Building Inspections

Whether you rent or own, expect a building inspection from either the Department of Buildings or the Fire Department. Chapter 1, Section 13-20-020 of the Chicago Building Code details the scope of buildings that can be inspected on an annual basis. The Department of Buildings and Fire Department have the authority to:

“…make an annual inspection of all theaters, churches, schools, public assembly units; and open air assembly units and also all buildings over one story in height, except single dwelling units, multiple use buildings consisting of business and dwelling units two stories or less in height, and multiple dwelling units three stories or less in height, unless such multiple dwelling units are lodging or rooming houses with sleeping accommodations for twenty or more persons.”

In other words, both departments have extensive authority to conduct annual inspections on any building in the City, except for single-family homes. However, given the number of buildings in Chicago, they are likely to focus on the highest-risk buildings: those greater than three stories (or 60 feet) in height, and assembly areas for more than 75 people. Although inspectors regularly review residential buildings, they generally focus on larger multiple dwelling-unit buildings (i.e. apartments and multi-unit condos) or when a complaint has been made about a property.

The fee for building inspections is based on square footage of the building: $40 for the first 25,000 square feet, and $20 for each additional 25,000 square feet or any fraction thereafter.

You can verify an inspector's credentials as a City employee through their Valid City Identification Card. The inspector should be able to provide basic information about the reason for inspection. Once the inspection is completed, you will receive a bill in the mail. Make your payment to the Chicago Department of Revenue.

In spaces where residential and commercial uses are shared, inspectors will be concerned with construction or build-out appropriate with the type of use. This will focus on size and location of exits and, if there is an obvious residential use, appropriate natural light and ventilation. If the space is mixed-use (a business on one floor and a residence above, for example), the inspector will check to make sure the building’s construction materials provide adequate separation or protection so that fire cannot easily jump from floor to floor. Furthermore, they will look for obvious structural defects or problems in the roof, walls and foundation. If they see evidence of recent construction, they will check for a permit.

There are also specific inspections for technical and mechanical systems, public places of assembly, and public places of amusement. Click here for the types of building inspections you can expect for your space, including heat, carbon monoxide, occupancy certificate, conservation, new construction and façade/exterior walls inspections.

This links to information on the technical inspections for boilers, construction, electrical systems, elevators, iron, plumbing, refrigeration and ventilation. (insert hyperlink

• Inspections and checklists for Public Places of Assembly or Public Places of Amusement (PPA). This includes galleries, art centers, schools, rehearsal spaces -- essentially, all the places people congregate either to work or play.
• Information on the Fire Code and Fire Inspections. Information on Liquor Licensing Inspections.
• More Liquor Licensing Inspection information here.

You can deny an inspector access to your space. Keep in mind, however, that if you do not let the inspector in, they normally write up any potential violations and take the owner or occupant to court, where the judge can coerce your cooperation with fees, fines and other penalties.