Work Requiring a Permit

Work that falls into this category requires a building permit.  Some of the work may or may not require drawings.   You will need to check with DCAP about whether drawings are needed.  The following work requires a permit:

• Changing, replacing, or removing walls, columns and beams, as well as required exits or sources of natural light and ventilation.
  
• New construction, major repairs, renovations and demolitions.
• Installation of new boilers, furnaces, plumbing fixtures, garages, additions, porches, and decks.
  
• Erecting fences over 5' in height (all fences regardless of size require a permit for buildings with landmark status)
  
• Building a mechanical, supply or exhaust ventilation system
• Building, replacing, or enclosing and heating a new or existing porch system
  
• Changing from a single family to multiple family building
  Reducing the number of dwelling units (Deconversion)
  
• Complete modernization or conversion
  
• Construction or alteration of plumbing systems
• Demolition of any building
  
• Erecting chimneys
  
• Alteration to source of required natural light and ventilation
• Finishing rooms in the attic or basement
  
• Installing new driveways
  
• Installation, replacement or extension of warm air furnaces in all building types
  
• Replacing siding with masonry veneer or face brick
  
• Replacing existing masonry
  
• Replacing roof (if slope is less than 5-in-12)
  
• Alteration or expansion of electrical system
• New additions (upper floor, 1st floor expansion, greenhouse, etc.) or dormers
  
• Building an attached garage
  
• Building a carport

Keep in mind if the property is classified as a Chicago Landmark or rests within a Landmark District, you must obtain permission from the Landmarks Commission to make any changes in the material of roofs, windows and exterior walls visible from a public street.  You can contact the contact the Landmark Division at 312.744.3200.

-           Map of Chicago’s Landmark Districts