Straight Answers for Chicago Property Owners
Building violations, permits, porches, brick, concrete and roofs, explained by a Chicago contractor that fixes them. In English and Spanish.
Building violations, permits, porches, brick, concrete and roofs, explained by a Chicago contractor that fixes them. In English and Spanish.
Wondering about a Chicago occupancy permit? Which projects raise the question, what we can and cannot confirm, and who to ask at the City before you start.
Read →Permits and Licensing · Quick answerChicago has no building permit for a fence up to 5 feet that meets zoning, or a retaining wall up to 4 feet. Here are the limits and the catches.
Read →Permits and Licensing · Quick answerBuilding a new garage in Chicago generally needs a building permit. What the City says about Express, plan review, slabs and driveways. Free estimates.
Read →Permits and Licensing · Quick answerA Chicago dumpster permit depends on where it sits. In the street, alley or sidewalk it needs a CDOT permit. What the City says. Free estimates.
Read →Permits and Licensing · Quick answerChicago lets some emergency work start before the permit to stop imminent harm, with filing the next business day. What the City says. Free estimates.
Read →Permits and Licensing · Quick answerChicago's Easy Permit was replaced by the Express Permit Program in 2023. What changed, what Express covers, and what to ask a contractor. Free estimates.
Read →Permits and Licensing · ArticleWork done without a permit in Chicago? What the City says happens, why Express often does not apply, and the steps to put the work on the record.
Read →Permits and Licensing · ArticleHow a Chicago permit inspection works: who requests it, what the City says about scheduling, how to avoid failing, and what an open permit costs you.
Read →Permits and Licensing · ArticleChicago permit expiration rules in plain English: the inspection clocks, why the City says it cannot reinstate a permit, and your options if yours lapsed.
Read →Permits and Licensing · ArticleHow to run a Chicago building permit lookup by address, what permit, inspection and violation records show, and what they leave out. Free estimates.
Read →Permits and Licensing · ArticleGot Chicago permit review comments or a rejected permit application? How to sort the comments, who answers each one, and what to confirm with DOB.
Read →Permits and Licensing · ArticleWhat goes into Chicago building permit cost: how the City's fees work, what else lands on the bill, when fees triple, and who may qualify for a waiver.
Read →Permits and Licensing · ArticleNo one can promise a Chicago permit date. Here is what sets the clock: the program, the drawings, zoning, open violations and licenses. Plan around it.
Read →Permits and Licensing · ArticleChicago permit expediter cost depends on the permit route, drawings, violations and scope of service. What drives the fee and how to compare quotes fairly.
Read →Permits and Licensing · ArticleWhat a Chicago permit expediter does, who is allowed to file which permits, and when you need one, an architect, or neither. Know before you hire.
Read →Permits and Licensing · What went wrongChicago permit violations usually start with a 311 call or a passing inspector. What happens next, what it costs you, and how to get legal again.
Read →Permits and Licensing · Code explainerScaffolds, dumpsters and materials on a Chicago sidewalk, alley or parkway need a separate public way permit from CDOT. What counts and what to ask.
Read →Permits and Licensing · Code explainerOwner as contractor in Chicago: the City lets some owners pull their own permit. Who qualifies, what you file, and the duties that come with it.
Read →Permits and Licensing · Code explainerChicago requires a City mason contractor license for brick, stone and concrete work. The classes, the exceptions, and how to check your mason's license.
Read →Permits and Licensing · Code explainerChicago general contractor license requirements in plain English: the five classes, who is exempt, and why a handyman or home repair license may not do.
Read →Permits and Licensing · Code explainerWhat Chicago says needs no building permit: small masonry, roof patches, flatwork, fences and porch upkeep. And the catch that trips owners. Free quote.
Read →Permits and Licensing · Code explainerChicago's Self-Certified Permit program is for architects and structural engineers, not owners. How it works, who qualifies and what it means for you.
Read →Permits and Licensing · Code explainerChicago Standard Plan Review is the permit track that requires architect drawings. Who it is for, who prepares the plans, and what to ask before you apply.
Read →Permits and Licensing · Code explainerThe Chicago Express Permit Program covers masonry, roofing, porch repair and more, and skips new builds and bigger jobs. See what fits. Free estimates.
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