The Chicago Department of Transportation's Regulations for Openings, Construction, and Repair in the Public Way is a comprehensive manual for contractors, trades, utilities, agencies, and other professionals to plan and execute construction and restoration in Chicago's public way.

The links on this page provide information for contractors building in the public way.

• 2016 Rules and Regulations for Construction in the Public Way

• 2019 Rules and Regulations for Construction in the Public Way

Other public way construction information:

• ADA Construction Standards: List of Approved Detectable Warning Product Suppliers

• Street and Site Plan Design Standards

• Streetscape Design Guidelines

• Scaffolding/canopies: Accessibility Requirements

• Pursuant to Municipal Code of Chicago § 10-29-060, the Chicago Department of Transportation’s Regulations for Use of City Light Poles are amended, effective date July 3, 2025, by adding Section 17 – Worker Qualifications; Responsibility for Agents and Contractors.  Additional updates to the Regulations for Use of City Light Poles - click here