A series of videos to show residents and business owners what an inspection looks like.

A Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Department of Buildings to certify that residential buildings with 4 or more units and larger non-residential buildings conform to the requirements of the Chicago Building Code.

To allow for a shorter, simpler and more efficient building permit process, all Standard Plan Review building permit applications must use the Certified Plan Corrections program to address most types of plan review corrections issued by the Department of Buildings after a full review.

Keep your children safe at home. Too often, children are seriously injured or killed as a result of falling from a window. There are basic steps you can take to help make sure children stay healthy and safe at your home.

This committee of building industry technical professional and City staff meets once a month to review the suitability of new systems and methods of construction, new types of equipment, or new combinations of materials not currently permitted or recognized by the Code.

A new Crane Ordinance, passed by the Chicago City Council in November 2013, will be fully effective March 1, 2016.

The Electrical Commission of the City of Chicago is charged with formulating and recommending safe and practical standards and specifications for the installation, alteration and use of electrical equipment designed to meet the necessities and conditions that prevail in the City of Chicago, recommending reasonable rules and regulations governing the issuance of electrical permits, and recommending reasonable fees to be paid for electrical inspections.

The Chicago Energy Conservation Code is based on the International Energy Conservation Code. All plan-based building permit applications must be accompanied by a compliance statement, prepared by a licensed design professional, documenting how applicable energy conservation requirements are met.

The OUC and Geotech Reviews, analyze projects that are performing excavation near to or on the Public Right of Way, to ensure that the proposed work does not damage the utilities that are near project work site. These reviews are performed by the Department of Transportation and the Department of Buildings.

Building Permit Application Forms

Frequently asked questions about porch safety.

Roof top water tanks are regulated by the Department of Buildings.

Scaffolding Information

The Structural Peer Review Program is designed to expedite the permit process by reducing the time and effort required for conventional structural plan examination by Department of Buildings personnel.

City of Chicago Vacant Building De-Registration Process