Attention Licensed Contractor:

As you perform jobs in the City of Chicago, please remember that it is your responsibility to request rough and final inspections of the work you perform in accordance with Chapter 14A-5 of the Chicago Construction Codes Administrative Provisions in a timely manner. All requests for inspections of permitted work must be submitted online.

If you do not request and pass Department of Buildings inspections of the work covered by your permit by set deadlines, your permit will be suspended and eventually expire. 

As of today, if your new construction or renovation permit was issued on or before September 7, 2023, and you have not yet requested and passed any inspections, the permit is suspended. You must obtain a reinstatement permit, and pay a reinstatement fee, before you can continue.

If you passed an initial inspection more than one year ago, and additional inspections are required, your permit is also suspended.

If your permit is suspended, you must obtain a reinstatement permit and pay a reinstatement fee before you can continue.

If the same permit was issued on or before September 11, 2022, and you have not yet requested and passed any inspections, the permit is expired and cannot be reinstated. You will need to apply for a new permit to begin or continue the project.

Here are some additional important reminders about permit inspections:

• Before any work begins, you must ensure that all permit fees are paid in full and a copy of the permit certificate is posted at the job site in a place that is visible from a public street or sidewalk.
• For new construction and renovation permits, work must begin and pass an initial inspection within 180 days of paying the permit fee.
• For permits issued through the Express Permit Program, if the permit certificate states that inspections are required, work must begin and pass an initial inspection within 365 days of permit issuance.
• For any type of permit to remain active, after the first inspection, you must request and pass at least one inspection every 365 days.
• The Department may suspend or revoke your contractor license if you fail to request required inspections.

Important Links

Online Inspection Request Form

Chapter 14A-5: Inspection and Observation of Permitted Work (Chicago Construction Codes Administrative Provisions)

How do I reinstate a suspended building permit? (Guide to Building Permits)