Do You Need a Permit to Patch a Chicago Roof?

So, do I need a permit to repair a roof in Chicago? For a small patch on a pitched roof, usually no. For a flat roof, ask first. The City's own pages say two things that do not fit together neatly, and we will show you both so you can decide what to ask.

What does the City say about roof patches?

The Department of Buildings (DOB) says a permit is not required for roof repair limited to 25 percent of the roof area (patching) on any building, as long as no part of an exterior wall or roof is cut away (City of Chicago). The City also lists repair as exempt only if it does not involve cutting away part of an exterior wall or roof, removing structural supports, or working on plumbing, electrical, mechanical or gas systems (City of Chicago).

For pitched roofs, the City's no-permit list covers repair, recover and replacement on roofs with a pitch of at least 2:12 on residential buildings up to four stories (and accessory buildings like garages). Structural repair and any low-slope work still need a permit (City of Chicago).

Exempt work still has to meet the construction codes, and these pages change, so confirm the current wording with the DOB before you rely on them.

Why is a flat roof different?

Because the City also says a permit is required for any structural roof repair and any work on low-slope roofs, even on residential buildings up to four stories (City of Chicago). Chicago two-flats, three-flats and many commercial buildings have flat or low-slope roofs.

So a small patch on a flat roof sits between two rules. One says patching up to 25 percent on "any building" needs no permit. The other says low-slope roof work needs one. We cannot reconcile those for you, and a roofer who says "it's just a patch, no permit" without asking is guessing. Call the DOB, describe your roof (slope, size, what you want to patch) and get the answer for your building. Write down who you spoke to.

When is a permit definitely needed?

• Structural repair. Repairs to the roof structure need a permit (City of Chicago).
• Cutting into a wall or the roof. The patch exemption does not apply if any part of an exterior wall or roof is cut away (City of Chicago).
• Bigger jobs. Roof repair beyond 25 percent of the area is no longer a patch. The Express reroofing permit covers repair limited to 25 percent of the roof, a recover over one existing layer and a replacement with no structural work (City of Chicago). See our Chicago roof permit guide and what Chicago requires when you re-roof.
• Emergencies. If a leak needs fixing now to prevent imminent harm, the City lets work that normally needs a permit start first, with an application due the next business day and no concealing of the work without an inspector's approval (City of Chicago). Confirm the current steps with the DOB.

Who can do the patch?

If someone else is doing the work, roofing in Illinois is licensed. Roofing and waterproofing work may be done only by a licensed roofing contractor or qualifying party. The state law has an exception for a person doing roofing work on their own property (Illinois law, exceptions). Do not read that as permission to climb on a wet flat roof. If the work needs a permit, the City also looks at contractor licensing (City of Chicago).

Where does the leak come from? Our guide to finding and fixing a flat roof leak walks through where to look first, and our Chicago roofing guide covers the whole system. If you want a roofer to tell you what the patch should be and what to ask the City, our roofing team will look at it. For a pitched roof, see shingle roof replacement on a Chicago bungalow.

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.