Permits for Solar and Other Green Technologies

The City of Chicago encourages building design, construction and renovation in a manner that provides healthier environments, reduces operating costs, and conserves energy. 

Permit applications that include green technologies such as green roofs, rainwater harvesting, solar panels, solar thermal panels, wind turbine and geothermal systems should use the following permit application guidelines:

Solar Express Permit Program

The Solar Express Permit Program is designed to incentivize solar panel installations.

  1. Additional Photovoltaic Panel Wind Loading Standards Allowed for Flat Roof Installations
  2. Department of Buildings PV permit process pathways
  3. Photovoltaic Panel Guidelines
  4. Required Submittal Information
  5. Span Tables