The Self-Certification Permit Program, commonly referred to as "Self-Cert", simplifies the building permit process for eligible residential, business, mercantile, and assembly projects where the registered self-certification professional (an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer who has completed additional training offered by the Department of Buildings) takes full responsibility for code compliance.  The DOB plan reviews are eliminated by allowing the registered self-certification professional to certify that the permit drawings comply with the Chicago Construction Codes.  The self-certification professional must prepare and seal the permit drawings and submit them to the city using the E-Plan system. Permit expediters are not allowed to assist with uploading self-certified permit applications.

Process and Timing

A registered self-certification professional must prepare and seal the permit drawings and submit them to the city using the E-Plan system.

Permit expediters are not allowed to assist with uploading self-certified permit applications.

After zoning is approved, self-certified permit applications are typically issued a permit within 10 business days if all contractor licenses are valid and there are no building violations or stop work orders on the property.

Self-Certification Training Class

The Department offers training for new and renewing self-certification professionals in odd-numbered years. Due to facility availability, the 2021 training class has been delayed until early 2022.

For more information on the January 18-20, 2022 training class, click here.

Registered Self-Certification Professionals

List of Registered Self-Certification Professionals (updated February 25, 2022)