Supporting Information
A Guide for MOPD's Language Access Policy
MOPD's Language Access Policy
A Permit Overview
A Permit Overview
Administrative Adjustments
Administrative adjustments are intended to provide a streamlined approval procedure for minor modifications of selected zoning standards.
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.
Apprentice Crane Operator License
Important information about City of Chicago apprentice crane operator licenses
Apprentice Plumber License
Important information about City of Chicago apprentice plumber licenses
Blocking Rainwater and Preventing Sewer Backup
Information on Blocking Rainwater and Preventing Sewer Backup
Board-up Company (Regulated Business) License
Important information about City of Chicago board-up company licenses, a type of regulated business license
Building Permit Inspection Videos
A series of videos to show residents and business owners what an inspection looks like.
Campaign Financing Ordinance
Campaign Financing Ordinance of the City of Chicago
Carbon Monoxide Alarms for Your Home
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you. Carbon monoxide alarms help to protect you and your family from this invisible threat. Learn more about carbon monoxide alarms for your home.
Certificate of Zoning Compliance
A Certificate of Zoning Compliance certifies the number of residential dwelling units at the property that are legal under the Chicago Zoning Ordinance.
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.
Certified Plan Corrections
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.
Chicago Energy Transformation Code
The 2022 Chicago Energy Transformation Code is based on the 2021 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.
Chicago Landmark Designation: Marina City
The Commission on Chicago Landmarks voted in favor of a final recommendation to City Council that Marina City be designated as a Chicago Landmark.
Chicago Ready to Learn
Chicago Ready to Learn DFSS and CPS partnership
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.
Conservation Inspection
The Division of Building Inspections, more commonly known as "Conservation", is charged with enforcing the Chicago Building Code as it relates to the City's existing housing stock.
Crane Operator License
Important information about City of Chicago crane operator licenses
Demolition Delay
The Demolition-Delay Ordinance, adopted by City Council in 2003, establishes a hold of up to 90 days in the issuance of any demolition permit for certain historic buildings in order that the Department of Zoning and Land Use Planning can explore options, as appropriate, to preserve the building, including but not limited to landmark designation.
Demolition Delay Hold List (2014)
See the list for Demolition Delay Hold for the year 2014
Demolition Delay Hold List (2015)
See the list for Demolition Delay Hold for 2015
Demolition Delay Hold List (2016)
See the list for Demolition Delay Hold for 2016
Demolition Delay Hold List (2017)
See the list for Demolition Delay Hold for 2017
Demolition Delay Hold List (2018)
See the list for Demolition Delay Hold for 2018
Demolition Delay Hold List (2019)
See the list for Demolition Delay Hold for 2019
Demolition Delay Hold List (2022)
See the list for Demolition Delay Hold for the year 2022
Demolition Delay Hold List (2023)
See the list for Demolition Delay Hold for the year 2023
Disconnect Your Downspout
A Guide to Downspout Disconnection
Doing Our Share for Cleaner Air: Idling Reduction
Information Regarding Cleaner Air through Idling Reduction
Downspouts, Rain Barrels and Cisterns
Traditionally, roof runoff in Chicago has been routed via downspouts directly into the sewer system. However, the City of Chicago encourages the careful disconnection of downspouts so that roof runoff can flow directly into vegetated areas. Please see various options on this page.
Drain Layer Contractor License
Important information about City of Chicago drain layer contractor licenses
Electrical Contractor License
Important information about City of Chicago electrical contractor licenses
Elevator Mechanic Contractor License
Important information about City of Chicago elevator mechanic contractor licenses
Environmental Rules and Regulations
CDPH enforces the Rules and Regulations in cooperation with other City departments where applicable
Focal Point Community Campus
The Chicago Southwest Development Corporation (CSDC) is proposing to develop the mixed-use Focal Point Community Campus on approximately 30 acres of land at the southwest corner of West 31st Street and South Kedzie Avenue in the Little Village neighborhood.
General Contractor License
Important information about City of Chicago general contractor licenses
General Contractors License
Information on General Contractors License
Gift Restrictions - A Plain English Guide
Before they accept any gift, City employees and officials should consider not only whether the law permits them to keep the gift, but whether accepting it may create the perception that their independent judgment will be compromised.
Governmental Ethics Ordinance/ Rules & Regs / Executive Orders
Chapter 2-156 (Prior Code §26.2) of the Municipal Code of Chicago as amended, effective November 1, 2012
Harbor Permit Review Process
CDOT has the responsibility to review all permits requested within 40 feet of City waterways.
Instructions for Commercial Driveway Permit Application – this should be a link on the Driveway permits
Home Repair (Regulated Business) License
Important information about City of Chicago home repair licenses, a type of regulated business license
Home Repair Program - Request for Proposals
The Home Repair Program RFP is seeking administrators for years 2023 and 2024 to provide a variety of home improvements to Chicago residents.
Illinois-licensed Private Alarm Contractors
Important information about how Illinois-licensed private alarm contractors and private alarm contractor agencies can apply for (or be listed on) permits in the City of Chicago
Industrial Corridor Modernization Initiative
The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) initiated a public process in spring 2016 to refine land use policies for continued growth and private investment in the City’s Industrial Corridor system
Investigation of Discrimination Complaints
The Commission on Human Relations receives, investigates, and rules on discrimination complaints filed under the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance and Chicago Fair Housing Ordinance.
Job Order Contracts (JOC) Sub-Order Releases
Various City Department's Job Order Contracts (JOC) Sub-Order Releases
LOBBYIST DEFINITIONS
Definition of a Lobbyist.
Landscape Ordinance
The City of Chicago's Landscape Ordinance requires landscape features to be incorporated into all new or substantially renovated business, commercial buildings and large residential buildings.
Lobbying FAQ's
The following is representative of situations where a person is NOT lobbying.
Lobbyist Filing Requirements
The Governmental Ethics Ordinance requires persons who lobby City government to register with the Board of Ethics and regularly file activity reports (or termination notices, where appropriate).
Lobbyist Forms
Please note that anyone may print or download these blank forms and the filing instructions that accompany them, but the Board of Ethics will not accept for filing any form that is returned to the Board's offices electronically. Only those forms delivered to the Board in person or by mail that contain hand-written signatures can be accepted by the Board of Ethics for filing in compliance with the relevant provisions of the City's Governmental Ethics Ordinance.
Mason Contractor License
Important information about City of Chicago mason contractor licenses
Modernizing Chicago's Construction Codes
The City of Chicago is in the middle of a multi-year effort to realign Chicago’s construction codes, based on widely-used model construction codes, while maintaining longstanding requirements that are well-adapted to local conditions. The current effort began in 2015 and is planned for completion in 2023.
Neighborhood Opportunity Bonus: Leveraging Downtown Zoning to Foster Neighborhood Development and Central Area Growth
Updates to the Chicago zoning code's downtown floor area bonus system and downtown zoning district geography were approved by City Council in May 2016. Coordinated as the Neighborhood Opportunity Bonus, the changes simplify and update the downtown floor area bonus system; accommodate ongoing central area growth through an expanded downtown zoning district; and provide new funding sources to encourage commercial development in neighborhoods lacking private investment.
North Branch Framework Plan, Design Guidelines and Implementation
Land use framework plan and design guidelines for the North Branch Industrial Corridor.
Office of the Zoning Administrator
Information for sending correspondence to the Office of the Zoning Administrator
Ordinance, Publications and Additional Chicago Landmark Information
A list of landmark-related publications by Commission on Chicago Landmarks, including the Landmarks Ordinance, Permit Review schedule and guidelines, and the "U.S. Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings."
Overview of the Contracting Process
This page contains information on the Contracting Process
Plan Examination
The Department of Planning and Development reviews building permit applications to ensure plans are in compliance with the Chicago Zoning Ordinance.
Plumber License
Important information about City of Chicago plumber licenses
Plumbing Contractor License
Important information about City of Chicago plumbing contractor licenses
Post Employment Restrictions
The Governmental Ethics Ordinance, Chapter 2-156 of the Municipal Code of Chicago, contains post-employment restrictions that apply to all former employees and officials of the City.
Pre-2019 Chicago Building Code
Reference copies of Title 13 and Title 15 of the Municipal Code as of July 31, 2020
Requirements for Electric Vehicle Readiness
A summary of requirements related to electric vehicle readiness when obtaining a building permit
Residential Real Estate Developer (Regulated Business) License
Important information about City of Chicago residential real estate developer licenses, a type of regulated business license
Revision Permits
Requirements for permitting a revision after a building permit has been issued.
Roof-Top Water Tank
Roof top water tanks are regulated by the Department of Buildings.
Sandblasting, Grinding, and Chemical Washing
A permit is required for sandblasting, grinding, or chemical washing of any building, facility, statue, or other architectural surface. This permit, called an Architectural Surface Cleaning Permit, is issued by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and is separate from any construction or renovation permit issued by the Department of Buildings.
Smoke Alarms for Your Home
Smoke alarms help to keep you safe from fire at home. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Smoke alarms provide an early warning. Learn more about smoke alarms for your home.
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.
Subcontractor Payment Certification Requirements
In March 2004, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance requiring the City to report payments to subcontractors and suppliers on the City 's website. This ordinance applies to all City-funded, construction-related contracts awarded after June 28, 2004.
Supervising Electrician License
Important information about City of Chicago supervising electrician licenses
Supervising Elevator Mechanic License
Important information about City of Chicago supervising elevator mechanic licenses
Tax Information Bulletins
Information Bulletins regarding various tax issues
Temporary Outdoor Stage Permitting Procedures
A summary of permitting procedures and requirements for stages that will be temporary (installed at the same location for 180 days or less)
Trade License Renewal Instructions
Online license renewal instructions for supervising electricians, electrical contractors, mason contractors, plumber's apprentices, plumbers, and plumbing contractors.
Vendor Payment Inquiries
FAQs page on the Vendor Payment Inquiries
West Loop Design Guidelines
In 2017, DPD developed design guidelines to foster excellence in design within the West Loop. As the West Loop has evolved, the City of Chicago has undertaken planning efforts to encourage the thoughtful re-development of this area.
Wrigley Field Neighborhood Protection Program Annual Report
The City of Chicago provides an Annual Report to demonstrate the efforts of the City of Chicago for the neighborhood protection program and communicate to residents the ongoing activities.
ZBA Resolutions - 1982-Present
An archive of decisions made by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Department of Planning and Development from 1982 to the present.
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals reviews land use issues that pertain to the Chicago Zoning Ordinance, including proposed variations from the zoning code, special uses that require review to determine compatibility with adjacent properties, and appeals of decisions made by the Zoning Administrator.
Zoning Map Amendments
The offices of the Zoning Administrator and the Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development receive and review applications for zoning amendments.