Permit Checker
Do I Need a Permit in Chicago?
Answer three quick questions. You get the likely answer from the City's own permit rules: no permit, Express Permit, a plan-based permit, or a separate CDOT permit.
Answer three quick questions. You get the likely answer from the City's own permit rules: no permit, Express Permit, a plan-based permit, or a separate CDOT permit.
Every answer comes from the City of Chicago Department of Buildings permit pages, and each result links to the page it comes from.
The City's no-permit list is short and specific. Work that is not on it, like tuckpointing, needs a permit, usually through the online Express Permit Program.
Two things change the answer everywhere: Landmark properties may not get the no-permit exemptions, and work in the street, alley or sidewalk needs a separate CDOT permit.
Even when no permit is needed, the work has to meet code, and most work still has to be done by a City-licensed general contractor (masonry by a licensed mason, roofing by an Illinois-licensed roofer).
Estimates only. Measure carefully and confirm quantities with your supplier or contractor before ordering.
No. The City lists tuckpointing under the Express Permit Program's Masonry Work category, and the work needs a licensed mason contractor unless the owner qualifies as owner-contractor.
The City's online permit for most repair work and small improvements, with no plan review. It replaced the old Easy Permit process in November 2023.
The City can issue a stop work order and penalties. Getting the work permitted after the fact is possible; Akats handles permit expediting and violation cases.
Long-term senior homeowners (65+) who meet income limits can get the permit fee waived for repairs on 1 to 3 unit buildings they live in.
Calculators get you close. A free on-site estimate gets you the price. We answer in English and Spanish.
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