Chicago’s Department of Buildings (DOB) administers construction permits and inspections under the Chicago Construction Codes. Most construction, demolition, and substantial repair work requires a permit, but the review path depends on project scope. DOB uses several processes, including the Express Permit Program for many repairs and smaller improvements, Standard Plan Review for projects requiring architectural plans, Self-Certification for eligible projects, and Developer Services for more complex development.
Zoning review is a separate but integrated part of the permit process. The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) manages Chicago’s zoning and land-use policies and reviews building permit applications for zoning compliance. Property-specific zoning can include residential, business, commercial, manufacturing, downtown, planned-development, and other classifications, so applicants should check the City’s interactive zoning map before designing a project. A building permit cannot move forward until required zoning review is resolved.
Chicago Landmark properties and buildings within landmark districts receive additional preservation review. The Commission on Chicago Landmarks evaluates proposed alterations, demolition, and new construction affecting designated historic features. This review is generally incorporated into the normal City building-permit process rather than requiring a separate landmark building permit.
Work extending beyond private property can involve additional agencies. The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) regulates construction and utility activity in streets, alleys, sidewalks, and other portions of the public way through its permit system. Depending on the project, applicants may therefore need coordinated approvals from DOB, DPD, historic-preservation staff, CDOT, or other City departments before work proceeds.