs need a plan-based permit (City of Chicago Express porch page).

That matches the City's wider rule: a permit is required before most construction, rehabilitation and repair work, and only a limited range of work is exempt (City of Chicago). Porch work is on the Express list, but that is the repair track (City of Chicago). Closing in a porch is outside it.

Even a repair on an existing porch has limits. DOB says repairing or replacing structural elements such as columns, beams, foundations, stringers and floor joists always needs a permit, with plans by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer (City of Chicago). An enclosure adds walls and a roof over that framing, so assume the framing is part of the review.

What does a plan-based permit involve?

Plan-based permits require plans prepared by an Illinois-licensed architect or engineer, and for most projects that means an architect or a structural engineer (City of Chicago). The City's Standard Plan Review track requires an architect to prepare the drawings, submissions go through an online plan system, and all projects need zoning approval (City of Chicago). Ask the Department of Buildings which review track your enclosure falls under, since that depends on the project.

In practice, that means you start with drawings, not with a contractor and a truckload of lumber. If you would like the design and the build under one roof, see how our porch team approaches it.

What should you ask the City before you design?

We cannot give you a verified answer on all of these. Ask the Department of Buildings and the zoning staff:

1. Is a screened porch "enclosed"? The City's Express page says enclosed porches are not allowed under Express. We could not confirm from a City source whether screens, glass, or full walls change the answer. Do not assume that screen is exempt.
2. What does the enclosure do to exits? A repair is exempt from a permit only if it does not remove or change required egress (City of Chicago), and inspectors check means of egress, including exterior stairs and porches (City of Chicago). A back porch is often the way out of the upper units. Ask how the enclosure affects it.
3. What does zoning allow? Zoning approval is part of plan-based review, and the rules on lot coverage and setbacks are the City's. Ask before you design.
4. Does the existing porch have a permit history? If the porch was built or altered without a permit, the City's list of work it will not take on Express includes legalizing or rebuilding unpermitted work (City of Chicago).
5. Which other codes apply? An enclosure can bring in rules beyond the structure, such as energy, fire and ventilation. We cannot list them from a verified source, so ask DOB or your architect.

Why does the City treat an enclosure differently from a repair?

An open porch and an enclosed one are different structures, and the framing is the same framing carrying a different job. An engineer checks the posts, beams, footings and connections for what is being added. The Lincoln Park porch collapse is the reminder of what happens when a porch outgrows its structure: the City's findings cited a porch that extended too far from the building, inadequate supports and undersized flooring, and the building had been converted from five units to three without a permit (CBS Chicago). That is a different failure from an enclosure, but it shows why unreviewed changes are the risk. See the Lincoln Park porch collapse for the full account.

What if you already enclosed it?

If the City finds work without a required permit, it can post a stop work order. Work resumes only after the permit is issued and the stop-work penalty is paid, the permit fee is tripled in most cases, and the City can start an enforcement case. You may have to correct or remove the work at your own expense (City of Chicago). Fees and rules change, so confirm the current details with DOB. If this is you, our permit expediting team can help you work out how to put the work on the record.

Who can do the work?

A Chicago general contractor license is required for most building construction, alteration and repair, including work that is exempt from a building permit (City of Chicago). If the building is your primary residence, three stories or fewer with six or fewer units, you may be able to act as your own contractor, taking on responsibility for safety, inspections and code compliance (City of Chicago). For a structural enclosure, most owners are better served by a licensed contractor working from stamped drawings.

For the related question of a new covered porch, see covered porch permits in Chicago. For what the City requires of porches in general, read Chicago porch code. When drawings are required, see porch drawings in Chicago. The permit rules for repairs are in the Chicago porch permit guide, and the full picture of repair, rebuild and rules is in our Chicago porch guide.

Common questions

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.