Supporting Information
Alternative Code Approval Request (ACAR) Process
The Alternative Code Approval Request (ACAR) process provides a uniform procedure for State-licensed design professionals and city-licensed or registered contractors and trade professionals to request project-specific approvals explicitly required by the Chicago Construction Codes or project-specific modifications of code requirements. In limited cases, building owners may also submit such requests.
Building Permit Inspection Videos
A series of videos to show residents and business owners what an inspection looks like.
Certificates of Occupancy
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.
Chicago Heat Ordinance
The Department of Buildings enforces the Chicago Minimum Requirements for Existing Buildings which includes the Chicago Heat Ordinance. The Heat Ordinance requires that during cold weather months landlords supply heat to rental units where occupants do not have individual control of the heat.
Child Window Safety
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.
Committee on Standards and Tests
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.
Electrical Commission
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.
Energy Conservation Requirements
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.
Geotech-OUC Reviews
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.
Permit Application Forms
Building Permit Application Forms
Roof-Top Water Tank
Roof top water tanks are regulated by the Department of Buildings.
Senior Safety Ordinance
The Senior Safety Ordinance was approved by the Chicago City Council in July 2020 and creates additional requirements for owners of senior buildings to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of their residents during a declared disaster related to public health.
Structural Peer Review Program
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.
Vacant Building De-Registration Process
City of Chicago Vacant Building De-Registration Process