Permit Application Forms
Online Permit Application Instructions
When using the online permit application portal to begin a building permit application, please refer to the Building Permit Online Application Instructions.
For PDF application forms, please download a copy to your computer before using. Attempting to fill out PDF forms in your browser may cause errors.
- Building permits help to ensure construction work complies with the minimum standards of safety established by the Chicago Construction Codes in order to protect public health, safety, and welfare. In order to provide more responsive service, the Department of Buildings offers permitting processes tailored for a wide variety of projects, from home repairs to new skyscrapers. For more information about different permit processes, click here.
- Building Permit Application (Form 400)
- Applicant Acting as Contractor (Form 401)
- Excavation Certification (Form 402)
- Sample Code Compliance Matrix - 2019 Chicago Construction Codes and Chicago Zoning Ordinance
Microsoft Word (.docx) | Portable Document Format (.pdf)
- You must obtain a demolition (wrecking) permit before beginning work to demolish an entire building or structure, to demolish substantially all of the above-grade portion of a building or structure, or to alter an existing building and permanently reduce its building area. For more information about demolition permits, click here.
- Demolition Permit Application (Form 480)
- Dwelling Unit Demolition Surcharge Approval (Online Form)
- Excavation Certification (Form 402)
- The Developer Services permit program is designed to meet the specialized needs of moderate to complex construction projects. For more information about the Developer Services Permit Program, click here.
- Traditional Developer Services Intake Checklist
- Developer Services Conflict of Interest Form
- Green Permit Pre-Review Submittal
- HVAC and Plumbing Schedules (Microsoft Excel Format)
- Sales Trailer Requirements
- Note: Additional forms are available under "Building Permits."
- The Easy Permit Program is a streamlined permit process for repair work and small improvement projects. For more information about the Easy Permit Program, click here.
- Instructions for Online Submission of Easy Permit Applications
- Instructions for "Short Form" Permit Applications
- Easy Permit Application
- Easy Permit Program Checklist
- Change Drainage and Vent Pipe Material – Residential Building (Form EPP DWV)
- Applicant Acting as Contractor (Form 401)
This form is required if an owner is acting as the general contractor or plumber for the owner's primary residence.
- Permits for electrical repairs, electrical alterations to existing buildings, and electrical work not associated with a building permit are issued to City-licensed electrical contractors. Contractors must apply for these permits through the City's online permit portal.
- An elevator permit is required for the installation, renovation, repair or removal of an elevator, escalator, or other conveyance device. For more information, click here.
- Elevator/Conveyance Device Installation Permit
- Sundry Permit for Elevator/Conveyance Device Repairs
- Mechanical Amusement Riding Device Permit
- Elevator Stoppage Report
This form must be filed with the Department of Buildings within 48 hours of an elevator stoppage.
- For every permit application which requires architectural plans, an Illinois-licensed architect or engineer who is familiar with the project and Chicago's energy conservation requirements must complete a one-page compliance statement and submit it with the permit application. For more information on Chicago's energy conservation requirements, click here.
- 2022 Energy Transformation Code Residential Compliance Statement (Form 408R) (residential buildings up to 4 stories)
- 2022 Energy Transformation Code Commercial Compliance Statement (Form 408C) (all other buildings)
- 2019 Energy Conservation Residential Compliance Statement (Form 408R) (residential buildings up to 4 stories)
- 2019 Energy Conservation Commercial Compliance Statement (Form 408C) (all other buildings)
- Permits for fire alarm systems, based on shop drawings, are issued to City-licensed electrical contractors or State-licensed private alarm contractors. Contractors must apply for fire alarm system permits through the City's online permit portal. Drawings are submitted and reviewed electronically.
- Maximum capacity signs (sometimes called "occupancy placards") are required for rooms, spaces, and facilities where people gather. For more information, click here.
- Maximum Capacity Sign Application
- Maximum Capacity Sign Instructions
- Maximum Capacity Floor Plan Sample
- Most plumbing work is permitted as part of a building permit based on plans prepared by an architect or engineer. Minor plumbing repair and replacement work may be permitted without plans, based on a "short form" application through the Easy Permit Process. For more information, click here.
- Application to Replace Existing Plumbing Fixtures (Plumbing Short Form)
- Most refrigeration work is permitted as part of a building permit based on plans prepared by an architect or engineer. Minor refrigeration repair and replacement work may be permitted without plans, based on a "short form" application through the Easy Permit Process. For more information, click here. Refrigeration equipment may also require an Air Pollution Control Permit from the Chicago Department of Public Health.
- Refrigeration Permit Application (no plans) (Refrigeration Short Form)
- The Self-Certification Permit Program 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. For more information, click here.
- Self-Certification Professional Statement (Form 410)
- Applicant Acknowledgement and Hold Harmless (Form 411)
- Self-Certification Debt Check Process
- Note: Additional forms are available under "Building Permits."
- A sign permit, issued by the Department of Buildings, is required before installing most signs or sign structures. For more information, click here.
- Online Sign Permit Application (Step 1)
- Supplemental Sign Permit Application (Step 2)
- The Standard Plan Review Permit Program is the main permitting process for building permit applications which require architectural plans. For more information, click here.
- Professional Certification of Corrections (Form 420)
- Note: Additional forms are available under "Building Permits."
- A scaffolding permit from the Department of Buildings is required for scaffolding that is either: located anywhere within the central business district and more than 40 feet above grade or outside the central business district and more than 80 feet above grade. For more information, click here. A permit from the Department of Transportation (CDOT) is required if scaffolding will be installed on or above a public sidewalk, street, or alley (the public way).
- Scaffolding Permit Application
- Temporary structures (installed at the same location for 180 days or less) such as tents and stages, that do not cover more than 400 square feet and do not exceed 15 feet in height do not require a building permit. Temporary structures that do not cover more than 600 square feet and do not exceed 15 feet in height may obtain a building permit using the Easy Permit Process. Temporary structures that cover more than 600 square feet or that exceed 15 feet in height must obtain a building permit based on plans prepared by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer.
- Building Permit Application (Form 400)
- Easy Permit Application - for temporary structures that do not cover more than 600 square feet and do not exceed 15 feet in height
- Most ventilation and heating work is permitted as part of a building permit based on plans prepared by an architect or engineer. Minor ventilation or heating repair and replacement work may be permitted without plans, based on a "short form" application through the Easy Permit Process. For more information, click here. Ventilation and heating equipment may also require an Air Pollution Control Permit from the Chicago Department of Public Health.
- Ventilation and Heating Equipment Permit Application (Ventilation Short Form)
Related Forms and Regulations from Other Departments
Links in this section are provided for convenience. Please confirm with the relevant department that forms and procedures referenced in this section are current.